Specialising in Taiwanese-style hotpot and bubble tea, Coucou Hot Pot is opening two outlets in Singapore at Suntec City and Jewel Changi Airport.

Photo by Lynde Lim

Established in 2016, Coucou Hotpot has currently has outlets in China and Hong Kong and it is opening its first outlet in Singapore at level three of Suntec City’s North Wing will open in Dec 2021 while the second outlet at Jewel Changi Airport level 2 (next to Kam’s Roast) will open in Jan 2022.

While Coucou Hotpot Singapore has yet to announce the full menu for its Singapore outlet, it has revealed on Instagram that it will serving a selection of meat (Japanese wagyu, Iberico black pork slices USDA beef), seafood (abalone, live shrimps, Boston lobster) as well as the usual hotpot ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms and meatballs.

Photos credit: Coucou Hotpot Singapore

Other than hotpot, Coucou Hotpot will also be offering a selection of Taiwanese tea and bubble tea.

Coucou Hotpot Singapore
Level three of Suntec City’s North Wing
3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983

Jewel Changi Airport level 2
78 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819666

Known for its Vietnamese pho and street food, Mrs Pho has opened a new Vietnamese Charcoal Hotpot and Barbecue concept, Mrs Pho House at Ngee Ann City.

Mrs Pho House specialises in traditional Vietnamese charcoal fired hotpot as well as grilled side items. All dishes—including broths, ingredients, and side dishes—are prepared by a third-generation female Chef Linh from Vietnam.

To celebrate their opening, Mrs Pho House will be offering 50% off soup bases from 8 Sep – 8 Oct 2021. Diners must a prior reservation to enjoy the promotion.

There are four soup bases available on Mrs Pho House’s menu and they are made with Vietnamese herbs, spices and ingredients:

• Collagen Pepper Pork (regular S$28, large S$28)
• Vietnamese Perilla Mutton (regular S$25, large S$30)
• Herbal Chicken and Mushroom (regular S$23, large S$28)
• Crab Bisque (regular S$38, large S$48)

You can get a variety of meats, seafoods, vegetables and mushrooms that are perfect for hotpot.

Meat options include:

• Japanese wagyu
• Pork belly
• Iberico pork shoulder shabu shabu
• Handmade meatballs
• Beef balls
• Lemongrass brine chicken

Seafood options include:

• Whole rainbow lobster
• Scallops
• Mussels
• Tiger prawns
• Baby octopus
• Fish fillet

The Pomelo Salad (S$18.90) might not sound like much, but it was our favourite dish from Mrs Pho House’s menu. The refreshing salad came with Vietnamese crystal pomelo, fresh tiger prawns and fresh herbs.

Another dish that we really loved was the Mrs Pho Iberico Pork Belly on Skewers ($5.90) featuring marinated juicy slices of Iberico pork belly on sticks.

There are also other side dishes such as the Five Spice Butter Quail (S$18.90), Lemongrass Chicken in Claypot (S$13.90), and Stuffed Squid (S$19.90).

Mrs Pho House
391 Orchard Road, #B2-36A, Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872

A hotpot feast with gorgeous waterfront views? Little Sheep Hot Pot at One Fullerton is a popular hot pot restaurant chain which has almost 300 branches all over the world.

Founded 18 years ago in Inner Mongolia, you can be sure that the dishes served here have an authentic Mongolian taste. Standing out from the regular hot pot restaurant, Little Sheep Hot Pot is well-known to serve broths that do not require a separate dipping sauce.

Not only will you enjoy mouth-watering platters and soups, but you also get to dine with a picturesque view if you opt for outdoor seating.

Trust us, the rich, palatable broth base is just enough to satiate your tastebuds. Each broth base blends a harmony of flavours, spices, and ingredients such as goji berries, jujubes, black cardamon pods, ginseng, and herbs.

We ordered their famous broth, the Mushroom Soup (S$9++), which is arguably one of their richest broths, with an earthy flavour that complements the superb meats perfectly.

We recommend pairing this broth with their signature meats, the Kurobuta Pork (S$10++), Signature Lamb Rolls (S$9++), or the USA Beef (S$14++). The meats are thinly sliced, tender, and juicy.

Enjoy a hearty meal with your friends and family while you take in the views of the spectacular Marina Bay waterfront. Feast your tastebuds on the wide array of meat platters offered, paired with equally delicious broth, and feast your eyes on the lovely view of the bayfront. Enjoy!

Little Sheep Hot Pot
One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Rd, #01-05
Singapore 049213

Beauty In The Pot (BITP) is opening its 7th outlet at nex in October 2020. Beauty In The Pot rose to fame with its beauty collagen broth and it has firmly established itself as one of the most popular hotpot restaurants in Singapore.

Beauty In The Pot will be taking over the spot vacated by the now-defunct MOF @ My Izakaya. The Paradise Group—the parent company of Beauty In The Pot—will also be opening Canton Paradise next to Beauty In The Pot.

Photo credit: Beauty In The Pot

We are definitely hoping that the new outlet at nex will open until 3am like the other the Beauty In The Pot outlets. Can’t wait to have steamboat supper at the new outlet!

Beauty In The Pot nex
23 Serangoon Central
#02-01 nex
Singapore 556083
Nearest station: Serangoon

For all their mind-boggling dishes and ground-breaking creations, it comes as a shocker that Spice World Hotpot has ceased its operations in Singapore. There has been no reason provided yet for their closure.

This hotpot establishment in Clarke Quay shot to popularity for their wild innovation that saw dishes such as teddy bear broths and metre-long meat platters. Some skeptics may have seen them as being over-the-top and gimmicky, but Spice World Hotpot proved them wrong with their dedication to quality and service.

Spicy World Hotpot arrived in Singapore in 2018 and served up authentic Sichuan flavours.  Flying their ingredients and soup bases in from Sichuan, they were certainly not messing around with their robust broths and fresh ingredients.

Their Teddy Bear Spicy Butter Soup Base was well-loved for more than just its theatrical value while their Barbie Australian Wagyu Beef Slices promised marbled cuts of excellent quality.

We can only hope that Spice World Hotpot will re-open soon. Till then, Hai Di Lao and Beauty In A Pot will have one less competitor.

Does your heart race at the thought of spicy, kickass and lip-numbing food? Well, you will be happy to know that the new Spicy Rock at Capitol Piazza specialises in Japanese fusion food and provides an extensive menu where spice junkies can get their fix of numbing heat.

This fun hot spot will be your new go-to when you’re craving a mean kick of spice! With their creative menu, think beyond your usual Japanese fare. You can expect exciting dishes such as Spicy Rock Chicken or Beef Curry Rice, Super Spicy Tori-kotsu Ramen and their Spicy Rock Square Hot Pots—all power-packed with spices and will definitely make you rethink your ability of eating spicy food.

Here’s everything we love about Spicy Rock and why you should make a trip there soon too!

From now until 20 Dec, enjoy 30% OFF your bill at Spicy Rock when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ and show the staff that you are following @Spicyrockk on Instagram.

SALMON JALAPENO CARPACCIO

Starting off the meal was the Salmon Jalapeño Carpaccio (S$8.80). Skilfully-sliced pieces of salmon sashimi were topped with slivers of spicy Jalapeño pepper, shallots, fish roe and a spicy yet tangy sauce.

We liked how the creamy texture of the salmon paired well with the Jalapeño pepper even though it was a seemingly uncommon pairing. It was the perfect way to prepare the palette for the rest of the dishes Spicy Rock Capitol had to offer.

CHICKEN KARAAGE-FRIED WITH SALTED EGG CHILLI SAUCE

Crispy, juicy and perfectly golden-brown fried karaage pieces are coated in a sweet-and-spicy salted egg chilli sauce (S$8.80). The chilli sauce was milder in this dish than the rest of the plates at Spicy Rock Capitol and resembled sweet Thai chilli, but with a stronger kick of spice.

If you prefer gentler heat, this appetiser is the one for you!

SALMON & MENTAIKO ROLL

One of Spicy Rock’s newest innovations is the Spicy Rock & Roll Sushi B’Rito. Our favourite of the bunch was definitely the Salmon & Mentaiko Roll (S$9.80). The roll consists of sweet tamago, silky salmon sashimi, greens, crabmeat, cream cheese and a generous helping of creamy Mentaiko sauce.

It’s a little messy when you get around to eating it, but it’s definitely so worth it.

SPICY ROCK SQUARE BEEF HOT POT

If you’re coming with friends, the Spicy Rock Square Beef Hot Pot (S$35.80) is a great choice for sharing a hearty meal. The dish features a mountain of thinly-sliced Australian beef and other hot pot ingredients such as enoki and shiitake mushrooms, fishcake, chilli peppers and vegetables. The dish can also be topped with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

The broth resembled a spicier version of a typical Korean army-stew stock and paired well with Spicy Rock’s seasoned rice. If beef is not your cup of tea, the hot pot comes with the options chicken or seafood too!

SPICY ROCK CHICKEN CURRY RICE

A must-try dish is Spicy Rock’s Curry Rice that is available in the sweeter, milder Chicken Curry option, or the richer and slightly spicier Black Beef Curry option. We had the Spicy Rock Chicken Katsu Chicken Curry Rice (S$16.80) and were blown away by the generous serving portions!

A huge cut of breaded chicken katsu drizzled with Spicy Rock Capitol’s spicy sauce greeted us alongside their signature Chicken Curry. The curry was thick and flavourful with a hint of sweetness that contrasted the mild hint of spice.

If you prefer a richer curry, try their Spicy Rock Omu Black Beef Curry Rice (S$13.80). There are even chunks of meat in the curries, making it even more delicious!

SUPER SPICY ROCK TORI-KOTSU RAMEN

For only the true spice lovers, this extra spicy bowl of chicken-based ramen is not for the faint-hearted.

The Super Spicy Rock Tori-Kotsu Ramen (S$15.80) comes with tender chicken slices, a spicy meat sauce, a ramen egg, bean sprouts, spring onions and of course, a generous serving of red chilli oil.

The spice was very well incorporated and the ramen did not lack in flavour even with the strong spice. We loved how rich the broth was, its umami chicken flavour coming through impeccably through the red chilli oil.

CHEESE RAMEN

If you don’t like your noods spicy, you might like Spicy Rock’s Cheese Ramen (S$14.80). Springy ramen noodles are steeped in a creamy, rich cheesy Tonkotsu broth. It’s topped with grilled Chashu, minced meat, a gooey egg, greens and a dollop of whipped butter!

Mix the ingredients together and melt the butter in the hot broth, to create the silkiest, most indulgent ramen you will ever eat!

BEEF TERI-YAKI SPICY ROCK BURGER

Wagyu beef makes up this thick, juicy patty in Spicy Rock’s Beef Teri-yaki Burger (S$14.80). The burger patty is then topped with a creamy slice of melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and a runny ramen egg. It comes with a side of crispy fries and house-made sauce!

Pro tip: Cut the ramen egg and slice it to top the burger before taking a bite for maximum flavour explosion!

SOFT-SHELL CRAB RED CHILLI BURGER

The Soft-Shell Crab Red Chilli Burger (S$13.80) features whole soft shell crab sits between soft buns, melty cheese, sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce.

The burger is also garnished with an ooey-gooey ramen egg that makes the burger all the more delicious as you slice it open to coat the toppings with the ramen egg yolk! Fries and housemade sauce accompany this burger as well.

BEEF STEAK WITH COTTON CANDY

One of the most unique dishes and definitely rather instagrammable is Spicy Rock Capitol’s Beef Steak with Cotton Candy (S$XX). Juicy slices of beef steak and a medley of fresh vegetables and mushrooms are stewed in a thick gravy. While it cooks, a whole cloud of cotton candy is mixed in, giving it a nice sweetness.

The beef was tender and broke apart with a light bite. It paired surprisingly well with the sweet gravy that reminded us of a thick teriyaki glaze.

CRANBERRY & MINT PITCHER ICED TEA

With so much spice and such hearty dishes, you will definitely be in need of something refreshing to quell the fiery heat. Spicy Rock Capitol serves up some icy drinks that are great for thirsty tipplers whose tastebuds require some firefighting.

We tried Spicy Rock Capitol’s Cranberry & Mint Pitcher Iced Tea (S$14.80). The sweet tea was the perfect way to end our fire-filled meal with its minty and refreshing taste. We especially loved that there were actual cranberries in the tea – a nice treat after a very indulgent meal.

From now until 20 Dec, enjoy 30% OFF your bill at Spicy Rock when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ and show the staff that you are following @Spicyrockk on Instagram. The deal is not in conjuction with any other promotions, vouchers or discounts. And it is also not applicable during Public Holiday and Eve of Public Holiday.

Spicy Rock Capitol
13 Stamford Road, Level B2
Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6499 5168
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post was brought to you by Spicy Rock Capitol.

Since 2019 is about to come to a closure, it seems fitting for us to grieve over our losses of acclaimed eateries that have sadly departed our local shores — including those that are about to roll down their shutters for good.

Given Singapore’s competitive F&B industry with high rental fees and ever-changing consumer tastes, it is no wonder many chains have gradually lost their appeal. Though we have witnessed the rise, then fall, of well-loved establishments, rest assured there will be new, upcoming ones that are sure to take Singapore’s market by storm again!

So, brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, as we announce 11 iconic eateries that we bid sayonara to this year.

#1 PABLO CHEESE TART

When Pablo Cheese Tart first opened at Wisma Atria back in 2017, we remember seeing snaking queues along its storefront; everyone wanted a piece of that coveted cheese tart. Despite major fanfare, they ceased operations in March 2019 after 19 months.

Pablo fans can still look forward to their gooey, fluffy tarts at their overseas outlets: Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada and Philippines.

#2 GUDETAMA CAFE

Despite opening to much hype three years ago, Gudetama Café has ended their contract with Sanrio Co., and will be shutting doors on 17 November 2019.

However, fans have one last chance before they wave goodbye to this languid egg. From 10 October to 17 November, Gudetama Café will be having a special discount on their egg-citing menu and merchandise.

Photo Credit: My Melody Cafe Singapore

#3 MY MELODY CAFE

Opened in 2018, My Melody Café is conveniently located right beside Gudetama Café in Suntec City. Just like the egg-themed establishment, My Melody Café is set to close on 17 November 2019, and will be offering discounted prices on their food and merchandise from 10 October onwards.

Sanrio-themed cafés have really taken a blow in Singapore; perhaps kawaii culture is not a hit with the locals here. We will be sad to see the hooded bunny go!

#4 BAKE CHEESE TART

Hailing from Hokkaido, BAKE Cheese Tart took the nation by storm with its cheesy goodness. Their other outlets have shut down, with remaining flagship store at Ion Orchard set to close at the end of October this year.

We will definitely miss this Japanese tart for many months to come, though this is not the end of their journey. BAKE Cheese Tart is opening sister store Croquant Chou ZakuZaku, which will occupy BAKE’s former space!

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#5 HELLO KITTY ORCHID GARDEN

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden was the first 24/7 Hello Kitty café to set up shop in Singapore! Well received by Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel fans, everyone was eager to try out their themed, Instagrammable goodies.

Yet, another one bites the dust, as we soon said our goodbyes to this well-loved feline paradise back on 8 February 2019.

#6 JPOT

Famed for their Singapore-style hotpot, Jpot is one hotpot chain we will never forget. Their signature soup broths, such as their Fish Head Soup and Jpot Superior Broth Soup, were so iconic, they remain undefeated as one of Singapore’s best hotpots!

They too, have closed down all their outlets. Their last outlet at Tampines 1 ceased operations on 16 June 2019.

#7 NON ENTREE DESSERTS

We are all familiar with Non Entrée Desserts, a café specialising in innovative, local savoury-looking desserts. During the four years they have been here, they have greatly inspired our café scene.

Sadly, they have decided to shut down the business, and their last day is on 20 October 2019. Do drop by the café and try out their desserts one last time — we promise you won’t forget it.

Photo Credit: IndoChine Supertree

#8 INDOCHINE SUPERTREE

This iconic, elevated restaurant and bar has been an al fresco dining venue for many couples, best known for its scenic views and atas food. Despite being a successful eatery, Gardens by the Bay did not renew IndoChine’s lease.

IndoChine Supertree has closed its doors end of April this year and converted to an observatory deck. Thankfully, diners can still visit their CHIJMES outlet!

Photo Credit: Yahoo News

#9 DOME CAFE

Esteemed among locals for serving homely Australian cuisine and coffee for over 20 years, many Dome Café regulars were sad to see them leave. They were even one of the first few cafes serving specialty coffee!

Dome Café originally had five outlets in Singapore, and their last branch at Parkway Parade officially pulled down its shutters on 23 June 2019.

Photo Credit: Burpple

#10 CHILI’S

We have witnessed the closure of various fast food chains and overseas diners in Singapore, and now Chili’s has joined its ranks. The American casual dining chain originally had four outlets here, but they have closed all of them as of 24 March 2019.

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#11 GLORY CATERING PERANAKAN RESTAURANT

Acclaimed for their Nyonya dishes, popiah and kueh, Glory Catering Peranakan Restaurant has finally decided to call it a day after six decades of operating the eatery. Though they have shut their doors on 31 August 2019, the folks here are still providing catering services!

This iconic Katong restaurant will always remain in our hearts, and we will miss heading there for their traditional comfort food.