There is nothing like steaming, bubbling hotpot to warm your insides on a cold, rainy day, especially if it’s mala hotpot. The sensation of fiery Sichuan peppercorn and chilli that numbs you from the inside out, it just hurts so good. We don’t know about you, but we think mala hotpot is always a good idea even if it’s not rainy, so we decided to compile a list of the best mala hotpot places in Singapore.
As if we needed even more reason to eat mala steamboat, did you know that mala can actually be good for you? Spicy food is known to be able to boost your metabolism, so your body can actually break down food into energy faster for up to 5% after eating spicy food. Furthermore, it can also reduce bloating and inflammation, which is why you may not need to unbutton your pants when you eat mala hotpot as often as when you eat other types of hotpot. Mala is also high in zinc, iron, and potassium, all of which are key minerals to help your body function better. Be sure to add loads of veggies in your hotpot for even more nutrients. Not to mention, the steam from the hotpot as well as the spice can actually clear your sinuses!
Best mala steamboat & hotpot places in Singapore
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1. Haidilao
Starting off strong with the ever-familiar Haidilao, did you know that it was founded in 1994? By 2022, they now have over 1,329 chain restaurants all over the world, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and have had over 100 million happy customers. Haidilao also now has 20 outlets throughout the island, so drop by a branch near you and enjoy a steaming bowl (or five) of their Sichuan Spicy hotpot and their Sichuan Pickles hotpot. If you don’t feel like leaving your house, you can just buy their mala soup base and have a hotpot night at home.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | Click here for all locations |
| Operating hours: | Click here for all operating hours |
| Contact details: | Click here for all contact details |
2. Coca
Hailing from Bangkok, Coca is famous for their interesting soup bases like Double Boiled Treasure, Tom Yum Soup, and Coriander Pot. Of course, they also have a mala soup base, aptly named Merciless Mala. Their soup bases are made with double-boiled chicken that simmers for over forty hours, ensuring maximum flavour that makes our mouth water. Coca has got a huge steamboat buffet of seafood, meat, and vegetables that will take your steamboat over the top, or choose from their premium seafood buffet to really feel like you’re in the lap of hotpot luxury. You can even have Coca delivered or opt for the takeaway option.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | Click here for all locations |
| Operating hours: | Click here for all operating hours |
| Contact details: | Click here for all contact details |
3. Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant
Local favourite Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant just understands us. Originally from Hong Kong, it’s made its way into our list of best hotpot places in Singapore. This chic steamboat restaurant has even seen the likes of celebrities like Carina Lai and Stanley Kwan. It’s known for their Chongqing-style soup bases and premium ingredients that just elevate the soup bases, like their signature thinly sliced pig’s heart, and homemade ebiko prawn paste. The mastermind behind Uncle Fong is no other than Fong Chi Chung himself, who you may recognise as the man behind the Michelin-starred Putien. The restaurant is located in Great World, and will be celebrating it’s first anniversary in April.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | #B1-108/109, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World, Singapore, Singapore |
| Operating hours: | 11:30am – 10pm daily |
| Contact details: | +65 6232 7800 |
4. Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo 日日红麻辣香锅
With two stalls in People’s Park Food Centre just to keep up with the demand, Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo was one of the first ever restaurants in Singapore to serve mala hotpot, and is definitely one of the best hotpot places in Singapore, period. They’re super affordable, and they charge based on servings instead of weight. They have four levels of heat (Mild, Moderate, Spicy or Extra Spicy), so maybe try out mild if you’re new to mala. But why not try extra spicy if you’re feeling brave? Either way, Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo will definitely leave you with a warm belly and a numb mouth – it’s the best feeling in the world. They’ve also opened a new branch in Hougang!
| Address: | 159A Hougang St 11, #01-02, Singapore 531159 |
| Operating hours: | – |
| Contact details: | +65 6232 7800 |
5. Xiao Long Kan Hotpot
A casual dining spot with one of Singapore’s best mala hotpot soup bases, Xiao Long Kan Hotpot is known for their numbing spice that will leave your mouth tingling. They have three locations across Singapore, and is most well-known for their Butter Mala for the creamy yet intensely spicy flavour. The best part? All of their branches are open til 6am, so if you suddenly wake up in the middle of night hungry for some good steamboat, just head over to Xiao Long Kan Hotpot and fill your belly to your heart’s desire.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | Click here for all locations |
| Operating hours: | 11am – 6am daily |
| Contact details: | Click here for all contact details |
6. Ma La Kong Jian
Perhaps a little less known than some of the other mala steamboat restaurants on our list, there’s still no compromising on flavour at Ma La Kong Jian and definitely makes our list of one of the best hotpot places in Singapore. Located at Geylang Road, they offer both hotpot and chuan chuan. They’re known for their tantalising yet uncommon hotpot soup bases, like their ‘Tasty Herbs Soup’ and their ‘Mushroom Soup’. Of course, if you’re more interested in their spicy options, you can choose their ‘Little Spicy Soup’ for a not so spicy option, or their signature ‘Super Spicy Soup’ if you really want that kick. If you want to add on to your steamboat meal, you can also opt for their rice dishes, dumplings, or choose between a whole array of family-style dishes like twice cooked pork and spicy crayfish.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | 269 Geylang Road Singapore, Singapore 389323 |
| Operating hours: | Tues – Wed, Fri – Sun: 12pm – 2pm Mon & Thurs: 11am – 2am |
| Contact details: | 65 6747 8623 |
7. Tong Xin Ru Yi
With an astounding 15 flavour of soups to choose from, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice at Tong Xin Ru Yi. Their signature spicy soup is the Stewed Marinated Beef with Spicy Broth, an intensely warming and mouth-numbing soup base. It’s the perfect foundation to the premium liao that they offer, like Japanese Wagyu cubes and slices, Iberico pork, and they even have more exotic choices like pig brain, as well as frog. Tong Xin Ru Yi also has the unique Hokkaido Milk Beef, which is thin slices of ultra marbled meat that’s marinated in Hokkaido milk, giving the meat a super tender texture.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | 6 Lor Telok, Singapore 049019 |
| Operating hours: | Click here for all operating hours |
| Contact details: | 65 6536 8058 |
8. Xiao Mu Deng Hotpot
Conveniently located at two branches, Xiao Mu Deng Hotpot is touted as one of the best mala hotpot places in Singapore. Its extensive range of menu items includes mala soup, bullfrog, pork belly, mapo tofu, chicken soup, mala xiang guo, garlic oysters, and many more. If you want to indulge in authentic Mala hot pot, this is the place to be.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | Xiao Mu Deng Bedok Reservoir: 900 BEDOK NORTH ROAD, Bedok Hometeam NS, #01-03 479994 Xiao Mu Deng Downtown: East1 Pasir Ris Close, Downtown East, 02-125 519599 |
| Operating hours: | Open daily: 11 am-11 pm |
| Contact details: | Xiao Mu Deng Bedok Reservoir: +65 80129634 Xiao Mu Deng Downtown East: +65 98959036 |
9. Fuyuan Mala Xiangguo
Fuyuan Mala Xiangguo is a hidden gem among food lovers. Unlike other restaurants, the price of the bowl is based on the portion instead of the weight. Plus, you can opt for a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables to chicken to meat. Aside from its fiery hot flavour, a bowl of mala hotpot is also perfectly balanced with saltiness.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | One Punggol Hawker Centre, 1 Punggol Dr., One, #02-27, Singapore 828629 |
| Operating hours: | Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 11 am – 9.30 pm |
| Contact details: | +65 9897 2271 |
10. Labula Mala Xiang Guo
Labula Mala Xiang Guo has garnered tonnes of positive reviews for its impeccable service and menu. Particularly for the mala hotpot, visitors can select the preferred spiciness that suits their taste, from extra spicy to medium to non-spicy. The list of available ingredients is also top-notch, including seafood, vegetables, and meats.
For more information or to book reservation, click here.
| Address: | Click here to view the list of branches |
| Operating hours: | Click here to view |
| Contact details: | Click here to view |
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