Hotpot Culture re-opens with long queue for free buffet

SINGAPORE - A long line was spotted outside Chinese restaurant Hotpot Culture on Friday, after it re-opened following a nearly month long suspension due to hygiene issues.

According to The Straits Times, all 33 tables in the restaurant on the fourth floor of Marina Square Shopping Mall were occupied at lunchtime, with a line of about 40 people waiting to go in.

The owner, Mr Lim Choon Kok, 58, had earlier announced that they would offer free food to the public on its re-opening.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) had suspended its licence on Jan 9 following reports that a customer found a rat in a salted vegetable dish. The NEA lifted the suspension after a recent check showed no signs of rodent activity.

Mr Lim told The Straits Times: "I am surprised that there's a good crowd, I feel that the public has given us a chance to move on."

candicec@sph.com.sg