Zi Char

Our general favourite dish was the 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 ($13.80) with its addictively strong but not overpowering truffle flavour. Definitely a recommend when here!

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We would also recommend their 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚 (clams) and 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐠. They do their sauces exceptionally well here and these were some of the best renditions of these classic dishes that we’ve had.

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Both their 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐩𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐬 were cooked well with (again) great sauces. Sure, the sauces were distinctly starchier than more famous versions, but the “homely” take struck a chord. The black pepper sauce even tasted like that used for black pepper steaks! 😆 That said, the crabs, though cooked well, did not absorb the sauces, and one had to actively mix the shredded crabmeat with the sauce for more satisfying bites.

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Gloriously plated dish reminiscent of those served at elaborate CNY dinners. The fried pomfret was the standout of the night - the light batter encased tender fish slices that brimmed with freshness, and brilliantly complemented with a Thai sweet/sour sauce. The mango salad was bright with zest and crunch, although we felt that the mangos were a little underripe and hard. We still wiped the whole plate clean; testament to its sheer deliciousness.

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We also tried the 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐬 ($18/M), 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐠𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧 ($14/S), and 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐝 𝐎𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 ($12/S) (all 4 ⭐️) which were well-executed but not particularly memorable. The kind of dishes that we wouldn’t mind ordering again, but might prefer to try others amidst its vast menu.

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Among the dishes we tried, the dishes we would return for would be:
1. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 ($24/S) (4.5 ⭐️): fresh and juicy mini squid perfectly cooked, smothered with a blanket of chopped garlic, and doused with an addictive soy concoction. So addictive!
2. 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 ($12) (4.5 ⭐️): excellently crisp. Some places over or under fry which would result in an overly tough or chewy squid. This was not the case, and was perfect.
3. 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 ($10) (4.5 ⭐️): again freshly fried to perfection and generous in portion.
4. 𝐄𝐠𝐠𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 ($18) - Well braised and flavourful eggplant with crisp skin and soft gooey flesh. Paired with well fried tofu for extra textural contrast.

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Loved this!!
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Steamed baby sotong ($13) ⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️
Hot plate venison ($15) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
Ling zhi mushroom beancurd ($10) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
Black bean fish beehoon ($10) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
Oyster egg ($10) ⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Enjoyed this affordable and delicious #zichar nestled within a HDB that has a bright and airy environment. Our favourite was the steamed baby sotong that were fresh, bouncy, and chewy in texture, served with a simple yet delicious soy-garlic-ginger sauce. The #oysteregg was also well-executed with its fluffy egg and plump oysters. We especially liked that it wasn’t too oily. We also enjoyed the beancurd that was really soft with a crisp outer skin, and paired well with the mushrooms & vegetables. While the black bean beehoon was really unique with its salty-sweet mix, and went well with sour green chili (recommend asking them for some!), we found it a bit too rich and starchy. The venison was standard tasty fare, although there were some pieces that were quite tough to chew whilst others were softer. Best part was that everything was nett price which made this an affordable

We recall the #mingzhuroll tasting better in the past. While still crispy and is a unique fried beancurd sandwich, it could do with more fillings as we found the beancurd to be the most prominent taste. The fillings also lacked flavour, especially the ham & egg that didn’t add anything more than textural contrast.

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Moonlight horfun (M $9) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
Salted egg sotong ($18) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Back for affordable and comforting #zichar food at #kengengkee. While still yummy and value-for-money (paid under $15 per person), we find that the quality has fallen since our last visit about a year ago. The #moonlighthorfun remains a must-order with its flavourful and generous mix of ingredients and chewy hor fun noodles with wok hei, but we found it on the peppery side and the strong pepper overpowered the dish slightly. The #saltedeggsotong had a good crispy batter but the squid itself was quite tough and we would have enjoyed a stronger salted egg and curry leaf flavour.
📍@kengengkee, 01-136, 124 Bukit Merah Lane, Singapore

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Zichar (~$15/pax)
⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Back to one of our favourite #zichar places. The food is affordable and delicious while being as healthy as zichar can get. Their steamed fish (price varies by type/size and ours was $60) never fails to be well-executed, with perfectly timed tender and fresh meat. We also love their array of sides and our usual orders include their chewy and homemade fish cake, bittergourd with egg, and #haebeehiam (dried shrimp sambal).
📍Zai Shun Curry Fish Head, 253 Jurong East Street 24, #01-205, S600253
#cafehoppingjurongeast

Satay ($6.50/5pc)
Mee Goreng ($15)
Fish head curry ($36)
Overall ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
🍴The #satay at this outlet was executed really well (better than the last we had from chijmes) with a delicious char and tender meat paired with a flavour and thick satay sauce. Loved the balance of peanuts with what I think was pineapple that gave a slight sourness and nice tang. The #fishheadcurry was quite light in flavour and lacking fish aroma. Although there was quite a lot of vegetables, there was only a small portion of fish which couldn’t quite justify the price paid. We did enjoy the #meegoreng that was nicely fried to have good texture and wokhei.
📍@newubin, Zhongshan Mall, 16 Ah Hood Road, Singapore
Other outlets at Tampines & Chijmes