Best Places for Zi Char in Singapore

From hawker stall to full-fledged restaurant, Keng Eng Kee Seafood has come a long way since it started in 1975. The foolproof Moonlight Hor Fun (from $6) is what to come for, but Burpplers also enjoy the Coffee Ribs (from $8), Salted Egg Sotong (from $18) and KEK's Western fare!
Photo by Burppler Foodie Holic

No-frills zi char spot Two Chefs is so popular that having a reservation doesn’t guarantee immediate seating, but the wait will prove worthwhile. Consider the tender, one-of-a-kind Butter Pork Ribs (from $8) coated in condensed milk powder and the XO San Lou Hor Fun (from $7) with full-on wok hei.
Photo by Burppler Debra Ow

Meet your best bet for an after-work group dinner in Keong Saik. Get the Claypot Yong Tau Foo (from $15) and the luscious Big Prawns Hor Fun (from $18). Don’t be put off by the steeper prices — the premium ingredients and great flavours are well worth paying for.
Photo by Burppler Amanda Tay

Think JB Ah Meng and the JB San Lou Mee Hoon (from $7) aka chao ta (burnt) beehoon comes to mind. While you may be tempted to go large, Burppler Blueskies Cottonclouds recommends going with several plates of the smaller portion, which yields better crisp and char.
Photo by Burppler Jason Wong

Housed in a coffeeshop where Da Dong Prawn Noodles operates by day, Mellvin Seafood Restaurant takes the limelight when night falls. For a late night supper sesh, share the Indonesian Prawns in Claypot (from $16) with a super lemak, spicy gravy!
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Run by second-generation restaurateurs, this Upper Thomson locale has built a name for its Chilli Crab ($60/kg). The crabs are slicked in a rich gravy, which you’ll want to mop up with deep-fried mantou. Expect an average 30-minute queue time — come with patient, crab-loving friends.
Photo by Burppler Diana Tan

They’ve moved into cosier, air-conditioned digs in Aljunied, but we’re happy to report that our favourite Penang joint has kept food standards up and prices low! The must-order is a lard-loaded Penang Fried Kway Teow (from $5) and the wok hei-laden Lala Hokkien Mee (from $8) with thick, luscious gravy.
Photo by Burppler Thiam Peng Tan

For an offbeat spot to bring your zi char-loving business partner or colleagues for lunch, consider Zai Shun. The Steamed Fish (seasonal price) is always fresh, and you can opt for Teochew porridge instead of rice to keep lunch on the lighter side.
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From their dress-down vibes to the corkage-free BYOB policy and refined fusion fare, New Ubin is zi char king. Come prepared to splurge on the US Black Angus Ribeye Steak (from $84 for 600g), which comes with a side of the Heart Attack Fried Rice — cooked in beef fat for extra oomph. Also not to be missed, the smoke-kissed Boss Beehoon ($9).
Photo by Burppler Fabian Poon

For zi char sans pork and lard, count on Segar’s variety of tasty dishes. The menu isn’t extensive, but there’s still something for everyone — tangy Claypot Tom Yum Mee Soup ($6) for solo diners, the sweet, crispy Segar Claypot Golden Chicken ($10.80) for two, and the Signature Curry Fish Head ($20) for the whole gang.
Photo by Burppler Carrie Carrie