This Teddy bear-shaped hotpot restaurant was originally from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Kumachan Onsen has opened its very first outlet in Singapore at Orchard Central. They offer a unique hotpot dining experience with its signature teddy bear-shaped hot pot.
What does Kumachan Onsen specialise in?
The restaurant is the first in Singapore to serve this adorable bear hot pot, available in 6 distinct broth flavors: Japanese Miso, Soy Milk, Mabo, Gochujang, Bonito, and Collagen Soup. We have tried the Soy Milk, Gochujang and Collagen Soup but we both agreed that the collagen soup tasted better.
What can you find on their menu?
Kumachan Onsen also offers Yakiniku (grilled meat) and Shabu-Shabu (quickly cooked sliced meats in broth). They have a grill stove at the table but most of the diners are there for the hotpot and Shabu-shabu. The restaurant also as a sauce bar where you can help yourself to the free-flow sauces and conditions.
The bear-shaped hotpot comes in a set where you can choose a soup base and your choice of meat cuts. Each set comes with a tub of mixed vegetables. The bear-shaped hotpot set starts from $15.80++.
You can also find shabu-shabu sets, dons, curry rice and other side dishes on the menu. There is also a variety of premium beef cuts like sirloin steak, premium beef karubi, wagyu beef ribeye, and wagyu beef rump which you can choose from. You can grill them at your table.
What is our take on this Kumachan Onsen?
We went there on a weekday afternoon after lunch hours. The restaurant is relatively quite packed and there was a queue. The restaurant seemed under-staffed during the opening but they are patient and polite. The food is relatively good. The meat portions are small but the tub of mixed vegetables is quite substantial. The broth is really thick and it did take a while for the frozen collagen jelly bear to melt. After it melts, the soup becomes really thick and flavourful.
Rating: 4.2/5 ( It was fun dining there and I would not mind going back for a casual meet-up with family or friends. Prices are reasonable too.)
Is the restaurant halal?
This restaurant is pending halal-certification. This restaurant is under Japan Food Holdings.
Kumachan Onsen
Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd, #07-10/11, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11:30 am – 10.00 pm daily (last order at 9:15 pm)
Read more about our food reviews here.
