We’re always on the lookout for old-school food; nobody does it like they used to. Our latest find is Quan Xiang Yuan Seafood Restaurant, a real blast from the past that’s hidden in Jalan Besar, serving up good ol’ Hokkien zi char.
Some history about Quan Xiang Yuan: they started out as Quan Xin Yuan in the 1930s as a food stall along Queen Street, before growing into a full-fledged restaurant some 40 years later. Today, they’re run by fourth-generation descendants of the family, who continue to stay true to their forefather’s original recipes.
One of the must-order dishes here is Braised Pork with Steamed Buns ($16), or kong bak bao, which patrons of the restaurant have declared “sinfully good”, with melt-in-your-mouth layers of fat lining the thick slices of braised meat.
If you’re looking for lesser-seen dishes, consider their Combination Platter (price TBD), which features fen ti, AKA ngoh hiang trotter. This laboriously prepared cold starter sees a whole pig trotter emptied of its meat, bones, tendon and all, leaving the layer of skin with minimal damage. Then, the meat, fat, and tendons are minced and seasoned, before being stuffed back into the skin. It’s steamed and served thinly sliced.
If you’re here with a crowd, consider the Fish Maw Sea Cucumber Stew ($30), a rich, flavourful soup made with premium sea cucumber, mushrooms, and more. Dash some vinegar and white pepper on this!
A sure winner at your feast is Yam Basket ($30), that quintessential dish of deep-fried yam holding a trove of assorted sauteed vegetables and more within. Quan Xiang Yuan’s version sees celery, cashew nuts, prawns, peppers and more, all nestled on a bed of crispy strings.
Almost every table at Quan Xiang Yuan will order Roasted Chicken ($32), which regulars love for its nicely crisp skin and tender, juicy meat. Bonus points go to the bed of keropok that comes alongside.
Image credit: @jiamtaorotee
You can’t visit a Hokkien zi char place without ordering yourself some Fried Hokkien Mee (from $8), with its signature dark, thick gravy and fat yellow noodles. It’s served with sambal, but is said to be superb even without.
For more old-school restaurants, check out Hillman Restaurant, which has award-winning paper-wrapped chicken on the menu. Otherwise, Lee Do Restaurant serves old-school Fuzhou food!
Address: 252 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208925
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6294 6254
Website
Quan Xiang Yuan is not a halal-certified eatery
Feature image adapted from @jiamtaorotee and @jt6263