Claypot Delights

HIDDEN GEM: Decent Claypot Chicken Rice at affordable prices. (S$5.00) Until I stumbled upon a Claypot Chicken Rice stall from a Malaysia Boleh franchise located in Simei Eastpoint Mall.

Before savouring any Claypot Chicken Rice, the secret is to mix the rice and sauces well. You know you’re good to go when every grain of rice is coated beautifully golden brown. Let’s get started! The fragrant rice remains moist and tender after being exposed to extreme heat. A light smoky charcoal aroma diffuses into the surrounding air. The chicken chunks are smooth on the surface. Tender, juicy and chewy! My favourite is the chinese sausage pieces with a flavourful sweet-salty combination like “bak kwa” (barbecued pork jerky). Paired with the classic minced garlic and cut chillies in dark soy sauce, it brings the flavour to the next level. The best part is when you reach the bottom of the claypot. I love the layer of crispy charred rice. The contrast in textures is extraordinary. Although the chicken rice was lacking in fragrance, it was relatively good for its price.

Best to try these dishes at off-peak hours for the best taste.

Affordable Chinese home cooked food for the masses! S$5.80 (S) / S$7.80 (M)

This is more spicy than the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken with an abundance of small cut chillies. The elegant purple eggplant is crunchy on the surface and soft and chewy on the inside. The minced meat may be small in size but the taste of chicken/pork is strong nonetheless. Like the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken, the Eggplant with Spicy Minced Meat does not disappoint.

Affordable Chinese home cooked food for the masses! S$5.80 (S) / S$7.80 (M)

It comes in a sizzling hot claypot, reminiscent of Pepper Lunch; A generous portion of bite-size pieces of golden-brown chicken and freshly cut dried chillies often used in Sichuan Mala (麻辣) recipes. As I took my first bite, the first thing that struck me was the warm-hot temperature of the dish. It was just nice, a great and consistent temperature for anyone to enjoy a warm-hearted meal. Then comes the heavy aroma of sesame oil, garlic and onion from the traditional sauce. The essence of the sauce lies in its thickness: A beautiful mixture of sesame oil and meat juices infused with the fragrance of dried chillies. It was mildly spicy without the numbness, perfect for children who struggle with spicy food. The succulent chicken is tender and moist with a surprisingly smooth texture like chicken thigh. Topped with spring onions, scallions and garlic chives, the Spicy Sesame Claypot Chicken is a classic chinese household dish.