I have always been a huge fan of Hotpot, Korean BBQ and Mookata (Thai-steamboat) restaurants. I used to remember back in my polytechnic days, I would have them every once a week. Hotpot can be pricy for a student/NSF like me. Hence, I would prefer to visit a restaurant that offers buffet style. This is because you can enjoy unlimited servings of food provided if you can finish them. I feel that it usually makes my money more well-spent. Additionally, having steamboat with your friends and family fosters bonding and a good time with your friends. I was recently invited by Hai Xian Lao to try out their hotpot.
Hai Xian Lao
Prior to attending this tasting, I have actually visited their restaurant quite a few times with my friends (non-sponsored). I first got to know HXL from a video that was featured by NOC Food King. Aiken mentioned that the prawn broth was fantastic and full of flavour. Hence, I was curious and went to try it out. Truth to be told, I personally find that HXL is one of the better hotpot buffet restaurants in Singapore. Not only they are reasonably priced, but the food is good as well.
For this tasting, I was invited to visit their outlet at Shaw House (Orchard). They are conveniently located at level 4 and you can locate the restaurant easily. Do note that Shaw House is currently undergoing some renovation, however the hours operating hours are still the same.
The outlet at Shaw is more spacious than the outlet at Wilkie Edge. I had a comfortable and cozy experience.
A variety of condiments to choose from. I wish they have coriander though!
You can choose between double or triple pot if you are feeling adventurous. Usually, double-pot is sufficient for 2 pax diners. You may wish to know that their broth are all home-made from scratch and MSG-free. My friends and I ordered the collagen broth and the prawn broth. The collagen soup was light in its flavour hence not too overpowering. In contrast, the prawn broth was strong in its flavour. I enjoyed the prawn broth as it was quite addictive. As you can see from the picture above, you probably can tell that the soup is super rich. However, it has a kick of peppery after-taste. Hence, good for spicy lovers. I highly recommend you try it for yourself.
For a buffet-style menu, they have quite a good selection of dishes to choose from. I enjoyed the sliced beef, tender beef striploin and also the Spanish fructified pork belly.
The staff helping us with the seafood paste. Do note that under the buffet menu, it is only 1 plate per pax.
Pork belly by which I finished all of them by myself.
Fried food selection is also available.
One item I would like to highlight was the fried wu xiang. It was crispy and delicious! I enjoyed it a lot! The dish resembled a lot like a Korean pancake to me compared to those normal xu xiang that we usually have. The taste had a similar resemblance to fish cake. Do remember to pair it with their wasabi sauce.
Ended off our meal with some home-made pumpkin pudding.
In summary, I had an enjoyable experience dining at HXL and I look forward to come back again next time. Though this was a food-tasting session, I would like to emphasie that their service has been consistently good based from my prior experiences as a paying customer. Nonetheless, good food and reasonable prices leads to a happy customer. Try them and let me know your experience too :)
Buffet pricing begins from $34.80++ per pax. Reservations are preferred.
Address:
Hai Xian Lao
350 Orchard Road
Isetan Shaw House, Level 4
Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 67331111
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT Station
Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm
For more and reservations, you may wish to check out their Facebook or IG
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