There’s a new hotpot spot to check out! MAO MASTER, located in Bugis Junction, specialises in personal hotpots that allow you to choose your own soup base and ingredients. It draws inspiration from Chengdu hotpot culture, offering a unique take on usual hotpot experiences here.
Warm & Inviting Ambience
MAO MASTER has a casual and inviting space. The interior features natural elements, with wooden chairs and tables crafted from bamboo poles. These materials create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
It’s decorated with playful touches of Sichuan culture like adorable panda plushies and ceiling banners, reflecting the restaurant’s connection to Chengdu.
MAO MASTER Hotpot Menu
You can customise your bowl with over 70 different ingredients! Choose from various fresh vegetables like sweet cabbage, seafood options such as prawns and octopus, and meats like pork belly, spicy frog, and spicy spare ribs.
They offer four soup bases: spicy red soup, tomato, sour and hot and bone broth.
The Spicy Red Soup is available in four spice levels, like mala! It goes from “微辣“ (slightly spicy) to 中辣” (medium spicy) and “特辣” (extra spicy) for bolder palates. If you’re a little spice-averse but still want to try the soup, they also have a milder “微微辣” (mildly spicy) option.
Apart from their hotpot, they also offer Dry Pot 干锅 with items like their Dry Pot Fat Intestine and Shrimp 干锅肥肠虾 ($38.80), Paper Wrapped Fish 纸包鱼 in Garlic 蒜香 ($38.80), Pickled Pepper-Spicy 泡椒-中辣 ($38.80).
For sharing dishes, they have Small Dish 小碗菜 like Quail Egg 鹌鹑蛋, Shrimp Paste 虾滑, and Sour Spicy Vermicelli 酸辣粉 at $8 each.
Apart from their mains they also have a refreshing selection of handmade drinks! Choose from Passion Orange Juice 百香柳橙, Rose Blueberry 玫瑰蔓越莓, or Rose Grape Juice 玫瑰葡萄, at $5.80 each.
Spicy Red Soup 经典红汤冒菜
We tried their signature Spicy Red Soup 经典红汤冒菜 ($3.98 per 100g).
We opted for the “微辣” (slightly spicy) option, and it still had a kick! The flavorful soup base packs a punch, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Overall, we found the ingredient quality pretty good! The proteins we had – chicken, pork belly, prawn and octopus – were fresh and tender. The octopus had a pleasantly firm texture, and the shrimp were plump and paired well with the soup base.
Mala-Extra Spicy Paper Wrapped Fish 香辣-大辣
We tried the Mala-Extra Spicy Paper-Wrapped Fish 香辣-大辣 ($38.80), a great option for sharing with 2-3 people. The fish was fresh and came in a good portion size!
It included bean sprouts, black fungus and potato slices which soak up the addictive mala sauce. The spice level was definitely spicy but manageable, and the Mala flavour was fragrant. Overall, a tasty and exciting dish for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Small Dishes
Tribute dish 贡菜
The Tribute Dish 贡菜 ($8) features strips of lettuce that are rehydrated in a spicy, vinegary dressing. It provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. The texture is light and refreshing, with a hint of spice from the seasoning. It’s similar to a crisp green bean soaked in a mild spice that complements the natural flavour of the lettuce, which opened our palates for the other dishes.
Shrimp Paste 虾滑
The Shrimp Paste 虾滑 ($8) had plump bite-size pieces and offered a subtle, pleasant spice that accentuated the rich, meaty texture of the shrimp. Although it wasn’t mind-blowing, it was a satisfying starter that paired well with the other dishes!
Stewed Dishes
Duck Tongue 鸭舌
The Duck Tongue 鸭舌 ($6) was a unique and interesting dish. It’s not commonly found here which makes it something fun to try! While the tongue is naturally less meaty, it has a deep flavour from the marination process.
Duck Gizzard 鸭肝
Duck Gizzard 鸭肝($6) had a slightly chewy texture, without being tough. Some pieces even had a subtle crunch on the exterior! If you’re someone who enjoys texture, this dish is up your alley.
Beverages
We tried their handmade Lychee Watermelon Juice ($5.80) and Passion Pineapple Juice ($5.80). Both offered a refreshing burst that soothed the heat. While the syrup was on the sweet side, it didn’t overpower the natural fruit flavours. The drinks served as a palate cleanser in between bites and offered a cool, light break from the spice.
Promotions
They’re currently having a grand opening promotion with individual hotpot ingredients for only $2.98 per 100g (U.P $3.28)! While stock last.
Personalised Hotpot In Bugis Junction
MAO MASTER offers a unique hotpot experience with a comfortable ambience, perfect for a memorable dining experience with friends. The restaurant offers a delicious way to explore Sichuan flavours in a fun and social setting!
@middleclass.sg All our faves in one pot! #sgfoodie #fypsg #sgtiktok #tiktoksg ♬ 清空 – IN-K/王忻辰、苏星婕
MAO MASTER
Bugis Junction #01-88, 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Open Daily: 10.30am to 10pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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