Those craving warmth but still not getting it with the weather can instead turn to getting it in a simmering and sumptuous hot pot meal.
With so many new hot pot places opening up recently, Xiaolongkan is still an old favourite that offers a culinary adventure that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
Step into Xiaolongkan in Ellerslie and you feel you’ve been teleported to somewhere back in China with how its interior has been done up. From the tables, chairs and walls - everything is reminiscent of old China. It’ll make you feel like you’re in Sichuan for the night.
For an even more immersive experience, the rare face changing performer makes his appearance at dinner most Saturdays. Face changing, or Bian Lian (变脸), is a captivating ancient Chinese performance art, often associated with Sichuan opera, where performers change their masks at the blink of the eye. Dressed in elaborate costumes, the artist reveals a new face—each one representing different emotions or characters—by swiftly switching masks in a matter of seconds, almost as if by magic.
For those new to having Chinese-style hot pot, owner Jing Wei has made it easy by offering sets so you don’t have to navigate through the complexities of ordering from a menu that could be quite intimidating for newbies.
Choose from the New Hotpot Recommendations where it already comes with various ingredients and you can still add on.
Alternatively , choose from non spicy soup bases such as tomato and spicy mala and order an assortment of premium meat like wagyu beef (and yes there are lots of more exotic cuts) or ocean seafood such as abalone, king prawns and scallops.
Vegetable options include lotus root, bok choy, shiitake, enoki mushrooms as well as beancurd skins.
You can choose to split the broth into two or even three different flavours.
The dipping sauce is an integral part of the hot pot experience in Xiaolongkan. If unsure on how to mix it, Jing Wei or his staff will be happy to assist. You just need to tell them your taste preferences.
There are also several private rooms you could book for your dinner if you prefer a more private space if it’s for a special occasion.
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot Ellerslie
8/666 Great South Road, Ellerslie
Phone: 09-525 1329
