4 Hotpot places great for dining solo stress-free

We might be used to the idea that having hotpot has to be a group activity, but that doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes crave a warm, comforting pot of soup when we’re alone. You might have heard that Haidilao gives you the option of dining with a huge teddy bear — which is oh so thoughtful — but can also put one under an unwanted spotlight. Even without a fluffy companion, the spacious booths and pots can make eating alone pretty lonely.

If you’ve been racking your brains for where to go when dining solo, we’re here to save you the trouble of having to Google; check out our list below of hotpot places that offer individual pots or counter seats that make solo dining stress-free.

Shi Li Fang

Image: Shi Li Fang

Shi Li Fang is a popular yet more affordable choice for satisfying your hotpot cravings, even if you’re dining solo.

You can choose to get their current promotion, which is the Single Value Set Meal ($9.90++), or order from the set meal menu for one pax (ranging from $11.90++ to 28.90++). Both set types come with mains, vegetables, soup, rice or noodles and the option of free-flow drinks (additional $0.70 to $0.80).

Some outlets have counter seats too, which is where solo diners are usually ushered to, allowing you to enjoy your hotpot without any interruption.

La Jiang Shan Hotpot

Image: La Jiang Shan Hotpot

You might have heard of La Jiang Shan Hotpot, which specialises in a conveyor belt-style dining experience. This is perfect for solo diners, because you get to pick and enjoy whatever items catch your eyes all at your own pace.

You’d probably want to go for their $16.80++ buffet menu (90-minute dining duration), which is available on weekdays during lunchtime. Apart from the fact that you have to pay an extra $2.80++ for the soup base, you’ll get to enjoy the luxury of your own pot (which is refillable).

However, it seems like there are certain seats that do not get access to the conveyor belt, so that might take away the fun and convenience of picking your own items. But if you work near town or just happen to need a stress-free lunch option around the area, consider swinging by La Jiang Shan Hotpot, which is located at Parklane Shopping Mall.

Address:
Parklane Shopping Mall
35 Selegie Road, #01-06, Singapore 188307
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon), 11am – 6am (Tues – Sun)
Telephone: +65 8669 6144
Facebook

Upot

Image: @Weekendeatwhat/Burpple, @melissaarchuleta/Burpple

If you stay or work around the East, another conveyor belt-style hotpot place you can check out is Upot. Located at Paya Lebar’s SingPost Centre, its price range is extremely affordable, with ingredients going from $0.99++ to $3.99++ per plate.

Choose from their wide variety of soup bases, with flavours like Xiaolongkan Old Hotpot (comes with Sichuan spices), Taiwanese Herbal Pork Rib Soup, Tomato Soup and more. The pricing for each soup type varies and can range from around $7.80++ to $9.80++. You can even enjoy some army stew with their Kimchi soup, which comes with a set of either instant noodles or rice cakes, and eggs for $7.90++.

If you’re afraid you might get carried away or be spoiled for choice, perhaps go for the Single Set ($11.80++) which is available at lunchtime (11am to 3pm) during weekdays. This promotion comes with a soup base, four dishes, rice or noodles along with complimentary appetisers, sauces and fruits. We’re not sure if there will be extra costs for the different types of soup, so make sure to watch out for that.

The place operates from 11.30am to 10pm daily, but seems to close for a short period of time between lunch and dinner timings, so do call or check their Facebook page for more details before patronising.

Address: 
Singapore Post Centre
10 Eunos Road 8, #01-137/138, Singapore 408600
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (daily, with breaks between lunch and dinner)
Telephone: +65 6741 6666
Facebook

City Hot Pot Shabu Shabu

Image: City Hot Pot Shabu Shabu

At City Hot Pot Shabu Shabu, everyone gets to savour their own individual pot, and you can also opt for a counter seat for a comfortable solo dining experience.

For a fuss-free option, go for their single meal sets which come with a soup, a main course, a vegetable platter, a staple (e.g. udon, instant noodle and pearl rice) and sauces. Prices range from $21.99 to $82.99, with more affordable choices like the Chicken Breast Set ($21.99) and Pork Collar Set ($21.99), as well as fancier ones such as the Wagyu Ribeye Set ($49.99) and Deluxe Seafood Combo ($82.99).

There are also a ton of soup bases to choose from, with some flavours that you don’t typically see at other hotpot places; we’re talking about Bak Kut Teh, Korean Kimchi Soup and Fish Maw Fish Soup. However, it seems like you might need to top up for certain soup types, so be prepared for extra costs.

The next time you’re craving for some delicious hotpot, check out some of these places for a stress-free solo dining experience.

Feature image from Shi Li Fang