Chu Liu Xiang Kung Fu Mala Hot Pot is probably the last place you'd expect to find killer la zi ji (辣子鸡). Tucked inside a humble coffee shop along Holland Close, this hawker stall might scream "hot pot" in its name, but it's their stir-fried dishes—especially the diced chicken with dried chili—that caught our attention. Based on a strong recommendation, we made our way over during lunch hour. Turns out, we weren’t alone. The place was buzzing.
What’s the Hype Around La Zi Ji?
If you’ve never tried la zi ji, here’s the deal: it’s a Sichuan dish that consists of crispy fried chicken tossed with a mountain of dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, and other aromatics. It's spicy, numbing, and deeply aromatic. The kind of dish that makes your tongue tingle and your senses wake up.
At Chu Liu Xiang, their rendition of la zi ji is not only legit—it’s fire (pun intended). For $14, we got a generous portion. As the stall owner placed the plate on our table, the air filled with a sharp wave of chili smoke. No kidding—people at nearby tables were coughing. Not in a bad way, but in the “dang, that smells powerful” kinda way.
Diced Chicken with Dried Chili That Packs a Punch
Let’s talk chicken. The chunks were thick, not those sad, tiny over-fried pieces you sometimes get. These were well-marinated, perfectly fried, and had the right ratio of meat to crunch. The dried chilies didn’t just add heat—they layered the dish with fragrance. It was spicy, but not numbingly so. You still tasted the chicken. And thankfully, the oil level was balanced. Enough to give it that glisten and flavor, but not so much you feel like you’re sipping grease.
Add-ons That Hit the Spot
We didn’t stop at la zi ji. We also tried two other dishes.
Egg with Tomato – Comfort in a Plate
For $9, this classic combo was served in a huge portion. Soft, silky scrambled egg mixed with juicy tomato chunks made for a comforting, lightly sweet-sour dish that went beautifully with rice. It reminded us of home-cooked meals but slightly more refined.
Brinjal with Potato – A Soft, Savoury Companion
At $11, the brinjal and potato dish leaned a bit on the greasy side, but it delivered. The brinjal was buttery soft, while the potato slices were tender and fluffy. It’s a dish that might not look like much, but it grows on you.
Stellar One-Man Show
It’s worth noting that Chu Liu Xiang is run by a one-man team. He takes orders, cooks, and handles payment—all while moving at lightning speed. Despite the lunch rush, we got our food quickly and hot. It’s always impressive to see that kind of hustle and efficiency.
So, Is Chu Liu Xiang’s La Zi Ji Worth It?
100% yes. The la zi ji from Chu Liu Xiang was easily one of the better ones we’ve had in Singapore. It’s bold, fragrant, and addictive without being overly greasy or too spicy. And the fact that it comes from a humble coffee shop stall just makes it more of a hidden gem.
If you're ever near Holland Close and craving something spicy and satisfying, skip the hot pot and order the la zi ji. Trust us, you’ll want to pick out every last chili-coated chunk.
Chu Liu Xiang Kung Fu Mala Hot Pot Location
Address: 6 Holland Close, Block 6, Singapore 271006
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