Zi Char Spots in Singapore
Zi Char is a good ol-fashioned way of having a hearty meal, especially when eating with friends and family. Not only is it usually more affordable than restaurant fare, you can be stuffed silly with a huge variety of dishes.
If you’re looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion, or just to satisfy your wok hey cravings, here’s a list of 5 Zi Char stalls from our certified foodies:
1. JB Ah Meng
Image Credit: Cecil Dulam
Anyone who’s been trotting around in JB would’ve heard of the famous JB San Lou Mee Fen, a special bee hoon dish known for its intense wok hei flavours. Now in the Geylang Area, JB Ah Meng serves up Malaysian Zichar daily till late.
Image adapted from: Alex Soo, @jbahmeng
Though the signature dish consists primarily of simple ingredients like Bee Hoon, egg, soy sauce, and some sotong pieces, do not be fooled as it packs a punch! Unlike your typical economical bee hoon, San Lou Mee Fen is pan-fried to a perfect crisp, giving it a nice charred taste. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, this dish is the ultimate balance between flavour and texture.
Feeling indulgent? Pair with their famous White Pepper Crab, or other seafood dishes for an extravagant and hearty meal.
Recipe Idea: Craving for bee hoon? Try our super easy economical Bee Hoon recipe, or Cantonese fried Bee Hoon for something with a little extra crunch.
JB Ah Meng
523 Geylang Road, Singapore 389490
Opens daily, 5pm to 2.15am
Google Maps | Instagram | Facebook
2. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
While the East side might be known as a foodie haven, the West has also brought forth strong contenders. For those who love a good Moonlight Hor Fun, this Zi Char place needs no introduction.
Image Credit: Keng Eng Kee Seafood
To enjoy the signature Moonlight Hor Fun dish best, break into the yellow runny egg and mix it up with its kway teow and generous bits of seafood including octopus and prawns. What you can expect with this dish is a combination of charred wok hey flavour, alongside a silky texture of kway teow and runny yolk.
Image adapted from: @kengengkee
We know people who’ve travelled across the island for this plate of goodness. If you’re one of them, don’t forget to also order the Coffee Pork Ribs while you’re there!
Recipe idea: To enjoy Keng Eng Kee from the comforts of your home, here’s a DIY foolproof Coffee Pork Ribs recipe from their own chefs! Of course, don’t forget to whip up your own Moonlight Hor Fun recipe to complete your wokhey-from-home experience.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood
124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136 Singapore 150124
Opens daily, 11.30am to 2pm; 5pm to 10pm
Google Maps | Instagram | Facebook
3. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
Image Credit: The Heartlander Tourist
Originally located in the quaint neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, they’ve now expanded to the hipster Joo Chiat area due to popular demand. Open till 3am daily, you can indulge in supper any day of the week while taking in the al-fresco style dining – Singaporean style.
When you’re here, you definitely want to order their Har Cheong Gai, seafood dishes such as Sambal Stingray, as well as Hot Plate Tofu when you’re there. The smoky flavour in their dishes never disappoints, and keeps indulgent patrons returning.
Image Credit: Singapore Food Story
Recipe idea: Looking to replicate a healthy hotplate dish but don’t have a hotplate at home? Here’s an easy Zi Char Style Hot Plate Tofu recipe you can check out. Throw in some minced meat, fresh prawns, creamy egg, and you’re ready to go!
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House (Joo Chiat)
187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893
Opens daily, 3pm to 3am
Google Maps | Instagram | Facebook
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House (Tiong Bahru)
55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055
Opens daily, 4pm to 4am
Google Maps | Instagram | Facebook
4. Sembawang White Bee Hoon
Endorsed by the likes of food gurus such as Miss Tam Chiak, The Ranting Panda and Seth Lui, Sembawang White Bee Hoon has come a long way from its origin story. Initially prepared as a humble dish for founder Mr Tay’s family, it is now a well-loved dish slurped by many Singaporeans.
Image Credit: CapitaLand
Its thick gravy complements the lightness of the beehoon, making this dish delicious without becoming an overkill for your tummies. While the classic signature version stars a white starchy seafood sauce, there are also Mala and Truffle variations available.
Recipe idea: Looking to impress guests with a one-serving dish? Feel free to challenge yourself by experimenting with this White Bee Hoon recipe. You get a delicious meal, and bragging rights when you successfully nail the homemade stock which boasts chicken flavours, soya bean, prawn heads and shells.
Sembawang White Bee Hoon (Sembawang)
22 Jln Tampang, Singapore 758966
Opens daily, 10am to 10pm
Google Map | Instagram | Facebook
For Other Franchises: https://whiterestaurant.com.sg/locate-us/
5. Thien Kee Steamboat Hainanese Restaurant
Image Credit: Entree Kibbles | Cavin Teo Blogspot
While its location is quite hidden, Thien Kee Steamboat is quite a well-established rendezvous among the baby boomers and Gen X’es.
Located in the basement of Golden Mile Tower, Thien Kee Steamboat is not exactly Hai Di Lao style. Instead, think of it as a crossover between fragrant chicken rice and traditional steamboat, with Zi Char dishes on the side. Some of these a la carte dishes include Satay with pineapple sauce, Sin Chew Bee Hoon, as well as Hainanese pork chop. Who says we can’t have the best of all worlds?
Recipe Idea: If you’re craving for some hearty steamboat but don’t want to leave the house on a lazy evening, feel free to check out this recipe idea for a homemade fish head steamboat.
Thien Kee Steamboat Hainanese Restaurant
6001 Beach Road, #B1-20 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Opens daily, 11am to 10pm
Google Maps | Instagram | Facebook
Good Zi Char Near You
There you go! Here are the 5 hot spots you’d definitely want to check out for some incredible Zi Char. Though most Zi Char spots offer similar dishes, the nuances always lie in specialty cooking styles that different restaurants pride themselves in.
Our recommendation? Zi Char is definitely best enjoyed with a huge group of friends or your family… just so you get to order a greater variety of dishes!
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