A Hot Hideout Moves to Sembawang Shopping Centre — Still Bringing the Heat

#springitinerary We’ve been loyal to A Hot Hideout since their cosy days along Old Sembawang Road — that humble spot where we’d always satisfy our mala cravings without breaking the bank. Now that they’ve moved to Sembawang Shopping Centre, things look different — in the best way possible. The new outlet is bright, spacious, and full of natural light with sleek floor-to-ceiling glass windows. There’s a ton of seating now, so no more hovering awkwardly or squeezing into tight corners. But most importantly — the food? Still just as fiery and addictive. We always go straight for the mala collagen broth. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavour — you can taste the hours of simmered pork and chicken bones in every sip. Toss in your favourites like sliced beef, fish tofu, enoki, and Chinese cabbage, and you’ve got yourself a comforting bowl with just the right amount of spicy kick. Their dry mala xiang guo is still our guilty pleasure. The ingredients are fried first, giving everything that golden crisp before being tossed in their signature mala mix. We love the crunch of lotus root, the chewiness of sweet potato noodles, and the salty indulgence of fried luncheon meat. It’s smoky, spicy, and full of wok hei. Prices are still super reasonable — $2.48 per 100g — so you can load up without feeling the pinch. Honestly, this spot may have upgraded its look, but the heart (and heat) of A Hot Hideout hasn’t changed one bit. If you love mala like we do, this place deserves a visit — again and again. #localfood #myitinerary #thingstodo #afternoonteatime #familytravel