Best zi char in Singapore according to Google
When it comes to affordable feasts, Singaporeans are spoiled for choice thanks to the large amount of zi char places in the country. But with so many such eateries out there, it can be difficult to decide where to get your coffee pork ribs or cereal prawns.
Luckily, we live in the internet age, so we can turn to the Big G for advice. Based on the star rating system on Google Maps, we have curated a list of the 10 best zi char places in Singapore. The criteria are that they have a score of at least 4.0 and plenty of reviews—aside from our last two picks, which are hidden gems.
Do note that the Google ratings are from the time of writing, and may change over time.
1. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Keng Eng Kee Seafood needs no introduction. The legendary zi char stall has garnered plenty of acclaim over its 50-year history, including a Michelin Plate and a recommendation from Anthony Bourdain himself.
Recommended dishes include their Coffee Pork Ribs ($15.80+), which are said to be tender and highly flavourful, and the Signature Chilli Crab (market price), which is said to be both piquant and meaty. Instead of getting rice to go along with these dishes, you can opt for the Signature Moonlight Hor Fun (from $7.80+), a well-balanced noodle dish with a silky mouthfeel.
Website | Full list of outlets
Keng Eng Kee Seafood is not a halal-certified eatery.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood Review: Famous Zi Char Restaurant With Coffee Pork Ribs And More
2. Kok Sen Restaurant
Having been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, Kok Sen Restaurant is another eatery that has received much acclaim. It is known for dishes such as the Big Prawns Hor Fun (from $19), a wok hei-filled noodle dish with large juicy prawns, and Yong Tau Fu (from $15) in a warm claypot. For some fried goodness, get the Prawn Paste Chicken (from $13), which features a batter infused with fermented shrimp paste.
Address: 30 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2:15pm, 5pm to 9pm
Tel: 6223 2005
Website
Kok Sen Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Kok Sen Restaurant Review: XL Prawn Hor Fun From A Bib Gourmand Zi Char Eatery
3. J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant
Image credit: @driftsyndrome
J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant offers Malaysian-style zi char, and to many, that means extra wok hei. The San Lou Meehoon (from $8) is a good example of this—messy and somewhat unpleasant to look at, but brimming with wok-kissed aroma and flavour. While you’re there, don’t miss the White Pepper Crab (market price), which is said to have tender meat and the irresistible fragrance of white pepper.
Address: 534 Geylang Road, Singapore 389490
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 2:15am
Tel: 6741 2418
J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
4. Two Chefs Eating Place
Image credit: @wwchesterk
Everyone knows Two Chefs Eating Place for their Butter Ribs (from $10), and for good reason. These pork ribs are blanketed with milk powder, and are said to be juicy and wonderfully creamy. Other popular dishes include the Seafood Claypot (from $25) and Golden Mushroom Beancurd (from $9).
Two Chefs Eating Place (Commonwealth)
Address: 116 Commonwealth Crescent, #01-129, Singapore 140116
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:15pm, 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6472 5361
Two Chefs Eating Place (Sin Ming)
Address: 410A Sin Ming Avenue, #01-01, Singapore 570409
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:15pm
Tel: 6451 3812
Two Chefs Eating Place is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Ban Leong Wah Hoe
Image credit: @victuals8comestibles
Ban Leong Wah Hoe continues to be one of the more popular and well-received zi char places in the country. Seafood is their speciality, with dishes such as Chilli Crab (market price) and Assam Fish Head ($28) often prepared excellently. As for non-seafood items, their Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs (from $12) and Prawn Paste Chicken (from $8) come highly recommended.
Address: 122 Casuarina Road, Singapore 579510
Opening hours: Mon 4:30pm to 10:30pm, Tue-Sun 11:30am to 2pm, 4:30pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 6452 2824
Website
Ban Leong Wah Hoe is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. Chuan Kee Seafood
Image credit: @dumfoodtrail
Established in 1975, Chuan Kee Seafood offers a great variety of seafood fare. Signature dishes such as the Stir-Fry Wild Mushroom Scallops With Asparagus ($20) and Yuan-yang Wasabi & Salted Egg Prawn ($24) are zi char showstoppers, with the latter being a particularly interesting dish—two popular zi char flavours, wasabi and salted egg, are combined rather than used separately.
Address: 1091A Lower Delta Road, Singapore 169207
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 9878 9924
Website
Chuan Kee Seafood is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
Image credit: @yaoyuanya
You expect zi char fare done right at Sin Hoi Sai Eating House. While it has a sister outlet in the form of Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant, Google has this outlet as the more popular and better-rated choice. Crowd favourites here include the super savoury Salted Egg & Butter Pork Ribs ($16) and the piquant Curry Fish Head ($26). Be sure to get the smoky Moonlight Hor Fun (from $6) as your choice of carb, too!
Address: 187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893
Opening hours: Daily 3pm to 3am
Tel: 6440 6956
Website
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not a halal-certified eatery.
8. Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant
Image credit: @joshua.kang
Despite being rated by over 1500 users on Google, Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant maintains one of the highest scores on the list. Located inside a bungalow, the zi char place serves classics such as Coffee Ribs (from $12.84) and Hot Plate Tofu (from $12.84), but they are better known for their seafood dishes, including Crab with Ketchup & Chilli Sauce ($73 for 800g) and Butter Crayfish (from $29.96).
Address: 462 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466508
Opening hours: Daily 4:30pm to 11pm
Tel: 6442 9313
Website
Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. FPC Seafood
Image credit: @fpcseafood
With only about 200 ratings, but a superb score of 4.5 on Google, FPC Seafood fits our definition of a hidden gem. Their seafood dishes, particularly the Sweet & Sour Fish ($13) and Butter Prawns ($18), are said to be delectable, fresh, and value for money. And like any zi char place worth its salt, the non-seafood dishes are quality too—the Thai Style Fried Chicken ($11) and Ginger & Spring Onion Beef ($13) are very well-regarded.
Address: 267 Tampines Street 21, #01-47, Singapore 520267
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11am to 8:30pm
Tel: 6781 6511
Website
FPC Seafood is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer @ 81 Boat Quay
Image credit: @georgetowntzechar
Located along the scenic Boat Quay, George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer is another hidden gem, with under 300 ratings on Google for an overall score of 4.5. It’s probably the most interesting entry on this list, too. Get this—a Penang-style zi char restaurant that also specialises in craft beer.
Standout dishes include the Rendang Crab (from $28), which combines the powerful aroma of rendang with the sweetness of crab, and the authentic-tasting Penang Laksa ($28). Don’t forget to get some Brewlander Craft Beer (from $9) to go along with these dishes, too.
Address: 81 Boat Quay, Singapore 049869
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm to 3am, Sat 4pm to 4am, Sun 3pm to 2am
Tel: 9682 3826
Website
George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer @ 81 Boat Quay is not a halal-certified eatery.
Google’s best zi char places
You don’t have to sift through Google the next time you’re craving zi char—we’ve narrowed down a list of the top ten places to visit. For great Sichuan mala, have a look at our Sichuan mala hotpot restaurant guide. If you’re looking for Korean restaurants to check out, read our Korean restaurants in Tanjong Pagar guide.
10 Legit Sichuan Hotpot Restaurants In Singapore For Fiery Mala Broth, Including Buffets
Feature image adapted from @fpcseafood and @victuals8comestibles.
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
