Will we ever run out of reasons to have hotpot? Our go-tos are places like Hai Di Lao, BITP, Xiao Long Kan and Shi Li Fang, but these days, we’re looking for something new. Are there cheaper options that are just as good? Or is there something even tastier with similar quality of service? You’ll only know if you give these other hotpot places a go!
Bubble tea with unique steamboat soup bases
Despite seeing Coucou making its rounds on Tiktok, I never once thought of visiting the place. And that includes every single time I’ve gone past it too. But my friend actually had her birthday dinner there and she said, “would highly recommend it!”
Coucou Hotpot Brew Tea has some interesting soup bases like Coconut Chicken, Green Peppercorn and Avocado, and more. “But the server said that the Coconut Chicken soup might be a bit too sweet, so I went for the Taiwanese Mala soup base and the Pork Maw & Chicken White Pepper.” The Taiwanese Mala soup was rather different from the usual mala hotpot soup bases. She remarked that the Pork Maw soup was like an elevated pig’s stomach soup that’s just as peppery and rich, while providing all the homely comfort.
That aside, the main attraction is the bubble tea here. It’s a huge cup, cheaper than those from regular chains but doesn’t cut back on quality. After all, Coucou did hail from Taiwan, so what’s a meal without some boba?
Address: Suntec City, Tower 2, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-332/337, S(038983)
Opening Hours:
Sun – Thur: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Caution: Not for the weak
I never knew how spicy Chinese food could be until I stepped in here. Meeting my secondary school pals for our usual once-in-a-blue-moon dinner, we decided to do something different – dine out. Some of us came across this steamboat place that came all the way from Chengdu. And with the rest of us being all right with “anything”, we went.
We were really impressed by the interior. Doused in vintage decorations and design, it’s as if we were really dining outdoors in Chengdu with all the metal tables and chairs. We quickly ordered the Four Flavours Soup Base just so we could try a little of everything. It came with Mushroom Broth, Chicken Broth, Gui Zhou Sour Broth, and Ma La Broth, and I’d have to say the Ma La was my favourite – mostly because the spice level can be customised! We went with medium and it was just right, no choking here!
While everything was great, the only downside is that we dined in at about 8pm on a Thursday night. Somehow several desserts and drinks were already sold out, but we still managed to get the Bayberry Lychee Drink (杨梅荔枝冰) that was really refreshing and not too sweet – the ultimate Asian compliment!
Address: 195 New Bridge Road, Level 2, S(059423)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 5am
The Barbie doll meat platter
Somehow, over the years, Bugis has transitioned from being a shopping haven to that of food and desserts – to me, at least. As I grew, I realised how much untapped potential Bugis has in terms of food options and realised that there were tons of Chinese restaurants. Right opposite Bugis Junction, where Bugis Cube is located, lies Jiu Gong Ge. You’d recognise it from its images of a Barbie doll wearing a meat dress, which is what they’re known for as well.
My colleague visited them on a weekday for dinner and she said it wasn’t too crowded. She didn’t even make a prior reservation and got seated immediately – though, it was just a party of two. And being a buffet, the variety was definitely the star of the show. They’ve got your usual steamboat ingredients like mushrooms and tofu, to vegetables, meat and… it’s endless! She did mention that the meat quality was average, nothing to write home about. But the mala soup base was her favourite as the deep and rich beef oil base came through with just the right amount of spice.
Address: Bugis Cube, 470 North Bridge Road, #01-01, S(188735)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 2am
Traditional, rustic interior
Know that building you always walk past when you’re going from Somerset MRT towards H&M? I never knew what it was until my friend recently found herself at Xiao Long Kan in Orchard. Situated in Orchard Shopping Centre, Xiao Long Kan wasn’t that crowded on a weekday night. But that wasn’t the only thing that impressed her. It was the beautifully decorated, rustic interior that looked so traditional and legit that blew her away. “It really felt like I was having traditional Chinese hotpot,” she said.
Served in a gold pot, the trio soup base featured mala (medium spicy), pork broth, and tomato flavours that were super flavourful. Although, my friend said that she found the mala soup base a tad too oily. Other than that, the ingredients like meat, variety of innards, vegetables and everything else were really fresh as well. Overall, it was comparable to other well-known Chinese hotpot places in terms of quality, service and affordability.
Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, #02-54, S(188021)
Opening Hours: 24/7
Unparalleled service, noodle-dancing and more
It would be amiss to leave out Haidilao when it comes to the best hotpot places in Singapore. This is one of the best hotpot places that needs no introduction. Their fresh ingredients, rich soup bases and service surpasses all expectations – *chef’s kiss!*
Despite long waiting hours at peak periods, Haidilao’s food quality, service standards and unique offerings makes every minute worth the wait. My go-to soup base is always the tomato option. Other than that, I really enjoy their pork soup base that’s rich in flavour and holds just the right amount of peppery kick. When it comes to ingredients, I typically go for the half serving option just so I can have a wider variety of foods, especially when I’ll always order their Pork Jowl, Iberico Pork and Sliced U.S. Beef. But what I’ll never forget is their fried mantous (buns) that I’ll drench in condensed milk – the ultimate guilty pleasure. Lately, Haidilao has launched tons of new soup flavours like Curry and Mala Milk. So if you’ve been wanting to drink their Mala soup but couldn’t stand the spice, go for the milky option!
Pro Tip: Simply let them know beforehand that it’s someone’s birthday and get ready for a surprise filled with cake and fruits!
Address: Sun Plaza, 30 Sembawang Drive, #02-01, S(757713)
Check out their other outlets here
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 6am
Cheap, cheap, come and eat!
Exceeded your budget for the month but still want some hotpot dinner? We’ve all been there. But there’s no need to frown now that there’s Shi Li Fang! Starting from $9.90 per pax (we kid you not), it’s no wonder this is one of the best steamboat places in Singapore in 2023. Despite their wallet-friendly prices, Shi Li Fang has a wide selection of ingredients you can devour to your heart’s content. There’s Japanese Kurobuta Pork, Crab, Japanese Wagyu Beef and more! And let’s not forget about their broth options. With Tonic Chicken Soup, Nourishing Fish and a Beauty Collagen Soup that rivals those from more atas places, Shi Li Fang is definitely no lightweight.
The best part about this hotpot place in Singapore? They are ALWAYS running promotions despite their affordable prices. So keep an eye out for flyers and remember to ask the service staff! There could be 50% off certain meat items so you can really fill your bellies to the brim. Score some free plush toys if you visit them often enough – no compromise here!
Address: Eastpoint Mall, 3 Simei Street 6, #02-04, S(528833)
Check out their other outlets here
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Richest collagen hotpot soup base
We might have found the best collagen hotpot in Singapore. It’s not the usual, but this place is called Tsukada Nojo. The collagen hotpot arrived at our table looking like tau huey (soya beancurd); kinda jiggly but purely white in colour. But that’s when you also know that you’re only getting the good stuff.
It melts down into an aromatic soup that’s thick and rich. And apparently, it’s due to how the collagen soup is brewed for over eight hours. That process ensures all the goodness from the chicken bones are extracted, giving you a nutritious beauty soup base that will more than likely bring you that skin-plumping effect!
Address: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #03-81, S(238839)
Check out their other outlets here
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
Prawn noodle, but make it steamboat!
I love me some prawn noodles, but mostly for its broth! It’s the only seafood-based dish I really enjoy, so I was more than willing to travel to the far East for this. It’s been cooked in a claypot, over charcoal, and when claypot and charcoal come together, you know it’s going to be amazing. Packed with prawn heads, prawn shells and pork bones, simmered for hours, the broth was heaven personified. It was packed to the brim with umami; if that’s too much for you, you can always add some pork collagen soup without worrying about it being watered down!
Don’t forget to add some ingredients, especially their Signature Prawn Paste and Superior Golden Fungus. The paste is freshly made everyday and you can taste it in each bite. Coupled with the Golden Fungus, both add a lovely contrast as their textures are so perfectly QQ!
Address: 3014 Bedok Industrial Park E, #01-2152, S(489980)
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm
For clear and nutritious soup bases
Want a different type of soup base for a change? Hit up Chamoon Hot Pot – known all over China for their clear soups and personal hotpots. They’re super nutritious and essentially just herbal soups that are really good for you. I’d recommend going for the Truffle Based Matsutake Mushroom. It’s one of the more popular options, seeing as it does contain truffle. But what I really enjoy is how it’s actually pretty mild and it doesn’t take away from the flavour of the ingredients!
Alternatively, there’s the Tomato Papaya soup base that rivals the Tomato soup from a popular chain. It’s richer and adds some tangy sweetness to your shabu shabu meats! And if you feel like balling with some seafood, you must have the tiger prawns that are bursting with natural sweetness!
Address: Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, #03-01/02, S(228209)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm
Halal-certified Thai style hotpot
It’s never easy trying to find a halal-certified hotpot restaurant in Singapore. But now, we have Suki-Suki! Their yummy Thai hotpot soup bases and ingredients are all halal-certified! And it’s not just Tom Yum Goong, but there’s also a Thai Basil Chicken base. If that isn’t enough to entice you, I don’t know what will.
Perhaps the variety of ingredients available in their regular menu buffet, over 40 in fact, ranging from meats to seafood. And it’s such a steal because all you need is an additional $10.90 to access the premium menu. That’s when you’ll get to enjoy atas goods like baby cuttlefish, wagyu beef and so much more!
Hotpot buffet price:
Lunch (regular menu): From $22.90/adult, $15.90/child
Dinner (regular menu): From $27.90/adult, $18.90/child
Address: 6 Lorong Telok, S(049019)
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 4pm – 10.30pm
Sat – Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Exotic meat options
Need something to warm up your bellies after a night of drinks with your pals? Head over to one of the best steamboat places that’s located in Clarke Quay! Other than its late closing hours, Tong Xin Ru Yi is also known for its numerous broth options. In fact, there are up to 15 you can choose from!
We recommend going for their signature Golden Chicken Soup that’s made with kampung chicken and pumpkin. It’s sweet, subtle and easy on the stomach. Alternatively, there are spicy soups in different variations. Whether it’s marinated beef or catfish, you can bet that you’re only going to have the best mala hotpot in Singapore. Feeling adventurous? There’s also a Spicy Rabbit Soup that’s tantalising for those exotic taste buds!
Address: 6 Lorong Telok, S(049019)
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat – Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nine-grid steamboat pot for easy cooking
Even mala heads are going to have their spice level challenged at this best hotpot place in Singapore. Hailing from Hong Kong, Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant is one of the best mala steamboat spots to hit up in Singapore. And that’s thanks to their Chongqing-style options that promise a delectable spicy fare. Their signature Chongqing Soup Base is unbelievably spicy yet surprisingly tangy. But that’s what you’d get with most mala dishes.
That’s not all. Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant is renowned for its unique nine-grid steamboat pot. These grids help every diner recognise which areas are hotter in terms of temperature. The middle section is undoubtedly the hottest, so that’s the best for cooking your thinly-sliced meats. Meanwhile, ingredients that require lower heat and longer cooking time can be cooked in the outer grids. This foolproof method also means that there’s no longer a need to go about fishing for your lost ingredients!
Address: Great World, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-108/109, S(237994)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Paofan for steamboat
You may be wondering what has paofan got to do with steamboat? We’re here to show you the magic that goes behind this beautiful marriage. Since paofan involves steeping rice into broth, Paofan Paradise has decided to let you steep the rice into a hotpot – because why not? You can take a scoop of rice and get some soup, or simply throw everything into the pot for a one pot wonder!
As another frontrunner on this list of best hotpot places in Singapore, Paofan Paradise’s speciality is definitely their broth. Stewed for at least six hours, the soup base is nothing short of decadent umami. And there is also no MSG added, so you can be assured that all that richness is coming from the ingredients. But what we absolutely love here is how regular white rice has been switched out to Paofan Paradise’s signature garlic fried rice. Take a scoop of that golden fried rice and dunk it into the soup – it’s a divine experience living out in your mouth!
Address: 37 Teban Gardens Road, S(600037)
Opening Hours:
Thur – Tue: 11.30am – 3pm, 4pm – 10pm
Unlimited servings for 1 price!
With over 60 years of experience, Coca is definitely a no-brainer when it comes to the best steamboat places in Singapore. Think authentic Thai flavours and Cantonese-style cooking. This may sound odd to you, but Coca has proven that the two are compatible! And you get to enjoy all these at their daily buffet!
Choose from six soup bases like Tantalising Tom Yum, Double Boiled Treasure and our beloved go-to, Healthy Fresh Tomato. But while you’re there, we recommend going for the Hua Diao Phoenix. This soup base is essentially the elevated version of Double Boiled Treasure. It involves the addition of Chinese rice wine and other condiments to amp up the complexity of flavours. We suggest pairing this soup base with simpler ingredients like chicken and fishballs, to really enjoy the richness of the broth. And if you’re up for a challenge, give their Over The Top Coriander soup base a go. We’re sure it’s going to leave a lasting impression you won’t forget!
Hotpot buffet price:
Lunch: From $39/adult, $26/child
Dinner: From $52/adult, $30/child
Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-440, S(038983)
Check out their other outlets here
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
The most luxurious steamboat experience
Feel like splurging? Visit Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant where your senses will be filled with luxurious offerings! With premium ingredients and service that you’d expect at a fine-dining restaurant, this is the best hotpot place in Singapore for that atas experience.
The special broth for the hotpot is Imperial Treasure Steamboat Restaurant’s pride and glory. It is made from scratch everyday and simmered for hours to achieve a perfect harmony of flavours. For one, their Ginseng Chicken Soup is rich, herby and creamy without being jelak. The ginseng aftertaste will have you feeling healthy and craving for another mouth! They’re also known for having one of the best mala hotpots in Singapore. So don’t forget to try their Sichuan Spicy Soup that leaves your taste buds tingling with delight. Don’t skip on the handmade meatballs either – they’re not just flavourful but also extremely QQ in texture. And if you’re spoiled by all the exquisite choices, go for their set menus that come with the soup, meats, noodles and a lot more!
Address: ION Orchard, Orchard Turn, #04-12A, S(238801)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Korean rice cakes, ramyun, and more!
Been there, done that with the typical hotpot? Don’t let 90 Minutes slip away! Customise your very own Korean soup base and fill it to the brim with all your favourite goodies. We’re talking about the underrated rice cakes, seafood, meat and more. There are countless options, including variations of rice cakes that come plain, hollowed, made from sweet potato, and those that contain cheese.
And if you can’t wait for everything to be cooked, there’s finger food too. Remember to indulge in some eomuk (fishcake), mandu (dumplings) and kimmari (fried seaweed noodle rolls), because what’s a Korean meal without these mainstays!
Hotpot buffet price:
Lunch: From $17.90/adult, $10.90/child
Dinner: From $26.90/adult, $13.90/child
Address: Rendezvous Hotel Singapore, 9 Bras Basah Road, #01-01, S(189559)
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 11pm
That collagen soup, plus that citrusy palate cleanser
Helmed by a restaurant company that’s behind Paradise Dynasty, Canton Paradise and more, you can bet that this is definitely one of the best steamboat places. Beauty In The Pot emphasises on food for health. And with that, they’ve come up with broths that are delicious and nourishing. Specifically known for their Beauty Collagen Soup, this must-have is creamy and rich in luscious flavours. The pork bone broth has simmered for hours on end with Chinese herbs like ginsengs, wolfberries and more. Definitely worth every penny spent here.
Other than that, Beauty In The Pot is also well-loved for their platters. Their meat and seafood platters range from simple to luxurious. Their Specialty Meat Platter includes US Kurobuta Pork and US Marbled Beef Cubes, while their Boston Lobster Seafood Platter contains Hokkaido Fresh Scallops. These are perfect for those dinners since all the options are already chosen for you. But we recommend mixing things up just to keep your wallet healthy, but we’re not really going to stop you from spoiling yourself!
Address: VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #03-08A, S(098585)
Check out their other outlets here
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 3am
Freshest and most tomato-ey
XiaoYanZi has been known for their tomato hotpot base ever since they were known as Upin Hot Pot. With the name change comes elevated flavour too. The XiaoYanZi team has been scouring the earth to find the best tomatoes and they’ve done it. Each hotpot base contains 10 fresh tomatoes that are of 3 premium varieties – all fully ripened to ensure its sweetness. And if the flavour’s still not to your liking, XiaoYanZi will customise it immediately!
You must also order their Signature Shrimp Paste that’s prepared by hand over a six-minute process. But that’s not all; it’s almost entirely made of shrimp, making up 98.7% of the paste. Every bite is no doubt more than well worth your dollar!
Address: Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #03-87, S(059817)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 12am
Do we really need to elaborate?
We’ve all had laksa with our yong tau foo, but have you ever had it for steamboat? San Laksa Steamboat is one of the best hotpot places in Singapore to get your laksa fix. The yummy broth has a fragrance that wafts through the air, making anyone who smells it drool with envy. The laksa soup base has also been spiced perfectly. Additionally, the broth isn’t too jelak, so you can always down bowls of soup without feeling overwhelmed.
The only downside here is how it isn’t a buffet; everything is on an a la carte basis. So if you want to avoid the damage to your wallets, I’d suggest going for one of the sets. Suitable for 2 – 6 people, the sets come with tons of vegetable and meat dishes. There’s even a Hotpot BBQ Set Meal where you can have the best of both worlds!
Address: 147 Kitchener Road, S(208524)
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 12am
Now that you know these best hotpot places in Singapore, it’s time to bring your kakis out for a hearty meal. Looking for more buffet options, try out these dim sum buffet options instead! But if you’re not feeling up to dining out, get these best steamboat pots for a comfy steamboat night in!
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