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

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.

Despite the sweltering hot weather in Singapore, the one thing that we can all unanimously agree on is how lovely it feels to gather around a hot pot with our loved ones whilst dunking slices of meat and assorted raw ingredients into a pot of steaming hot broth.

Singapore has an abundance of hot pot restaurants, with many of them sprouting long queues that can last hours on end. With that, the real question is; are the queues at some of these places worth joining? Or is it just another overrated hot pot restaurant that doesn’t warrant the long wait?

If you’re looking for the answer to that question, we have here a list of our 8 favourite hot pot restaurants in Singapore that we feel are worth the long, snaking queues.

Photo Credit: Beauty In A Pot

BEAUTY IN THE POT

This place is one of the more well-known places on the list due to the fact that they open till 6am in the morning, which is great for the hungry insomniac.

What makes this place stand out from the rest are their rich, collagen-based soup bases that are great for the skin, body and soul. When they said you’ll be getting beauty in a pot, they meant it!

OneKM Mall
11 Tanjong Katong Road, #02-21
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 6284 8820
Daily: 11.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

CAPTAIN K 

Popular for its multi-tiered seafood tower, Captain K is the place to be at if you love having fresh seafood in your hot pot. Here, they do not compromise on the quality and quantity of their meat so you can be assured that you are getting the best hotpot experience.

We also love how this place is open till 1am on weekends, allowing us to indulge in hot pot goodness after a round of drinks.

122 Middle Road, #01-00
Midland House
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 6255 5744
Mon: 5.30pm – 11m
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

HAI DI LAO 

The most highly rated on this list has to be Hai Di Lao that is famous for its 2-3-hour-long queues. Despite being deemed as overrated, we feel that it is worth the hype. The service here is incredible and they never fail to serve up fresh, quality food.

We also love how they have such a wide range of ingredients and broths that leave us spoilt for choice. Even though the queues can get pretty ridiculous, we feel that it is worth the occasional indulgence.

313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road, #04-23/24
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6835 7227
Daily: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Somerset

HUA TING STEAMBOAT 

This underrated hot pot restaurant serves up a pretty impressive spread at affordable prices. We love how flexible it is here and you can opt for one of their set menus or go all out with their extensive a la carte selection.

Located in the heart of Orchard Road at Claymore Connect, this place is easily accessible and great if you happen to be in town.

Claypot Connect
Mezzanine level #01-08, 442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 6739 6628
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Stevens/Somerset

JINJI TEOCHEW STEAMBOAT 

This no-frills Teochew steamboat restaurant is our go-to place for an affordable, authentic Teochew hot pot feast. The wall is plastered with photos of celebrities who have tried and loved the food here, so you know you’re in for the good stuff when you dine here.

What is reassuring and somewhat amusing is how the owner promises that if the food is not tasty, they will refund you back every cent.

176-178 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427447
Tel: +65 6348 8924
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang

LI JI CHUAN CHUAN XIANG

Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang serves a variety of delicious dishes which they carefully prepared using the freshest ingredients but the key thing they are known for is their unique coconut broth hot pot. Opened until 5.30am daily, they’re a decent joint to head to after a night of tippling at the bars just next door.

76 Prinsep Street,
Singapore 188663
Tel: +65 6251 7717
Daily: 12pm – 5.30am
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut / Bencoolen

PARADISE HOT POT

For an affordable, authentic Hong Kong-style steamboat experience, you should check out Paradise One Pot. Here, they too offer up individual hot pots with your desired broth.

We love how there are a whopping 14 different soup bases here for you to choose from as well as an extensive array of a la carte items for you to dunk into that steamy, hot soup.

CompassOne Mall #03-05,
1 Seng Kang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 6386 4838
Mon to Fri: 11.15am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seng Kang

SPICE WORLD HOT POT

If you’re looking for a more extravagant (and overly dramatic) hot pot experience, then Spice World Hot Pot is the place for you. Here, they serve up dishes with authentic Sichuan flavours that will satisfy your hot pot and spicy food cravings at the same time.

We absolutely adore their quirky decor as well as their unique dishes such as their adorable Teddy Bear Spicy Butter and their Premium Barbie Wagyu Beef.

Clarke Quey #01-06/07 3B
River Valley Road
Singapore 179021
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 4am
Fri to Sat: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant is a no-frills and utterly unpretentious steamboat restaurant along Joo Chiat Road that stands out against all other places not just for the affordability of its food, but also the authenticity and marvellous quality of the Teochew fare. They stick to the tried-and-proven methods of keeping things simple, with a myriad of dishes suitable for casual dining and gatherings

You know that this is the real deal you step into the restaurant and see countless photos of celebrities who have dined at the restaurant plastering the wall. The owner has travelled to and worked in various countries to pick up the skills needed to execute each dish perfectly, so as to ensure that only the most authentic and best-grade dishes are brought to the table.

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant is a clear hit amongst the older generations and it is definitely one that young adults alike should hit up for a wholesome, communal meal.

And you’d love to know that at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant, the owner promises you something: if the food is not good and fresh, they will refund you. Money back guaranteed is the best guarantee for a good meal, right?

EVERYTHING IS MADE FROM SCRATCH

From their fragrant steamboat broth to the fish paste noodles and bouncy fish balls, the folks behind the restaurant pride themselves on having almost everything handmade, bringing you only the freshest and nothing less.

Even the chilli is a star in its own rights. You have to try every single dip for your steamboat; they are made fresh in-house daily!

STEAMBOAT IS THE WAY TO GO

The star and centrepiece of this restaurant is definitely their steamboat. Every table should order a steamboat for sharing, on top of all the a la carte dishes that you may wish to add on.

Their signature soup base is a best described as a labour of love—the chefs prepare and wash the necessary bones and carcasses before adding them into a giant pot with their speciality ingredient—shark cartillage—then have them all boiled for over 5 hours daily.

The result is a creamy collagen-rich broth that is both savoury and sweet, and highly addictive. Even though we were stuffed by the end of the meal, we couldn’t help but have one last bowl of soup before leaving.

Prices start from just S$10 for 2 to 4 people, with a plethora of ingredients to choose and help yourself to.

FRESH SILVER POMFRET

You can look forward to a variety of seafood dishes to elevate your steamboat experience. The Silver Pomfret (seasonal price), in particular, is set to impress with its freshness. Afterall, what is Teochew cuisine without a good pomfret, right?

Wild-caught from Surabaya—which is known to have the best quality and sweetest Chinese Pomfret around—you can tell how fresh it is right from the moment your teeth sink into the white flesh that is soft yet firm at the same time.

We are telling you that quantities are limited so if you’re in luck, you have to go for it because it is worthy of the splurge.

DRUNKEN PRAWNS

The Drunken Prawns (S$8/100g) is something you cannot miss out on. Fresh prawns are intoxicated with Chinese wine and herbs, allowing the wine’s flavour to permeate throughout the body, intensifying the natural sweetness of every single prawn.

As mentioned, do not forget to flash this advertorial upon sitting down for steamboat during dinner hours. From Mondays to Fridays, every table with a steamboat order will enjoy free-flow drunken prawns. You are in for a real treat, guys.

HOME-MADE FISH PASTE AND FISH BALLS

Handmade from scratch, the fish balls are a must to order—everything from the mixing of ingredients to the shaping of the fish balls are prepared by hand without taking the easy way out.

You can literally taste the difference when you bite into these bouncy delights and it is amazing how they managed to conceal the fishy odour without compromising on the taste.

Another dish you must make sure to order up would be Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant’s signature squid paste fillet—made using 99% fish paste and 1% vegetables and chestnuts without the use of flour at all, you know that what you get here is undoubtedly the real deal.

VARIETY OF PREMIUM MEATS

No steamboat is ever complete without meats. Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant offers an array of high-quality meats that are imported from USA and Brazil—while it did not particularly blow our minds, these meats are definitely not something that we would decline.

Here you can choose from meat including USA Prime Beef (S$12 per portion), Pork Belly (S$9 per portion) and Fresh Chicken (S$8 per portion).

CLASSIC A LA CARTE TEOCHEW DISHES

Steamboat just ain’t enough when dining at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant. We suggest you save some space for some of Jinji’s equally delectable array of Teochew a la carte dishes.

The a la carte items do not come packaged with fancy accessories nor over-the-top creations but the simplicity of it is precisely why we love their Teochew fare. Here are some of the sumptuous dishes you can expect at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant.

PORK KNUCKLE

Should you be looking for something more indulgent, the Pork Knuckle (S$30) will go highly recommended. Boy, this dish checks all the boxes for what a good pork knuckle should taste like.

Upon your first bite, be prepared to be impressed by the crisp texture of the crackling skin before digging into tender and succulent pork meat.

TRADITIONAL SALTED CHICKEN

The Traditional Salted Chicken (S$18) may be light in seasoning but that itself is enough to leave us satisfied. There is nothing fancy going on in this dish but every piece of chicken is extremely flavourful, making this a simple but hearty dish that we’d return for.

GOLDEN PRAWNS

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant isn’t afraid to boast the variety of cooking methods that they have which can transform a seemingly simple seafood into a myriad of dishes.

The Golden Prawns (S$30) is one of the many prawn dishes that they offer. Despite being heavily coated in a crisp and golden layer of flour, it was surprisingly light in flavour and that only served to accentuate the flavour of the prawns.

JADE KAI LAN

Who would have thought that a vegetable dish would excite the entire table of diners? Well, the Jade Kai Lan (S$12) was one that we wiped out within minutes.

We thought that kai lan is best enjoyed when stir-fried, but this dish proved us wrong. Stir-fried kai lan is hidden below a stack of deep-fried pieces of the same vegetable, bringing you a textural variety that is nothing short of impressive. The latter reminds us of crispy kale!

BRINJAL WITH PORK FLOSS

The Brinjal with Pork Floss (S$12) may be a fairly straightforward item on the menu but it is still a remarkable one at that.

Deep-fried brinjal pieces are covered with a generous amount of pork floss, curry leaves and chilli; this dish is a winner. The different textures made it a delightful side dish to munch on and it will forever change your impression of brinjal.

GOLDEN PUMPKIN

The Golden Pumpkin is essentially deep-fried pumpkin slices doused in a rich and piquant salted egg sauce that will have salted egg yolk fans swooning in no time.

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant
176-178 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427447
Tel: +65 6348 8924
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

This post is brought to you by Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant.