If you haven’t already heard of Spice World Hotpot, maybe the image of Barbie in a dress made of meat, or a little spicy butter sculpture of Hello Kitty or a Teddy Bear would jolt your memories. Making headlines earlier this year, Spice World Hotpot serves up authentic Sichuan flavour that’s equal parts mind-numbingly hot and incredibly mouth-watering.

While some might say the decor of the place might be incredibly over the top, the almost overwhelmingly ornate interior and dishes makes for that perfect touch of extra, regardless of a dinner occasion or just to settle some post-clubbing cravings.

Widely known for their adorable Teddy Bear Spicy Butter (S$9.90) soup base, you get to begin your meal by watching the cute little mascot disintegrate into its own juices. There are only limited mascots available each day, so we’d suggest pre-ordering them when you make your reservations.

Before you get to indulging on the main hot pot, why not consider some of their cooked dishes as well?

Their Deep Fried Pork Slices (S$12.90) was rather flavourful without being dry, as most cooked pork run the risk of doing so. Another satisfying appetiser would also be their Glutinous Rice Cake with Brown Sugar (S$7.90)

 Despite some of us being particularly squeamish towards eating any form of internal organs, we bit the bullet and took a bite of their Pig’s Brain (S$15.90) and to our surprise, it was devoid of any particular foul or weird taste we were expecting, but instead tasted like a creamy version of the soup it was cooked in.

Other innards also include Air Flown Beef Tripe (S$15.90) and Fresh Aorta (S$16.90) — pig arteries, for the uninitiated — all of which are freshly sourced and painstakingly prepared before being air-flown over to best maintain quality and freshness.

What people normally come in for, too, is their Premium Barbie Wagyu Beef (S$38.90) — a Barbie doll wrapped in thin slices of beef akin to Lady Gaga’s meat dress.

Our favourite though definitely had to be their One Meter Mutton Slices (S$28.90), its heady game meat flavour complementing the umami of the broth.

Whether you’d prefer freshly mixed Shrimp Paste (S$18.90) scooped into little balls in front of you, Pork Belly Balls (S$12.90) served on a stairway to heaven, Tiger Prawns (S$14.90) strung up in a bouquet or even Quail Eggs (S$5.90) presented to you in a basket laid upon a labourer’s shoulders, there’s definitely something for everyone.

While it seems rather gimmicky at first, the quality of the ingredients and dishes served makes the presentation just the cherry on top.

If you’re ever in the area, or even if you’re not, we’d definitely recommend making a trip down just for them. After all, Sichuan-style hot pot doesn’t get much more legitimate than this.

Spice World HotPot
River Valley Road
Clarke Quay #01-06/07 3B
Singapore 179021
Sun to Thurs: 10.30am – 4am
Fri to Sun: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

Ruyi, which means ‘as one wishes’ in Chinese, is the first fast-food Chinese restaurant to be introduced in Singapore by TungLok Group. At any time of any day, this humble fast food restaurant—located at Resorts World Sentosa—is the best place to go for good value, quick and delectable Chinese meals.

This 24-hour, quick-service concept is a draw for diners in search of convenient, good-quality Chinese meals at affordable prices. Presenting a choice of more than 30 items, diners can choose from a range of rice, noodles, dim sum, and desserts—all of which come served piping hot and delicious every time. Whether you are craving spicy laksa or crispy chicken wings, Ruyi has what it takes to curb those late night cravings.

A crowd favourite and one dish that you absolutely must try is their assorted beef noodle soup options. Just a heads up—their mala soup is divine and you will be hooked.

Never would it cross our minds to find affordable eats in a place like Resorts World Sentosa, let alone in Sentosa itself; here’s what you are missing out on if you haven’t been to Ruyi.

BEEF NOODLES EXTRAORDINAIRE

You will find no shortage of noodle dishes as far as Chinese cuisine is concerned, but one particular dish that is sure to rock your socks off is their Beef Noodle Soup (S$13). Brimming with unbelievable flavour along with generous portions of tender-beyond-belief beef, this comforting bowl is the perfect thing to have at any time of the day.

You can choose between two soup bases—original and spicy mala. The original version boasts a strong and savoury beef aroma while the rich and robust mala beef soup which is simmered for 14 hours; packs a fiery punch.

If you want to give noodles a miss, you can also opt for the Original Beef Soup with Triple Treasures (S$20) that features tender slices of beef, tendons, and tripe slow-cooked to perfection. If like us, you squeal with excitement at the thought of offal, then this is surely something you need to try.

The beef tendons are soft with a good amount of chew while the tripe is well-cleaned and tender.

HEARTY BREAKFAST SETS

Available for breakfast between 4am to 11am daily is the Fish Fillet Porridge Set (S$5.80) that comes with either coffee or tea.

Like any good porridge, the rice grains are cooked for so long that the individual grains are hardly visible. The porridge served here is silky smooth and tasty, courtesy of the flavourful fish broth of which it is it made from.

There is a great balance between the smooth porridge, savoury fish and the combination of deep-fried fritters and fried onion that give the dish multiple textures and flavours that tease the taste buds.

RUYI FRIED RICE AND FRIED NOODLE

You can never go wrong with the Ruyi Fried Rice (S$7.20) and Ruyi Fried Noodles (S$7.20).

The Ruyi Fried Rice may look simple and unassuming at first glance, but we assure you it is a far cry from that. Each golden grain is coated with egg and the plump prawns give a pleasant seafood flavour and texture to every bite.

On the other hand, the Ruyi Fried Noodles has a slightly charred flavour that complements the thin egg noodles. You’d be surprised; this dish is actually not oily and we were very impressed by how much wok hei this dish had.

BBQ PORK AND SHRIMP DUMPLING NOODLE

Wonton mee is a perennial favourite among Singaporeans and is one that many of us constantly crave for. Over at Ruyi, the BBQ Pork and Shrimp Dumpling Noodle (S$9.20) does not disappoint.

The noodles are cooked al dente with a lovely bite to it. The dumplings are jam-packed with generous fillings of pork and shrimp and each bite promises an intense flavour and textural bomb.

LU ROU FAN

This Taiwanese dish is getting much attention in Singapore and Ruyi is another place to visit for a wholesome bowl of Lu Rou Fan (S$8.20). Each bowl comes with steamed rice atop of slow-cooked braised pork drenched in dark sauce, half a soy egg and preserved vegetables.

The tangy preserved vegetables cut through the dark sauce which makes the dish less surfeit and much more appetizing. As simple as it looks, the braised pork is incredibly flavourful and we are surely going back for more.

LAKSA

Laksa is a very well-loved local dish in Singapore and needless to say, Ruyi wouldn’t be the first place most of us head for laksa. But after our meal, we really beg to differ.

Brimming with rich coconutty flavours, the laksa here is the epitome of comfort food at its best. With just the right amount of spice, coupled with fresh ingredients, we dare say that this has got to be one of best laksas we have ever tried.

SNACKS GALORE

If you’re looking for a teatime snack or light supper, try the humble selection of Chinese snacks Ruyi has to offer. The BBQ Pork Bun (S$0.90 per piece) and Fried Turnip Cake (S$0.90 per piece)—both of which require a minimum order of 2 pieces—as well as the Crispy Chicken Wing (S$2) and Pan-Fried Pork and Cabbage Gyoza (S$3.50 for 4, S$6.50 for 8) are some of our favourites.

We really love our Crispy Chicken Wing that is fragrant and outrageously crispy, and the Pan-Fried Pork and Cabbage Gyoza pairs really well with the plum vinegar and julienned ginger dipping sauce.

With more than 30 items on the menu, you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Ruyi
26 Sentosa Gateway, #B1-222/223,
Resorts World Sentosa,
Singapore 098138
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post was brought to you by Ruyi.