A First for Mall of America
Mall of America is adding its very first hot pot restaurant, and it arrives with a twist. Fire & Wave is a new interactive dining concept set to open in Spring 2027 on Level 4 East. It combines individual hot pot, handcrafted sushi, and live entertainment under one roof, and it puts the cooking in your hands.
For a shopping and entertainment destination the size of Mall of America, a standalone hot pot concept is a notable addition. It signals the mall's ongoing push to broaden its dining lineup beyond the food court and chain sit-downs that many Twin Cities visitors already know.
How Fire & Wave Works
The heart of the concept is the individual hot pot station. Each guest gets their own simmering pot, then customizes the meal from the ground up by choosing a broth, ingredients, and spice level. Fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, noodles, tofu, and dumplings are all on the table, along with a build-your-own sauce bar for dialing in flavor.
Diners choose between two all-you-can-eat paths. The first is unlimited hot pot on its own. The second is a combination that adds made-to-order sushi, including rolls, vegetarian rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, plus small plates like miso soup, edamame, and gyoza. Premium selections such as wagyu beef are offered à la carte for an additional charge.
Two Zones and Local Talent
Fire & Wave leans into atmosphere with two distinct environments. The Fire Zone uses warm orange tones inspired by the energy of hot pot, while the Wave Zone brings cool blues and ocean-inspired elements that nod to the sushi menu. The restaurant also plans to feature performances from local musicians and artists, celebrating both Asian culture and Twin Cities creatives.
What It Means for Twin Cities Diners
Interactive, social, and personalized dining has been growing in popularity, and Fire & Wave fits squarely into that trend. For families and groups across the Twin Cities, it offers a shared experience where everyone builds their own meal, which tends to make the outing itself part of the fun.
It is also one more sign that Mall of America continues to invest in reasons for locals, not just tourists, to keep coming back. With a Spring 2027 opening still on the horizon, there is plenty of time to round up the group and decide who is team hot pot and who is team sushi.
Hot tips around the Twin Cities, or need help buying or selling? Text Darin Bjerknes at 612-702-5126 or DM on Instagram @darintheminnesotan.
