Visit Date & Time: July 31, 7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
During our recent visit, we encountered a rather disappointing experience that warrants feedback. Despite patiently waiting for a table, we were taken aback when a staff member, a bald male waiter, attempted to seat the guests behind us instead. Even after we politely clarified the situation, he responded with a skeptical expression, as though questioning our presence, despite us standing directly in front of the other party.
After placing our order at the cashier, we returned to find cleaning equipment placed on our table. While it was later explained that the waiter mistakenly assumed we had left, this explanation seems puzzling, given that he had just seated us less than five minutes prior. Moreover, it is highly irregular to leave cleaning items on a clean, occupied table. This gave an impression of negligence or, perhaps, a lack of consideration. Although the incident appeared discourteous, I am willing to extend the benefit of the doubt, assuming it was an honest oversight.
Food Quality & Service Time:
The wait time for our food (spaghetti and half a dolly fish) was excessive, taking approximately 40 minutes to be served. Furthermore, the presentation and portion quality were disappointing. Compared to previous experiences, such as the student meal at your Suntec branch, the difference in quality was stark. The meal served on this occasion appeared unappetising and substandard. Finally, I understood that complimentary chips were available. However, when I inquired about them, I was informed that due to the high volume of customers, we would not be receiving any. It is indeed puzzling that the restaurant found it so hard to serve me a plate of chips.
Constructive Suggestion:
If offering all-day student meals is proving commercially unsustainable, it may be more prudent to reconsider their availability rather than compromising on quality. Other establishments, such as Fish & Co, manage to provide student meals throughout the day with satisfactory standards, without even imposing a service charge. Maintaining consistency in food quality is essential to uphold customer trust and brand reputation.
My fellow students, the student meal may look monetarily attractive, but do not be misled. This meal is worse than eating at a hawker centre.
August 18, 2025
My husband and I were pleasantly surprised when we were served complimentary chips. There might be two reasons for this:
1. The main courses take a while to arrive (around 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours).
2. When you order the mains, the only free side is chips, and if you're tired of having only chips, you'll want to pay more to change the sides (which might be a tactic by the eatery).
We ordered the spicy battered sea bass combo and the non-spicy battered haddock combo. Both fish were lovely and well-prepared, and I'd recommend getting the non-spicy version as it's delicious on its own. The sea bass was flaky while the haddock was firm and drier. The batter is light and thin, but not beer-battered, so don't expect it to be very fragrant.
The self-serve sauce bar is a nice touch, but the bottles can be quite greasy on the surface, and you'll need to clean your fingers afterwards. There's also complimentary self-serve water provided.
August 18, 2025
Food was good. Service was awesome. The duck Caesar salad was yummy!
I left my valuables here, and the Manager was so accommodating. She kept my valuables safely and returned them to me the next day when I went to the outlet to collect. I was truly touched by the experience I had here. I am happy with their service.
August 18, 2025
We had family lunch on a Monday (7/7/2025) afternoon around 1pm. We were utterly disappointed with the service, as we faced some issues with the food quality. We ordered two set lunches of the battered fish and one set lunch of the truffle bacon carbonara pasta. The pasta had no issue and tasted fine. However, there were issues with the fish, as we felt something was wrong with its freshness, texture, and color. The fish, coated with batter, was soggy and soft. The fish meat appeared undercooked: its color was pinkish, it didn't look fresh, and some parts were translucent. (Please refer to the images attached)
The texture of the fish was mushy and it tasted a bit weird compared to how fish usually tastes. With this issue, we called and informed the manager, who was a woman. She insisted the fish (we had ordered dory fish) had no issue with its color or texture after we showed it to her. She also kept telling us they had been using the same supplier for 8 years and that cooked dory fish is meant to have this taste, texture, color, and appearance. At the end of the day, we were utterly disappointed with the service, as the problem was not resolved properly and we had to pay for the meal. Later, I did further research and asked other chefs if cooked battered dory fish was meant to be this way. Sadly, they agreed that the fish looked uncooked and that there might be food quality issues. A cooked battered dory fish is meant to be crispy and golden brown on the outer batter, while the fish meat should be opaque, white, or light-colored, and flaky. We had eaten at many other outlets before, and none of their fish had tasted like this before. Sadly, it was our first time encountering this! I hope the owner/person in charge of Big Fish Small Fish company can provide an explanation and resolution regarding this issue, as it is not a small matter but a matter of food quality and safety for an F&B business. Thank you
August 18, 2025
A real hidden gem. Didn't expect the food to be so good. Surf turf chicken was amazing with black pepper sauce; even my hubby asked for another one. The breaded Rosti was an unheard dish; it was special and yummy. The battered fish literally melts in your mouth! The service was tip-top as well, served by Claire, who came over from time to time to check if we needed a chip refill. Will definitely come back again.
August 18, 2025
Visited Big Fish Small Fish at Bugis Junction and had a pleasant experience. Went there for lunch, and it wasn't overly crowded. The staff were helpful and assisted me with the new sign-up discount promotions, as I wasn't sure how to use them.
They were patient in explaining how it worked and made the process easy. On top of that, I was given some complimentary food as part of an ongoing promotion, which was a nice surprise.
The food was served hot and fresh. I ordered one of their classic fish and chips options, and the portion size was reasonable. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the fries were well-seasoned. There was also a good variety of sauces to choose from, which added to the overall experience.
The restaurant itself was clean and had a comfortable dining environment. It’s a casual spot, good for a quick meal or a relaxed catch-up with friends. Service was efficient, and I didn’t have to wait long for my order.
Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable visit. I appreciate the effort the team put into ensuring a good customer experience. Would recommend it to anyone looking to try a simple and satisfying fish and chips meal in the Bugis area.
August 18, 2025
I dropped by Big Fish Small Fish in Bugis and ordered their House Special Seafood Aglio Olio, and it did not disappoint in flavour! The pasta was cooked just right, tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil base with a kick of spice that really brought it to life.
The seafood was fresh and well-prepared: tender prawns, perfectly cooked squid, and crispy golden dory pieces added a nice mix of textures. Each bite was satisfying and packed with flavour.
However, the portion was on the smaller side for the price, and the amount of seafood was a bit underwhelming. I found myself wishing there was just a little more on the plate.
Still, the vibrant setting and friendly service made it a worthwhile visit. If you're in Bugis and craving a tasty seafood pasta, it's definitely worth a try; just don't come too hungry unless you plan to order extras!
August 18, 2025
The store's fish and chips was so fresh and nice. The food **was** all freshly fried and extremely crispy. Portions were big as well. They have very unique sauces and a huge selection to try! Special shoutout to Matthew for being so kind and friendly, and making our experience so lovely. Please give him a raise!
August 18, 2025
Xiao Long Kan never disappoints — flavourful broth, fresh ingredients, and great service! Definitely my go-to for hotpot 🍲🔥
August 18, 2025
The lunch promo is very worth it! The waiter provided very nice service, explaining all the available promos. The meal was delicious too!
August 18, 2025
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot is easily one of my favorite spots for an authentic Chengdu hotpot experience! I loved the 3 Flavor Pot—Tomato was sweet and tangy, Pork Bone was rich and comforting, and the Butter Spicy had just the right numbing kick. Ordering was super easy with the iPad, and everything we tried was top-notch, from the fresh Seafood Platter to the tender American Wagyu, Pork Collar, and Chicken Slices. The real standout for me: The Tofu—letting it soak in the mala broth for 20 minutes made it insanely flavorful. With great service and a cozy vibe, I’d definitely come back for another spicy, soul-warming meal!
August 18, 2025
The food is served fresh and flavorful, complemented by attentive and proactive service. There is a wide variety of soup bases to choose from, making it a delightful dining experience. Highly recommended!
August 18, 2025
Had hotpot at a place in Bugis recently, with good service and quality ingredients. Broths were flavourful, and everything felt fresh. It’s a nice spot for a small get-together, especially on a rainy day.
August 18, 2025
Went to Xiao Long Kan Steamboat on a Thursday evening. The restaurant was very quiet, with only a few tables occupied. Some soup choices were unavailable, which limited the options.
The seating and tables were a bit dirty. When the food was served, I found hair on the fish. I informed the staff, and they brought a new plate, though I wasn't sure if it was genuinely replaced. I also ordered frog, but it was not properly cleaned; the intestines were still inside.
Overall, the taste was normal, but the prices were high. Hygiene seems to be a concern at this outlet.
August 18, 2025
Recommended by family and friends, this hotpot did not disappoint.
Service was excellent - the staff always promptly attended to our needs, were very polite, and frequently initiated friendly banter with us, providing a homely feel to the restaurant.
The soup bases were also rich and flavourful by themselves, further enhanced by the assortment of choices available for order.
The decor was the most unique part of the restaurant, providing an ambience well suited for their theme and dining in general.
Overall, I would recommend this place for its food, service, and decor!
August 18, 2025
Great service and good food. Xiao Dong and Li Jie were the sweetest staff ever! Xiao Dong's soup recommendations were great, and he was very helpful with all our requests/orders! Thank you for the pretty birthday fruit platter 🌷 Li Jie was also kind to share the store promotion, and it was a very good deal that we almost missed! Highly recommend visiting this outlet for their great service and pork bone broth 👍
August 18, 2025
Had an amazing dining experience at Xiao Long Kan! The trio soup base—Original Mala, Pork Bone, and Sour & Spicy Golden Soup—was packed with rich, authentic flavors. The Kurobuta Pork Belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the Spicy Pork Rib had just the right amount of heat. The Seafood Platter was exceptionally fresh, and the handmade Meat & Seafood Ball Platter was a must-try!
Loved that the restaurant is open 24/7 at Orchard & Bugis, making it perfect for late-night cravings. Also tried their new Fish Maw Chicken Soup—light yet full of umami!
Service was efficient, and the ambiance really captured the traditional Sichuan hotpot vibe. Definitely coming back for more! Highly recommend for all hotpot lovers! 🔥🍲
August 18, 2025
Xiao Long Kan delivers an authentic Sichuan hotpot experience with its hallmark mala broth, masterfully blending fiery chili heat with the distinctive numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. The restaurant offers a selection of soup bases ranging from intensely spicy to milder herbal options, catering to different tolerance levels. Quality ingredients take center stage - from delicate meat slices that cook in seconds to fresh seafood and specialty offal cuts that appeal to adventurous eaters. The modern dining space features comfortable booth seating ideal for group gatherings, while attentive staff provide helpful guidance on cooking times for various ingredients. While the experience comes at a premium price point, the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients makes it a standout choice for hotpot lovers. Its popularity means advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the vibrant atmosphere reaches its peak. The combination of authentic Sichuan flavors, quality ingredients, and polished service creates a memorable hotpot experience that justifies its reputation among Singapore's competitive hotpot scene.
August 18, 2025
Standard conveyor belt sushi 🍣 restaurant. Sushi is nothing to shout about, but prices are affordable. It also comes with seasonal variations, as well as snacks such as croquettes and chicken wings.
August 18, 2025
While the conveyor belt didn’t have many options, you could order in through the QR code.
The food was alright; I wouldn't go there expecting to fill an empty stomach, but it was just okay for a quick bite.
I would recommend their matcha desserts! They were great.
August 18, 2025