小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi

Hot pot lovers are probably no strangers to Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Known for its signature tomato soup base, which is freshly simmered daily, the soup is made using premium Dutch tomato varieties alongside fresh tomatoes sourced from Cameron Highlands for a rich, naturally sweet flavour. The brand also serves hand-beaten prawn paste made without any added thickeners. Yan's Tomato Hotpot prides itself on using high-quality ingredients while offering an approachable and affordable hotpot experience that's perfect for everyday dining.

Displaying of Tomatoes at the Entrance

We were truly spoilt for choice at the DIY Sauce Bar, which offers a wide selection of sauces, condiments, herbs, and spices to customise your perfect dipping sauce. Fresh fruits are also included for a refreshing palate cleanser. If you're unsure what to mix, simply follow Yan's Signature Sauce Guide displayed above the counter, where recommended sauce combinations are provided for different flavour profiles.

Yan's Tomato Hotpot DIY Sauce Bar

We went for the signature Tomato Soup Base, made with premium Dutch tomato varieties and fresh Cameron Highlands tomatoes, paired with the nourishing Yunann Wild Mushroom Soup Base. The tomato broth was naturally sweet with a rich, tangy flavour, while the mushroom broth offered a light yet earthy taste that balanced the meal perfectly.

Our Soup Bases

One of the recommendations, the Sweet Potato Taro Balls, was a pleasant surprise. Each golden ball was crispy on the outside, giving way to a soft, chewy centre with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and taro. It's a simple yet satisfying side that's worth adding to your order.

Sweet Potato Taro Balls

The Boneless Fish Slices impressed us with both their presentation and quality. Beautifully arranged and completely boneless, they gave us confidence that the seafood was fresh. The fish remained tender, silky, and flaky after cooking, making it a great choice for the hotpot.

Fish Slices

The Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly immediately caught our attention with its beautiful presentation. It's no surprise this is one of Yan's Tomato Hotpot's sales champions and a table staple. Sourced from chestnut-fed pork, the meat has a subtle natural nutty aroma and a good balance of lean meat and fat. After just 30 seconds of cooking, it remained incredibly tender, juicy, and flavourful.

Spanish Chestnut Pork Belly

The Angus Grain-Fed Beef is a must-order for beef lovers. Grain-fed for a richer, milky aroma, the thinly sliced beef cooks in just 30 seconds, remaining tender, juicy, and beautifully marbled. It pairs exceptionally well with Yan's signature tomato soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the broth to complement the beef's rich flavour.

Angus Grain-Fed Beef

Don't miss the Pumpkin, one of the must-order vegetables at Yan's Tomato Hotpot. Naturally sweet and tender, the pumpkin becomes soft and creamy after simmering, soaking up the rich tomato broth beautifully.

Pumpkin

It's a simple ingredient that adds a comforting touch to every hotpot meal.

Pumpkin

A mixed vegetable platter is always one of our go-to orders during hotpot. It's our way of balancing out the meal while enjoying all the meats and seafood. This colourful platter comes with a generous selection of fresh vegetables, including baby corn, leafy greens, cabbage, purple sweet potato, and more, making it a wholesome addition to the feast.

Mixed Vegetables Platter

Something that immediately caught our attention was the Dragon Fruit Shrimp Paste. Its vibrant purple colour, naturally derived from dragon fruit, made it stand out from the usual shrimp paste. Beyond its eye-catching presentation, the hand-beaten shrimp paste was springy, bouncy, and packed with fresh shrimp flavour, making it as delicious as it was Instagram-worthy.

Dragonfruit Shrimp paste

We also tried the Bean Curd Skin, a hotpot classic that never disappoints. It quickly absorbed the rich tomato broth, becoming soft, silky, and full of flavour while still retaining a slight bite. It's a simple ingredient that pairs wonderfully with both the tomato and mushroom soup bases.

Beancurd Skin

Here's a look at our hotpot feast! We ordered a generous spread featuring Yan's signature tomato and mushroom soup bases, premium meats, fresh seafood, hand-beaten shrimp paste, vegetables, bean curd skin, and other hotpot favourites. Every ingredient was fresh, beautifully presented, and made for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Our Orders

End your hotpot meal on a sweet note with the complimentary free-flow desserts. During our visit, we enjoyed a selection of desserts, including grass jelly, red bean soup, and soy pudding. Guests can also help themselves to the free-flow soft serve ice cream, making it the perfect refreshing finish to a satisfying meal.

Desserts

Overall, Yan's Tomato Hotpot impressed us with its commitment to quality ingredients, from its signature tomato soup made with Dutch tomato varieties and Cameron Highlands tomatoes to its hand-beaten shrimp paste and premium meats. Coupled with the DIY sauce bar, complimentary desserts, and warm hospitality, it's an excellent choice whether you're planning a casual family dinner, gathering with friends, or simply craving a comforting hotpot experience. We will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.

小燕子番茄火锅 XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot @ Clementi
Location:  321 Clementi Ave 3, #02-10, Singapore 129905
Website

Qiji Traditional Fish Maw

Just last year, Chef Darwin shared with us during my visit to the Sim Lim Square outlet that they would be opening another outlet at Sunset Way. As Sunset Way is one of my frequent hangouts, I was excited to hear the news.

I recently dropped by the new outlet and noticed that the menu is slightly different from Cheeky's Signature at Sim Lim Square, offering diners a few new options to explore. It's great to see Chef Darwin bringing his creations closer to the west side.

Qiji Minced POrk Noodles

Their homemade drinks were special in their own way, served in disposable bowls instead of the usual cups. We had the Pink Guava with Sour Plum and the Water Chestnut with Longan. Both drinks came chilled with refreshing agar agar bits, adding a fun texture to every sip. The pink guava drink offered a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy flavours, while the water chestnut and longan combination was light, cooling and naturally refreshing.

Assorted Homemade Drinks - $3

Let's dive into their menu specials! Guess what we had first? The Teow Chew Seahum. We proudly belong to the "Ai Hum" team, so this was an easy order for us.

These fresh cockles were served with traditional condiments that complemented their natural flavour beautifully. They were delightfully bloody, juicy and packed with umami goodness. If you're a fellow cockle lover and don't mind enjoying them in their authentic style, this is definitely worth a try.

Teow Chew Seahum - $9.80

Next up was the Gong Gong, often regarded as the Chinese version of the French escargot. Served simply to let the freshness shine, these sea snails were firm, sweet and incredibly fresh. Best of all, there was no gamey taste at all. Just grab a toothpick and enjoy the natural flavours hidden within each shell.

Gong Gong - $9.80

Perhaps the most unique item on the menu was the Crocodile Ribs Soup. It's not every day that you come across crocodile ribs, making this a rather interesting find.

Served in a claypot, the soup was nourishing, comforting and naturally sweet. As for the meat, it was surprisingly tender and tasted very much like pork. In fact, if I hadn't been told it was crocodile, I would have easily mistaken it for pork ribs. A worthwhile order for those looking to try something a little different.

Claypot Nourishing Crocodile Ribs Fish Maw Soup - $28

The Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown, they were light and crispy without being overly oily. Each bite revealed a flavourful filling that paired perfectly with the crunchy exterior. Simple yet satisfying, this was one dish that disappeared from the table rather quickly.

Fried XL Shrimp Wanton (4pcs) - $480

The Roasted Cauliflower was something we don't usually order, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Cooked just right, the cauliflower retained a slight bite without being too hard. Lightly seasoned and full of natural sweetness, it made for a simple yet addictive dish that balanced out the richer items on the table.

Roasted Cauliflower - $4.80

For something more comforting, we had the Mixed Pork Fish Maw Soup paired with Pork Lard Pearl Rice. The soup came with both sliced pork and minced pork, creating a hearty and satisfying bowl.

The broth was sweet, flavourful and enriched with fish maw, while a touch of pepper added a gentle kick. 

Mixed Pork with Pork Lard Pearl Rice 综合猪肉猪油渣饭 - $6.90

The fragrant pearl rice, topped with crispy pork lard, complemented the soup beautifully, making this a comforting combination that is easy to enjoy.

Pork Lard Rice

We had the Cheeky Signature with Dry Bee Hoon, and this is probably the dish to order if you want a bit of everything. The hearty bowl came packed with prawns, fish maw, clams, minced meat, meatballs and more, making every spoonful a satisfying one.

The dry bee hoon was springy and well-seasoned, while the crispy pork lard added an extra layer of fragrance and texture. Paired with the rich and flavourful soup, this was easily one of the most complete and comforting dishes on the table.

Cheeky Signature with Bee Hoon (Dry) 

The lala clams were plump, fresh and cooked just right. Most importantly, they were free from any sandy grit, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. A simple ingredient, but one that added plenty of flavour to the already hearty bowl.

Clams 

One thing I appreciated was that the fish maw soup base is refillable, and every refill came with a friendly smile. To soak up all that rich and comforting goodness, we also ordered some you tiao, which paired wonderfully with the soup.

A special mention goes to their coriander peanut sauce, which added an extra layer of flavour to many of the dishes. With hearty food, attentive service and a few unique menu items, I certainly wouldn't mind returning again for another satisfying meal.

Orders

Qiji Minced Pork Noodle
Location: 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-62, Singapore 120106

TriCow Hotpot & BBQ Buffet 犇火锅烧烤自助

 Recently made a visit to Tricow at West Coast Plaza for their 100 Minutes Hotpot & BBQ Buffet, a spot that will definitely appeal to beef lovers and those who enjoy gathering over a hearty meal. 

Specialises in Beef

The buffet offers up to 20 types of beef alongside a wide variety of classic hotpot ingredients, making it a satisfying dining experience for both hotpot and BBQ fans.

Menu

Besides the extensive meat selection, the buffet line also includes BBQ skewers, fresh vegetables, cold dishes, snacks, drinks, and desserts.

Assorted Chinese Skewers

There was a good variety available, allowing diners to enjoy both heavier and lighter options throughout the meal. 

Cooked Food

Whether you prefer grilling meats over the BBQ or simmering ingredients in a comforting soup base, there is plenty to choose from.

Cooked Food

Guests can also customise their dining experience with 5 different soup bases and 4 dipping sauces available. 

Beef Bone and Tomato Broth Soup Base

These are charged separately from the buffet price, but they help elevate the overall flavours and make the meal more enjoyable.

Signature Sauce, Sesame Sauce, Special Chilli Sauce and Sacha Sauce

The buffet is priced at $38 for adults and $28 for children during both lunch and dinner sessions from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. Ladies can also enjoy a special Wednesday promotion where every 3 ladies dining will receive 1 free buffet (excluding public holidays), making it a great option for gatherings with friends and family.

Very Comfortable Settings of Tricow

Beyond the hearty buffet spread, Tricow also features a cosy and playful interior that adds to the dining experience. The space is decorated with adorable cow plushies and bright decorative elements, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for diners. The warm wooden accents and comfortable seating made it feel like a casual spot to relax and enjoy a comforting hotpot meal with friends and family.

A cozy dining space made even cuter with adorable cow plushies 

One of the highlights at Tricow was watching the staff expertly hand-slice fresh beef behind the counter, preparing thin and tender cuts made fresh upon order for the hotpot and BBQ experience.

Fresh Beef Hand-Sliced Upon Order at Tricow

An indulgent spread of freshly sliced beef featuring different cuts and marbling, served alongside bubbling hotpot broth and flavourful dipping sauces at Tricow.

Different Cuts a Marbling

Tricow also impressed with its wide variety of beef cuts, allowing diners to enjoy the different textures and flavour profiles from the various parts of the beef. From fattier cuts with beautiful marbling to leaner slices with a meatier bite, each platter offered its own unique taste when cooked in the hotpot or over the BBQ grill. The thinly sliced beef cooked quickly in the bubbling broth while still retaining its tenderness, making it easy to savour the natural richness and juiciness of the meat. For beef lovers, the buffet provided plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy different cuts throughout the meal.

A satisfying spread of different beef cuts at Tricow

Besides indulging in the wide variety of meats, we also made sure to balance the meal with selections from the vegetables section. The spread included fresh leafy greens, mushrooms, lotus root, radish, and potato slices which paired well with the hotpot broth. It added a lighter and more refreshing touch to the overall buffet experience while complementing the richness of the meats.

Adding some fresh vegetables to balance out the hearty hotpot feast. 

Of course, no hotpot session feels complete without the classic staple ingredients that everyone loves adding into the bubbling broth. From fish balls and dumplings to tofu pouches, crab sticks, and other comforting hotpot essentials, these ingredients added extra variety and texture to the meal. They soaked up the flavours of the soup beautifully and made the overall dining experience feel even more satisfying and comforting.

Classic hotpot staples that complete every comforting hotpot feas

For those who enjoy more adventurous hotpot ingredients, Tricow also offers beef tripe and beef tendon as part of the buffet selection. The beef tripe carried a pleasantly chewy and slightly crunchy texture after cooking in the broth, while the beef tendon became soft and gelatinous with a rich bite. 

Beef tripe

These classic hotpot favourites added more variety to the meal and paired especially well with the flavourful dipping sauces.

Beef Tendon

Not forgetting the handmade seafood paste selections too. Smooth, bouncy, and packed with natural sweetness a comforting hotpot essential that soaked up all the rich broth flavours beautifully.

Fish Paste

Shrimp Paste

Not forgetting the auspicious fortune bag in our hotpot feast. A symbolic ingredient believed to bring luck and prosperity, especially when enjoyed during gatherings. Soft, juicy, and fully soaked in the comforting broth, it made the meal feel even more hearty and satisfying.

Fortune Bag for Hotpot

Last but not least, we wrapped up the hearty hotpot feast with their homemade desserts. 

Refreshing White Fungus Soup

From the refreshing white fungus sweet soup to the cooling herbal jelly topped with sweet toppings, both desserts were light, comforting, and a satisfying end to the meal.

Herbal Jelly 

The hotpot experience was made even more enjoyable with the wide variety of ingredients, comforting broths, handmade seafood pastes, and delightful homemade desserts to end the meal on a sweet note. From premium meats to comforting staples and auspicious items like the fortune bag, every dish came together for a hearty and satisfying feast perfect for gatherings with family and friends.

TriCow Hotpot & BBQ Buffet 犇火锅烧烤自助 
Location: West Coast Plaza, West Coast Rd, #01-02  Singapore 127371
Website

$5 Western

$5 Western? That certainly sounds like a deal, especially nowadays when a decent plate of Western food at a hawker centre easily costs $7 to $8 or more. Curious about the value, we decided to check out this Halal-certified Western food stall in Clementi, where orders can conveniently be placed via a self-service kiosk. It definitely caught our attention as an affordable option in today’s rising food price scene.

Stall of $5 Western

The execution of the Chicken Chop was definitely to my liking. It came as a complete plate with coleslaw, fries, and a buttered bun, alongside the main slab of chicken chop. Despite its very attractive $5 price tag, both the taste and portion were not compromised. The chicken chop itself was well cooked, with nicely charred edges that added a slight smokiness. Topped with herbs and a savoury sauce, it elevated the overall fragrance and made the dish feel far more value-for-money than expected.

Chicken Chop - $5

Overall, this $5 Western stall in Clementi turned out to be a pleasant and value-for-money find. In today’s rising price climate, it is rare to find a plate that delivers both satisfying portion and taste without cutting corners. The chicken chop was well executed, and it certainly proved that affordable Western food can still be enjoyable. With several other items on their menu at equally attractive prices, I will definitely be back again to try more of their offerings.

$5 Western
Location: Chang Cheng Mee Wah. WuFu Coffee Shop, 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-157  Singapore 120354

Fried Carrot Cake

Finally back for Fried Carrot Cake after months of craving! Hit the queue as early as 7am on a weekend, but this time, a petite lady was single-handedly manning both woks, no familiar faces, yet the same delicious anticipation.

Fried Carrot Cake

Old habits never die. I went straight for the small Black Fried Carrot Cake. Aweeeesome! The sweet preserved veggies, egg, and black sauce, all kissed with wok hei, truly hit the spot and crushed my long-time craving.

Fried Carrot Cake (Black) - $4

If you are a fan of the classic white-style Fried Carrot Cake, skip the black sauce and go for this eggy, and full of wok hei goodness!

Fried Carrot Cake (White) - $5

Whether you like it black or white, fried carrot cake remains a timeless local favourite, comforting, flavourful, and always worth the queue.

Fried Carrot Cake
Location: Blk 448 Clementi Ave 3, #01-45, Singapore 120448