When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot
Why Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot, located at 20 Smith Street in Singapore's Chinatown, is a renowned destination for hotpot lovers seeking an authentic and immersive Chinese hotpot experience. Originating from the Shapingba district of Chongqing, China—a region famous for its distinctive mountain landscape and fiery hotpots—this restaurant celebrates over a century-old tradition of spicy mala broth that has been passed down through generations. The restaurant boasts a charming West Sichuan courtyard-style ambiance, featuring grey brick walls, wooden tables and benches, intricately handcrafted wooden pavilions with dragon figures, and vibrant red lanterns that hang from high ceilings, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere that blends tradition with lively dining. Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot is distinguished by its meticulous selection of high-quality ingredients, including the rich use of butter, dried chili, and Sichuan peppercorns to create a deeply flavorful mala spice base. Whether you are gathered with friends or family, this casual dining spot offers a fulfilling culinary journey where diners can cook and savor fresh and authentic ingredients in their choice of signature broths. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 am, Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot is an inviting venue to enjoy vibrant conversations and shared meals around the warmth of a communal hotpot, making it an excellent place to meet up and savor traditional Chinese flavors together.
Here's what people think of Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot
As of recent, Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot holds a 4.5-star rating based on 369 reviews.
Across numerous reviews, Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot has garnered praise primarily for its authentic Sichuan and Chongqing-style hotpot, offering deep, spicy flavors that fans of mala cuisine particularly appreciate. Reviewers commend the restaurant’s quality ingredients, generous portions, and the well-balanced, richly flavored broths that showcase the original recipe passed down for over 100 years. Many also highlight the traditional, aesthetically pleasing decor which adds to the overall dining experience by creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. The friendly and attentive service has been mentioned as another strong positive aspect, making guests feel welcomed and well cared for. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the high popularity of the restaurant that occasionally results in long wait times during peak hours, which can affect the overall experience. A few reviewers also mention that the intense spiciness of the mala broth may not suit all palates, suggesting the need for milder options. Despite minor criticisms, the majority of reviews reflect a high level of customer satisfaction, underlined by a strong likelihood of repeat visits and recommendations. Overall, the reviews position Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot as a top choice for authentic, high-quality Chinese hotpot in Singapore, especially appreciated by those seeking a robust and traditional dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jiru Kazunari
Lovely aesthetically decorated spot for authentic hot pot! We were seated right away, the booths are somewhat private and have nice tall partitions. The waiters were mostly hands-off which is fine, we just ordered via the tablet but they often walked by so it felt like they were available should we need them. Don't forget to assemble your own dipping sauce at the sauce bar while you wait for the food to come out. Extremely generous portions, we ended up ordering way too much lol but everything was delicious! Spent about $50 for two people. Highly recommend their tomato based broth or the mushroom one. We keep talking about "next time"! 😁
Jennifer Nolen
First time ever dining at this type of restaurant. My husband and I really enjoyed the food and service. It was a little overwhelming to gobin blind without knowing what to do. But the staff was kind and answered all of our questions. We ordered to brother. One spicy and one mild. I usually like spicy food, but had to take a break. The spicy was spicy!💥🔥🔥 For meats we orded wages, garlic chicken, and shrimp. We ordered broccoli and noodles as well. Very tasty meal and great date night idea.
shushu
first time here for hotpot, really enjoyed it here. Vibes are vibing. the meat was really fresh. And the side dishes were good too. Overall my favorite hotpot place at chinatown. And the workers were super nice and helpful when I didn’t know anything. Always come back to check up on us.
C MD
This is our go to Hot-Pot restaurant in Chicago! We have been coming here for every major celebration because there's no other hot pot restaurants that can live up to this one! This is the place where you will find authentic Sichuan flavors, attentive service, friendly people, and such cultured and beautiful ambience. The prices are great especially for the quality! Love the sauce bar! Overall, a gorgeous-looking restaurant and a highlight in Chicago Chinatown that you MUST check out!!!🥳👍🏻🥂
Victoria Soto
Not my favorite hot pot experience. Many broth options but the sauce bar is an extra charge. Staff was overwhelming us from the moment we sat down, although all with good intentions. The interior is BEAUTIFUL. I highly recommend the watermelon water!
How to reach Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot
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Why Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot with your friends? Because it is a vibrant, welcoming venue that transforms the simple act of dining into a shared cultural and culinary adventure. This hotpot restaurant offers an engaging social dining experience that perfectly suits groups looking to relax, converse, and indulge in bold flavors together. Its authentic Sichuan-style hotpots bring the excitement of rich, aromatic broths simmering right at your table, inviting everyone to customize their meal according to individual tastes and spice tolerances. The lively atmosphere, coupled with attentive and friendly service, fosters a convivial environment where friends and families can bond over cooking their own food and experimenting with a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're craving intense mala heat or prefer milder, comforting broths like tomato or mushroom, Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot caters to all palates. This communal dining style naturally encourages interaction and laughter, turning a meal into an event. Additionally, the restaurant's stylish southwestern Chinese décor and ambient lighting provide a cozy yet festive backdrop, making it an ideal spot to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy quality time together.
What activities can you enjoy at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot? The primary activity is sharing the hotpot meal itself, which involves communal cooking and savoring a diverse array of ingredients right at your table. Guests can select from multiple authentic soup bases including the signature Traditional Spicy Soup, rich in flavor and heat, alongside tomato and mushroom broths that offer milder, soothing alternatives. Once the broth is boiling, diners take turns adding fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and specialty items like their unique Pork Meatball with Rose—a delightful, bouncy meatball bursting with flavor. The joy of hotpot is in the interactive order and cook process: everyone can pick what they want to try, customize dipping sauces from a selection including spring onion, garlic, chilli padi, and a fragrant house-made chili oil, and engage in friendly exchanges about cooking times and flavor combinations. Apart from savoring food, the setting encourages relaxed mingling over shared plates, making it perfect for conversations to flow naturally. For dessert or an additional twist, Shoo Loong Kan also offers innovative items like instant noodle bowls that capture the essence of hotpot flavors, ideal for those wanting a quick snack or to extend the dining experience. Overall, the activities center on culinary exploration blended seamlessly with social connection.
Why is Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot perfect for group meetups? The restaurant’s layout and menu design are particularly suited for groups, allowing diners to order half portions which encourage sharing without excess waste, suit multiple tastes, and keep costs reasonable. This flexibility helps groups explore a variety of flavors and ingredients together, making the meal inclusive for everyone. The spacious seating arrangements provide comfort for both small and larger groups, ensuring that conversations happen without feeling cramped or rushed. Additionally, the attentive service team anticipates the needs of groups, often providing proactive assistance such as readiness reminders before reserved times, and prompt replenishments of ingredients and soup broth so that everyone can enjoy an uninterrupted dining experience. The environment balances a lively atmosphere with just the right level of noise, creating a festive yet comfortable setting that stimulates engagement but still allows for meaningful dialogue. The combination of authentic, well-prepared food and attentive service frequently earns high praise from customers, some of whom visit regularly for social gatherings. For families, the range of mild broths and fresh ingredients caters well to varied dietary preferences, making it a thoughtful choice for multi-generational meetups. Overall, the restaurant’s focus on fresh quality food, customizable dining, and communal interaction makes it an ideal venue for bonding with friends or family over great food.
What makes the food experience at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot unique? This hotpot establishment prides itself on authentic Sichuan flavors that bring a genuine taste of Chengdu to the table. The signature spicy broth is made with carefully blended spices and beef tallow, creating a rich, robust taste that hits perfectly on the palate and leaves a memorable impression. Unlike many generic hotpot places, Shoo Loong Kan also offers a trio of broth choices in a single pot, accommodating different preferences simultaneously for a varied and exciting meal. Ingredients are fresh and of high quality, which patrons recognize from the succulence of meats like premium A5 beef slices, fresh seafood, and garden-fresh vegetables. Moreover, the unique offerings such as pork meatballs infused with rose demonstrate creative culinary touches that enhance the dining experience beyond standard hotpot fare. Their house-made chili oil, crafted from corn and sesame oil, adds distinctive fragrance and flavor to dips without overpowering the natural tastes of the cooked ingredients. This dedication to specialized, well-balanced flavors means guests enjoy both intensity and nuance in every bite. Such attention to detail in food preparation is a cornerstone of why diners return, appreciating both the fiery thrill and comforting richness in the menu.
How does the atmosphere and service enhance group outings at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot? The ambience expertly combines vibrant Chinese cultural motifs with modern dining comfort, featuring eye-catching red lanterns, artistic wall paintings, and a stylish southwestern Chinese interior that immerses diners in an inviting, festive environment. This decor creates a memorable dining backdrop that elevates the group gathering experience, making it feel special and authentic. Lighting is carefully designed to be warm without being overwhelming, encouraging a relaxed mood suitable for extended conversations and social interaction. Service at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot is consistently noted as excellent and attentive, with staff often praised for their friendliness, promptness, and ability to anticipate diners’ needs, even during busy periods. They assist with various aspects of the experience, from helping newcomers navigate the menu or broth choices to efficiently managing orders to minimize wait times. The restaurant’s willingness to accommodate reservations and send reminder texts prior to bookings reflects a customer-focused approach, especially valued by groups coordinating plans. Even during peak times, the staff maintain a professional, welcoming demeanor that enhances comfort and allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. This combination of inviting atmosphere and high-quality service makes every visit feel effortless and enjoyable for groups.
What practical features support group gatherings at Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot? The restaurant’s generous operating hours, daily from 11 AM to 6 AM, offer remarkable flexibility for meetup planning, whether for early dinners, late-night cravings, or weekend celebrations. Location-wise, it is convenient to reach with nearby parking options and public transport accessibility, easing logistics for groups coming from various parts of the city. Shoo Loong Kan also provides efficient reservation systems that streamline the booking process, reducing wait times especially on busy nights, which is a significant advantage for groups who value timely seating. The half-portion ordering option reduces food wastage and cost barriers, encouraging groups to try a wider selection of dishes without over-committing to large quantities. This approach makes it easier to satisfy diverse tastes within the group while keeping the overall dining budget reasonable. The spacious seating combined with an engaging dining format invites collaboration and easy sharing of food and conversation, while the well-maintained hygiene standards and dining comfort create a safe and pleasant environment. All these practical measures align to make Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot not only a delicious choice but also a convenient and thoughtful one for hosting memorable group occasions.