Looking for a new culinary adventure to embark on? Why not try some steamboat at one of these hidden gems? While there are many popular steamboat spots around, these lesser-known eateries have managed to earn a loyal following thanks to their delicious broths, fresh ingredients, and affordable prices. Join us as we explore five of the best kept secrets in the world of steamboat.
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Whampoa Keng Fish Head Steamboat @ Balestier
Whampoa Keng Steamboat has received significant recognition in Singapore’s Fish Head Steamboat category for their exceptional expertise in preparing fresh fish meat, particularly fish head, in a flavorful fish-based broth. It is the perfect place for hearty fish head steamboat and zi char dishes at economic prices. Customers can anticipate that the meat will be both fresh and delicious, while the soup will be bursting with flavour.
Using traditional charcoal for their steamboat pots, it infuses the soup with a distinct, charred essence and deepens the overall flavour and taste of the soup. The Chinese pomfret is sourced freshly and its bones are deep-fried to prepare the stock, which is then combined with fried yam, sour plums, fried solefish, Tang Orh, and Chinese cabbage. The resulting broth is incredibly rich yet clear.
Expected Damage: from $50 onwards for red garoupa
Address: 556 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329872
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Teochew Traditional Seafood Steamboat
What makes this steamboat establishment particularly noteworthy are their homemade fishballs, as well as their meat and seafood pastes. They exclusively use fresh yellowtail fish to create their fishballs, which are still made by hand, resulting in exceptional quality. Similarly, their prawn and sotong pastes are fresh and delicious as well.
It’s worth noting that this restaurant has been operating for 16 years. The restaurant prides itself on serving only the freshest seafood, sourced directly from Jurong Fishery port. This commitment to quality is not unexpected, given that the establishment markets itself as an authentic “Teochew” restaurant. In fact, they are so confident in the quality of their food that their order chit boldly states that if any dish is unsatisfactory, customers do not have to pay for it.
Expected Damage: ~$30 per pax
Address: 176 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427447
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Tian Tian Lai Famous Teochew Fish Head Steamboat
The Tian Tian Lai Famous Teochew Fish Head Steamboat restaurant is situated in an unexpectedly concealed location that surpassed my imagination. It’s inside a dark industrial building on the sixth floor rooftop, which may be hard to envision for some but those in the area are sure to have visited it many times.
Undoubtedly, the Red Grouper Steamboat is incredibly delectable. The soup is thick and bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of various ingredients. The steamboat is generously topped with an abundance of fresh fish and other toppings, making for a truly satisfying meal.
Expected Damage: $38/$45/$70
Address: 3018 Bedok North Street 5, #06-10 EastLink, Singapore 486132
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Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat
Hai Chang Fish Head Steamboat is a family owned business established since 2006 and is a well-known eatery among food enthusiasts in the eastern part of Singapore. One wouldn’t have to search long for the stall, as the sound and sight of the charcoal-burning uncle preparing the steamboat in the open is unmistakable.
Diners are often captivated by the mesmerizing embers while waiting for their incredibly delicious and reasonably priced steamboat. In addition to the steamboat, Hai Chang also serves a variety of tze char dishes that are extremely popular among patrons, including favorites like sambal kangkong and sweet and sour pork.
Expected Damage: $25/$35/$45 for red grouper
Address: 137A Tampines St. 11, #01-03, Singapore 522137
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Wen Wen Big Prawn Mee
In addition to the usual prawn noodles, this stall stands out for its seafood hotpot. Uncle Richard, the owner, was inspired to create the dish when his Indonesian friend gave him a bag of crabs to add to his broth, resulting in a delicious concoction. Each seafood hotpot serves either two people for $60 or four to five people for $70 and includes pig tails, pig intestines, lala, pork ribs, prawns, and crabs.
For an even more luxurious experience, patrons can add on a can of abalone for an extra $50. Uncle Richard prides himself on using only the freshest ingredients, with the prawns sourced from Pontian, Malaysia and the Teochew cold crabs specifically chosen for their moist, sweet meat and abundant roe. The seafood is never frozen and is prepared only when ordered, ensuring optimal freshness.
Expected Damage: $30 per pax
Address: 69 Geylang Bahru, #01-22, Singapore 330069
If you’re a fan of steamboat and looking to try something new, these hidden gems are definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh seafood or a hearty meat broth, these lesser-known eateries offer something for everyone. So grab some friends, get ready to cook up a storm, and discover the delicious world of steamboat at these five hidden gems.
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