Live It Up Like You’re In Hao Lai Wu – Enjoy Steamboat And BBQ In Lit Crystal Pots Till 3AM
There’s something to be said about Singaporeans’ devotion to a good, hearty steamboat or BBQ.
Clearly, this is something Hao Lai Wu recognises because they offer both steamboat and BBQ simultaneously, along with one of the widest arrays of ingredients we’ve seen in a single space.
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The mother lode[/caption]
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Sauce galore![/caption]
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Choose your own side, from kimchi to french fries[/caption]
Located at 8 Sago St, this shopfront is conveniently located next to the famous landmark, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. A spot that’s hard to miss, you and your friends won’t have any trouble finding each other at this place.
To cater to all of us Singaporeans whenever hunger strikes, the owners of Hao Lai Wu insist on keeping their store open from 11am – 3am daily! Up and hungry at ungodly hours? Hao Lai Wu’s got you covered!
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This place looks like something out of a Hong Kong film in the 70s[/caption]
We loved the charming, lived-in atmosphere permeating the entire shop.
From the moment the DiscoverSG team stepped in, we were taken with the lively, boisterous crowd, the communal cooking over steamboat bowls and BBQ grills, and the cheerful eating of family and friends.
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So much food to choose from![/caption]
Here, you can choose from 6 different soup bases: Mala, Tom Yum, Tomato, Chicken, Salted Veggie and Pork Bone.
We went with the house special, Mala soup, as well as Chicken soup. The main reason why we ordered the chicken soup was so we had a simple soup base that would allow us to properly appreciate the freshness of the ingredients served here.
Hao Lai Wu provides its customers with a wide range of fresh ingredients, sides, and sauces. It prides itself in its authentic Chinese cuisine, from the spices they put into their Mala soups to the drinks they import directly from China.
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The Honey Pomelo juice was surprisingly refreshing[/caption]
We settled down on the re-purposed oil drums and found that they came with detachable seat covers you could lift, to reveal a storage space for your bags or any knick-knacks you were carrying! With your belongings safely stowed away, the only thing you need to focus on is the mouthwatering food before you!
We were given an incredibly warm welcome with a crazy influx of dishes.
We had cute fishcakes…
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Adorable mouse-like fishcakes[/caption]
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That’s mock shrimp! Fooled you, didn’t it?[/caption]
marinated meats…
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Meat, anyone?[/caption]
an understated but heavenly dish of fried mantous…
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Warm, crispy mantous[/caption]
and a TON of seafood.
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Seafood[/caption]
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Just look at this crab![/caption]
And I mean a TON, because when all the food was brought out, this was what our table looked like:
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Half of these are seafood[/caption]
Someone even cooked an omelette for us on the spot as the food was on its way out! Filled with delicious, juicy sprigs of green onion, red chillis, and tiny morsels of mock crab meat, we loved every last bite of it.
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We had omelette made for us on the spot![/caption]
Being able to eat with a whole group of people, cooking and serving one another for 2-3 hours straight, and being given 3 different ways to cook your food (Mala steamboat, Chicken steamboat and BBQ), this is definitely a great place to gather with family, loved ones and friends.
As we said our goodbyes with expanded tummies and hearts, we left with 3 takeaways:
1. Come to Hao Lai Wu HUNGRY. You won’t survive if you’re simply peckish.
2. The Mala is truly delicious, and will leave you sweating as you reach for more.
3. The Mala soup should only be attempted by spicy food lovers. If you’re afraid of McDonald’s chilli sauce, you may want to pass on the Mala.
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Seriously, $1.95/100g is a steal[/caption]
If you’re looking for a new supper, dinner or lunch spot to have your next family or friend gathering, why not try Hao Lai Wu? We guarantee it’ll be worth your while, leaving you happy and satisfied both in the tummy and the heart.
Hao Lai Wu
Address: 8 Sago St, Singapore 059012
Operating Hours: 11am – 3am daily
Contact no.: 6221 0065
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