Craving homely Chinese food or a comforting supper in Singapore? You need to have a taste of Teochew porridge
Unlike silky Cantonese porridge (similar to congee) you’d find in dim sum restaurants, Teochew porridge is more watery, coarser, and essentially bland by itself. “Why would I go for the latter?” you ask? Because – like Indonesian nasi padang and Thai food – you can mix and match a staggering assortment of dishes into your rice, or Teochew muay (Teochew for porridge), creating your own preference of flavours in your piping-hot broth.
Dishes are often packed with robust, oft-salty flavour, such as braised duck and pork belly, minced pork with salted eggs, omelettes, steamed fish, and kiam chye (preserved cabbage); think of it like Chinese mixed rice (or cai png), but porridge instead. Perfect as a rainy-day meal or a supper snack, Teochew muay is definitely something you need to strike off your list if you’re a fan of Chinese food in Singapore.
Heng Long Teochew Porridge
If this name rings a bell, it’s probably because you saw it in the news no thanks to unruly customers who wrecked the store recently. But the esteemed Teochew porridge stall is now back on its feet, and continues to serve its raved-about dishes ’til the wee hours of the morning. You’ll find over 60 dishes here, so you’ll definitely want to come back for return visits to try them all.
Heng Long Teochew Porridge, 1006 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534744.
Orchid Café
Buffets are probably up your alley if you’re never satisfied with just one round. Situated in the heart of Tanjong Pagar is this famed Teochew porridge buffet at Orchid Hotel, with a daily buffet lunch from noon to 2.30pm. Not pleased with how you mixed your ingredients in your first bowl? Just go for another. And another.
Orchid Café, Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867, p. 6818 6831.
MANLE
Teochew porridge isn’t quite what comes to mind when you think of popular Western food franchise, Astons. The latter, however, does indeed have another concept called MANLE – which translates to “full of happiness” in Chinese – that specialises in hot pot and Teochew porridge lunch buffets. At just $12.90+, fill your bowl to the brim with gravy-soaked dishes like tau pok (fried beancurd) and braised pork belly – the more gravy in your porridge, the better.
MANLE, #B1-01/02 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539, p. 6634 2538.
Ye Shang Hai
Nocturnal food cravings are an inevitable side-effect of living in a country like Singapore, and on those chilly nights, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Teochew muay. Open ’til 5am, this reputable restaurant will spoil you with over 50 dishes on its spread. Make sure you try the steamed pomfret and braised pork intestines.
Ye Shang Hai, #01-387, 55 Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 151055.
Soon Soon Teochew Porridge
Teochew porridge is homely in that it’s complemented with simple, Chinese comfort food. That’s why many Teochew muay devotees call this Hougang restaurant home, as it serves fuss-free dishes that are both diverse and delicious. From braised minced pork and chilli cockles, to salted eggs and fried fish with black bean sauce; these dishes will have you craving seconds.
Soon Soon Teochew Porridge, 13 Simon Road, Singapore 545897.
Still feel like Asian cuisine? Then check out these best Japanese restaurants, best Indian restaurants, and best nasi padang restaurants in Singapore.
