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For those who frequent JB, you’ve likely heard about the hyped-up lala (clam) pot and the crazy queues it attracts. This dish features live clams cooked on-the-spot at your table with charcoal. The use of alcohol creates a burning flame in the pot; this gimmick has made it highly Instagrammable and popular among netizens.
To ensure our readers don’t miss out on this trend, we’ve prepared a list of the 8 best lala pots in JB. If you’re a fan of clams and seafood, this article is for you!
1. Dai Tao Lala Pot
Hailing all the way from KL, Dai Tao Lala Pot is well-known to residents of JB. It proudly boasts numerous outlets across JB, KL, and Penang. Its JB outlet is located in Mount Austin, a vibrant area that attracts plenty of crowds. The restaurant always seems to be packed, with snaking queues stretching across 3 to 4 shop lots.
Get yourself a serving of the Dai Tao Signature Soup (RM38), which comes with 1kg of clams. If that’s not enough, you can top up another 1kg for RM15.30. Enhance your lala pot with add-ons like Marbled Pork Slice (RM15.90), Handmade Prawn Ball (RM18.90), Tiger Prawns (RM22.90), Fish Maw (RM22.80), and other tantalising options.
Feeling bored with only one soup base? Include their Pork Stomach Soup with White Peppercorns (RM38) to your meal! This hearty broth is perfect for a rainy day. Don’t overlook the snack selections with options like Namyu Fried Chicken Wings (RM18.50) and Fried Crispy Meat (RM18) for a luxurious and abundant feast!
No.49, Jalan Austin Height 8/5 , Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6012 601 1788
Daily: 5pm – 3am
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2. Lala Pro Max
Situated next to Dai Tao Lala Pot in Mount Austin, Lala Pro Max (cute name!) initially seemed to be an alternative for diners due to the long queue at Dai Tao. However, numerous patrons have praised this restaurant, saying they would rather choose Lala Pro Max instead of joining the long queue next door, as the lala pot here is also as delicious.
The menu here is similar to the one mentioned above, but it’s slightly simpler with more straightforward choices, offering only 1 soup base: Lala Pro Max (RM45.90), which is clam soup. You can opt for either the spicy or non-spicy version. Additionally, the add-ons are on a self-service basis. Treat yourself to the Beef Slice (RM15.90), Pork Shoulder (RM15.90), Razor Clam (RM18.90), Ring Roll (RM6.90), and more.
The restaurant also offers snacks like Fried Nam Yu Pork Belly (RM18.90) and Fried Nam Yu Chicken (RM14.90). Try them out and let us know which one is your favourite!
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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3. 5pm Lalapot
If you follow our social media accounts, you’ve most likely come across content featuring 5pm Lalapot. Holding 4.8 stars and above for both outlets on Google ratings (at time of writing), the restaurant is one of the popular spots among diners for delicious lala pot. Staying open till as late as 3am, it also makes for a perfect spot for a sinful supper.
Begin your culinary journey by choosing from 3 soup bases: Signature Soup (clam soup), Flaming Lala Soup, and First Love Tomato Soup, all priced at RM38. Similar to other eateries, the broth here also comes with 1kg of S class white clams. Elevate your dining experience with hotpot favorites like Shrimp Paste (RM15), Iberico Pork Slice (RM20), Layer Tripe (RM11), Stuffed Meat Ball (RM10), and other mouthwatering options.
Notably, there’s an array of snacks offered here, including Handmade Brown Sugar Rice Cake (RM12), Pumpkin Pie (RM10), Fried Chicken Wings (RM16), Golden Man Tou (RM10), Mala Tempura (RM10), and Fried Taiwanese Sausage (RM8). The diverse selections ensure you won’t get bored.
82, Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama 81300 Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Joho
+6018 775 8557
Daily: 5pm – 3am
29, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/3, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 5558 3975
Daily: 5pm- 3am
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4. Tan Tan Charcoal Steamboat
Originating from Bukit Indah, Tan Tan Charcoal Steamboat has recently expanded with a second outlet in Mount Austin. Similar to the original location, the new branch operates until 2am.
The restaurant primarily offers seafood steamboat, with options including Fresh Clam Hot Pot (RM38), Mini Seafood Hot Pot (RM78), Hot Pot with Black Fish (RM55), Grilled Red Fish Pot (RM89), and Mala Dry Pot Prawns (RM58). Among these, the Fresh Clam Hot Pot stands out as the most popular item.
For each pot, you can choose your favourite soup base, and its signature will definitely be the Bone Soup. The broth features Shao Hsing Hua Tiao wine by default. However, if you prefer a more layered flavour, try adding the Nv Er Hong (+RM108), a traditional Chinese red wine with a rich, mellow profile. It’s sure to elevate your hot pot experience to a whole new level.
Don’t forget to enjoy it with their must-try side dishes like Roe Fish Smooth Paste (RM17.50), 4 Flavour Handmade Meatballs (RM22), Milky Smooth Beef (RM18), amongst others.
10 best hotpot restaurants in Johor Bahru you must add to your list
5. Ding Xiang Lala Pot
You can enjoy your clams in either their Signature Soup or Pickled Vege Soup, both priced at RM38. Diners typically love to pair the pot with side dishes like Pork Belly (RM15.90), Tiger Prawn (RM23.90), Shrimp Slip (RM16.90), and Pork Shoulder Butt (RM15.90). You can also opt to add extra clams for RM15.
Seafood fans can delight in the Squid Meatball (RM10.90), Fried Fish Head (RM18), and Fried Seafood Roll (RM8.90), all highly recommended by the restaurant. With the addition of these side dishes, you’ll enjoy a richer, more layered flavour in the broth.
6. Panda Lala Pot
You’ll also find a range of seafood offered here, including Oysters (RM49.90 for 5 pieces), Tiger Shrimp (RM20.90), Hokkaido Scallops (RM9.90), Flower Crab (RM12.90), and more, all of which are perfect additions to your lala pot.
7. Wufu Lala Hotpot
Visiting alone? Fret not! You can still savour the tantalising lala pot with the single serving Claypot Lala Mee Hoon (RM13.90). You can even choose your preferred carbs with options like thick mee hoon, thin mee hoon, Yangcheng rice noodles, and white rice. The dish features plenty of lala paired with the fiery broth, sure to delight your taste buds.
Those who visit in a group, consider the Signature Golden Soup (RM38), which includes 1kg of clams and is highly endorsed by the restaurant. For a spicy kick, try the Tom Yum Seafood Soup (RM48). In addition to clams, it comes with a seafood platter. Add the recommended Tiger Prawn (RM23.90) for a richer flavour in your soup!
33, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
+6011 5624 0785
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 12am
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8. QQ Lala Pot
Indulge in the Signature Lala Soup priced at RM38, featuring 1kg of clams. For a premium experience, opt for the unique broth infused with fish maw and morel mushroom, priced at RM98 per pot. The eatery offers an assortment of meats and vegetables to complement the broth, including options like Australian Beef Slice (RM20.90), Baby Octopus (RM16.50), Toman Fillet (RM18.50), Mushroom Platter (RM12), and more.
Don’t miss out on their popular Fried Chicken Wing (RM18.50), boasting crispy skin and tender meat. Pair it with a refreshing cup of Ice Lemon Tea (RM13 per jug) for a complete dining experience!
+6016 287 6484
Tue to Sun: 5pm – 12am
Closed on Mon
