If Hai Di Lao is China’s no. 1 hotpot brand, Xita Lao Tai Tai is China’s no.1 barbecue brand! The famous Chinese barbecue chain has opened its first Southeast Asian outlet in Singapore at Bugis+, offering a unique take with Korean-influenced barbecue.
Grand & Bold Interior
The restaurant is decorated in a striking orange and black theme. There are Chinese and Korean elements, from the pavilions decorating the high ceilings to the Korean words above its meat-cutting station.
The seating area can accommodate up to 120 pax, including two private rooms (6/8 pax, $888 minimum spend).
For some background, Xita Lao Tai Tai is from Shenyang, a region in China with a large Korean population. This explains the heavy Korean influence in the space and menu!
Their charcoal BBQ features a claypot base to keep the heat better and includes an in-built exhaust to keep smells minimal.
Xita Lao Tai Tai Menu
The menu features over 20 meat options across beef, pork and chicken. You can check out their full menu here!
Their signature is the Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger ($34.90/150g) and Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger ($33.90/140g), featuring a tender cut between the rib bones.
Other marinated cuts include the Marinated Pork Collar ($35.90/140g) and Secret Marinated Chicken Chop ($24.90/180g).
They specialise in marinades so there are not many non-marinated meat options. The choices include a Xita Speciality Beef Chuck ($30.90/130g) and Premium Marbled Beef Short Rib ($46.90/120g).
For sides, the selection spans from Chicken Bulgogi Rice Bowl ($13.90) to Sweet & Spicy Chicken Feet ($12.90/4 pcs) and even Baked Corns with Cheese ($9.90).
No barbecue is complete with alcoholic drinks and you can choose from a Somaek Tower ($88/3L), Jinro Highballs (from $10) or non-acoholic slushies.
Beef 
We tried six beef cuts, starting with the Xita Speciality Sliced Beef Chuck ($33.90) and Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate ($27.90), which is fattier.
The meat quality is good! Both cuts were fresh with a balanced mix of meat and fat, especially the Short Plate. The charcoal grill gave a crisp to the fat while keeping it tender.
We also recommend getting the Flagship Featherblade Steak ($36.90), which was meaty and satisfying. If you want to splurge, the Marbled Beef Short Rib ($44.90) is also a good choice.
Our pick for marinated meat would be the Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger ($34.90). The fruit added a nice sweetness that tenderised the meat, giving it a unique taste!
The Special Marinated Beef Rib ($33.90) had a familiar soy sauce flavour that was milder but caramelised well on the grill.
Pork
The Thick Cut Pork Belly ($28.90) is a barbecue classic and theirs did not disappoint. The cut is on the thinner side but still gave a good bite. We recommend letting it cook longer for a better crisp on the outside.
We couldn’t taste the marinade on the Special Marinade Pork Collar ($35.90), which was a pity because it had an enjoyable fattiness.
Sides
From the sides we tried, the recommendations are the Cold Dressed Chicken ($12.90) and Lady Finger with Picked Chilli ($9.90).
Both dishes had a vinegary, spicy dressing that whet our appetites!
Their Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($16.90) were sweeter than its Korean counterpart, but retained the same chewy noodles and refreshing broth. It went great with the grilled pork belly.
Bonus: Up to 9% Cashback With Xita Membership
If you join as a Xita Member, you can enjoy privileges like discounted member prices on items, up to 9% cashback and even special set menus!
Membership tiers – Gold, Platinum, Diamond – are unlocked by total spend, which includes e-wallet top-ups.
Clay Stove Charcoal BBQ In Bugis
Xita Lao Tai Tai brings a refreshing take on the usual charcoal BBQ with a recognisable Korean influence but unique Chinese twist. With its large selection, attentive service and lively ambience, it’s an interesting addition to Bugis!
Check out more China-based restaurants in Singapore:
- Shu Da Xia: Sichuan Hotpot In Tampines With Trio Hotpot Broths At $18, Mala Beef & More
- Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine: Popular Hunan Food With 18-Second Beef Stir-Fry & Some Of The Best Rice Around
- Yao Yao Sauerkraut Fish: Famous Suan Cai Yu Now In Singapore With Combo Flavours & XXL You Tiao
Xita Lao Tai Tai
201 Victoria St, #04-06 Bugis+, Singapore 188067
Open daily. 12pm-3pm, 5pm-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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