Whenever it rains or when I have a gathering with friends, somehow steamboat seem to be the answer for a fuss free and enjoyable meal. Hence, I am always on the look out for a good steamboat place. When I got to know about Hai Xian Lao, I was kinda skeptical because I have hardly heard any reviews about it except from Maybeline who have highly raved about it.
Hai Xian Lao 海鲜捞 is located at level 1 of Wilkie Edge and is only a 5 mins walk from Bencoolen and Rochor Downtown line. When I first reached Hai Xian Lao, I was quite surprised to find that this steamboat place is often visited by celebrities. Gosh, where have I been?
There are 7 different kinds of soup bases available which include Tom Yum soup base, Tomato soup base, Chicken soup base and Laksa soup base. We chose the signature Healthy Collagen soup base, Sichuan Spicy soup base as well as the Prawn soup base which is only available in a limited quantity of 10 pots per day!
Oh yes, while waiting for the soup base to boil, we ordered the Salted Egg Fried Fish Skin ($15.80). I was pleasantly surprised by how rich and flavoursome this crispy golden treats were. One could tell that no amount of salted egg yolk was scrimped in the making of this dish. Definitely a live live must order for any salted egg yolk fans. Did I mention that it is cooked a la minute?
There is also a corner where one can concoct their own secret sauce to pair with the steamboat. One of my favourite combination is to mix vinegar with garlic, chilli padi and chopped coriander leaves.
Lovers of fungi will be delighted with the selection of mushrooms available. If you are like me, greedy for a bit of everything, order the premium mushroom set ($18.80).
My meat loving friends were delighted with the selection of cuts available. There are US Wagyu Beef Striploin, Angus Beef and the variety of pork is also crazy. Just to name a few, there are Japan Blackshire Kurobuta Belly ($16.80), Pork Fillet ($13.80), Spanish Fruitfed Pork belly ($8.80) and even Spanish Fruitfed Pork Collar ($9.80).
One can also find quail eggs ($4.80) and Fresh Pig Kidney ($6.80) on the menu!
For people who likes Homemade Dumplings ($9.80) and Homemade Meatballs ($10.80), you are in for a treat. The meatballs were very bouncy and juicy. Best of all, they were very fresh! Oh yes, don’t forget to order the Prawn Paste ($15.80), those were some of my favourite.
One of the highlights for me was the Live Sea Garoupa ($7.80/ 100g). I have checked with the server and she mentioned that the average size for 1 garoupa is about 7-800g. Gosh, these were one of the most fresh sliced fish that I have had at a steamboat restaurant!
It was rather rare that all of us enjoyed the soup bases and the ingredients served. If you are looking for a steamboat place that serve delicious soup bases with fresh ingredients, Hai Xian Lao is definitely not to be missed. While the price tag is not the cheapest, the quality of the food served were definitely at its best. However, if price tag is one of your concern, you can also opt for their buffet menu which is priced at $34.80 per adult. With the operating hours till 5am, I am now contemplating for my next supper gathering! hahahaha
Hai Xian Lao 海鲜捞
8 Wilkie Rd #01-21 Singapore 228095
Tel: +65 6509 6194
Operating Hours: 11am to 5am Daily
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