Xita Lao Tai Tai Opens in Singapore: Grill Like a Pro at China’s No.1 Charcoal Clay Stove BBQ

Xita Lao Tai Tai, ranked as China’s Number 1 BBQ chain by China Restaurant Industry Awards 2025, is now open in Bugis+. This Singapore outlet is also its first Southeast Asian outpost, joining over 600 stores across China. Famed for the lingering, smoky aromas of its charcoal-grilled meats over a unique Korean-influenced clay stove barbecue famous in the area, Xita Lao Tai Tai has drawn long queues in China, particularly at its Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai outlets.

Everyone Can Grill Like A Pro

At Xita Lao Tai Tai, you don’t just eat but you’ll grill your own meats over a traditional charcoal clay stove. Xita Lao Tai Tai’s special clay stove, which can be heated higher than a normal stove, is what kept the precious flames safe from China’s biting wind in the deep of winter, and its people warm. 

It has also become a way to impart a distinct and stronger smoky, charred flavor to the meat as it is grilled over the glowing coals as the heat in the clay stove is higher than a normal stove. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, there’s a step-by-step guide that makes grilling easy and fun for everyone in the family. Even the kids can get involved (with your help, of course!) in flipping slices of tender beef or juicy pork belly to golden perfection.

Savour Tasty and Marinated Beef 

At Xita Lao Tai Tai, meats are marinated with over 28 unique house-made marinades dreamed up by its founder and culinary team, these include Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger, flavourful meat from between the rib bones, marinated in pineapple to make them extra tender and sweet with a hint of tartness, or the Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger, the same cut but instead immersed in the founder's authentic sweet-and-savoury Korean marinade.

Don’t miss the Prime Thick Cut Beef Skirt, a cut known for its robust, beefy flavor with a satisfying bite. This cooks quickly, so keep your eye on it the entire time! One of the last to hit the grill is the melt-in- the-mouth Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate. This is specially marinated in-house, using the natural sweetness of apples. While still sizzling, let the meat rest atop your rice so all the delicious juices meld with the glistening grains.

To cater to non-beef eaters and to offer more variety, order Xita Lao Tai Tai’s Special Marinated Pork Collar, its succulent, tender and flavourful taste due to the marbling of the cut. Next up on the grate, with heat lowered is Thick Cut Pork Belly, a classic unctuous delight fork tender with crispy edges and sweet fat rendered just right.

More Than Just Meat

To go along with your grilled meats, Xita Lao Tai Tai provides an array of mains and sides, dessert, and drinks. In true Korean-Chinese fashion, from free-flow side dishes like kimchi, mashed potatoes, and tofu skin to fusion mains like Cold Buckwheat Noodles, Cold Dressed Chicken and crispy Soy Fried Chicken Wings or Golden Tofu, there’s something for everyone at the table. 

Top off your meal with a Strawberry Ice Burst, a refreshing treat perfect for Singapore’s heat or dive into a unique alcohol menu crafted with favourites from each culture. Sip on some Korean AN Beer, the popular soju and beer cocktail, Somaek or enjoy the No.1 Soju brand in Korea with its own Jinro highball series or get serious with a Moutai Tower.

If alcohol is not your fancy or if you’re the designated driver, Xita Lao Tai Tai also has normal hot and cold beverages to choose from like Slushies, Squash, and Korean Yuzu Tea.

Learn Seasoning & Grilling Secrets 

Another time-honoured Xita speciality you will taste at Xita Lao Tai Tai is its Signature Sesame Sauce. Made with 10 different ingredients and mixed with onions, coriander and more, this aromatic and creamy sauce is not just a condiment; but symbolises the friendships between the Korean merchants and the locals of Xita, their shared love for barbecued meat.

The sesame sauce is legendary with Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate, Xita Speciality Sliced Beef Chuck, and Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger. Other sauces include Signature BBQ Marinade, Spicy Dipping Sauce and Savoury Dry Spice.

At Xita Lao Tai Tai, even if you have never cooked before, a handy step-by-step guide will ensure you will master the art of self-BBQ in no time. Such is the thoughtfulness and endearment of the Old Lady of Xita, a wholesome part of the restaurant’s service.

Here’s how to grill like a pro:

• When you begin, crank the heat on high to bring out the best aromas. Start with the lean cuts as they cook faster with little to no grease flare-ups, then move on to the thicker ones.
• Remember to save the fatty, most succulent cuts for last. As the fat renders and drips onto the charcoal, these may ignite and cause bursts of flame that could easily char, or worse, burn the meat but leaving the interior still raw. Thus, turn the heat to medium or even low, to reduce the likelihood of these flare-ups and burning/undercooking.
• Thirdly, do note that when cooking beef, it is at its best when medium-well (around 80% doneness) to retain its tender bite. However, if you are cooking other meats such as pork, it must be fully cooked through.

Celebrate and Save with Membership Perks

Taste the benefits with a XITA Membership, where diners can enjoy exclusive member prices, cashback of up to 9%, bonus of up to 15% on their e-wallet value, birthday rewards and even unlock special set menus.

Membership tiers are achieved by total spend, which can include e-wallet top-ups. Gold is the basic tier, but as you spend, rise to Platinum or even Diamond status for even higher perks. These membership tiers are valid for 12 months.

In addition, XITA Members can unlock exclusive set menus. Groups of two can order the Duo Delight and Duo Feast, whilst groups of 4 can enjoy Xita Lao Tai Tai’s Family Favourites and Ultimate Grill. Ready to grill together? Visit Xita Lao Tai Tai at Bugis+ and turn your next family dining experience into a flavorful celebration. Follow them on Instagram or check out the full menu at xitalaotaitai.com.sg.