Steamboat often goes hand-in-hand with cold weather. But in Singapore, who care? We have this hot food at any time of the day, and any season of the year. Just because we love good food. In this week’s article, we are looking forward on Mala Steamboat. What is that?
Mala is a spicy and numbing sauce originating from China, particularly the Chong Qing and Si Chuan region, which has now found a home in Singapore. Consisting of chilli pepper and various herbs and spices, it is simmered in oil before being served. The level of spiciness can be adjusted as well.

So we have rounded up 10 best mala steamboat restaurants in Singapore for a full stomach and a happy heart.

1) Upin Hot Pot

Upin Hot Pot is just the place for an affordable and delicious steamboat buffet that would easily satisfy any steamboat cravings you may be having. Upin serves up an impressive 7 varieties of rich soup bases to choose from - favourites such as pork bone, tomato, herbal, and seafood soup - as well as fresh ingredients; you will find the usual suspects like various types of meat balls.
They also also customise their own sauces from the wide selection of readily-available condiments, and personally request the level of spiciness that they desire of their broth, ensuring that each meal is finely tailored to each customer.

Address:  #04-19 Orchard Gateway, 277 & 218 Orchard Road, 238858
Operating Hours: Daily: 11am – 12am

2) Fountain Hot Pot


Fountain Hot Pot offers some of the best Chinese Cuisine serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for family and friends.  From Chicken Soup to Mutton Set its extensive menu is reflective of the restaurant’s efforts to cater to every palate.
Indulge in their mouth-watering dishes such as Classic Spicy Soup, Signature Spicy Soup, Fried Tofu Skin and Lotus Root.

Address:  #01-01, 44 Foch Road, 209270
Operating Hours: Daily: 12pm – 4am


3) Mala Hot Pot


Mala Hot Pot serves Chinese cuisine. Their Sichuan Mala Hot Pot is definitely a must-try. Come and enjoy their delicious dishes in a very affordable budget! Unlike regular hot pot, their version is stir-fried and served like a regular dish.

Address:  #01-1042 People's Park Food Centre, 32 New Market Road, 050032

4) Da Long Yan Hotpot


Da Long Yan Hotpot offers some of the best Chinese cuisine in Singapore, serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for all occasions. It offers all-you-can-eat a la carte at one fixed price with the spread comprising ingredients like prawns, pork slices, beef slices, scallops and a variety of veggie, so there is something for everyone on the menu.

Address: 747 Geylang Road, 389654
Operating Hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm-3am
                             Sat & Sun: 5pm- 5am

5) OnePot


OnePot is a steamboat restaurant that delivers a fantastic dining experience with their menu featuring delicious flavours of Chinese cuisine. They offer a wide selection of choices for their steamboat buffet with unique specialty soup bases and other premium ingredients like meat, vegetables and seafood items.

Address: 7 Dunlop Street, 209337
Operating Hours: Daily 11.30am-2am

6) Ben Xiao Hai Mala Hot Pot


Ben Xiao Hai Mala Hot Pot offers some of the best Chinese cuisines in Singapore, serving a wide selection of dishes that are suitable for casual dining. They carefully prepare each dish using the best ingredients that are bound to satisfy your cravings and taste buds.
Come and try out their delectable dishes such as Beef Steak Served on Sizzling Iron Plate, Griddle Pork Intestines, Poached Spicy Slices of Pork, Fish Fillets in Hot Chilli Sauce, Sichuan Twice-Cooked Pork, and many more.

Address: #01-605, 537 Bukit Batok Street 52, 650537
Operating Hours: Daily 10am-10pm

7) iSteamboat Chinese Restaurant


Introducing the FIRST Pagoda Steamboat buffet in Singapore since 2016!  Savour in their mouthwatering buffet spreads and great selection of meats and seafood to grill.  If it's a steamboat buffet that you desire, choose from Beef Slices, Fish Slices, Crabmeat Claws, Fish Dumplings and Golden Mushrooms.

 Yes that is 4 tiers for all to enjoy, bringing everyone a totally new and unique Steamboat experience.  So wait no more and join us for a wonderful Steamboat experience, the PAGODA STYLE.

Address: #04-102a Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, 039594
Operating Hours:  Daily 12pm- 10pm

8) The Magic Of Chong Qing Hot Pot


Established as one of the first restaurants to introduce mala into their hotpots, Chong Qing has been running for quite a number of years now. Their tongue numbing mala and fresh ingredients are what keeps them going strong till this day.
Popular servings to go with the mala soup would definitely be their shrimp, hand-made chicken balls and savoury dim sum among many others.

Address: 19 Tanglin Road #04-06/07, Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm-3pm & 6-10.30pm




9) Hai Di Lao


Popular for their extensive steamboat selection and top-notch service, Hai Di Lao is a hot favourite among many locals. Best known for their Sichuan spicy hot pot, their soup base is sure to numb your senses and have you craving for more.
With more than twenty types of condiments to choose from, including handmade scallops and beef balls, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. As always, the spiciness of their broth can be adjusted to your preference. If you are daring enough, face their fiery soup base.

Address: 13 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road #04-23/24, Singapore 238895
Operating Hours: Daily 10.30am-6am

10) Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo


One of the first mala hotpot eateries in Singapore, Ri Ri Hong is so popular that it has two outlets situated at People’s Park Food Centre just to cater to the crowd.
Not only is their hot pot reasonably priced, but they also charge based on the serving portions instead of the weight of the ingredients which most stalls usually do. Their vegetables, meat and seafood are $1, $2 and $3 respectively.

Address: People’s Park Food Centre, 32 New Market Road #01-1042 & #01-1052 Singapore 050032
Operating Hours: Daily 11am-9pm


Written by: Sivagammi Nyanasagaran