So how many of you out there love steamboat/hotpot? I actually love it so much, be it any form (the traditional ones w charcoal as fuel, electric-type or canister-type). Why? Because it is the simplest way to kick start any family or friends' gathering with a simple soup base and ingredients that can be found at any wet markets or supermarkers. Of course that pot too. Obviously right? And then do it at the comfort of your home (or your family/friends'). If not, go any hotpot restaurants if you are lazy. Just sit back, relax and enjoy your meal.
But which one is more pocket-friendly? Recently found one that I'm quite pleased with and that is Shi Li Fang Hotpot, a Taiwan Hotpot shop. In my opinion, it is like the economical version of the raving Hai Di Lao. Compare the food quality and service, of course is way apart but no doubt, Shi Li Fang Hotpot can up the game if they want. Anyway I'm more concerned about price. Yup I know some of you may say that you pay peanuts for peanuts quality and service. But why not opt a economical version which you still enjoy too. End of the day, is all about food.
The shop front isn't that atas but what attracts your attention is their display of plushies near the cashier that are waiting to be given away to each table. And some times, there will be a queue outside waiting. Hmm... talk about their popularity (they have other outlets islandwide). HDL can step one side already. With the increase in GST coming soon, many will tighten their pockets and go in search for value for money meals.
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| Soup Base (clockwise): Mala, Mushroom, Fish and Chicken |
Ordered a single value set meal at $9.90++ each which includes a choice of meat, soup base and noodles/rice. And it comes with a little basket of vegetables for each meal order. For your info, the maximum number of soup that their pot can contain is 4 different types. So if you have odd number of pax, try to ask for a bigger table if you can. Because you still be paying for the same price with 1 soup base short (eg. 5 pax). And every table, you get one free toy (or should I say is plushies and even little cushions). If you like and share their Facebook page, show them and get a free toy too (or a mug).
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| Veggie Basket |
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| All-in-One Set Meal |
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| Chicken Slice set |
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| Fish Slice set |
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| Fish and Chicken Slice set |
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| Portions that feed 5 hungry souls |
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| Mushroom Set, along with Tomato and Mushroom Soup Base |
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| Tomato and Mushroom Soup Base |
By the time you peep on this post, I have already visited twice and still going strong for another one soon. Thought of bringing my family there too. They have an outlet at J-Cube (hope I remember correctly) Shall plan for it. And now, here is my personal recommendation which you peeps can try. But no promise that it will suit your taste.
Recommendation:
Soup Base:
Try Ma La (numb your tongue), Tomato and Mushroom soup base. Really good. I mix Tomato and Mushroom soup together and it was fantastically tasty.
Meat, Seafood or Veggie:
I chose All-in-One set which is so much like Yong Tau Foo that consists of different meatballs, green and red chilli, bittergourd and so on. For healthy people, it looks worth when you get to have it with the vegetables basket. But hoping that they can up a little on the food freshness (especially the fishballs). Or get Fish Slice. Quite fresh and smooth.
Noodles or Rice:
Also, if you want to see the staff perform a mediocre 'pulling' of the noodles (as compared with HDL), choose Handmade Noodles. Or, get Egg Noodles.
Soup Base:
Try Ma La (numb your tongue), Tomato and Mushroom soup base. Really good. I mix Tomato and Mushroom soup together and it was fantastically tasty.
Meat, Seafood or Veggie:
I chose All-in-One set which is so much like Yong Tau Foo that consists of different meatballs, green and red chilli, bittergourd and so on. For healthy people, it looks worth when you get to have it with the vegetables basket. But hoping that they can up a little on the food freshness (especially the fishballs). Or get Fish Slice. Quite fresh and smooth.
Noodles or Rice:
Also, if you want to see the staff perform a mediocre 'pulling' of the noodles (as compared with HDL), choose Handmade Noodles. Or, get Egg Noodles.
Shi Li Fang Hotpot
133 New Bridge Road
#B1-30, Chinatown Point
Singapore 059413
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DTL or NEL)