01-05-2025
New in Town: China's No. 1 charcoal BBQ opens 1st SEA outlet in Bugis
Xita Lao Tai Tai, China's Number 1 charcoal BBQ brand is said to be the Haidilao of the country's BBQ scene. The chain with over 600 outlets across China hails from Shenyang, and its Southeast Asian outlet has opened in Bugis!
The Singapore outlet is located on Level 4 of Bugis+, and the brand is in the process of expanding into other SEA countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Originating as a pushcart in Xita, Shenyang 20 years ago, the brand was started by a Korean lady affectionately dubbed Xita Lao Tai Tai (Xita old lady) by the locals. It's most well-known for its flavourful meats made based on her recipes cooked over a special Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue.
Using over 28 house-made marinades, the restaurant promises customers an incredible tasting experience with their tender seasoned meats. The charcoal also gives the meat a strong smoky aroma due its ability to produce a higher level of heat compared to normal stoves.
Xita Lao Tai Tai's signatures are the Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger (S$34.90, Member S$29.90) and Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate (S$27.90, Member S$20.90). Join the brand's membership to enjoy exclusive discounts on these dishes and more.
Served (and marinated) with chopped pineapple, the Pineapple Beef is thick and tender with a hint of tang. Meanwhile, the Beef Short Plate is fattier and softer with a faint sweetness.
Mix and dip these in the Signature Sesame Dip which contains 10 ingredients that include coriander and onions. It provides each slice with a fragrant nuttiness to match the savoury.
The leaner Flagship Feather Blade Steak (S$36.90, Member S$33.90) was thick and best eaten medium rare. Meanwhile, we found the Marbled Beef Short Rib (S$44.90, Member S$38.90) melt-in-the-mouth rich; it had a more obvious marbling and more fat.
Other beef dishes served by Xita Lao Tai Tai include the Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger (S$33.90, Member S$29.90) and Xita Specialty Sliced Beef Chuck (S$30.90, Member S$23.90). These were thinly sliced, tender and on the sweet side.
We also tried non-beef dishes like Special Marinated Pork Collar (S$35.90, Member 30.90) and Thick Cut Pork Belly (S$28.90, Member S$24.90). The former's high-fat content made it firm yet tender and juicy. It wasn't seasoned heavily, which meant the natural flavours of the pork were able to shine through with each bite. The Pork Belly's alternating ribbons of fat and meat on the other hand made it meatier than the Pork Collar.
Don't skip out on Xita Lao Tai Tai's non-barbeque dishes. If you're peckish for noodles, go for the Cold Buckwheat Noodles (S$16.90, Member S$13.90). The naengmyeon is super chewy and bouncy and accompanied by a refreshingly tangy chilled broth. Grab a cold drink such as the Lychee Squash (S$6.50) or the Iced Korean Tea (S$5.80) to counter the fiery charcoal heat.
Signature sides or liangcai/banchan (depending on which language you prefer referring to them with) like kimchi, mashed potato and lettuce are free-flow. You can also purchase additional side dishes like the Lady Finger with Pickled Chilli (S$9.90, Member S$7.90) and Cold Dressed Chicken (S$12.90, Member S$12.90). The Spicy Chicken Wings (S$14.90, Member S$12.90) is also a nice side snack with a spicy kick to elevate your meal.
Would you like to try Xita Lao Tai Tai, China's best charcoal BBQ brand?
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