Check out Bao Jun Hot Pot 爆君火锅 if you are planning a food trip to Johor Bahru and looking for a hotpot restaurant with both good food and an eye-catching atmosphere. Bao Jun Hot Pot is located inside Mid Valley SouthKey. This hotpot restaurant has become a popular dining spot among Singaporeans and locals thanks to its delicious soup bases, extensive ingredient selection, and unique interior design. It is
The moment we stepped into Bao Jun Hot Pot, the first thing that caught our attention was the industrial-inspired interior. Unlike the usual modern hotpot restaurants, Bao Jun Hot Pot sets itself apart with a striking, bold metallic concept that creates a stylish and unique atmosphere, a fascinating blend of futuristic edge and old-world charm. The walls are decorated with various metal pieces, mechanical-inspired elements, and rugged textures that instantly make the restaurant stand out from the crowd. It almost feels like stepping into a movie set rather than a typical steamboat shop.
The lighting also adds to the atmosphere beautifully. The warm glow combined with the metallic décor creates a cozy yet edgy dining environment. Every corner of the restaurant looks photo-worthy. If you enjoy dining in aesthetic cafés or unique themed restaurants, Bao Jun Hot Pot will definitely impress you.
Bao Jun Hot Pot Broth Selection
Of course, interior design alone is not enough to make people return. Thankfully, the food quality here is equally satisfying. Bao Jun Hot Pot offers a wide variety of soup bases, ranging from spicy mala soup to comforting pork broth options. Their mala soup is one of the highlights.
For this visit, we decided to try the Pepper Tonkotsu Soup and Herbal Chicken Soup. The Pepper Tonkotsu Soup had a rich and creamy broth with a fragrant peppery kick that became more flavourful as the ingredients were cooked inside. It was especially satisfying when paired with sliced meats and seafood. Meanwhile, the Herbal Chicken Soup offered a lighter and more comforting taste, with a pleasant herbal aroma that made it perfect for balancing the stronger flavours from the pepper broth. The combination of both soups gave us a good mix of bold and soothing flavours throughout the meal.
The ingredient selection here is extensive as well. I could conveniently order sliced meats and seafood directly through their app, making the ordering process smooth and hassle-free. For those who enjoy better quality cuts, you can also top up from RM33 to RM38 for premium meat selections, which is definitely worth considering if you want a more indulgent hotpot experience.
As for the vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and many other hotpot favourites, they are neatly displayed on the side for self-service, allowing diners to pick and choose their preferred ingredients freely. This setup also makes the dining experience more interactive and enjoyable, especially when dining with friends or family.
Price wise, Bao Jun Hot Pot is not exactly the cheapest hotpot option in JB, but the overall experience justifies the price. Considering the quality of ingredients, unique ambience, and generous variety available, many people would find it worth the money. It feels more like paying for a complete dining experience rather than simply eating hotpot.
My Star of Meal at Bao Jun Hot Pot
My star of the dish at Bao Jun Hot Pot was surprisingly the dessert, the Brown Sugar Ice Jelly. Although it looks simple at first glance, it turned out to be so addictive that I ended up having four bowls of it.
What makes it special is that at the self-service corner, you get to assemble it yourself. You start with a base of ice jelly, then pour the brown sugar syrup Then add the ready mix of peanuts, dried fruits, and sesame. Each component blends together beautifully, creating a refreshing yet satisfying dessert experience.
The brown sugar syrup is not overly sweet, but just enough to give a gentle caramel-like hint that elevates the icy texture of the jelly. The toppings add layers of fragrance and crunch, especially the peanuts and sesame, which bring a nutty aroma that balances the dessert perfectly.
It’s one of those simple desserts that quietly steals the spotlight at Bao Jun Hot Pot.
If you love exploring hotpot restaurants in JB, you may also want to check out other popular spots such as 小龙行江湖新山火锅店 Dragon’s Journey Hotpot JB, 蜀大侠火锅 ShuDaXia Hotpot and 好一家火锅 Taman Pelangi (Good Family Steamboat) for different hotpot experiences around Johor Bahru.
If you are also interested in exploring more food spots in Malaysia, you can check out our other food reviews where we share hidden gems, local favourites, and must-try eats from different parts of World.
Location:
No 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, T-055 The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey,, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 80150
You can find directions on HERE
Operating Hours:
Daily 10:00AM - 10:00PM
