20 Best Mala Steamboat & Hot Pot Places in Singapore [2022] 

Contrary to popular belief, Hai Di Lao is not the sole proprietor of Mala Hot Pot. Though the trend only started getting mainstream attention in recent years, the traditionally Sichuan cuisine traces back to the 19th and 20th century. Restaurants bearing these concepts have also been around for decades in our island nation. Gathered here is a list of the lesser-known Mala hotpot places in Singapore that are privy to the most devoted of steamboat fans.

1. Guo Fu Hotpot

Highlights

• Free-flow handmade xiao long bao
• Thirteen different soup bases to choose from
• More than a hundred steamboat ingredients, including premium beef slices

If you’re a fan of small pots, deeming them more hygienic and personal, you’ve got Guo Fu Hotpot Steamboat to thank. The restaurant introduced Singapore to the concept of individual hot pots and popularised it in 2005.

Dining options at Guo Fu Hotpot Steamboat include Set Meal, A La Carte and A La Carte Buffet, the latter of which is the bestseller. Diners enjoy over a hundred steamboat ingredients on an all-you-can-eat basis, including premium beef slices and free-flow handmade xiao long bao – a highly appreciated bonus for such an addictive item. Choose from an array of thirteen different soup bases, many of which are infused with herbs and attractive benefits (think “Male Vitality Soup”). Do note that soup base and drinks are not included in the A La Carte Buffet package and will incur additional costs.

2. Ma La Hui Cui Guan

Highlights

• Muslim-owned Sichuan restaurant that is certified Halal
• Individual pots with dual soup bases
• Comprehensive menu of cooked food

Ma La Hui Cui Guan is a 3-minute walk away from Masjid Sultan. It is a Muslim-owned Sichuan restaurant with a contemporary oriental dining experience. As such, it features an exclusive Halal menu that respects the dietary needs of its neighbourhood. Customers are entitled to an individual pot that contains up to two soup bases: the Sichuan spicy soup and the green chilli soup are crowd favourites.

In addition to hotpot, Ma La Hui Cui Guan has a comprehensive menu of cooked food that spotlights Sichuan cuisines. Get a taste of unique dishes such as Century Egg with Green Chilli and a variety of chicken noodles. There is also a range of Sichuan Duck Rice, which is braised through an authentic Sichuan method and caramelized with a special sauce.

3. Hai Xian Lao

Highlights

• Locally-inspired soup bases, among which Laksa is favoured
• Wide variety of seafood
• Handmade steamboat ingredients

Apart from the Sichuan Spicy Soup Base, Hai Xian Lao specializes in locally-inspired soup bases, such as Tom Yum, Laksa and Sour Vegetable Pork Bone. Among them, Laksa stands out with its rich, distinct taste and creamy consistency. For something more premium, try the Prawn Soup Base, heavily infused with the briny flavours of fresh prawns. Alternatively, there is a Healthy Collagen Soup Base to coat your lips with an endearing stickiness that promises an extra beauty boost.

Indulge in a large selection of steamboat ingredients, which include a wide variety of seafood like Alaska King Crab Legs, Live Tiger Prawns and Cod Fish. There are also various handmade items, ranging from bouncy meatballs to generously-stuffed dumplings.

4. Shang Pin Hot Pot

Highlights

• Chongqing hand-pulled noodles
• Exotic food items such as sea urchin balls
• Mala soup base made with over 25 herbal ingredients and slow-boiled for over three hours

Shang Pin Hot Pot doesn’t skim on the soup bases: they are made with more than 25 herbal ingredients and slow-boiled for over three hours. Using quality chilli and chilli peppers, the Sichuan spicy soup base is tantalizing with a satisfying kick. Sample up to three soup bases in one sitting, and embark on a gastronomical journey with exotic items such as the beef tongue, sea urchin balls and bullfrog meat.

For something more filling, order the hand-pulled noodles, which are made in a spectacular fashion that rivals Hai Di Lao’s performance. Otherwise, savour the sour spicy glass noodle, a Chongqing speciality. If you’re new to this, overcome the initial stink to unlock your brand new addiction.

5. Upin Hot Pot

Highlights

• Vegetarian Mushroom Pot for veggie lovers
• Mid-range hotpot restaurant that is comparable with Hai Di Lao
• Premium proteins such as Black Pork, Japanese Kurobuta Pork and Australian Marbled Beef

Rumour has it that Upin Hot Pot was established by a former Hai Di Lao employee, but it may just be a comparison drawn over their similarities in concept. Nonetheless, Upin Hot Pot is a mid-range restaurant that is not only a lot friendlier on the budget, but also the waiting time. Plus, if you visit the original Clarke Quay Central outlet, you get a picturesque view of the Singapore River to go with your meal.

In terms of food options, ingredients are ordered on an a la carte basis. A sumptuous range of proteins awaits, such as Black Pork, Japanese Kurobuta Pork and Australian Marbled Beef. Hotpot enthusiasts are no stranger to the soup bases, which include house-made tomato stock made of fresh, tangy tomatoes. There is a relatively rare Sichuan Boiled Fish Pot, as well as a Vegetarian Mushroom Pot for the veggie lovers.

6. Shi Li Fang

Highlights

• Mala hotpot that is certified Halal
• Suitable for solo or small-group diners
• Budget-friendly with generous portions

While the consensus is that steamboat is best enjoyed with company, there are still some who prefer dining alone. In that case, Shi Li Fang is highly commendable. With their vast collection of set meals, they cater to groups of all sizes – starting from one pax. These bundles typically include a meat dish, an assortment of vegetables, up to four soup bases, drinks and sauces.

On top of that, Shi Li Fang offers gratifying, properly spiced Mala soup bases. The ingredients are fresh and varied. Customers choose either a la carte or set meals, the latter of which offers up to 50% off items and come with free-flow drinks. Their reasonable prices and appropriate portions easily turn hotpot lovers into loyal customers.

7. Tong Xin Ru Yi Traditional Hot Pot

Highlights

• Pleasant and soothing dining environment
• Signature Stewed Marinated Beef with Spicy Soup
• Unique snacks such as fried mint leaves and lotus root stuffed with sticky rice

Located on the fringe of Singapore River, Tong Xin Ru Yi Traditional Hot Pot has a pleasant setting: the interior prominently features natural materials like wood and rattan, which are set against a palate of neutral shades and oriental ornaments. The soothing environment stands in contrast to the saturated colours and strong flavours of the food.

Seafood like crabs and mini lobsters swim in broths of blazing colours. The hotpot soup bases – the most sought-after being the Stewed Marinated Beef with Spicy Soup – signal the fiery challenge ahead at first sight. Gourmets can sit in comfort while they take their tolerance towards spiciness to the edge. Need a time out? Chew on some fried mint leaves to take a break and tame your tongue.

8. Longqing Steamboat

Highlights

• Soup bases are free of MSG
• Broths that are slow-boiled for more than 10 hours
• Inventive handmade food items and delectable desserts

Longqing Steamboat prides themselves on soup bases that are free of additives. The broths are slow-boiled for more than 10 hours to extract flavours from the herbs, bones and condiments used. In particular, the Mala and mushroom soup bases are the crowd-pleasers. The former possesses all qualities of a good Mala stock, while the latter uses premium mushrooms, cordyceps, and other herbs to achieve a luscious earthy taste.

Ingredients at Longqing Steamboat can be ordered a la carte or through set meals. There are some inventive handmade items, including a chunky Handmade Pork Balls and a prawn paste accented with crab roe. End your meal on a high note with delectable desserts, like a deep-fried taro ball that oozes with a sweet, gooey yam filling.

9. Jinshangyipin Hot Pot by Asian Spyces

Highlights

• Certified Halal hotpot restaurant
• BBQ option available
• Manageable, aromatic Mala soup base

Another eatery where Muslim gourmets can safely declare their love for hotpots: Jinshang Yipin Hot Pot is certified Halal! Established by a Muslim revert from China, soup bases from the restaurant are all Muslim-friendly. The options include Tomato, Mushroom, Herb Chicken, Sour Vegetable and the signature Mala. Despite its scary appearance and a distinguished peppery aroma, the broth remains tasty and manageable.

Besides hotpot, Jinshang Yipin Hot Pot provides BBQ options to elevate your dining experience. Operating on an all-you-can-eat basis, customers can help themselves to an extensive spread of ingredients. Satiate your hunger with unlimited refills and enjoy the best of both worlds.

10. Shi Jian Hot Pot

Highlights

• Mala soup base imbued with fragrant red oil
• Single or double set meals for solo or small-group diners
• Family packages for large-group diners

Similar to Shi Li Fang, Shi Jian Hot Pot is friendly to small groups and solo diners. Customers can opt for single or double set meals, featuring meat, assorted vegetables, sauces and drinks. Do note that the soup has to be ordered separately. On the other hand, there are family packages starting from S$68 that are suitable for larger groups.

Shi Jian Hot Pot has four popular soup bases, including the signature Red Oil Mala. It incorporates a fragrant red oil for an extra flair on top of the original tang. Besides, there are healthier options like the collagen-rich Signature Pork Bone, Beauty Tomato and Healthy Mushroom. The broths go exceptionally well with the variety of steamboat ingredients.

11. La Jiang Shan Hotpot

Highlights:

• Conveyor belt experience
• Individualized hot pots
• Quality ingredients

La Jiang Shan Hotpot offeris a quality steamboat buffet in a uniquely fun manner. In similar fashion to a conveyor belt sushi joint, you will find the same conveyor belt experience at La Jiang Shan hotpot. Simplyy fish out items from the conveyor belt. You will never have to stand up to get your food.

If you have a soup base that only you in your friend group enjoy, you will be able to dine to your own preferences at La Jiang Shan Hotpot. As everyone gets their own individual pot, there is no need to walk on eggshells as you enjoy your personalized experience. Offering quality ingredients in a fun and convenient way, La Jiang Shan Hotpot comes in first on our list of best restaurants for steamboat buffets in Singapore.

The mala broth here is packed with a generous amount of dried chilli peppers, giving the soup that spicy and numbing sensation loved by mala fans around town. Other than mala soup bases, you can choose chicken broth soup base among others!

12. Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ

Highlights:

• Wide variety of seafood and meat options
• Premium items available
• Teppanyaki available

With Hao Lai Wu, you will never have to be torn between steamboat and barbeque dining options ever again. With abundant seafood and meat options, you will be leaving Hao Lai Wu stuffed and satisfied.

For many steamboat buffets, the range of seafood always seems limited. This is not the case at Hao Lai Wu as the seafood range includes luxurious produce like crab claws, prawns and clams. The wide variety of marinated meats alongside the extensive seafood range will have you feasting like royalty. Furthermore, you can order a special oyster omelette cooked teppanyaki style at Hao Lai Wu. If you love seafood, we highly recommend Hao Lai Wu as your next steamboat buffet option.

Apart from their signature mala soup base, the brand offers other soup bases such as nourishing mushroom, in house special pork bone soup, Thai Tom yum, herbal and tangy tomato soup.

13. Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye

Highlights:

• Free flow Xiao Long Bao
• 10 different soup bases
• Conveyor belt style

Next on our list of the best restaurants for steamboat buffets in Singapore is another steamboat buffet restaurant with a free flow of Xiao Long Bao. Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye offers Xiao Long Bao and other dim sums as part of their cooked food range.

Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye has 10 different soup bases on the menu for you to choose from. They offer mala soup, collagen soup, mushroom soup, tomato soup, chicken soup, and others. They also embrace a conveyor belt style food delivery system, making for a fun and convenient buffet experience. Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye goes the extra mile and provides a dessert section for a complete meal.

There are classic dessert options like soft-serve ice cream as well as Chinese-styled desserts like red bean soup and white fungus soup. With quality ingredients and free flow Xiao Long Bao to boot, Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye should not be overlooked.

14. Pot Addiction

Highlights:

• Children below 1m get to enter for free
• Hotpot cum BBQ
• Wide menu selection

Pot Addiction is an International Hotpot cum Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant offering over 80 items on their buffet menu at affordable prices! At the restaurant, you can choose from 2 options of cooking style with tempting add ons such as a side of cheese and premium meat.

Enjoy a wide range of soup from Tonkotsu to Laksa base and of course, the reason why you are here and a popular favourite, Mala. You will also be able to enjoy a delicious spread of meat and vegetables. Their selection of sauces are also available for you to mix and match your favourite sauces to come up with your very own signature sauce.

In addition, the brand offers a cooked food menu that ranges from delicious Korean Fried Chicken, to Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles). Pot Addiction is truly an international buffet for all ages. For those with young children, you would be glad to know that children below 1m get to enter for free!

15. Yi Zi Wei

Highlights:

• 6 in 1 buffet
• Affordable
• Multiple location

Yi Zi Wei is a brand that offers a 6-in-1 buffet that comes with free-flow steamboat, barbecue, Korean army stew, lok lok, mala xiang guo as well as mala soup. The mala xiang guo and mala soup come with a fixed set of ingredients.

When you step into the restaurant you will be impressed by the wide variety of meats, vegetables, as well as ingredients that are available for your choosing. The restaurant also does not scrimp on their ingredients. You will find plump mussels, large prawns, and huge cuts of meats.

The selection of sauces and condiments are also extremely great. You can create your own sauce and come up with your very own signature sauce to go with your ingredients!

16. Taikoo Lane Hotpot

Highlights:

• Premium ingredients
• Individual and large shared pots available
• Wide variety of soup bases and dishes

Nestled in Chinatown Point, Taikoo Lane Hotpot boasts a mixture of individual pots and large shared pots. The new concept hotpot restaurant showcases the best of Sichuan and Cantonese hotpot broths and offerings. Some soup bases that the brand offers include Mala Soup, Chengdu Green Pepper Broth, Huadiao Collagen Soup, Nourishing Pork Bone Soup, and Spicy Pickled Baby Lobster Soup as well.

If you are an ultimate fan of Mala soup, this one by Taikoo Lane Hotpot is definitely worth the try because unlike most shops that use oil, this store uses traditional beef tallow. This results in a powerful broth with a strong kick.

For those who have friend who do not like mala soups, you will be glad that you can choose to have individual pots. No more compromising!

Along with your soup base, you can get to enjoy a wide variety of dishes such as Lobster Noodles, Magical Growing Mushrooms, Spicy Marinated Beef and Spanish Iberico Black Pork Collar.

17. Xiao Cao Xiang Steamboat Buffet Singapore

Highlights:

• Wide variety of food
• Affordable
• Comfortable environment

Xiao Cao Xiang Steamboat Buffet offers a 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet, complete with a personal steamboat pot, as well as free-flow xiao long bao and drinks at $16.80+. The brand offers a wide variety of soup, with their signature broth being their Mala soup broth. It is fiery and spicy! If you are not able to handle your spice, Xiao Cao Xiang Steamboat buffet also offers nourishing soup bases such as herbal soup with Goji berries and dates.

The store also offers a great variety of meats, including Shangri-la Beef, Sliced Pork Belly, Sukiyaki-Style Sliced Beef Belly as well as Special Pickled Lamb. Their selection of seafood is also impressive with squid rings, prawns, clams and mussels!

18. COCA Singapore

Highlights:

• Wide variety of dishes
• Signature dishes available
• Wide broth selection

Bangkok-hailing Thai-Chinese hotpot restaurant COCA Steamboat can offers mouth-watering and homemade specialties in their buffet menu.

Their version of a mala soup base is Merciless Mala, and is a crowd favourite, along with an exhaustive sumptuous selections of more than 65 ala-carte buffet menu items, savour from COCA House Specialities, Seasonal Seafood, Premium Meat Selection & Garden Vegetables which are bound to satisfy any hungry tummy.

If you are feeling fancy, opt for their COCA Premium Hotpot Kick where you will start the meal with a complimentary Welcome Drink of apéritif White Chardonnay or Red Shiraz to stimulate the appetite before the bountiful feast.

Other than Seasonal Lobsters, Scallops, Black Mussels, Flower Crabs, the brand also offers new additions such as Flower Clams and Snow Crab Stick to go along with hotpot staple ingredients. This is definitely an ultimate sumptuous 100 mins all-you-can-eat Hotpot spread that will leave you spoilt for choice!

19. Ting Yuan Hotpot Buffet

Highlights:

• Established for more than 20 years
• Homemade soup
• Wide variety of dishes

For those who are living around the Bugis area, you may be familiar with this hotpot buffet brand. Ting Yuan Hotpot Buffet has been situated in Bugis for more than 20 years. The brand offers its signature homemade soup that has no added preservatives as well as chemical additives. Some soup bases include their traditional authentic Sichuan Mala Soup as well as their signature Tomato and Fungus Mushroom Soup.

Their loyal and returning customers that they have amassed over the years often praise the brand for its great service, wide variety of food, as well as affordable price. The next time you are in town, be sure to give Ting Yuan Hotpot Buffet a try!

20. King’s Laksa Steamboat

Highlights:

• Great variety of food
• Desserts and drinks free flow
• Homemade laksa broth

King’s Laksa Steamboat is made up of a husband and wife team committed to bringing their customers the Best Singaporean Steamboat Buffet experience. Their buffet menu includes items such as luncheon meat, prawn paste chicken, spring rolls, as well as an assortment of meat, seafood, as well as vegetables.

Despite their brand name, the brand offers other soup bases besides their signature laksa broth. Their Mala soup is also a rather popular option. In addition, the brand also offers soup bases such as Chicken Soup and Herbal Soup.

Judging from the number of good reviews from customers, you definitely do not want to give this stall a miss! Be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment!

Venture beyond the popular choices and try these outlets that may help cut your bills and queuing time in half. After these demanding challenges for your tastebuds, calm your senses down with some exquisite desserts.