Executive Summary

The steamboat delivery market in Singapore has evolved significantly since 2024. Based on current market research as of January 2026, here are the key trends:

  • Price increases: Most restaurants have raised prices by 15-25% since 2024 due to inflation and ingredient costs
  • Per-person dining costs: Now range from $45-90 per person for dine-in experiences
  • Delivery premiums: Delivery fees have increased from $8-15 to $15-25 for most services
  • Service consolidation: Several smaller operators have closed; major chains dominate
  • Premium positioning: Mid-tier restaurants moving upmarket with higher-quality ingredients

2026 Price Comparison Table

Restaurant2024 Price (4 pax)2026 Estimated PriceChangeNotes
Haidilao$268$280-320+4-19%Dine-in now $45-55/pax; delivery still premium
Little Sheep$80+ (ala carte)$130-160 (typical 2 pax)+30-40%Soup base now $16-20; meat plates $9-26
Beauty in the Pot$132 (seafood platter)$140-160+6-21%Dine-in ~$90/pax; collagen broth $10.30
COCA$95-100 (4 pax)$120-128 (4 pax)+20-28%Premium seafood set $128; weekday sets $98
City Hotpot$123 (4 pax)$130-150+6-22%Lunch sets for 2 now $59.99-65.99
Tsukada Nojo$148 (4 pax)$160-180+8-22%Price increased from $111 (2021) baseline
Homely Pot$188 (4 pax)$200-220+6-17%Now charges for electrical pot (was free)
Happy Pot$75 (4 pax)$85-95+13-27%Disposable pot sets popular
Qi Xiang$60++$70-80+++17-33%Minimum order still ~$60; unique beer-infused broth
Hotpot Master$325 (6 pax)$350-380+8-17%Premium positioning maintained

Detailed Restaurant Analysis

1. Haidilao 海底捞

Market Position: Premium leader

2026 Status:

  • Dine-in pricing: $45-55 per person average
  • Soup bases: $14-16 each
  • Meat/seafood: $6-20 per serving
  • Delivery: Available via Haidilao app, GrabFood, Foodpanda
  • CNY 2026 sets: Starting from $280-320 for 4 pax (estimated, similar to 2024)

Key Changes:

  • Maintained premium service reputation
  • Added more technology integration (robots, automated kitchen)
  • Delivery fees remain high ($20-40++)
  • Self-pickup still offers complimentary Yu Sheng

Value Analysis: Higher cost but justifies with service quality and atmosphere


2. Little Sheep Hot Pot 小肥羊

Market Position: Premium Mongolian specialist

2026 Status:

  • Soup bases: $16-20 (herbal chicken, white soup, mala)
  • Signature lamb rolls: Small $9, Large $18
  • 3-Tier lamb platter: $36
  • Typical 2-pax bill: $130-160
  • Locations: One Fullerton, Orchard Gateway

Key Changes:

  • Significant price increases (30-40% since 2024)
  • Still ala carte only (no set meals)
  • Premium positioning with quality lamb from Inner Mongolia
  • Service not matching Haidilao standards per reviews
  • Better for lamb enthusiasts willing to pay premium

Value Analysis: Expensive but specialized; best for lamb lovers


3. Beauty in the Pot 美滋锅

Market Position: Health-conscious premium

2026 Status:

  • Dine-in average: ~$90 per person
  • Beauty Collagen Broth: $10.30 (portion), $32.80 (full pot)
  • Spicy Nourishing Broth: $8.30
  • Assorted Balls Platter: $13.90
  • Seafood platter: $140-160 (increased from $132)
  • Delivery: Via foodpanda and own platform

Key Changes:

  • Maintaining health-conscious positioning
  • Collagen broth remains signature item
  • Multiple locations (VivoCity, Centrepoint, Star Vista, Kinex, NEX)
  • Delivery minimum $70, free delivery >$120
  • Prices trending upward but still competitive

Value Analysis: Premium but justified by quality ingredients and health focus


4. COCA Singapore

Market Position: Established Thai-Chinese fusion

2026 Status:

  • Weekday Ultimate Hotpot Set: $98 (hearty protein), $128 (premium seafood with lobster)
  • Add-ons: Double-boiled chicken/Thai tomyum soup $5, HuaDiao/Collagen soup $9
  • Buffet options: Lunch from $39++ (weekday), $43++ (weekend)
  • Delivery: Free delivery >$120
  • Locations: Suntec City, Takashimaya, Kallang Leisure Park

Key Changes:

  • New weekday promotional sets introduced
  • Maintained buffet model alongside ala carte
  • Strong cooked food offerings (pad thai, mala fish skins, Nam Yu pork)
  • More competitive pricing than 2024

Value Analysis: Good value, especially weekday sets; unique Thai-Chinese fusion


5. City Hotpot

Market Position: Affordable individual pot specialist

2026 Status:

  • Lunch set for 2: $59.99-65.99
  • 4 pax delivery set: $130-150 (estimated increase from $123)
  • Individual pot concept: Still popular for solo/duo diners
  • Locations: Raffles Place, Guoco Tower, Buangkok, Jurong Point

Key Changes:

  • Maintained affordable positioning
  • Strong lunch deals
  • Individual hotpot innovation continues
  • Free island-wide delivery available
  • Vegetable portions still limited (need to supplement)

Value Analysis: Best for budget-conscious diners and lunch deals


6. Tsukada Nojo 塚田農場

Market Position: Japanese beauty collagen specialist

2026 Status:

  • Family bundle: $160-180 for 4 pax (up from $148)
  • Bijin Nabe collagen soup: Signature and only soup base option
  • Order minimum: $60
  • Delivery fee: From $5 via Oddle

Key Changes:

  • Price increased ~33% since 2021 ($111 → $160+)
  • Maintains Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) focus
  • Limited soup base variety (only collagen option)
  • Strong confidence in single product

Value Analysis: Premium but niche; best for those seeking Japanese-style collagen hotpot


7. Homely Pot

Market Position: Premium home delivery

2026 Status:

  • 4 pax set: $200-220 (up from $188)
  • Delivery from: Kovan location
  • Delivery fee: From $6, plus $2 food safety charge
  • Minimum for free delivery: $65

Key Changes:

  • No longer provides free electrical pot (now charges for small pot)
  • Reduced value proposition vs 2024
  • Fancy soup bases remain key selling point
  • Featured in media but facing increased competition

Value Analysis: Premium pricing without free pot reduces value; reconsider alternatives


8. Happy Pot

Market Position: Budget-friendly with convenience focus

2026 Status:

  • Couple set: $85-95 (up from $75)
  • Disposable pot & fuel: Available for mess-free dining
  • Mini hotpot: Free with reusable option
  • Location: One Punggol Hawker Centre
  • Delivery fee: From $15

Key Changes:

  • Introduced disposable hotpot equipment option
  • Liberal seafood portions (prawns, mussels, squid)
  • Good for those prioritizing convenience over ambiance
  • Higher delivery fees offset lower food costs

Value Analysis: Good budget option if living in north/east; disposable kit convenient


9. Qi Xiang Chicken Hot Pot 齐香鸡煲火锅

Market Position: Unconventional specialist

2026 Status:

  • Minimum order: $70-80++ (up from $60++)
  • Unique offerings: Beer-infused broth (charcoal black), durian broth
  • Location: The Chevrons, Jurong East (west side)
  • Delivery: From $12, also on GrabFood

Key Changes:

  • Prices increased ~17-33%
  • Limited raw steamboat items
  • Strong stir-fry and claypot dish selection
  • Maintains unique positioning

Value Analysis: For adventurous eaters; good variety beyond traditional hotpot


10. Hotpot Master

Market Position: Ultra-premium festive specialist

2026 Status:

  • Fortune Hotpot Set (5-6 pax): $350-380 (up from $325)
  • Inclusions: Beauty Abalone Collagen broth, drunken prawn, abalone, salmon, scallops, snow crab
  • Equipment: Induction pot rental $11 or purchase $20
  • Delivery options: One-way $15, with setup $100

Key Changes:

  • Maintained ultra-premium positioning
  • Targets festive/celebration market
  • Significant premium over competitors
  • Full-service setup option available

Value Analysis: Only for special occasions; very expensive per person


Market Trends & Insights

Price Inflation Analysis

  • Overall increase: 6-40% depending on restaurant tier
  • Highest increases: Little Sheep (+30-40%), mid-tier restaurants
  • Most stable: Budget options (Happy Pot, City Hotpot)
  • Contributing factors: Ingredient costs, labor, rent, utility prices

Per-Person Cost Benchmarking (Dine-in, 2026)

  • Budget tier: $30-45 (City Hotpot, Happy Pot)
  • Mid-tier: $45-70 (COCA, Homely Pot)
  • Premium tier: $70-100+ (Beauty in the Pot, Little Sheep, Haidilao, Tsukada Nojo)

Delivery Economics

  • Delivery fees: $15-40 (up from $6-25 in 2024)
  • Minimum orders: $60-120
  • Free delivery thresholds: $65-120
  • Additional charges: Food safety fees ($2), equipment rental ($5-20)

Consumer Value Shifts

  1. Self-pickup incentives: More restaurants offering Yu Sheng, discounts for pickup
  2. Weekday promotions: Significant savings (COCA $98 vs regular pricing)
  3. Lunch deals: Best value window (City Hotpot $59.99 for 2)
  4. Membership programs: Birthday promos, loyalty benefits increasingly important

Competitive Landscape

  • Market leaders: Haidilao, Beauty in the Pot dominate premium segment
  • Specialists thriving: Little Sheep (Mongolian), Tsukada Nojo (Japanese), Qi Xiang (beer broth)
  • Budget segment: More competitive, smaller margins
  • Mid-tier squeeze: Homely Pot losing value proposition

Recommendations by Use Case

Best Overall Value (Quality + Price)

COCA Singapore – $120-128 for 4 pax with cooked sides, reasonable delivery

Best Budget Option

Happy Pot – $85-95 for 4 pax, disposable kit available

Best Premium Experience

Haidilao – $280-320 for 4 pax, unmatched service quality

Best for Specialty Diet

  • Vegetarian: City Hotpot (plant-based sets)
  • Health-conscious: Beauty in the Pot (collagen, nourishing broths)
  • Lamb lovers: Little Sheep

Best for Lunch

City Hotpot – $59.99-65.99 for 2 pax lunch sets

Best for Adventurous Eaters

Qi Xiang – Beer-infused and durian broths

Best for Special Occasions

Hotpot Master – $350-380 for 5-6 pax with premium ingredients


Strategic Buying Tips for 2026

  1. Order during lunch: Save 20-40% vs dinner pricing
  2. Use weekday promotions: COCA, City Hotpot have strong weekday deals
  3. Meet free delivery minimums: Add $20-30 to save $15-25 delivery fee
  4. Self-pickup when possible: Save delivery fees, sometimes get free extras
  5. Compare dine-in vs delivery: Sometimes cheaper to dine-in even with transport
  6. Book memberships: COCA, Beauty in the Pot, Haidilao offer birthday and loyalty benefits
  7. Stock own vegetables: City Hotpot, others skimp on vegetables; buy from NTUC
  8. Watch for seasonal promotions: CNY, birthday months, festive periods
  9. Group orders: Reach free delivery minimums and reduce per-person costs
  10. Check third-party platforms: GrabFood, Foodpanda may have better promos than direct ordering

Future Outlook (2026-2027)

Expected Trends

  • Continued price increases: 5-10% annually expected
  • Technology adoption: More robot service, QR ordering, contactless payment
  • Premium segment growth: Consumers willing to pay for quality experiences
  • Delivery optimization: Restaurants improving delivery packaging, timing
  • Health positioning: More emphasis on nutritious broths, quality ingredients
  • Sustainability: Reusable equipment, reduced packaging waste
  • Individual serving trend: Solo dining and individual pots gaining popularity

Market Risks

  • Economic downturn: Could shift consumers to budget tier
  • Labor costs: Service quality may suffer if costs keep rising
  • Competition intensification: New entrants from regional chains
  • Food safety concerns: Recent incidents (Haidilao Shanghai 2025) impact trust

Conclusion

The Singapore steamboat delivery market in 2026 is characterized by:

  • Higher prices across all tiers (6-40% increases)
  • Premiumization trend with mid-tier moving upmarket
  • Strong value in promotional windows (lunch, weekdays)
  • Specialized positioning (health, lamb, Japanese styles)
  • Technology integration improving operational efficiency

For consumers, the key is strategic timing (weekday lunch deals), meeting free delivery minimums, and choosing restaurants that match your priorities (service vs price vs specialty vs health).

The market remains vibrant and competitive, with options available for every budget and preference, though overall costs have increased significantly since 2024.