The Singaporean palate can definitely tahan spicy food, so it’s no surprise that the mala hotpot trend caught on so quickly and became a favourite.
While the sizzling Szechuan spices coupled with that tingly sensation might sound a little intimidating, the combo is an absolute delight for your tastebuds. There’s no going back once you’ve tried it!
Looking for the perfect spot to spice up your weeknights? You’re in for a treat.
Located at Serangoon Gardens, 重庆烤鱼 Chong Qing Grilled Fish is a popular dine-in restaurant that serves up signature dishes from the Chong Qing province. Diners can expect authentic Chinese cuisine with a great deal of spice.
The joint stays open till 2am, so you can definitely add this to your list of go-to supper spots.
With super spicy dishes on the menu, you can thankfully dine in comfort with air-conditioned indoor seating. The Singapore weather is bad enough even before you stuff yourself with mala.
Get right to the good bit and start with the Signature Charcoal-Grilled Fish Hotpot. You get to choose from four different types of fish, seven tantalising flavours and a long list of assortments to go with your broth.
We settled for the Small Golden Snapper in Spicy Fragrant Broth ($36) with Luncheon Meat (+$4.80) and Quail Eggs (+$4.80).
They really weren’t kidding about it being fragrant! The aroma of the spicy broth will hit you even before the dish reaches your table. Be warned – it’s SPICY.
The highlight of the dish was the tender fish that was grilled to perfection. The fish was slightly crisp on the outside but moist and juicy on the inside.
You would expect the grilled fish to come apart, having soaked in the broth for quite some time as you feast. But you’ll be surprised that the meat holds up pretty well without flaking.
Oh, and don’t be put off by the crimson red broth in the hotpot. The piping hot stew was delightfully light and non-greasy, unlike many other types of Chinese cuisine.
Not ready to handle all that spice? Just let the friendly servers know when you order and you’ll get to choose your spice level.
If you’re looking for other mouth-watering dishes packed with a punch, you’ll be glad to know that the restaurant offers quite a selection on the menu. One of my personal favourites would be the Dry Pot Bull Frog ($19).
Feel the tingling mala sensation on your tongue as you dig into the intense flavours of the succulent frog meat, stir-fried potatoes and lotus root. This is one dish that’ll definitely give you the spicy numbing effect.
Do note that this dish might be a tad too spicy for those who aren’t used to all that heat.
Otherwise, give the French Beans with Minced Pork and Dried Chilli ($11) a go. You know french beans are cooked to perfection when you can feel the light crisp as you munch on them.
Savour the subtle sweetness of the beans paired with savoury mince and the restaurant’s signature spice.
How about ending your meal with something refreshing to soothe the fire that you’ve set on your taste buds? Pick from the colourful selection of mocktails to quench your thirst. Trust me, you’re going to need it.
The Ambra Juice with Sour Plum ($5.80) is one unique drink that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. The ambarella, commonly known as buah long long, gives off a tart flavour similar to that of a starfruit.
Topped with a sour plum, your palate is in for a refreshing cleanse.
Perhaps the Purple Paradise ($4.80) might interest you instead with its striking colours. The piquant flavour of the grape mixed with fizzy soda and topped with a dash of mint is a simple concoction for a thirst quencher that surely does the trick.
I for one, was definitely blown away by all the spices. Chong Qing Grilled Fish is certainly the place for adventurous foodies looking to spice things up and turn it up a notch.
Head there with your friends for supper and challenge each other to a spicy food face off!
Expected damage: $30 – $45 per pax
