Top 14 'Sizzle-and-Simmer' DIY Dinner Spots to cook your own feast in Singapore for a hands-on night out - Goh Ling Yong
Tired of the same old dinner routine? You know the one: you sit, you order, you eat, you leave. While there’s nothing wrong with being wonderfully catered to, sometimes you crave something more… involved. You want the sizzle of the grill, the gentle bubbling of a rich broth, the satisfaction of cooking your own masterpiece right at your table. You want an experience, not just a meal.
Welcome to the vibrant world of DIY dining in Singapore! This isn't just about food; it's about connection, conversation, and a whole lot of fun. It’s the perfect solution for breaking the ice on a first date, catching up with friends in a lively setting, or simply making dinnertime a hands-on adventure. From the smoky allure of Korean BBQ to the comforting embrace of a hotpot, the city is brimming with places that let you be the chef.
So, roll up your sleeves and get your chopsticks ready. We’ve scoured the island to bring you the ultimate list of 'sizzle-and-simmer' spots where you can cook your own feast. These are the places that turn a simple dinner into a memorable, interactive event.
1. Haidilao Hot Pot
Let's start with the undisputed king of the hotpot scene. Haidilao is less of a restaurant and more of a cultural phenomenon. Renowned for its almost ridiculously attentive service, it's the place you go when you want to be treated like royalty while dipping thinly sliced meats into a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness. The experience begins before you even sit down, with free snacks, drinks, and even manicures while you wait for your table.
Once seated, the real magic begins. Choose up to four different soup bases in their quadrant pot – the rich Tomato and spicy Sichuan Mala are non-negotiable classics. The ordering is done via a tablet, featuring an endless array of premium ingredients, from handmade prawn paste to melt-in-your-mouth Kurobuta pork. The quality is consistently top-notch, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Pro-Tip: Don't miss the "dancing noodle" performance, where a noodle master theatrically hand-pulls la-mian right at your table. It's dinner and a show! Also, ask your server about the "secret codes" for freebies like a kid's toy or a special dessert.
2. Beauty in The Pot
As its name suggests, Beauty in The Pot is all about nourishing broths that are as good for your skin as they are for your soul. Famous for its collagen-rich soup bases, this is the go-to spot for those who want to indulge and feel healthy at the same time. The pastel pink, fairytale-like decor makes it an instant hit for celebratory dinners and Instagram-worthy moments.
Their signature Beauty Collagen Broth is a must-try – a dense, flavourful soup that gets richer as you cook your ingredients. Pair it with their extensive menu of fresh seafood, artisanal meatballs, and unique items like the Fried Beancurd Skin, which soaks up the broth beautifully. It's a slightly more refined hotpot experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Pro-Tip: They open till the wee hours of the morning (some outlets are 24/7), making it the perfect destination for a lavish supper after a late night out.
3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
For lovers of Japanese-style barbecue, or yakiniku, Gyu-Kaku is a household name. This global chain has perfected the art of grilling, offering a premium yet accessible experience. Here, the focus is on high-quality cuts of meat, expertly marbled and seasoned, ready for you to grill to perfection over a charcoal fire.
The menu can be overwhelming in the best way possible. From the signature Gyu-Kaku Karubi (beef short rib) to thick-cut pork belly and fresh seafood, there's something for every palate. They also offer fantastic buffet options and set lunches that provide incredible value for money. The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a lively spot for a group gathering.
Pro-Tip: Order the "King of Harami" (skirt steak) for an incredibly tender and flavourful cut. And don't forget to end your meal by grilling the S'mores – a delightfully gooey and fun dessert.
4. Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ
If you're looking for an authentic, old-school Korean BBQ experience, Wang Dae Bak is your spot. What sets it apart is its commitment to using real charcoal grills, which impart a wonderfully smoky aroma and flavour to the meats that you just can't replicate with gas. The retro Korean decor, complete with vintage posters and rustic wooden tables, transports you straight to a pocha in Seoul.
The star of the show is their marinated meat selection, particularly the pork and beef. The staff are on hand to help you navigate the grill, ensuring you don't overcook your precious morsels. A unique feature here is the moat of fluffy steamed egg that cooks around the edge of the grill, soaking up the delicious meat juices as it firms up. It's an absolute game-changer. Our founder, Goh Ling Yong, particularly recommends the charcoal-grilled experience here for that authentic smoky flavour that's hard to find elsewhere.
Pro-Tip: This place is incredibly popular and doesn't always take reservations, so be prepared to queue, especially on weekends. It's absolutely worth the wait.
5. Siam Square Mookata
Located in the heart of Golden Mile Complex (or at their various other outlets), Siam Square Mookata offers a truly authentic Thai barbecue steamboat experience. Mookata combines the best of both worlds: a dome-shaped grill for searing meats in the centre, surrounded by a trough of flavourful broth for simmering vegetables, noodles, and seafood.
The concept is beautifully simple and incredibly delicious. The pork lard placed at the top of the dome melts and trickles down, greasing the grill and infusing the broth with a rich, savoury flavour. Their chili sauces are legendary – a trio of dips ranging from sweet and tangy to fiery hot, perfect for customizing every bite. It’s a casual, no-frills affair that’s all about great food and good company.
Pro-Tip: Order one of their value-for-money sets to get a good variety of everything, and don't be shy about adding on extra servings of their marinated pork collar and cheese tofu.
6. The Three Peacocks
Escape the city bustle at The Three Peacocks, an expansive outdoor BBQ buffet located at Labrador Park. This isn't your average DIY dinner; it's a full-blown foodie wonderland with a "glamping" vibe. With a massive selection of live seafood, premium meats, and cooked dishes, the sheer variety is staggering.
You get your own grill at your table and can go to town on everything from live oysters and bamboo clams to Wagyu beef and marinated chicken. Their seafood-on-ice section alone is worth the price of admission. The open-air setting makes for a relaxed and festive atmosphere, perfect for large family gatherings or a unique date night under the stars.
Pro-Tip: Go on an empty stomach and do a "reconnaissance lap" before loading up your plate. Pace yourself, as there are hundreds of items to try!
7. Ssikkek Korean BBQ
For the big eaters and budget-conscious, Ssikkek is a K-BBQ institution. This is where you go when you have an insatiable craving for grilled meat and want endless quantities of it. A classic buffet-style restaurant, Ssikkek offers a wide array of marinated and plain meats, including beef bulgogi, spicy pork belly (samgyeopsal), and marinated chicken.
The vibe is loud, energetic, and unapologetically smoky. It's a fantastic spot for student gatherings or a casual team dinner where the goal is to eat as much as humanly possible. Alongside the meats, you'll find a decent spread of banchan (side dishes), cooked Korean dishes like japchae and tteokbokki, and free-flow drinks to wash it all down.
Pro-Tip: The Tanjong Pagar outlet is a popular choice, but the one at Oriental Plaza in Chinatown is often less crowded. Wear clothes you don't mind smelling of barbecue smoke!
8. Yakiniku Like
Who says you need a group to enjoy BBQ? Yakiniku Like is a revolutionary concept from Japan designed specifically for solo diners. Each diner gets their own individual, smoke-free electric grill, allowing for a personalized and efficient grilling experience. It's fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.
You order via a QR code, and your set meal—complete with your choice of meat, rice, soup, and a side—arrives in minutes. The focus is on quality and speed, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a solo dinner treat. It completely removes the social pressure of group dining, allowing you to focus purely on the joy of grilling and eating.
Pro-Tip: Their Karubi (beef short plate) set is a great entry point. You can also order meats a la carte in 50g or 100g portions to customize your meal perfectly.
9. City Hot Pot Shabu Shabu
If you've ever had a hotpot argument over which soup base to get, City Hot Pot is your saviour. Their concept revolves around individual hotpots for every diner, meaning you get to choose your own broth and cook at your own pace. No more fishing for your lost meatball in a communal pot!
The focus here is on freshness and quality. They offer a huge variety of soup bases, from a light Ginseng Chicken to a fiery Tom Yum. The ingredients are served in beautifully arranged sets, featuring premium meats like Wagyu beef and Spanish Iberico pork, alongside fresh vegetables and handmade goodies. The setting is modern and comfortable, making it a great choice for both business lunches and family dinners.
Pro-Tip: Their Wagyu Ribeye set offers phenomenal value for the quality you get. The individual pots also make it a much more hygienic and personalized dining experience.
10. 888 Mookata
Nestled in the heartlands of Kovan and Bishan, 888 Mookata is a beloved neighbourhood gem. It’s a classic, no-frills mookata joint that consistently delivers on flavour and value. This is where you'll find locals flocking for their authentic Thai barbecue fix without having to travel to the city centre.
Using traditional charcoal-fired mookata pots, the flavours here are robust and smoky. Their platters for 2 or 4 people are generously portioned and come with a good mix of marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables. The real standout, however, is their homemade Thai chili sauce, which has the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and garlicky notes.
Pro-Tip: They have a branch conveniently located near a prata shop, so you can have a "surf-and-turf" supper of mookata followed by a sweet tissue prata for dessert.
11. O.BBa BBQ
Often cited by foodies as one of the most authentic K-BBQ joints in Singapore, O.BBa BBQ at Tanjong Pagar is famous for its high-quality meats and the long queues that snake outside its doors. Run by Koreans, it delivers a genuine taste of Seoul with its extensive menu and bustling, vibrant atmosphere.
While they offer a la carte options, their set menus provide the best value, featuring a curated selection of prime cuts like pork jowl and beef short ribs. The banchan spread is generous and refillable, and the staff are incredibly efficient at changing your grill plate to ensure you're always cooking on a clean surface.
Pro-Tip: To beat the infamous queues, try to go for a very early dinner (around 5:30 PM) or a late supper. The waiting is part of the experience, but a little planning goes a long way.
12. Suki-Suki Thai Hot Pot
Finding a great Halal-certified DIY dinner spot can be a challenge, but Suki-Suki Thai Hot Pot fills that gap beautifully. This all-you-can-eat Thai hotpot concept offers a delicious and inclusive dining experience for everyone. With vibrant decor and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a fantastic choice for mixed-group gatherings.
Diners can choose two soup bases from options like Red Tom Yum, Khao Soi, and a clear chicken broth. The buffet line is stocked with over 40 different ingredients, including thinly sliced beef, fresh chicken, seafood, vegetables, and a variety of meatballs and tofu. The highlight is their dipping sauce station, where you can mix your own concoctions to your heart's content.
Pro-Tip: For a small top-up, you can access their premium ingredients menu, which includes items like Wagyu beef and tiger prawns. It's well worth the extra cost.
13. Tom Yum Kungfu
For a modern and slightly quirky take on mookata, check out Tom Yum Kungfu. This restaurant blends traditional Thai flavours with a fun, martial arts-inspired theme. The vibe is casual and playful, making it a great spot for a relaxed dinner with friends.
Their mookata sets come with interesting marinades like black pepper and garlic for their meats. Beyond the classic mookata, they also serve a variety of other Thai dishes, including a very popular Tom Yum soup that's packed with fresh seafood and a powerful, spicy-sour kick. It’s a great one-stop-shop for a comprehensive Thai food craving.
Pro-Tip: Try their signature Kungfu platter, which gives you a little bit of everything. The portions are generous, and it’s a great way to sample their best offerings.
14. Dai-Dai Ho Pot
Looking for a hotpot experience that's a little different? Dai-Dai Ho Pot brings the authentic taste of Taiwanese hotpot to Singapore. While similar to other regional styles, Taiwanese hotpot often features unique broths and specific ingredients that set it apart.
At Dai-Dai, you can expect broths like the classic Taiwanese Spicy Mala, which has a different numbing profile from its Sichuan counterpart, and the nourishing Beauty Collagen soup. The real stars are the handmade ingredients, like their bursting pork balls and prawn paste. The cozy, intimate setting makes it feel like you’re dining in a hidden gem in Taipei.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to try their braised pork rice (lu rou fan) as a side dish. It’s an authentic and incredibly comforting addition to your hotpot meal.
More Than Just a Meal
Cooking your own food at the table is about so much more than just eating. It's about the shared experience of huddling over a sizzling grill, the laughter that erupts when a meatball is dropped, and the simple joy of creating a meal together. It transforms dinner from a passive activity into an engaging, memorable event.
Whether you're in the mood for the fiery kick of mookata, the comforting warmth of a collagen hotpot, or the smoky satisfaction of a charcoal K-BBQ, Singapore's DIY dining scene has a table waiting for you. So next time you're planning a night out, why not trade the conventional restaurant for a hands-on feast?
What's your go-to DIY dinner spot? Did we miss any of your favourites? Share your sizzle stories and top tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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