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Zhou Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang is a hidden gem in the heart of Bugis, that provides an economical and delicious hotpot experience. Located conveniently next to the Bugis MRT station, this newly-opened restaurant is ideal for hotpot and chuan chuan aficionados searching for a budget-friendly meal.
Chuan Chuan Xiang, or “skewered fragrant hotpot,” originated in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in the mid-1980s. Initially, it was a street snack invented by unemployed people who put up stalls near famous destinations like shopping malls and theatres to make a living.
The name Chuan Chuan Xiang literally means “fragrant skewers,” which reflects the way of presenting dishes on bamboo skewers cooked in a community hot pot.
Zhou Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang offers over 100 varieties of skewers, making it stand out. These feature a broad variety of meats, seafood, and veggies, all for an astoundingly modest S$0.25 per skewer.
What I Tried at Zhou Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang
Zhou Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang offers a variety of soup bases to complement its skewers. When you first get shown to the seat, you scan a QR code to order from a plethora of soup base choices.
Diners can pick from the tart Tomato Soup (S$18), the spicy numbing and staple Mala Soup (S$18), and the nourishing Chicken Soup (S$18), which incorporates a whole chicken to enrich the broth, as well as the safer Pork Bone Broth (S$18).
Next would be choosing your skewers. You would be spoilt for choice with the over 100 variety of skewers. Since there are so many to choose from, let me tell you what you should go for so you do not walk around aimlessly in the fridge section.
The menu is notably recognised for its beef skewers, with options like Coriander Beef, Beef with Enoki Mushrooms, and even the unique Beef with Mint, which provides a refreshing touch suitable for Singapore’s tropical climate.
My go-to recommendation would however be just the simple Sliced Beef. It is marinated in a slightly numbing mala sauce with a somewhat nutty flavour.
If beef is not your thing, then I recommend going for the Spicy Pork Ribs. It has been deboned leaving just the juiciest part on the skewer. These are marinated in a unique chilli blend that is aromatic and tasty without being overly spicy, making them suitable even for individuals with a lesser spice tolerance.
Zhou Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang also serves duck, pork and beef Gizzards, which are all soft and fragrant when cooked in hotpot soup – soaking up the essence of the mala broth. While I am not a huge fan of beef tripe, this one had been cleaned out well and the mala broth also helps to mask any gaminess.
If you find that eating from the skewers might be too troublesome and want to have a more traditional hotpot, then you might find their plated meats exciting. They have a wide variety of plated meats from their marbled Beef Slices (S$8) to their Fatty Pork Belly (S$8). While there is nothing that stands out about them, I think the quality of the meat compares to that of other hotpot giants.
It should also be noted that while the meats were not a standout, the broth was. The mala broth although looks menacing with its thick layer of chilli oil, the broth was smooth and had the perfect balance of spiciness and numbness. Made in-house, I would recommend going for this broth every time.
I would also recommend getting the Sauces (S$2) as I really enjoyed the crunch of the peanuts with the fragrant chilli oil. The crushed garlic also adds another layer of flavour to the
Final Thoughts
All in all, for the convenience of the location and the price point of 25 cents per stick I think it is extremely value for money. While it is unknown when they might stop this 25-cent promotion, I highly recommend you give them a shot because for one, I will definitely be back!
Expected damage: S$18 – S$30 per pax
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