Think You’re Tired of the Same Zì‑Char Order?
Every time you drop into a zi‑char spot, you’re probably reaching for the classic combo that never under‑delivers. Sure, it’s a safe bet and the flavours hit right where the joy is. But hey, what if you could break that culinary routine and add a dash of adventure to your plate?
Here’s the Game Plan:
- Lobster Porridge: Warm, silky, and every spoonful feels like a hug from the sea.
- Rice Hor Fun: The noodle‑ish rice strands that do a sweet‑and‑spicy tango with your taste buds.
- Angus Beef: Hand‑cut, expertly grilled – imagine a steak that’s almost as good as making a decent joke.
We’ve scoured the best zi‑char joints that let you step out of the comfort zone while still serving up dishes that are all the same deliciousness you expect. Dive in and discover those mysterious, drool‑worthy creations that make every visit feel like a culinary surprise party.
Orchid Live Seafood Restaurant
Top Spot for Seafood Lovers: Orchid Live Seafood Restaurant
Ready for a dining adventure that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Orchid Live. Their lobster porridge is a must‑try, especially when lobster prices have dropped and it’s no longer a high‑end item in fusion spots.
Why you’ll love the Lobster Porridge
- Fresh & sweet lobster – each bite tastes like a seaside breeze.
- Rich, savory broth – the kind of soup that makes you want to skip the salad.
- Crispy scallions – a splash of green that adds a fresh zing.
Where to find it
The place has two branches:
- 1 Bah Soon Pah Rd, S769959
- 16 Jln Kelulut, Singapore 809030
So next time you’re craving something hearty and absolutely tasty, swing by Orchid Live and soak up the flavors. You’ll leave feeling full, happy, and maybe a little bit lobster‑ready for the rest of your week!
Two Chefs Eating Place
Attention: This Dish is About to Become Your New BFF
Hold onto your taste buds – this next bite is going to have you craving more like a sushi roll stuck in a hypnotic trance. All hail the Butter Pork Ribs, the culinary superstar that will make you question every other dish you’ve ever tried.
Why It’s a Must‑Try
- Melt‑in‑Your‑Mouth Magic – Picture that buttery, tender pork shoulder when it’s dusted with a generous scoop of condensed‑milk powder. It’s like a sweet blanket hugging each rib.
- Flavor Bomb – Sprinkled with aromatic curry leaves, the aroma hits you even before you get your first bite. It’s a sensory party in your palate.
- A Taste of Heaven – The combo of savory meat and creamy sweetness guarantees that each mouthful feels like a trip to cloud nine.
Where to Find This Culinary Miracle
116 Commonwealth Crescent, #01‑129, Singapore 140116 – Get ready to turn a casual stroll into a food adventure.
And a Little Bonus Reading
Curious about more local food gems? Dive into the Best Zi Char in Singapore guide and explore the top 12 eateries and stalls that are serving up hearty homemade grub. Because if one dish can’t satisfy, the rest of Singapore’s street food just might.
Sin Teck Heng
Discover Sin Teck Heng: The Secret Spot You Can’t Afford to Miss
Where It Lives
It sits tucked away in Woodgrove Foodplace at 30 Woodlands Avenue 1, room #01‑11,
No fancy sign‑post, but once you spot it you’ll know it’s a culinary treasure.
Why It’s a Must‑Visit
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The Volcanic Beancurd
This dish erupts with flavor, turning simple bean curd into a liquid sunrise that’ll have you craving more.
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Seafood Milk Curry
A hearty pot of seafood meandering through a silky milk‑curry base—comfort food at its finest.
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Indonesia Prawn (the star)
At $20.80, this Indonesian prawn curry in a clay pot is so punchy you’ll need a second plate just to share. One bite, and you’re already planning your next visit.
How To Make the Most of Your Visit
Bring your appetite, a generous portion of rice, and a sense of adventure. It’s a classic “post‑meal‑neighboor” haunt—once you try the Indonesia Prawn, you’ll be re‑visiting for that spicy, creamy bliss.
Get Involved
Drop by, indulge, and celebrate the flavors of Sin Teck Heng—because some culinary gems stay hidden, but the ones you do find are worth every bite!
21 Seafood
Feeling a bit crabby? We’ve got the solution!
Stuck with a craving for seafood that won’t empty your wallet? 21 Seafood is the place to be. They’ve got the most affordable and delicious crabs in town—and with 16 different ways to enjoy them, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Why you’ll love it
- Incredible flavors that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
- Customizable sauces and styles you can tailor to your mood.
- Atmosphere that’s fresh, friendly, and perfect for a casual bite.
Must‑Try Highlight: Salted Egg Crab
Three tiny Sri Lankan crabs for just $25—that’s a deal! Want that glorious salted egg sauce? Add only $3 more. And don’t forget the crispy mantou buns. They’re crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside, and they soak up the sauce like a sponge. Trust us, the combo is pure bliss.
Where to Find It
212 Hougang Street 21,
01‑347, Singapore 530212
More Bargain Fisherman Finds
Looking for additional spots that serve great food for less than $20? Check out our latest round-up of budget seafood delights.
New Ubin Seafood
Unexpected Beef at a Seafood Spot
Who would’ve guessed that a place famous for its seafood could serve up a steak that’s so good people keep raving about it? If you’re on the hunt for a mouth‑watering bite that isn’t fish, you’re in luck.
Spotlight: U.S. Black Angus Ribeye Steak
Price: $14 per 100g
Picture this: smoky, tender pieces of beef that look like they’ve just come out of a grill and are ready to be scooped up with your favorite carbs—fried rice, noodles, or even plain toast if you’re feeling adventurous. The secret sauce? It’s cooked medium‑rare, giving it a juicy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Tasty!
Don’t Miss It At These Locations:
- 30 Victoria Street, #02‑01B/C, Singapore 187996 (Chijmes)
- 16 Ah Hood Road, Singapore 329982 (Zhongshan Park—inside the Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park)
Show up, order the steak, and enjoy a surprising best‑of the season surprise that’s sure to turn a regular meal into a memorable feast.
Siang Hee Seafood (Serangoon Garden Market)
Seafood Delights in Serangoon: Turning the Tide at Siang Hee
Chomp Chomp is usually the first name that pops into people’s heads when they think of tasty eats in Serangoon, but it’s time to give the equally delicious Siang Hee Seafood a thumbs‑up.
What You’re About to Love
The star of the show is the Butter Prawns with Pumpkin Cream Sauce—priced at a bite‑splitting <$12. Cue the buzz: pumpkin soup meets buttery shrimp in a slick, creamy blend. No salty egg yolk drama here—just a whisper of sweetness, a hint of salt, a dash of mild spice from curry powder that lingers after a few bites. The result? Prawns that are big, juicy, and crisp enough to give you a win‑win crunchy‑soft experience.
Ingredients that Sing
- Large, buttery prawns
- Rich pumpkin cream sauce
- Slight kick of curry powder
- A pinch of salty, savory relief
Location & Hours
Drop by 49A Serangoon Garden Way, #01-20 Serangoon Garden Market, Singapore 555945, to catch this culinary wave—rain or shine, the prawns are ready to sway your taste buds. Enjoy a blend of flavors that prove even a humble pumpkin can turn into a star.
Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant
Discovering Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant
Location
You’ll find Ting Heng tucked away in the vibrant neighborhood of Tiong Bahru. The venue’s airy, alfresco vibe makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
What’s on the Menu
With a menu that’s broad enough to satisfy any craving, Ting Heng offers a range of dishes that are hard to resist:
- Moonlight Hor Fun – silky noodles that feel like a midnight sweet treat.
- Cuttlefish Sambal Kang Kong – spicy, savory, and exactly the kind of punch your palate wants.
- Salted Fish Pork Cheek – rich, smoky flavor that stays in your memory long after you finish.
Must‑Try: Razor & Bamboo Clams
Known for their catch‑of‑the‑day freshness, the Razor and Bamboo Clams are the talk of the town. Pick either one off the menu and you’ll see why friends keep writing back, “I’m still craving that!”
How to Find Them
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-03, Singapore 160082.
Kok Sen Restaurant
Kok Sen Restaurant: Singapore’s Hidden Gem of Koi‑Cooked Delight
Why you’ll want a reservation – even though it sits in a humble coffee‑shop vibe, the buzz around this place means the tables fill up fast. If you’re in the city tomorrow night, better book before the inevitable queue starts.
Every evening the doors swing open and an army of hungry locals descends on the menu that packs flavour like a fireworks display.
Star‑Studded Bites
- Big Prawn Crispy Noodles – the shrimp au‑la‑mode is perched on a crispy noodle base, topped with a fluffy omelet that melts in your mouth.
- Thai‑Style Fried Rice – perfectly fragrant, it’s a tasty burst of chilies, herbs and a pinch of sweet secret seasoning.
They’re the dishes that get people saying “I can’t believe I’ve been waiting that long for this!”
Must‑Try Highlight: Claypot Yong Tau Foo
Now here’s the headline: the signature Claypot Yong Tau Foo. It only makes an appearance on weekends, turning the whole place into a battleground for food lovers. If you’re craving a mouth‑watering experience, get there early or prepare to skip the line.
What blows your mind: the pot is the secret sauce – literally. The gravy is a symphony of flavours: sweet, salty, smoky, and a daring dash of spice that just keeps you coming back for more. It’s like a culinary mic‑drop: “Boom, that’s a hit.”
Location & Hours
Conveniently located at 30‑32 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137. Drop by, but remember, the clock strikes after 8 PM on weekend nights – the golden hours when the Claypot magic begins.
Don’t miss out on their “steaming” charm, but if you’re after more exotic tipple, check out our round‑up for the most comforting fish head steamboat in Singapore – it’s like a hug from the sea!
Published first on Her World Online – your go‑to guide for Singapore’s best-quiet‑hype eateries.
