Food Picks: Sharing sets at Coucou Hotpot

Hotpot, traditionally a winter meal, is surprisingly popular in Singapore, a country stuck in perpetual summer. When the roiling heat drives people indoors, usually to chilly air-conditioned malls, it seems like the natural thing to do is head right for the boil again – only this time, it is contained in a pot on a table in front of you.

The go-to place for many Singaporeans is Haidilao or Beauty In The Pot. But if you cannot be bothered to wait in line, there are also slightly quieter options like Coucou Hotpot, which has outlets in i12 Katong, Suntec City and Jewel Changi Airport. 

This is Taiwanese-style hotpot in an elevated setting. Prices are slightly on the steeper side, so the chain has rolled out three promotional set menus. Inspired by the Chinese epic, Journey To The West, the Journey To Coucou pays tribute to three characters from the classic novel: Pigsy, the Bull Demon King and the Dragon King. 

You do not have to be a connoisseur of Chinese literature to enjoy the meal.

All you need to know is that each set is centred on a particular type of meat: pork ($99++), beef ($109++) and seafood like lobster, scallops and prawns ($119++), respectively. Each platter is accompanied by a vibrant basket of vegetables and feeds around three people.

I try the beef set, which pairs sukiyaki soup with bright crimson slices of shortplate, oyster blade and short ribs. The meat is fresh and tender, trimmed with a subtle sweetness when steeped in the sukiyaki broth. 

For something more indulgent, try the pork maw and chicken white pepper soup base, which comes with the pork set. Its light kick and milky consistency make for a warm, hearty meal and I think wistfully of winter as I prepare to head back into the blistering outdoors.

Guests can also help themselves to unlimited servings of free lu rou fan (braised pork rice), but bearing in mind the impending feast, you may want to exercise some restraint here.

Wash all the food down with a massive mug of da hong pao bubble tea ($5.80) – no taste of Taiwan is complete without the iconic beverage, after all.  

Where: Various outlets, including 04-05 i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road
MRT: Various
Open: 11am to 9.30pm, Sundays to Thursdays; 11am to 10.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays
Info:

@coucouhotpotsg

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