In a city where dining out can quickly drain your wallet, finding quality hotpot experiences under S$30 per person feels like discovering hidden treasure. This comprehensive review explores ten budget-friendly hotpot establishments across Singapore, evaluating them on value, quality, variety, and overall dining experience.
The Ultimate Budget Champion
Shi Li Fang Hot Pot
Location: Orchard Central
Price Range: S$8.80 – S$9.90
Rating: ★★★★☆
Shi Li Fang stands as the undisputed champion of affordability in Singapore’s hotpot scene. With weekday sets starting at an almost unbelievable S$8.80, this Taiwanese chain makes hotpot accessible to students and budget-conscious diners alike.
What Sets It Apart: The restaurant’s quirky aesthetic—a storefront cluttered with soft toys and trinkets—creates an unexpectedly charming atmosphere. While the price point might suggest bare-bones service, Shi Li Fang surprises with generous portions and frequent promotional gifts.
The Soup Bases: The tasty mushroom soup and ravishing tomato soup (both S$5.30) offer clean, wholesome flavors that won’t overwhelm your ingredients. These lighter broths are perfect for those who prefer tasting the natural flavors of their meat and vegetables rather than heavily spiced or complex bases.
Best For: Solo diners, students, first-time hotpot eaters, weekday lunch crowds
The Catch: The rock-bottom prices mean you’ll sacrifice some premium ingredients and ambiance, but for under S$10, complaints feel almost ungrateful.
Premium Budget Options
Guo Fu Hotpot Steamboat
Location: Cross Street Exchange (Chinatown)
Price Range: S$15.90 (sets) – S$27.90 (buffet)
Rating: ★★★★★
Widely regarded as one of Singapore’s best steamboat restaurants, Guo Fu masterfully bridges the gap between affordability and quality. The northeastern Chinese influences shine through in every aspect, from the marbled beef cuts to the complimentary xiao long bao.
The Signature Experience: The personal hotpot option addresses hygiene concerns while allowing diners to customize their soup base without compromise. The premium beef slices—best enjoyed with a quick five-second rinse in the broth—rival those found at establishments twice the price.
Standout Elements:
- Free-flow soup dumplings (a rare perk in budget dining)
- High-quality marbled beef that melts in your mouth
- Pumpkin porridge with orange dessert for a refreshing finish
Best For: Special occasions on a budget, meat lovers, germaphobes who prefer personal pots
Value Assessment: At S$27.90 for the buffet, you’re paying roughly half of what premium chains charge while receiving comparable quality.
City Hot Pot
Location: Multiple locations (CBD-focused)
Price Range: S$20.99 – S$34.99 per person
Rating: ★★★★☆
Born in the heart of Singapore’s financial district, City Hot Pot understands the solo diner’s dilemma. The flagship One Raffles Place location offers skyline views and unexpected greenery, creating an urban oasis atmosphere.
The Innovation: With 14 soup base options, including local favorites like bak kut teh, fish soup with milk, and laksa, City Hot Pot successfully marries traditional hotpot with Singaporean culinary identity. The extensive condiments counter encourages experimentation, letting diners craft personalized dipping sauces.
Practical Considerations: Set meals scaled for various group sizes (from solo to six diners) eliminate the awkwardness of ordering a la carte for one. The split operating hours (lunch 11:30am-3pm, dinner 5pm-10pm) cater well to CBD workers.
Best For: Solo CBD workers, groups wanting diverse soup options, diners seeking Instagram-worthy settings
Notable Mention: The fish soup with milk base offers comfort without heaviness—ideal for Singapore’s humid climate.
Ting Yuan Hotpot
Location: Liang Seah Street (Bugis)
Price Range: S$22.80 – S$25.80 (buffet)
Rating: ★★★★☆
A 20-year veteran on Liang Seah Street, Ting Yuan Hotpot brings authentic Sichuan flavors to Singapore’s steamboat scene. The restaurant’s commitment to chemical-free, house-made soup bases resonates with health-conscious diners.
The Authentic Touch: The Sichuan mala soup delivers legitimate tingly numbness—not the watered-down version often found in fusion establishments. This is hotpot for those who appreciate the burn.
Beyond the Pot: Cooked dishes like grilled fish, marinated chicken feet, and the famous spicy diced chicken transform this from a simple hotpot joint into a full Sichuan dining experience. The prawn paste made from smashed prawns (S$8) offers exceptional value.
Best For: Spice enthusiasts, late-night diners (open until 1am), groups wanting variety beyond hotpot
Fair Warning: Peak periods mean waiting times for the popular spicy diced chicken. Plan accordingly or order early.
Korean-Inspired Hotpot Experiences
Dookki
Location: Suntec City
Price Range: S$15.80+ (students) – S$20.80+ (adults) for 90 minutes
Rating: ★★★★☆
Dookki—Korean for “two meals”—delivers an experience distinctly different from traditional Chinese hotpot. This is K-pop culture meets comfort food, complete with tteokbokki and molten cheese.
The Korean Difference: Six types of tteokbokki form the foundation, complemented by fried foods, fish cakes, and noodles. But the real star is the cheese ring—a donut-shaped metal plate that circles your pot, keeping a moat of mozzarella perpetually melted.
The Experience: This is interactive dining at its finest. Mix cheese into your rice, dip ingredients into the gooey goodness, or simply eat it by the spoonful. The 90-minute time limit encourages focused eating without rushed panic.
Best For: K-pop fans, cheese lovers, groups of students, adventurous eaters
Pro Tip: The sweet potato tteokbokki offers gentle sweetness that balances the savory richness, while the double cheese ring (extra S$9.80) is essential for cheese enthusiasts.
GoroGoro Steamboat and Korean Buffet
Location: The Centrepoint (Orchard)
Price Range: S$17.90+
Rating: ★★★★☆
The playful name (mimicking a rumbling stomach or boiling soup) sets the tone for GoroGoro’s approachable fusion concept. Seven soup bases including pepper bak kut teh, ginseng, beauty collagen, and mala provide variety without overwhelming choice.
The Hybrid Approach: Korean side dishes—tteokbokki, pajeon (Korean pancake), japchae, and Korean chicken wings—come included in the buffet price. This hybrid model works beautifully for groups with divided preferences.
Menu Intelligence: The differentiated lunch and dinner menus (seafood available only at dinner) allow for strategic pricing while maintaining quality. Lunch diners accept the trade-off for lower prices, while dinner guests get the full experience.
Best For: Mixed preference groups, Korean food lovers who also want hotpot, budget-conscious Orchard shoppers
Standout Items: Korean chicken wings and sweet potatoes prove that simple done well beats complicated mediocrity.
Pot Addiction Korean BBQ and Hotpot
Location: West Mall (Bukit Batok)
Price Range: S$18.90 (lunch) + S$12 (griddle option)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Pot Addiction solves the eternal debate: hotpot or Korean BBQ? The answer is both, with a separate griddle alongside your bubbling broth.
The Dual Experience: Sixteen meat varieties can be cooked either way—boiled tender in seven soup bases or seared crispy on the griddle. This flexibility maximizes value and variety within the 90-minute time frame.
Responsible Dining: The S$20+ fee per 100g of wasted food discourages over-ordering and promotes mindful consumption. While potentially controversial, it aligns with sustainability values and helps keep prices competitive.
Best For: Indecisive diners, meat lovers, western suburb residents, groups wanting variety
Recommendation: The tonkotsu soup base provides rich, creamy comfort, while the premium steak shines when quickly seared on the griddle.
Japanese-Style Shabu Shabu
Suki-Ya
Location: Multiple locations (Heartland-focused)
Price Range: S$19.90+ (lunch buffet, 80 minutes)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Suki-Ya (“house of hotpot”) takes the health-conscious approach to all-you-can-eat dining. The emphasis on thinly sliced meats cooked quickly in lighter broths aligns with Japanese culinary philosophy.
The Japanese Touch: Sukiyaki and shabu shabu bases provide traditional options, while tomato, fresh soy miso, kimuchi, and butaniku broths cater to varied palates. The inclusion of ponzu and spicy peanut dipping sauces plus pasteurized egg creates an authentic Japanese experience.
Quality Over Quantity: Unlimited thinly sliced beef and pork, chicken, and chicken meatballs for 80 minutes might sound limited compared to 90+ minute competitors, but the quality justifies the slightly shorter duration.
Best For: Health-conscious diners, Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, families in heartland areas
Tip: The sukiyaki soup base with thinly sliced beef coated in raw egg offers the most authentic Japanese shabu shabu experience.
Shabu Sai
Location: Orchard Central
Price Range: S$16.99+ (lunch, +S$2 for beef)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Shabu Sai represents the budget entry point for Japanese-style hotpot in central locations. The lunch buffet starting at S$16.99 includes unlimited pork collar, pork belly, and chicken with two soup bases—beef requires a modest S$2 surcharge.
Innovation Through Variety: The rotating seasonal soup bases (recent additions: golden curry and lotus root shiitake) keep regular customers engaged. This innovation within tradition shows thoughtful menu management.
Value Proposition: While ingredients may not match Suki-Ya’s quality, the central location and competitive pricing make Shabu Sai viable for Orchard shoppers needing a quick, filling meal.
Best For: Budget-conscious Orchard visitors, curry lovers, casual dining groups
Recommended Combination: Curry soup base with sukiyaki soup base creates interesting flavor layering, while pork collar provides optimal fat-to-meat ratio.
The Unique Experience
King’s Laksa Steamboat
Location: Teck Chye Terrace (Serangoon)
Price Range: S$24.80+ (buffet)
Rating: ★★★★★
King’s Laksa Steamboat transcends typical budget hotpot experiences. This husband-and-wife operation represents passion-driven dining, where an eight-hour laksa soup preparation process demonstrates commitment to craft.
The Laksa Advantage: The signature laksa broth—rich, aromatic, and complex—transforms standard hotpot ingredients into something special. Pairing it with a milder second soup base creates balance while letting the laksa shine.
Beyond Standard Fare: Mini ngoh hiang, prawn paste chicken, and fried mantou elevate this from steamboat to comprehensive Singaporean feast. The fried mantou serves double duty: mopping up laksa soup on your plate or dunking into the hotpot.
The Personal Touch: Rotating fresh ingredients based on availability and seasonal quality shows flexibility impossible at chain operations. The intimate setting creates a neighborhood feel missing from mall locations.
Best For: Laksa enthusiasts, those seeking authentic local flavors, diners valuing personal service over polish
Justification for Higher Price: At S$24.80, this costs more than some competitors, but the quality, uniqueness, and included finger foods justify every dollar.
Comparative Analysis
Best Overall Value
Winner: Guo Fu Hotpot Steamboat
Quality ingredients, free-flow xiao long bao, and personal pot options at S$27.90 deliver unmatched value proposition.
Best for Extreme Budget
Winner: Shi Li Fang Hot Pot
Nothing else comes close to weekday sets at S$8.80. Perfect for satisfying cravings without financial guilt.
Most Unique Experience
Winner: King’s Laksa Steamboat
Eight-hour laksa broth and personal service create memories, not just meals.
Best Korean Fusion
Winner: Dookki
The cheese ring alone justifies the price, while authentic tteokbokki variety demonstrates Korean expertise.
Best for Solo Diners
Winner: City Hot Pot
Designed specifically for solo dining with appropriate portions and CBD convenience.
Best Japanese Experience
Winner: Suki-Ya
Authenticity and health-conscious approach edge out competitors in the shabu shabu category.
Practical Considerations
Location Strategy
- CBD Workers: City Hot Pot (split hours accommodate lunch breaks)
- Orchard Shoppers: Shi Li Fang, GoroGoro, or Shabu Sai
- Heartland Residents: Suki-Ya (Kovan), Pot Addiction (West Mall)
- East Side: King’s Laksa Steamboat (worth the journey)
Group Size Optimization
- Solo: City Hot Pot, Shi Li Fang
- Couples: Guo Fu (personal pots), Dookki
- Small Groups (3-4): Most establishments excel here
- Large Groups (5+): City Hot Pot (pre-sized sets), King’s Laksa Steamboat
Dietary Considerations
- Health-Conscious: Suki-Ya (lighter broths, quality proteins)
- Spice Lovers: Ting Yuan Hotpot (authentic Sichuan mala)
- Cheese Enthusiasts: Dookki (cheese ring is essential)
- Adventurous Eaters: King’s Laksa Steamboat (unique flavor profiles)
Time Management
Most establishments offer 80-90 minute sessions. Strategy tips:
- Order proteins immediately upon seating
- Start with longer-cooking items (root vegetables, seafood balls)
- Save quick-cooking items (leafy greens, thinly sliced meat) for final 20 minutes
- Don’t waste time photographing—eat first, post later
The Verdict
Singapore’s budget hotpot scene proves that affordability need not compromise quality or experience. From Shi Li Fang’s student-friendly S$8.80 sets to King’s Laksa Steamboat’s artisanal S$24.80 feast, options exist for every budget and preference.
The diversity—from authentic Sichuan mala to Japanese shabu shabu to Korean cheese-ring fusion—reflects Singapore’s multicultural culinary landscape. These ten establishments demonstrate that thoughtful concept execution, quality ingredients, and fair pricing can coexist.
Final Recommendations
If you’re trying budget hotpot for the first time: Start with Guo Fu Hotpot Steamboat. The quality-to-price ratio provides a reliable introduction without disappointment.
If you’re a regular hotpot enthusiast: Rotate through King’s Laksa Steamboat (unique flavors), Ting Yuan Hotpot (authentic Sichuan), and Dookki (Korean fun) to prevent palate fatigue.
If you’re absolutely broke but craving hotpot: Shi Li Fang exists precisely for this situation. No shame in S$8.80 happiness.
If you want to impress without overspending: City Hot Pot’s skyline views and 14 soup options provide date-night ambiance at reasonable prices.
The golden rule: Budget hotpot requires managing expectations. You won’t get imported Japanese wagyu or live seafood tanks, but you’ll receive honest, filling, delicious meals that won’t haunt your bank statement. In expensive Singapore, that’s worth celebrating—preferably over bubbling broth and good company.
Accessibility Note
Seven of these ten restaurants (City Hot Pot, Shi Li Fang, Ting Yuan Hotpot, Dookki, GoroGoro, Pot Addiction, Suki-Ya, and Shabu Sai) are available on GrabFood delivery service, extending their accessibility beyond dine-in experiences. Perfect for cozy nights when you want hotpot but not the commute.