Guo Jin Hotpot – Hidden Gem Serving Up Nostalgic Hotpot Experience in Bukit Merah Industrial Canteen

Nestled within an industrial canteen in Bukit Merah, Guo Jin Hotpot, the latest venture by MasterChef Singapore finalist Aaron Wong, offers a no-frills, comforting home-style steamboat experience.

Guo Jin, which translates to “extreme pot” in Mandarin, is cleverly named after the legendary character Guo Jing from Louis Cha’s The Legend of the Condor Heroes. Sharing the space with Aaron’s wonton mee stall, Legend Wanton Mee, Guo Jin creates an unpretentious dining atmosphere reminiscent of a family gathering on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

One of the standout features of Guo Jin is its singular soup option: a rich and incredibly flavorful tonkotsu broth. Unlike many hotpot restaurants that offer a multitude of broth choices, Guo Jin focuses on perfecting this one broth, and the result is outstanding. The tonkotsu broth, which is simmered since morning, develops a deep, savory flavor that is both tasty and addictive.

The basic set for two includes a well-rounded selection of fresh vegetables, seafood, and marinated pork belly. Additional items such as marinated beef and chicken are available too, allowing diners to customize their hotpot to their liking. The food and location reminded me of One Pot, the hotpot stall near Kallang Stadium.

The meats were particularly memorable. All well-marinated, they were tender and soaked up the flavors of the broth beautifully. I enjoyed the Specialty Shabu Shabu. Unlike the thinly-shaved versions commonly found in hotpot franchises, the meat here is thick and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Don’t miss the homemade prawn paste and minced pork, and remember to order the egg noodles — the same ones used in Legend Wanton Mee. Cook them for just a minute get that slightly QQ texture. The noodles absorb the rich flavours of the broth, while maintaining their delightful chewiness, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to the meal.

Guo Jin also offers seasonal specials such as White Hainanese Chicken ($6.50) and White Pomfret ($10). No hotpot experience is complete without an array of condiments. The range includes seafood chilli, vinegar, coriander, garlic, and a house-made chilli that is thick with a slight tang. The selection is enough for diners to DIY their dipping sauces.

I appreciate the no-frills approach of this hidden gem in an industrial canteen in Bukit Merah. Plus, there’s ample parking space and an outdoor seating area adorned with fairy lights, making it feel like a hidden oasis within the bustling cityscape. Just watch out for mosquitoes and bring some insect repellent.