We visited their NEX outlet in Serangoon to see if it lives up to the hype and, more importantly, if it offers real value for money.
What Makes A Hot Hideout Different?
A Hot Hideout isn’t just another mala stall. They’ve built a loyal following thanks to a few unique twists on the classic mala formula.
First, they operate on a pay-by-weight system for all ingredients. At a flat rate of $2.88 per 100g, you can mix and match meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles without worrying about premium charges for specific items. This transparency is a big plus for budget-conscious diners.
Second, they are famous for their rich, collagen-based broths, which are simmered for over 12 hours. This gives the soup a creamier, more luxurious texture than the typically oily broths found elsewhere.
Finally, their most viral offering is the selection of deep-fried ingredients and their signature scrambled eggs, which add a unique textural contrast to your meal.
The Menu: A Look at the Soups and Toppings
The ordering process is straightforward. You grab a bowl, fill it with your desired ingredients, and then choose your preferred cooking style and soup base at the counter.
Signature Soup Bases
You’re not just limited to the standard spicy-and-numbing broth here. A Hot Hideout offers several options:
Mala Collagen Soup ($2.50): The star of the show. A milky, rich, and well-spiced broth that delivers a satisfying kick without being overwhelmingly oily. Available in three spice levels.
Tomato Collagen Soup ($2.50): A great non-spicy option for those who prefer a tangy and savoury flavour profile.
Collagen Soup ($1.50): A simple, nourishing, and non-spicy bone broth.
Stir-Fry Options: For those who prefer the dry "mala xiang guo" style, you can choose from Mala Stir Fry ($1.50) or the non-spicy Oriental Stir Fry ($0.50).
The Toppings Bar
The ingredient selection is vast, featuring all the mala mainstays like thinly sliced meats, various mushrooms, tofu, and different types of noodles. However, the unique add-ons are what make the experience memorable:
Scrambled Eggs ($1.50): A must-try. A generous portion of silky, buttery scrambled eggs is ladled over your bowl, soaking up the flavourful broth and adding a creamy texture.
Deep-Fried Items: You can have ingredients like potato slices, lotus root, luncheon meat, and dory fish deep-fried to a crisp. These are served on the side, perfect for dipping into the soup.
The NEX Outlet: Vibe and Experience
Located in the basement of NEX, the outlet is convenient and usually bustling, especially during peak hours. The space is modern and clean, with a self-service concept. After paying, you're given a buzzer that alerts you when your massive bowl of goodness is ready for collection. Free-flow toppings like peanuts, spring onions, and coriander are also available to garnish your meal.
The Real Value Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
So, does A Hot Hideout offer good value? The answer is a resounding yes.
The flat-rate pricing model is fair and transparent. For a hearty meal for two, you can expect the bill to be between $25 and $30, which is very competitive for a mall-based eatery in Singapore. Because you pay by weight, you have complete control over your spending. If you load up on lighter ingredients like vegetables and noodles, you can easily have a filling meal for under $15 per person.
The unique offerings, like the flavourful collagen broths and the novel scrambled egg and fried toppings, elevate the experience beyond a standard food court mala. You’re getting a higher quality, more innovative meal for a very reasonable price.
Tips for a Value-Packed Meal
Go heavy on the veggies: Ingredients like cabbage, spinach, and mushrooms are light and will help you get more volume for your money.
Balance your bowl: Don't just load up on the heavy, deep-fried items. Mix them with lighter proteins and vegetables.
Share a large bowl: The portions are generous. Sharing a single, large bowl between two people is often more cost-effective than getting two smaller ones.
FAQ - Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is A Hot Hideout suitable for people who can't handle spicy food?
A: Absolutely. They offer three delicious non-spicy options: the Tomato Collagen Soup, the standard Collagen Soup, and the Oriental Stir Fry.
Q2: What are the must-try items at A Hot Hideout?
A: You can't leave without trying the Mala Collagen Soup and adding the signature Scrambled Eggs. The deep-fried potato and lotus root slices are also highly recommended for a unique crunchy texture.
Q3: How much should I expect to spend per person?
A: A reasonable budget would be between $12 to $18 per person for a very satisfying and filling meal, depending on the ingredients you choose.
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