Singapore’s hotpot scene continues to evolve with exciting concepts that cater to different preferences and occasions. Here’s an in-depth comparison of two distinctive establishments that have carved their own niches in the competitive steamboat landscape.
Broth & Beyond Hot Pot @ CHIJMES
Overall Rating: 4/5
The Concept
Broth & Beyond brings a refreshing Yunnan-inspired individual hotpot concept to the heart of CHIJMES, perfect for late-night cravings with their extended hours until 2:30am daily. The restaurant’s commitment to MSG and preservative-free ingredients at wallet-friendly prices makes it an attractive option for health-conscious diners.
The Broths
Black Truffle & Eight-Mushroom Broth (Rating: 4/5) This broth offers impressive earthy depth with a subtle umami lift from black truffle. Built on a base of Yunnan mushrooms and chicken fat, it delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both comforting and refined. The natural richness doesn’t overwhelm but rather complements the ingredients cooked in it.
Golden Fungus Chicken Broth (Rating: 4/5) Creamy and nourishing, this broth embodies the comfort food ethos. The individual hotpot format allows each diner to customize their experience according to personal preferences, making it ideal for groups with varying tastes.
The restaurant offers seven broth options in total, including 100% Pure Coconut Chicken, Spicy Broth, and Vegetarian Tom Yum—all created under the direction of their head chef using natural ingredients flown in from Yunnan.
Standout Dishes
Yunnan Delicacy Mushroom Platter ($28.99) A signature offering featuring lesser-seen mushroom varieties including golden fungus, wine cap mushrooms, and chanterelles. This platter showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Yunnan ingredients and provides an excellent way to appreciate the nuanced flavors of the broths.
Seafood Platter ($43.99) While on the pricier side, this platter justifies its cost with exceptional freshness and sweetness. The selection includes tiger prawns, scallops, abalone, mussels, and grouper slices—all of which maintain their natural sweetness when cooked in the delicate broths.
Jasmine Flower Shrimp Paté ($18.99) A creative highlight that sets Broth & Beyond apart from typical hotpot establishments. Unlike standard prawn paste, this handcrafted version incorporates a delicate floral note that adds unexpected sophistication. The texture is nicely springy with a satisfying bite.
Fragrant Fermented Beancurd Chicken Wings ($13.99) – Rating: 4/5 These wings, marinated in Yunnan spices and fermented beancurd, are enjoyable as a standalone side dish. They come with tartar sauce for an optional fusion twist, though they’re perfectly delicious on their own.
Tri-Coloured Hand Crafted La Mian ($8.99) The chewy, handcrafted noodles come in a generous portion that can easily serve two to three people, offering excellent value for carb lovers.
The Market Table Experience
For just $4.99 per diner, the Market Table grants access to a rotating selection of condiments, appetizers, fruits, and desserts. During the review visit, offerings included house-made kimchi and mala king oyster mushrooms—reminiscent of popular hotpot chains but at a fraction of the cost.
The dessert selection features candied hawthorn sticks and a DIY Ice Jelly bowl station with toppings ranging from red bean and osmanthus jelly to taro balls and shaped marshmallows, providing a fun, interactive ending to the meal.
Value Proposition
Lunch Set: Flavour Discovery Set (from $29.90) Available daily from 11:30am to 5pm, each set includes:
- Broth of your choice
- Meat selection
- Vegetables
- Noodles or rice
- Access to the Market Table
This represents exceptional value for those looking to experience Broth & Beyond at an accessible price point.
Practical Details
- Location: CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, #B1-02
- Hours: 11:30am to 2:30am Daily
- Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)
- Contact: +65 8220 7993
Verdict
Broth & Beyond succeeds in offering a quality individual hotpot experience that balances authenticity with accessibility. The Yunnan-inspired approach brings unique ingredients and flavors to Singapore’s hotpot scene, while the late-night hours and reasonable pricing make it suitable for various occasions. The Market Table is a clever value-add that enhances the overall experience without significantly increasing costs.
Best For: Late-night dining, health-conscious diners, those seeking authentic Yunnan flavors, groups with different preferences
Beauty In The Pot @ The Star Vista
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
The Concept
Beauty In The Pot has established itself as a premium hotpot destination with a focus on nourishing, beauty-enhancing broths. The Star Vista outlet, spanning 6,321 square feet with 212 seats, features a family-friendly design with a children’s playground, making it ideal for longer, leisurely meals.
The Signature Broths
Beauty In The Pot offers six signature broths, each designed with specific health benefits in mind:
- Signature Beauty Collagen
- Signature Spicy Nourishing Soup
- Herbal Drunken Chicken
- Cooling Coconut
- Longevity Wild Pine Mushroom
- Vitamin C Tomato Sweet Corn
Special Limited Edition: Hearty Shrimp Broth
Pricing: $28 (single pot), $15 (twin pot), $9 (quart pot)
This special broth demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to craftsmanship. Made by baking fresh large prawns, hand-grinding them to fine texture, then simmering for over eight hours with premium conpoy (dried scallops), it delivers rich, oceanic depth. The addition of spices provides a subtle piquant kick, while fresh clams contribute natural sweetness. This labor-intensive preparation method results in a luscious, complex stock that stands out even among Beauty In The Pot’s impressive lineup.
Premium Ingredients
Kurobuta Pork and Wagyu Beef The premium meat selection showcases excellent marbling, delivering that coveted melt-in-the-mouth texture that elevates the hotpot experience. These high-quality cuts justify the restaurant’s positioning as a more upscale option.
Fried Beancurd Skin – Must-Order Item A signature item that regulars insist upon. The restaurant recommends cooking it for just 3 seconds to retain a crisp texture while allowing it to absorb the flavorful broth. However, many diners (including the reviewer) prefer a longer cooking time to maximize broth absorption.
Fresh Seafood The selection includes thickly sliced Red Garoupa and Red Leg Sea Prawns, both showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood. A thoughtful service touch: staff will peel prawns upon request, demonstrating the attention to customer comfort.
Ambiance and Design
The Star Vista location features an elegant design swathed in pastel blues and reds. The shopfront cleverly evokes an old Singapore quarter from the colonial era, creating an atmospheric dining environment. The inclusion of a children’s playground is a practical touch that sets it apart from competitors, allowing families to dine comfortably while children are entertained.
Service Experience
Beauty In The Pot distinguishes itself through attentive service touches like offering to peel prawns for guests—small details that enhance the premium dining experience and justify the higher price point.
Practical Details
- Location: The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green
- Hours: Daily 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 3am
- Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)
- Contact: +65 6262 1692
Collaboration and Innovation
The restaurant demonstrates creativity through collaborations, such as working with sister company Le Shrimp Ramen to develop the Hearty Shrimp Broth. This willingness to innovate while maintaining core values keeps the menu fresh and exciting.
Verdict
Beauty In The Pot positions itself as a premium hotpot experience with a focus on nourishing, health-oriented broths and high-quality ingredients. The spacious, family-friendly environment and attentive service justify the higher price point. The commitment to ingredient quality—from premium meats to fresh seafood—ensures a consistently excellent dining experience.
Best For: Special occasions, health-conscious diners seeking nourishing broths, families (thanks to the playground), groups willing to splurge for premium quality
Head-to-Head Comparison
Price Point
- Broth & Beyond: More budget-friendly with lunch sets from $29.90 and the Market Table at just $4.99
- Beauty In The Pot: Premium pricing justified by high-quality ingredients and service
Operating Hours
- Broth & Beyond: 11:30am – 2:30am (excellent for late-night cravings)
- Beauty In The Pot: Split hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 3am (late-night option but with an afternoon break)
Dining Format
- Broth & Beyond: Individual hotpots (perfect for customization)
- Beauty In The Pot: Traditional shared hotpots with twin/quart pot options
Broth Philosophy
- Broth & Beyond: Yunnan-inspired, MSG-free, focuses on natural ingredients and regional authenticity
- Beauty In The Pot: Health and beauty-focused, nourishing broths with specific wellness benefits
Unique Selling Points
- Broth & Beyond: Market Table concept, late-night accessibility, Yunnan specialty ingredients
- Beauty In The Pot: Premium ingredients, health-focused broths, family-friendly with playground
Target Audience
- Broth & Beyond: Younger crowds, night owls, budget-conscious diners, individual diners
- Beauty In The Pot: Families, health-conscious groups, those seeking premium experiences
Final Recommendations
Choose Broth & Beyond if you want:
- A more affordable hotpot experience
- Late-night dining flexibility
- Individual portion control
- Authentic Yunnan flavors
- Interactive Market Table experience
Choose Beauty In The Pot if you want:
- Premium ingredients and nourishing broths
- Family-friendly environment with children’s facilities
- Health-focused wellness broths
- Special occasion dining
- Attentive, full-service experience
Both establishments excel in their respective niches, offering quality broths and fresh ingredients with distinct approaches. Broth & Beyond wins on accessibility and value, while Beauty In The Pot justifies its premium with superior ingredients and ambiance. Your choice ultimately depends on the occasion, budget, and dining companions—but either way, Singapore’s hotpot scene is richer for having both options.