If you study or work around Paya Lebar and are looking for a cheap meal for your next lunch break, Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang at Paya Lebar Square has got your back. This popular eatery serves up mini bowls from just $1.90, as well as free-flow porridge!
Run by the same group behind the popular Sichuan fusion restaurant Kuan Zhai Alley, the Paya Lebar eatery offers an extensive range of Sichuan and Chongqing-style mini bowls, spanning over 20 dishes.
All dishes are displayed and kept fresh in warmers and chillers.
Their bowls are priced by colour, with prices ranging from $1.90 to $5.90. Their green bowls are the cheapest at just $1.90 each, followed by red ($2.90), white ($3.90), blue ($4.90), and orange ($5.90). If this sounds confusing, worry not, as prices are marked for all dishes.
When we visited, there were seven types of green mini bowls on display, including Chilled Black Fungus tossed in a garlic dressing, crunchy Chilled Cucumber with Garlic Sauce, Griddle Cauliflower with whole garlic cloves and onion leeks, and Stir Fried Shredded Potato with Sour & Spicy, topped with chopped Sichuan peppers. Each bowl is priced at $1.90.
Another popular pick is the Steamed Egg with Soy Sauce ($1.90). We loved how soft and silky the egg was, reminiscent of a chawanmushi.
We also had the Chilled Bean Curd Skin ($1.90), starring strands of soft, springy beancurd skin coated in a slightly spicy chilli oil.
The Stir-fried Green Peppers ($1.90) was also delicious, featuring charred green peppers fried with garlic and soy sauce till smoky and fragrant.
There’s a variety of affordable seafood options as well, including Steamed Garlic Shrimp with Vermicelli ($4.90). Each bowl comes with bouncy vermicelli in a garlicky broth, along with three plump pieces of shrimp.
If you’re in the mood for dim sum, there are bao and dumplings such as Xiao Long Pao (Pork) priced at $3.90 for three pieces. Each bun comes with a fluffy exterior and a savoury minced pork filling. For a kick, dip them in their house-made chilli oil, available on request.
Don’t miss out on the free-flow rice and porridge. Both options are priced at $1 each and are available through a self-service counter next to the cashier.
While the rice here is served plain, the porridge is cooked with tender chunks of sweet pumpkin, a perfect complement to the rich mains.
Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang is located at Paya Lebar Square, a quick three-minute walk from Paya Lebar MRT Station. We encourage you to head down early if you’re visiting during lunch, as they can get quite busy during peak periods. You can also find them at Changi City Point and Lazada One.
For more great eats at Paya Lebar Square, check out Bao’s Pastry for their viral pork floss buns! Otherwise, read our feature of ONZ! Buffet Restaurant by Bijan for their $10 buffet at Grandlink Square.
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #B1-15, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 8139 6318
Website
Kuan Zhai Wan Wan Xiang Paya Lebar Square is not a halal-certified eatery.
Photos taken by Paula Formantes.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.