There is an abundance of hot pot restaurants in Singapore but how often do you come across one that offers individual pots for diners with varying preferences.
Well, at JPOT, you’ll get to choose from a range of several different soup bases and pair them with all sorts of ala carte menu items with everything from meat and vegetables to seafood and even ready-made dim sum dishes.
Located at VivoCity, JPOT is housed in a spacious spot overlooking the Sentosa boardwalk so those sitting near the glass windows can enjoy the view outside whilst digging into their hotpot.
Instead of calling for the servers, diners can place their orders through tablets that are stationed at each table and select food items as and when they like. The built-in induction stoves also allow the hot pots to be kept warm throughout the entire course of the meal.
If you’re looking for something other than the regular rice bowls or instant noodles, get the Silky Porridge ($4.80 per pax -limited till September) for a change. The smooth consistency of the porridge was really enjoyable and light on the palate and can also be paired with almost any ingredient. However, do note that is only available till the end of the month.
For a localised flavour, try the Bak Kut Teh Hot Pot ($7.80 per pax). This was just as good as the ones you’d find at hawkers and comes with a fragrant smelling broth that has been boiled over with garlic cloves and pork bones.
Aside from the pork ribs that are already present in the Bak Kut Teh base, there are also countless of other meat options that are available for order on the menu. The fresh meat slices are guaranteed to complement the peppery soup and whet your appetite for the rest of the meal.
Initially introduced as a National Day special, the Chilli Crab Hot Pot ($19.80) was so popular that it is now a mainstay on the menu. Meant for one person, this set consists of a live crab (300-500g) and several deep-fried mantous that are just incredibly delicious.
If these ingredients aren’t enough for you, opt for the Seafood Platter ($58.80) to pair with the crustacean-based broth. The platter comes packed with live prawns, fish slices, handmade fish and prawn balls and sliced squid.
Smother each of these seafood ingredients in the tangy and sweet broth and allow it to cook for a few minutes to absorb all the flavours from the pot.
What’s interesting about this is that you get to turn the soup into gravy towards the end of the meal by whisking the eggs and cornstarch provided. Once the broth starts to thicken, you’ll have a nice dipping sauce for your mantous!
While I assumed that chilli crab base would be too jelak after awhile, this rendition actually surprised me as it managed to be thick yet not overwhelming.
Of course, the hot pot experience isn’t complete with a buffet of various condiments such as spring onion, radish, chilli padi, sesame seeds and more to pair with the different sauces available at the counter.
While individual pots might take away from the joys of communal dining, it allows diners to personalise their hot pots to suit their own taste buds.
So, if you’d like to be your own chef and customise your broth with any ingredient your heart desires, head on over to JPOT for a slurping good time!
Expected Damage: $30++ per pax
