Fresh from the accolades of being crowned China’s Number 1 BBQ chain by the 2025 China Restaurant Industry Awards, Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) makes its much-anticipated entry into Southeast Asia, right in the heart of Bugis+. With over 600 outlets across China and a reputation for snaking queues in cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, this cult-favourite Korean-style charcoal BBQ brand finally brings its fiery charm to Singapore.
What sets Xita Lao Tai Tai apart is its traditional clay stove charcoal grill, a nod to its origins in the Xita district. The clay stove retains higher heat than conventional grills and imparts a deep, smoky aroma to the meats, an essence born out of heritage and innovation.
At Xita Lao Tai Tai, beef is unquestionably the star of the show. With an astonishing variety of over 20 cuts to choose from, the menu is a carnivore's dream. Each cut is meticulously curated. Some are left in their natural form to let the pure beefy flavours shine, while others are infused with house-made marinades crafted from a repertoire of 28 secret blends for an added punch of flavour.
We began with the Xita Speciality Sliced Beef Chuck ($30.90 for 130g), a tender and juicy cut with just the right amount of fat to absorb the smoky kiss of the charcoal grill. The Flagship Feather Blade Steak ($36.90) offered a meatier bite, with rich marbling that turned buttery on the tongue once seared. Equally indulgent was the Marbled Beef Short Rib ($44.90 for 120g), where the luscious fat rendered beautifully over the clay stove, enhancing the cut's natural umami. Meanwhile, the Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate ($27.90 for 130g) was thinly sliced and ideal for quick grilling, delivering bold beefy notes with every bite.
Among the most memorable was the Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger ($34.90 for 150g), marinated to tender perfection with pineapple juice that gave the meat a subtle sweetness and balanced acidity. The Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger ($32.90 for 140g) was another standout, deeply soaked in the founder's signature Korean-style marinade, which is sweet, savoury, and utterly addictive.
Whether you're a fan of natural beef flavours or crave bold, marinated cuts, Xita's beef selection offers something to satisfy every palate. It is elevated by the rich, smoky magic of the traditional clay stove grill.
Non-beef eaters are not left out. Three pork options are available: Thick Cut Pork Belly ($28.90), Special Marinated Pork Collar ($35.90), and Special Marinated Pork Fillet ($30.90), each offering a luscious bite and satisfying grill char. The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop adds even more variety, ensuring something for everyone.
Spicy Bulgogi Mid Joint Chicken Wings
A variety of cooked dishes and sides, including free-flow banchan (小菜) like kimchi, tofu skin, pumpkin porridge, and more, complement the grilled meats.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Feet
Grandma Seafood Pancake
We particularly enjoyed the Spicy Bulgogi Mid Joint Chicken Wings ($14.90 for 5 pcs), which were succulent with a smoky, sweet heat, and the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Feet ($12.90 for 4 pcs), which offered a satisfying chew and kick. The Grandma Seafood Pancake ($16.90) was crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and generously studded with seafood morsels.
Cold Buckwheat Noodles
The Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($16.90) are a must-try for something more filling. Served in an icy, tangy broth, the chewy noodles refreshed our palate and contrasted with the bold grilled meats.
Strawberry Ice Burst
To cool things off, we ended the meal with the Strawberry Ice Burst ($9.90). It was a refreshing mound of fruity shaved ice, crowned with fresh strawberries. It was light, revitalising, and perfect for combating the grill's heat and Singapore's weather.
Xita Lao Tai Tai brings an immersive and hearty barbecue experience to the Singapore food scene. Its signature clay stove, high-quality meats, extensive marinades, and vibrant sides make it a smoky, flavour-packed adventure worth braving the queue for.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
No comments:
Post a Comment