Location: 604 Sembawang Rd, #02-24 Sembawang Shopping Centre, Singapore 758459
Sembawang Shopping Centre
Deep-fried mala hotpot with collagen soups and crispy ingredients, student-founded and fast-expanding.
Deep-fried mala hotpot with collagen soups and crispy ingredients, student-founded and fast-expanding.
A Hot Hideout brings its signature deep-fried mala experience to Sembawang Shopping Centre, offering a bold twist on the classic dry mala that has won fans across Singapore. Founded by students at NTU before expanding to multiple locations, this homegrown brand sets itself apart by deep-frying every ingredient—potatoes, lotus root, luncheon meat, dory fish, and fluffy scrambled eggs—instead of stir-frying, creating an irresistibly crispy crunch in every bite. Their Mala Collagen Soup, simmered for over twelve hours, adds a rich, aromatic depth that keeps diners returning for more.
Mala Collagen Soup
Digital menu board displaying various Mala dishes and ingredients. The main offer is $2.88/100g for all ingredients.
Menu
A digital menu displaying various soup bases, stir-fries, and signature ingredients with prices.
Mala Collagen Soup
A digital menu displaying various soup and stir-fry options with ingredients and prices. The main offering is priced at $2.88/100g for all ingredients.
Based on 1885 Google reviews
Based on customer ratings
Based on customer ratings
No negative reviews yet.
Hoon Hui Ling
I stopped by A Hot Hideout on level 2 of Sembawang Shopping Centre after errands and ended up staying longer than planned. The dining room is compact but comfortable, with clean tables, decent spacing, and good airflow, important for a spot …
Tan Jia Qi
haven’t been here in a hot minute and I went on a rainy day to get some cravings satisfied. the mala collagen broth that day wasn’t as good as I remember. I genuinely hope its just an one time slip up. also I remember getting 3 slices of fish but I only got 2 in the soup - it has happened for the first time just and I hope not again.
Low Wei Jie
Travelled all the way from the west just to try this famous mala and it truly lived up to the hype. Not oily at all, which I really appreciated. That said, a little heads-up: their medium spice level is seriously spicy 😅 My niece and I couldn’t quite handle it and asked if we could get a bowl of collagen soup, but it wasn’t available. Big shoutout to Celine, the shop assistant, who noticed we were struggling and kindly offered us complimentary water. Such a small gesture, but it made a big difference. Thank you for the warm, thoughtful service definitely left us with a great impression 🙌
Jasmine
I think it is quite average and I do not really understand the hype around it. The selection seems very ordinary, similar to other shops. The store does operate quite efficiently (and the business owners are smart and savvy) since they use a self-order kiosk for us to choose how we want the mala to be cooked, and it is very nice of them to not charge a service fee as well. Our total order was around 2.4 kg and the bill came to about $91 for 4 people with 2 drinks. We ordered the MLXG and the tomato collagen soup, and I preferred the tomato collagen soup over the MLXG (dry). I feel the fried lotus and potato are a bit overhyped. They look interesting, but that is about it. The cost is probably quite high for these because they are heavy. For the sauces, there is limited variety. The base is just a “special” peanut sauce with 3 additional spices and 1 “special” chilli powder. I do not find the peanut sauce or chilli powder special, and I feel they tried to overhype it. Overall, it is a decent place. I just feel I had higher expectations because of the hype. In fact, I would say it is the same mala as other places, and I actually prefer other major mala brands. P.S.: But the fried fish is very good tho!
Thiagarajan S
I don't eat mala. But this stall offers more than just mala. They go by weight. Not by customer’s weight though. As in they will weight how much you took. I took plenty of meat and ate like siao. The scramble egg is shiok. Will continue to support
A Hot Hideout @ Sembawang (SSC)
A Hot Hideout
The exterior of a restaurant called "A Hot Hideout" with prominent signage. The restaurant's slogan, "The Singaporean Kind of Mala," is also displayed. Inside, customers can be seen dining. Floral arrangements are placed outside the entrance.
A Hot Hideout
The exterior of a restaurant with a large neon sign that reads "A HOT HIDEOUT THE SINGAPOREAN KIND OF MALA". There are tables and chairs set up inside, and a queue area with a sign that says "DINE IN QUEUE". Another sign indicates "WE ARE OPEN" with operating hours.
A Hot Hideout
The exterior of a restaurant called "A Hot Hideout" with prominent signage. The restaurant specializes in "The Singaporean Kind of Mala." Inside, tables and chairs are visible, along with a food preparation area. A recruitment poster is displayed on the right side.
Restaurant Entrance with Ingredient Display
The exterior of a restaurant with a prominent sign reading "PICK YOUR INGREDIENTS". In front of the entrance, there are refrigerated display cases filled with various food items, including vegetables, meatballs, and noodles, suggesting a self-service or customizable meal concept. Another display case is visible to the right. A sign on an easel is also present.
A Hot Hideout Restaurant
A busy restaurant interior with a large sign above that reads "A HOT HIDEOUT THE SINGAPOREAN KIND OF MALA". People are queuing and dining inside. A recruitment poster is visible on the right side.
Meal with Drinks and Appetizer
A table setting with a large bowl of noodle soup, a side dish of fried lotus root and other items, a cup of iced tea, and a green beverage. A small dish with a dipping sauce and a spoon is also visible. A receipt and a Google review card are on the table.
Spicy Noodle Soup and Chips
A close-up shot of a bowl of spicy noodle soup with various ingredients like hot dogs, tofu, and vegetables, served alongside a bowl of crispy potato chips. Black spoons are visible in the foreground.
Restaurant Interior with Dine-In and Takeaway Signs
The image shows the interior of a modern restaurant. In the background, illuminated signs indicate
Fried Snacks with Meat and Tofu
A black bowl filled with crispy fried potato chips, pieces of fried tofu, and chunks of meat. The bowl has a logo on the side. Two black spoons and chopsticks are visible on the table.
Hot Pot Ingredients Display
A refrigerated display case filled with various ingredients for hot pot. The shelves are stocked with fresh vegetables like lettuce and bok choy, an assortment of mushrooms, tofu, seafood such as shrimp and scallops, various types of meatballs, and processed meats like sausages. The ingredients are neatly arranged in individual containers under bright LED lighting.
Partially Eaten Noodle Dish
A close-up, overhead view of a black bowl containing a partially eaten noodle dish. The dish appears to be a spicy stir-fry with noodles, meat, vegetables like bok choy, peanuts, and chili flakes. Some of the food has been consumed, leaving remnants in the bowl. The bowl has text on the inside rim, but it is mostly obscured. Another bowl with food is partially visible in the foreground.
Crispy Lotus Root and Potato Chips
A close-up shot of a black bowl filled with a generous portion of crispy fried lotus root slices and potato chips. The lotus root slices are thin and have a distinctive lacy pattern, while the potato chips are golden brown and irregular in shape. Some pieces of what appear to be fried meat or sausage are mixed in with the chips. The dish is presented on a white table, with blurred background elements suggesting a restaurant setting.
Hot Pot Meal
A top-down view of a table filled with various dishes, including several bowls of hot pot, a side of fried lotus root, a bowl of rice, and a drink. The bowls of hot pot contain a rich, orange broth with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and noodles. A small bowl of peanuts and a cup of iced tea are also visible. A receipt and a small menu or promotional card are on the table. The restaurant's logo, "A HOT HIDEOUT," is visible on the bowls.
Spicy Noodle Soup with Crispy Side
A close-up shot of a bowl of spicy noodle soup, topped generously with fresh cilantro. The soup has a vibrant orange-red broth with visible noodles and other ingredients. In the background, a smaller bowl contains a pile of crispy, fried food, possibly lotus root chips. The setting appears to be a restaurant table.
Malatang with Sides and Drink
A close-up overhead view of a bowl of malatang, a spicy Chinese soup, filled with various ingredients such as shrimp, pork, fish balls, tofu skin, corn, and peanuts, topped with fresh cilantro and green onions. To the left, a dark bowl contains a selection of fried snacks, including lotus root chips and fried tofu. In the foreground, a clear plastic cup is filled with a vibrant green iced beverage, likely matcha or a similar green tea drink. The meal is presented on a white surface, suggesting a restaurant setting.
Thai Iced Tea with Ice
A close-up shot of a plastic cup filled with Thai iced tea and ice. Two white straws are inserted into the drink. In the background, a bowl of food and a basket of fries are visible. A logo is visible on the side of the cup.
Spicy Noodles with Peanuts and Cilantro
A close-up shot of a black bowl filled with instant noodles. The noodles are coated in a spicy red sauce and topped with peanuts, kimchi, and fresh cilantro. Some pieces of what appear to be tofu or fried dough are also visible.
Restaurant Signage
A sign with the hashtag #best, followed by Chinese characters and "inSG". Flames are depicted above the Chinese characters.
Restaurant Interior
The interior of a restaurant with red booth seating and tables. The ceiling has a decorative red lattice pattern with white LED lighting. Large windows overlook an outdoor area. Several patrons are seated at tables.
Spicy Noodle Soup with Pork and Egg
A close-up, overhead view of a steaming bowl of spicy noodle soup. The soup is a vibrant orange color and filled with various ingredients. Visible components include thinly sliced pork, instant noodles, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, and a generous portion of scrambled egg on top. A single shrimp is also visible on the right side of the bowl. The dish is served in a black, wide-rimmed bowl.
Spicy Soup and Fried Meat Slices
A close-up overhead view of a bowl of spicy soup with various ingredients, including what appear to be fish balls, vegetables, and noodles. To the left, a smaller bowl contains several slices of fried meat, possibly spam or ham, cut into triangular shapes. The dishes are placed on a white table.
Assortment of Asian Dishes and Drink
A top-down view of a table laden with various dishes and a drink. In the foreground, a bowl of crispy fried lotus root chips and other fried snacks is visible. To the left, another bowl contains fried snacks and a reddish item. The center features a steaming bowl of spicy soup with tofu, vegetables, and scrambled egg. To the right, a creamy soup with greens and scrambled egg is presented, alongside a plastic cup filled with an iced beverage, likely coffee or tea, with a straw. The dishes appear to be part of a meal at a restaurant.
Self-Serve Food Display
A refrigerated display case filled with various ingredients for hot pot or a similar dish. The top shelves contain an assortment of fresh vegetables, including leafy greens and cabbage. Below, there are containers of noodles, tofu products, and several types of thinly sliced raw meats, such as beef and chicken, as well as seafood like fish fillets. The display is illuminated by LED lights.
Spicy Noodle and Rice Meal
A table set with several bowls of food, including a large bowl of spicy noodles with various ingredients like meat, fish balls, and vegetables. There are also bowls of rice, potato chips, peanuts, and chopped green onions. A sign on the table encourages customers to leave a Google review.
Leftover Food and Drink
A close-up view of leftover food in bowls and a drink on a table. One bowl contains remnants of a stir-fried dish with scrambled eggs and green onions. Another bowl holds crispy fried snacks. A black spoon and chopsticks rest in a small black bowl with some sauce and food particles. A tall plastic cup with a light brown beverage, possibly iced tea or coffee, is visible on the left. The table surface is white and speckled.
Noodle Dish with Fried Ingredients
A close-up shot of a black bowl filled with a generous portion of green noodles. The noodles are topped with various fried ingredients, including crispy lotus root slices, cubed fried tofu or meat, and scrambled eggs. The dish appears to be a savory meal, possibly a noodle soup or stir-fry.
Scrambled Eggs with Sausages and Potato Chips
A close-up shot of a black bowl filled with scrambled eggs, topped with crispy potato chips and several small sausages. A sprig of parsley garnishes the dish.
Spicy Noodle Soup
A close-up overhead view of a steaming bowl of spicy noodle soup, garnished with chopped green onions and peanuts. The soup has a rich, orange-red broth with visible ingredients. The bowl is placed on a black tray with some text visible on the side.
Matcha Drink
A close-up shot of a matcha drink in a clear plastic cup, filled with ice and topped with a green liquid. A circular sticker on the cup reads "A HOT HIDEOUT THE SINGAPOREAN KIND OF MALA". The cup sits on a black placemat with instructions and graphics.
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Can
A red can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar with black lettering. The can has a label that says "NEW improved taste" and "NO CALORIES TANPA KALORI". There are also two circular logos on the can, one with a checkmark and the text "HEALTHIER CHOICE", and another with a pyramid shape and the text "HEALTHIER CHOICE".
Noodle Bowl and Matcha Drink
A black bowl filled with noodles, scrambled eggs, and meat is placed on a black tray next to a clear plastic cup of green matcha drink with ice and a straw. Chopsticks rest in the bowl. A receipt is partially visible on the left side of the tray.
Restaurant Interior
The interior of a modern restaurant with red booth seating, wooden chairs, and contemporary lighting fixtures. Diners are seated at tables, and a server is carrying a tray. A counter area is visible on the right side of the image.
Two Bowls of Food
Two black bowls filled with food are on a white countertop. The bowl in the foreground contains a stew with various ingredients including meat, vegetables, and fried items. The bowl in the background contains a lighter colored dish with chopped vegetables and a creamy sauce. A spoon rests in the foreground bowl.
Meal with Soup, Rice, and Chips
A meal is served on a black tray. It includes a bowl of yellow soup with green garnishes, a bowl of white rice with a black spoon, and a bowl of potato chips topped with spice and pieces of spam. A small bowl of green herbs and a receipt with a QR code are also visible.
Fried Lotus Root Chips and Other Snacks
A close-up shot of a black bowl filled with crispy fried lotus root chips and other fried snacks. A small dish of dipping sauce with cilantro is visible to the left. The food is presented on white parchment paper within the bowl.
Spicy Noodle Soup
A close-up shot of a large bowl of spicy noodle soup. The soup is a vibrant orange-red color and appears to be rich and flavorful. It contains a variety of ingredients, including thin white noodles, slices of meat, leafy green vegetables, and pieces of fried tofu skin. The dish is presented in a black bowl.
Spicy Noodle Soup
A close-up shot of a bowl of spicy noodle soup. A black spoon is lifting a piece of tofu or meat from the rich, orange broth, which is garnished with chopped green onions and a peanut. The soup appears to have a slightly oily sheen and is filled with various ingredients.
A Hot Hideout Meal
A close-up overhead view of a meal at A Hot Hideout. In the foreground is a large black bowl filled with a creamy soup containing various ingredients such as shrimp, tofu, mushrooms, and greens, topped with scrambled egg. To the right and left of the soup bowl are smaller bowls of white rice. In the upper portion of the image, a black bowl holds a pile of crispy fried snacks, possibly lotus root chips and sausage slices, served on white paper. A receipt is visible on the left side of the soup bowl.
Hot Pot Ingredients
A clear bowl filled with various ingredients for hot pot. Visible items include bean sprouts, sliced meats, fish balls, sausages, wood ear mushrooms, and leafy greens. The bowl is placed on a black surface, with a blurred background showing kitchen equipment.
Table with Food and Drinks
A table is set with several bowls of food, two bottles of drinks, and two cups of green beverages. In the foreground, there is a card encouraging Google reviews with a QR code. The background features a red booth seat and lush green plants.
Receipt and Leftover Food
A receipt from A Hot Hideout is placed next to a nearly empty bowl of food. The bowl contains some remaining noodles and other ingredients. Another smaller bowl with some fried tofu and chopsticks is also visible. The receipt details an order for Mala Stir Fry, including weight and spice level, along with subtotal, rewards program discount, and GST.
Noodle Dish with Broccoli and Scrambled Eggs
A close-up shot of a bowl of noodles, which are a vibrant purple color. A piece of broccoli and some scrambled eggs are visible in the bowl. Chopsticks are holding a portion of the noodles. In the background, there are other bowls of food and two green drinks with logos. The wall behind the food is red.
Chopped Green Onions and Cilantro
A black bowl filled with chopped green onions and cilantro. The bowl has a logo and text that reads "热的的地方 A HOT HIDEOUT" embossed on its side.
Self-Serve Food Display
A refrigerated display case filled with various ingredients for hot pot or a similar meal. The top shelves contain fresh vegetables like lettuce, corn, and green beans. Below, there are rows of prepared ingredients including mushrooms, tofu, various types of meatballs, processed meats like sausages and ham, and other items. The display is brightly lit by LED lights.
Restaurant Interior
The interior of a modern restaurant with black and red seating, white tables, and decorative pendant lights. Plants are used as dividers between seating areas. Several patrons are seated at tables, some eating and others conversing. The ceiling features a unique lattice design with integrated lighting. A counter area is visible on the right side of the image.
Singaporean Mala vs Traditional Mala
A large display board comparing Singaporean Mala and Traditional Mala. It highlights the differences in broth, ingredients, texture, and flavor profile of each dish. The Singaporean Mala is described as having a thick and savory collagen soup base, crispy fried ingredients, and a numbing sensation tailored to local preference. Traditional Mala is characterized by a thin broth with layers of chili oil, boiled ingredients lacking texture, and being overly oily, spicy, numbing, and salty with chili flakes and peppercorns scattered throughout.
Korean Mala Food
A close-up shot of a bowl of crispy fried lotus root chips, held by a hand. In the background, a digital screen displays information about Korean Mala soup, highlighting its thick and savory collagen soup base, crispy deep-fried ingredients, soft creamy scrambled eggs, numbing sensation and spice tailored to local preference, and finely blended chili and peppercorn to enhance flavor.
Restaurant Sign
A circular sign with cartoon illustrations of a shrimp and a yellow blob holding a tray with two bowls of soup. The sign reads "WE ARE NON-SPICY FRIENDLY! COME TRY OUR COLLAGEN SOUP, TOMATO COLLAGEN SOUP AND ORIENTAL STIR FRY". The sign is illuminated by a golden light ring.
Fluffy Min Jiang Kueh pancakes in 10+ flavours from peanut to Biscoff at Wisteri
View Shop
Halal-certified Korean BBQ and hotpot buffet with three tiers and personal hotpo
View Shop
Pancake kiosk serving soft, fluffy min jiang kueh and creative pancake flavours
View Shop