Shu Da Xia (蜀大侠) @ Tampines 1 - China's Top 10 Hotpot Restaurants Opens in Singapore

Singapore's hotpot scene just got a fiery upgrade with the arrival of Shu Da Xia (蜀大侠), a renowned Sichuan hotpot chain ranked among China's Top 10 Hotpot Restaurants. With over 600 outlets and more than a billion visits worldwide, this powerhouse of flavour has landed at Tampines 1, bringing its signature bold and authentic tastes to our shores.

Shu Da Xia's condiments station is well-stocked with everything you need to complement your hotpot experience, including a side dish, a rotating fruit selection, and a refreshing Ice Jelly Dessert.

We opted for the Triple Pot ($18), choosing from a selection of six soup bases: Mala Beef Tallow, Angelica Pork Bone, and Matsutake Chicken Soup. A standout detail is their dedication to maintaining the integrity of each soup - when refilling, they don't just dilute with a base broth but ensure that every soup continues to simmer with its own distinct ingredients. Other available soup bases include Pickled Cabbage, Tomato, and Mushroom. If you prefer a smaller selection, the hotpot is also available in Single Pot at $22 and Yuan Yang (Dual Pot) at $20.

Marinated Pork Ribs

Mala Beef

Mala Chicken Gizzards

For those who love the numbing heat of Sichuan cuisine, the Marinated Pork Ribs ($8/half), Mala Beef ($8/half), and Mala Chicken Gizzards ($5.50/half) are a must-try. These meats soak up the flavours of the Mala Beef Tallow soup beautifully, but be prepared for the potent cumin notes - it can be intense if you're not a fan. Over time, the soup also becomes richly infused with cumin and chilli, which adds a powerful kick but may be overwhelming for some.

Marble Patterned Beef Slice

We tried the Marble Patterned Beef Slice ($18/half) and Gui Fei Beef ($7.50/half) for a milder option. Thinly sliced and tender, these cuts were perfect in the non-spicy broths, offering a delicate balance to the robust flavours of the meal.

Tai Chi Double Paste

One of our favourite dishes was the Tai Chi Double Paste ($15/full), a handcrafted seafood delight made with black tiger prawn and squid, topped with fish roe for a fun and crunchy texture.

Vegetable Platter

Kung Fu Celtuce

For a fresh contrast, we enjoyed the Vegetable Platter ($9.50/half), which includes lettuce, romaine lettuce, napa cabbage, corn, and tomato. A highlight was the Kung Fu Celtuce ($3.50/half), delicately sliced for the perfect bite. Be sure not to overcook it to retain its signature crunch.

Ice Jelly Dessert

We wrapped up our meal with the Ice Jelly Dessert, available at the condiments station. You can customize it with Osmanthus Brown Sugar, Hawthorn Flakes, and Raisins. While the dessert was refreshing, it would be even better served colder and with more topping options.

Shu Da Xia delivers not just on taste but also on atmosphere. The bright yet cosy space is inviting, with ample seating, making it an excellent spot for families and groups. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or just a lover of rich, flavourful broths, this hotpot experience is one to savour. If you're looking for an authentic Sichuan hotpot adventure, Shu Da Xia is definitely worth a visit.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shu Da Xia (蜀大侠)
Tampines 1
10 Tampines Central 1
#03-16A
Singapore 529536
Tel: +65 8013 9188
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station (EW Line). Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alihgt at Tampines MRT station (DT Line). Take Exit D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

YUN NANS (云海肴) @ ION Orchard - New Outlet With Garden-Within-A-Restaurant Theme In The Heart Of Orchard Road

One of my favourite Chinese Restaurants, YUN NANS (云海肴), has opened its latest and fourth outlet at Ion Orchard, in the heart of Orchard Road. The new space seeks to transport diners into a garden landscape, designed as a scenic garden-within-a-restaurant.

Steam Pot Chicken Soup with Lily Bulb 4.2/5

With the new opening, the restaurant also introduced new dishes, such as the Signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup ($32.90) is given an elevation with the addition of Lanzhou Lily Bulb. The lily bulb gives the light and nourishing soup an extra lift in sweetness.

Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing 4/5

The Pomelo Salad with Osmanthus Dressing ($10.90) is a refreshing and invigorating salad tossed in house-made osmanthus honey sauce, giving it a sweet and fruity finishing. Fresh lily bulb is added for that extra crispiness.

Lychee Prawn Ball 4.2/5

Shaped and looking like lychee is the Lychee Prawn Ball ($20.80). It is freshness at its best. Fresh prawns are hand-beaten to a paste, shaped into bite-sized balls and deep-fried till crispy. While the exterior is crisp, the inside is crunchy, bursting with juicy tenderness from the prawns.

Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce 4.8/5

A delightful new dish that goes very well with a bowl of rice is the Hotplate Milky Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce ($16.80). The famed Yunnan milky tofu's pillowy soft texture is achieved using Shiping's unique spring water, drenched in an appetising specially concocted spicy garlic seafood sauce.

Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies 4.5/5

Sometimes simple is the best, for example, the Sauteed Cabbage with Dried Chillies ($13.80). It is simply stir-fried with garlic, thin slices of pork and dried chillies, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin and Gizzard 4.2/5

Marinated with an in-house mix of Yunnan's spices and grilled over a charcoal fire, the Charcoal Grilled Chicken Skin ($2.80 per skewer) and Gizzard ($2.80 per skewer) are packed with beautiful aroma from the spices. The skewers are deliciously good for a few glasses of beer.

Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom

The treasure pot of Braised Fish Maw with Porcini Mushroom ($42.80 / $52.80) comprises wild porcini mushrooms harvested from the highlands of Yunnan, fresh fish maw, Yunnan solo clove garlic, Chinese yam, and Yunnan Qiubei Chillies. The ingredients are braised over a slow flame, giving the fish maw a soft texture and retaining its collagen content.

Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean $24.90

Lastly, wrapping up our dinner is the Claypot Rice with Minced Beef and Crispy Red Bean ($24.90). It is like the Chinese take on the donabe. The stewed rice is cooked in a special in-house sauce and served with crispy red beans, minced beef, ham, crisp-fried pork lard, spring onions and salted vegetables. Mix everything together to end the meal in a finale

Note: This is an invited tasting.


YUN NANS (云海肴)
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-17
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65130828
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]