The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Steamboat at Home: What to Buy for a Delicious Hot Pot Feast
Steamboat at home is my favorite way to enjoy a hearty, communal meal. There’s nothing like dipping fresh ingredients into a bubbling pot of broth while chatting with loved ones. After many steamboat nights, I’ve perfected my shopping list—and I’m sharing it with you! From rich soup bases to seafood and noodles, here’s everything I buy, plus where to get it: supermarkets like Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, or your nearest store, and the unbeatable Geylang Serai Market for wet market bargains. I’ve even included a handy checklist you can copy and take shopping. Let’s make your next hot pot a hit!
Step 1: Start with the Broth - My Favorite Soup Bases
Every steamboat needs a killer broth, and I rely on these three trusty options:
- Haidilao Paste ($3-$5): Grab it at Sheng Siong or FairPrice. I love the spicy mala for a fiery kick.
- Pork Soup Base ($2-$3): Sheng Siong’s Lee Kum Kee pork bone broth is rich and affordable—add ginger for extra oomph.
- Don Don Donki Collagen Soup ($6-$8): Available at Don Don Donki stores, this creamy base is pure indulgence.
Where to Buy: Sheng Siong, NTUC Fairprice for Haidilao and pork soup; Don Don Donki for collagen soup. Pick two for a dual-pot setup!
Step 2: Shop the Supermarkets (Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, or Nearest Store)
Supermarkets are my go-to for convenience and variety. Here’s what I grab from Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, or any nearby store:
- Iberico Sliced Pork ($9-14 for 200/250g): Thin cuts for quick cooking.
- Chicken (Cubed) ($3-$5/300g): Fresh thighs, chopped into bites.
- Fish Balls ($2/pack): Plain or cheese-filled—so versatile.
- Pork Balls ($2.50/pack): Juicy and savory.
- Crab Sticks ($1.50/pack): Budget-friendly fun.
- Fu Chou Balls ($3/pack): Fermented tofu balls for a twist.
- Chives Dumplings ($3-$4/pack): A flavorful surprise.
- Sausages ($2-$3/pack): Slice for a smoky kick.
- Liang Tofu (Tofu Skin) ($2/pack): Crispy then soft in broth.
- Tofu ($1/block): Silken or firm—can’t go wrong.
- Taukee (Tofu Puffs) ($1.50/pack): Soaks up soup like a dream.
- Quail Eggs ($2/pack): Boil first, then add.
- Kangkung, Spinach, Tang Oh, Broccoli ($1-$2/bunch): Fresh greens galore.
- Baby Corn, White Corn, Corn on the Cob ($1-$2): Sweet crunch—slice cobs into chunks.
- Button, Straw, or Any Mushrooms ($2-$3/pack): Mix it up!
- Seaweed ($1-$2/pack): Umami boost.
- Yellow Noodle, Udon, Glass Noodle ($1-$2/pack): Perfect for slurping up leftover broth.
- Abalone ($10-$30/small can)
- Fish Maw ($10-$15/100g): Silky texture for soup.
- Tom Yum Sauce ($2-$3): Spicy dipping or broth boost.
- Chili Sauce ($1-$2): Mix with soy for a classic dip.
Where to Buy: Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, or your closest supermarket. Frozen aisles for balls and noodles; fresh sections for meats and veggies.
Step 3: Hit Geylang Serai Market for Fresh Seafood
For the freshest, cheapest seafood, Geylang Serai Market is my top pick. Liang tau fu, you can get at Kovan Market. Of course, you can get at your nearer wet market. For seafood, get fresh seafood instead of frozen, the taste is totally different.
- Muscle ($4-5/kg)
- Prawns ($10-$15/kg): Get them deveined for ease.
- Squid ($6-$10/kg): Slice into rings—chewy perfection.
- Crab ($12-$18/kg): Cleaned and chopped by the vendor.
- Lala (Clams) ($5-$8/kg): Soak to remove sand.
- Crayfish ($20-$25/kg): A rare find—grab it if you see it!
- Sliced Fish ($8-$12/500g): Grouper or snapper shines in broth.
Where to Buy: Geylang Serai Market or nearby market—go early (before 9 AM) for the best haul. Bring cash!
Your Copyable Steamboat Shopping Checklist
Here’s my full list in one place—copy it, tweak it, and take it shopping:
- Soup Base: Haidilao Paste / Pork Soup Base / Don Don Donki Collagen Soup
- Supermarket Buys (Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, or Nearest Store):
- Sliced Iberico Pork
- Chicken (Cubed) - Same concept as chicken hotpot at Kovan
- Fish Balls
- Pork Balls
- Crab Sticks
- Fu Chou Balls
- Chives Dumplings
- Sausages
- Liang Tofu (Tofu Skin)
- Tofu
- Taukee (Tofu Puffs)
- Quail Eggs
- Kangkung / Spinach / Tang Oh / Broccoli
- Baby Corn / White Corn / Corn on the Cob
- Button / Straw / Any Mushrooms
- Seaweed
- Yellow Noodle / Udon / Glass Noodle
- Fish Maw
- Tom Yum Sauce
- Chili Sauce
- Abalone
- Wet Market Seafood:
- Prawns
- Squid
- Crab
- Lala (Clams)
- Muscle
- Crayfish
- Sliced Fish
Why This List Rocks
This is my tried-and-true steamboat lineup—seafood from Wet Market adds freshness, while supermarket staples keep it easy and affordable. A meal for four costs me $40-$50, way less than a restaurant bill. The variety—scallops to glass noodles—means everyone finds something they love.
Shopping Tips
- Supermarkets: Sheng Siong and NTUC FairPrice are my faves, but any nearby store works. Midweek trips dodge the crowds.
- Geylang Serai, Kovan, Lorong Ah Soo, Serangoon Market: Early mornings are prime time. Haggle a little—it’s part of the fun!
- Prep: Wash and chop everything beforehand so you can relax once the pot’s on.
Ready to Cook?
With this list, you’ve got everything for a steamboat feast at home. Simmer your Haidilao paste, toss in some prawns, and slurp those supermarket noodles—it’s pure bliss. What’s your must-have steamboat item? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for inspiration!
Kids and adult love it!
