When the weather turns chilly and starts raining almost every day, it’s officially sweater weather season in Malaysia! Of course, having a warm meal on a rainy day is one of many life pleasures, and indulging in a hotpot meal is one way to do it.
While those living in the Malaysian highlands enjoy eating steamboat amidst a cooling climate all year round, those living in the lowlands will still go to great lengths to queue up for a filling hotpot meal despite the humidity (thank goodness for air conditioning!). Here are our picks for the best hotpot restaurants in Malaysia from different cuisines.
Malaysian
Ho Ho Steamboat
Ho Ho Steamboat prides itself on serving only the freshest catches from Pulau Ketam! You can enjoy an affordable, no-frills Malaysian steamboat dinner that doesn’t skimp on quality ingredients at their six branches nationwide. Their signature dishes are the QQ Beancurd that expands in size when boiled in the hotpot broth, handmade Wolf Herring fishballs, and fish noodles, and not forgetting the crème de la crème of steamboat ingredients — crab roe!
Japanese
Suki-ya (Halal)
At Suki-ya, you’ll get to enjoy an all-you-can-eat Japanese hotpot (also known as shabu-shabu)! With the free-flow for thin meat slices and their flavourful broth, it’s no wonder that this place is a hit amongst hotpot lovers. Their signature soup base is sukiyaki – made with sweetened soy sauce. It’s best enjoyed by dipping your meat slices in the soup to cook it, and then dipping it into a beaten raw egg for an explosion of sweet, salty, and tender all in one bite.
Wagyu More
Wagyu More also serves Japanese style shabu-shabu. But they take it up a notch by serving premium Black Angus beef, Japanese A5, and Australian Wagyu beef, and Spanish Iberico pork cuts. If you want to feast at Wagyu More, you’ll need to book your table at least a few days in advance as seats get snapped up fast! Not comfortable dining out yet? Get your fix delivered right to your home here.
Thai
Johnny’s Restaurant (Halal)
At Johnny’s Restaurant, steamboat is what they do best. There’s a reason why this 20-year-old hotpot franchise is adored by many Malaysians. They pride themselves on using ingredients free from preservatives and made from scratch. The must-try dishes to add to your hotpot meal are the beef and lamb cuts, spinach noodles, fish glue, and handmade meatballs. While you’re at it, don’t forget to try their house-made Suki Sauce made especially for dipping. Check out their menu here.
Moo-ka-ta
Moo-ka-ta serves mu krata, a popularised Thai-style grilled meat with hot pot all-in-one! What’s unique about mu krata, which means ‘pan pork’ in Thai, is the hot plate used to cook the cuts. The centre of the hot plate is made to be dome-shaped and is used for grilling meat. There are ridges in between the plate, and it catches the juicy goodness from the meat as it flows down the side of the hot plate, where a clear broth or tom yum soup is boiled. Pair your meal with a bottle of Chang and feast away! Give their menu a look before heading over.
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Sichuan Chinese
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot 小龙坎老火锅
If you love anything spicy that sizzles your mouth with each bite, mala hotpot (the incredibly spicy kind) is just what you need! Amongst the many mala hotpot eateries popping up around the country, Xiao Long Kan Hotpot takes the crown with its authentic rendition of Sichuan hotpot. Don’t fret if you can’t handle the heat – the tomato and mushroom broths taste fantastic too! Their must-tries are the Rose Meat Ball and Spicy Chilli Beef.
