If you're craving homely Chinese food or a comforting supper in Singapore, have a taste of Teochew porridge.
Unlike the silky Cantonese porridge (similar to congee) you see in dim sum restaurants, Teochew porridge is more watery, coarser, and essentially bland by itself. “So why should 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 muay (Teochew for porridge), creating a medley of flavours in your piping-hot broth.
These complementary dishes are often packed with robust, salty flavours from braised duck and pork belly, minced pork with salted egg, omelettes, steamed fish, and kiam chye (preserved cabbage). Think of it like Chinese mixed rice (or cai png), but a porridge version. Perfect as a rainy-day meal or a hearty supper, Teochew muay is something you need to strike off your list if you’re a fan of Chinese food. Now, let’s get to all the top spots for Teochew porridge in Singapore.
Best places for Teochew porridge in Singapore
1. Shao
Setting his culinary roots in London, chef-owner Jack Ding returned to Singapore after shuttering his first restaurant. That’s when he came up with his current dining concept Shao, which features modern renditions of hearty Teochew cuisine. And yes, that includes Teochew porridge. Classic dishes like braised pork and lala can be found on the menu, with the option to order plain porridge on the side to go along with it. You can even get Teochew raw marinated seafood here!
Shao, multiple locations including Frankel and Holland Village
2. Choon Seng Teochew Porridge
Having been around for 90 years and counting, this Teochew porridge stall is proudly owned by a fifth-generation hawker who tirelessly takes care of his family’s legacy. Side dishes come in varying portion sizes, which we find exceptionally helpful if you’re dining in a big group. Prices might lean on the higher side at Choon Seng, but the delectable home-style cooking will win your heart in no time.
Choon Seng Teochew Porridge, 43 Cambridge Road, Singapore 210043
3. Cuisine Teochew Porridge Rice
Show some love to this senior hawker who dedicates her mornings tending to this humble store in Whampoa Food Centre. Don’t judge a book by its cover because the dishes may be deceptively simple, but they pack a punch in flavour. The side dishes served are pretty consistent, so you can get your favourites anytime.
Cuisine Teochew Porridge Rice, Whampoa Food Centre, 90 Whampoa Drive, Singapore 320090
4. White House Teochew Porridge
As with most hawker stalls, White House Teochew Porridge was started by a family in the 90s. Its family recipes were developed through years of trial and error after conversations with suppliers and relatives. Now, the patriarch dedicates his time to cooking at least 30 dishes twice a day to serve with the skillfully hand-scooped porridge. You can’t miss out on the braised duck and steamed fish which are fan favourites amongst regulars.
White House Teochew Porridge, 1096 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328193
5. Teo Heng Teochew Porridge
For an affordable lunch in the CBD, we naturally flock to hawker spots like Amoy Street Food Centre. On your next visit, why not give Teo Heng Teochew Porridge a try? Take your pick from steamed or fried fishcakes, braised meats, steamed fish, and more to pair with soft and warm porridge. It’ll have you ready to take on the rest of the work day.
Teo Heng Teochew Porridge, #01-27, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
6. Ye Lai Xiang Teochew Porridge
Open till 4am, Ye Lai Xiang Teochew Porridge satisfies those late-night porridge cravings. Just follow the bright yellow sign to find a beautiful setup of dishes ready and waiting. Prices are affordable, though they vary depending on the ingredients and portion size. Heads up: we hear the stall’s lines are almost never-ending even at 9pm, so be prepared to wait.
Ye Lai Xiang Teochew Porridge, #01-217, 116 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151116
7. Sin Hock Heng Teochew Porridge
After three months of retirement, beloved uncle Sim of Sin Hock Heng Teochew Porridge decided to head back into the porridge business. While his original site at Geylang is still up and running, don’t be mistaken. That spot has been taken up by another tenant who operates under the same name. For a good ol’ taste of uncle Sim’s hae bi hiam (dried shrimp sambal), steamed fish, and three-layer pork, head to his new location at Sims Avenue.
Sin Hock Heng Teochew Porridge, #01-205, 205 Sims Avenue, Singapore 387506
8. Joo Seng Teochew Porridge
When you visit Joo Seng Teochew Porridge, try the standout dishes that any regulars will recommend. Don’t miss out on the fan-favourite braised duck, as the meat practically falls off the bone. Other top picks include pork intestines, fishcakes, chilli lala, and otah. Bring a big group to try it all!
Joo Seng Teochew Porridge, 14 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599738
9. Qian Cheng Rice Porridge
With a slew of regulars ready and waiting at this little corner store at Haif Road Market & Food Centre, the only Singaporean thing to do is to join in. You know it’s good when all the old folks are queueing up for it. Dishes are kept simple but bursting with flavours, perfect to pair with the silky porridge.
Qian Cheng Rice Porridge, #01-37, Haig Road Market & Food Centre, 14 Haig Road, Singapore 430014
10. 554 Teochew Curry Rice/Porridge
This family-run business is known for using fresh ingredients to create side dishes that aren’t too salty to go along with its wonderfully watery porridge. Signatures include the Teochew-style steamed sea bass, steamed minced meat, and fried chicken wings. If you want to try something different, opt for the flavourful curry rice instead.
554 Teochew Curry Rice/Porridge, 554 Macpherson Road, Singapore 368230
11. Moh Seng Teochew Porridge
For a taste of home, step up to Moh Seng Teochew Porridge. Dishes are fresh and cooked in batches to keep everything hot and delicious. Not only are prices affordable, but the portions are hefty and will fill you up in no time.
Moh Seng Teochew Porridge, 105 Hougang Avenue 1, Singapore 530105
12. Teck Ee Rice & Teochew Porridge
Affordably priced with a multitude of hearty dishes for you to choose from, Teck Ee Rice & Teochew Porridge has been welcoming hungry patrons for years. The uncle running the stall may be a little brusque, but that’s how you know the food is good.
Teck Ee Rice & Teochew Porridge, 302 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427555
13. Heng Long Teochew Porridge
Nostalgic flavours hit extra hard at Heng Long Teochew Porridge. Besides the huge array of side dishes, it’s an affordable spot that’s open till the wee hours of the morning. Party animals who are looking for something extra satisfying to chow down on can pay this spot a visit.
Heng Long Teochew Porridge, multiple locations including Tanjong Katong and North Bridge Road
14. Soon Soon Teochew Porridge
Teochew porridge is homely as it’s complemented by simple Chinese comfort food. That’s why many Teochew muay devotees call this restaurant home, as it serves fuss-free dishes that are 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, #01-204, 126 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150126
So, how many bowls of Teochew porridge can you eat?
