PotMaster: Finding Authentic Claypot Chicken Rice in Bangkok’s CentralWorld
My husband first told me about PotMaster, a Canton Claypot Rice restaurant, with an excited, yet slightly worried, urgency when they first opened at CentralWorld in April 2025. “You have to come try it fast,” he’d said, knowing my love for Claypot Chicken Rice, “I’m afraid they might not survive. There are no customers!” I’ve returned several times since then, hoping my patronage helps keep them going.
While PotMaster at CentralWorld’s 7th Floor Living House isn’t always packed, that particular area of the mall tends to be quieter and even a bit hidden. I do notice a steady fickle stream of both foreign and Thai customers, but my husband points out that among local Thais, the Claypot Chicken Rice is not as popular. This could be due to the perceived higher price or a general unfamiliarity with the Malaysian/Singaporean style of Cantonese pot rice. It’s a shame, as Cantonese pot rice is truly beloved by those who travel to Hong Kong! While writing this post, I discovered that PotMaster is a Singaporean restaurant, and a quick search confirmed its origins, with similar pot rice offerings found there. Interestingly, while researching PotMaster Singapore, I found an interview with the owner by MediaCorp Singapore, and guess what? He also owns Foot Master in Bangkok!
Given how long the queues are for the new Solsot, a Korean pot rice also at CentralWorld, I’m hoping this recent surge in “pot rice” popularity will help keep PotMaster thriving. Do note, however, that these are just our casual observations on customer traffic; there might very well be a steady stream of patrons, so please don’t bite us if it’s actually doing incredibly well!
The Pot Master Experience: Crisp Crusts and Customization
One thing I love about PotMaster is the guaranteed crust at the bottom of the rice – a non-negotiable for any true pot rice aficionado! Unlike some other spots I’ve tried, like Claypot King in Chinatown, PotMaster consistently delivers on this crucial texture. The cooking is done via an efficient automated cooker-burner, ensuring consistency in every order.
On our first visit, we opted for a set that included a bittergourd pork rib soup. While I know bittergourd is meant to be bitter, this version was a bit too intense for my taste. Subsequent visits have always been à la carte, saving us 70 baht by skipping the soup.
PotMaster offers six menu options:
- Master’s Four Treasure: 239 baht à la carte / 300 baht set – a must-try!
- Preserved Meat Combo: 319 baht / 379 baht set
- Chicken Mushroom: 189 baht / 259 baht set
- Pork Ribs Black Bean Sauce: 219 baht / 289 baht set
- Minced Pork Eggplant: 219 baht / 289 baht set
- Beef Brisket: 369 baht / 429 baht set – premium option
My husband initially eyed the Minced Pork Eggplant, but I’ve remained loyal to the Chicken Mushroom with an added 25 baht salted fish. As a “traditional” pot rice eater, especially since I don’t get to enjoy it often now that I live in Bangkok, this combination is a cherished taste of home with its perfectly marinated soft chicken. I usually get to have my say when it comes to ordering Malaysian-style food – a small victory for being deprived! The dish is consistently decent. While I might prefer a little more sauce, its slightly plainer (less salty and flavorful due to a less-than-ideal sauce) yet delicious flavor profile is quite appealing. The recipe is also notably without dark sauce, as I noted in the 8Days interview with the owner. I saw comments from customers liking Pot Master’s chili sauce in Singapore, but I personally find it a bit weird as I still prefer the traditional soya sauce with bird’s eye chilies as a classic eater.
Beyond CentralWorld, PotMaster also has a branch at One Bangkok, The Parade B1, Mitsukoshi Depachika, which opened in October 2024. In Singapore, you can find them at One Punggol Hawker Center.
Finding PotMaster
Address: PotMaster, CentralWorld, 7th Fl, Living House (Zone) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotMasterSG
Do you have a go-to spot for claypot rice or a hidden gem in Bangkok that reminds you of home? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
