The extremely popular Dai Tao Lala Pot that saw long lines at Kuala Lumpurhas finally opened a branch closer to Singapore — in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru! The eatery is around a 25 minute drive from the Johor Bahru checkpoint, and is known for their extremely generous servings of lala (clam), aromatic broth and affordable prices. 

Photo: 大头啦啦煲 Dai Tao Lala Pot/facebook

Not to mention, it has become the top supper spot amongst many since they operate daily until 3am. Just imagine hot, soothing soup and alcohol on a late night — chef’s kiss. 

A hot pot of lala soup on a charcoal stove will set you back just S$10.99 (RM38). It will even be prepared right before you, ensuring maximum freshness. 

Photo: @吃货小爱同学 🌸/RED

A kilogram of lala is stir-fried with spices in the claypot before a rich broth containing Huadiao wine is added, resulting in a flavourful broth that has incorporated the umami of the lala and spices. But do take care to sit further away with your belongings while the ingredients are being stir-fried so you won’t be met with any unexpected oil splatters!

Photo: Max Lee/google images

You can also adjust the taste of the broth to your liking with the condiments at the DIY sauce station. There’s Huadiao wine, garlic, sesame oil, chilli and more if you want your soup to pack more of a punch.

A pot easily serves two to three, but if you are bringing a group of friends over, you can add on more Sha Bai lala for S$4.42 per kg (RM15.30). Alternatively, you could just turn it into a lala hotpot gathering by adding on hotpot ingredients from S$0.87 (RM3). 

Photo: Rain SY/google images

Choose from over 60 ingredients, ranging from instant noodles (S$0.87, RM3) to enoki mushrooms (S$1.88, RM6.80), Australian beef slices (S$6.04, RM20.90) and all your other hotpot must-haves like vegetables, seafood, and eggs. There’s also ready-to-eat sides like Taiwan Sausage (S$2.89, RM10) and Namyu Fried Chicken Wings (S$5.35, RM18.50).

Don’t worry about having not enough of that delicious broth to go with your ingredients — refills are free and unlimited. 

Photo: 困困小鱼/google images

If clams aren’t your thing, you might want to try their Pork Stomach Soup with White Peppercorns that is also priced at S$10.99 (RM38). The strong, peppery broth paired with tender kampung chicken and chewy pork stomach is a wonderful combo everyone can appreciate.

Photo: VOON/google images

Unfortunately, Dai Tao Lala Pot doesn’t accept reservations, so if you want to avoid the queues, be sure to reach when they open at 5pm or visit them for supper later into the night.

Some tips if you are met with a queue: leave your number with the staff and they will call you when a table is free! Also, remember to bring a fan and wet tissues with you because it can get quite hot with the open flames and well, the typical stuffy Southeast Asian nights. 

Photo: 困困小鱼/google images

Fingers crossed that they might cross the borders to open one in Singapore soon, but for now we’ll have to make the trip to Johor Bahru for a taste of this exquisite lala soup!

Dai Tao Lala Pot 大头啦啦煲Facebook 📍 49 , Jalan Austin Height 8/5, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor🕒 5pm–3am (Daily)