Think of Teochew porridge as a banquet. This is no French-style feast where linen-covered tables are graced with gold platters of stuffed quail and foie gras drenched in rich French sauces. Instead, the bare coffee-stained tabletops here are the backdrops for an array of small steaming plates of food bearing anything from vegetables in a light savoury broth, to freshly-steamed fish and slabs of pork belly covered in a sweet dark braise.
To go with these dishes is a bowl of plain white rice porridge. Unlike the thick, creamy consistency of Cantonese-style congee, Teochew porridge leans towards firmer rice grains, a result of quick-boiling the freshly-harvested grains instead of watching the pot over a fire for hours.
Together, this combination of side dishes and plain congee are a tried-and-tested recipe for comfort food. We round up five Teochew porridge stalls that stay open past midnight, to satisfy that supper craving.
To go with these dishes is a bowl of plain white rice porridge. Unlike the thick, creamy consistency of Cantonese-style congee, Teochew porridge leans towards firmer rice grains, a result of quick-boiling the freshly-harvested grains instead of watching the pot over a fire for hours.
Together, this combination of side dishes and plain congee are a tried-and-tested recipe for comfort food. We round up five Teochew porridge stalls that stay open past midnight, to satisfy that supper craving.
Teochew porridge is usually enjoyed with a variety of side dishes.
Ye Shang Hai
#01-387, 55 Lengkok Bahru, #01-387, Singapore 151055
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 5am
Hop into a cab often enough and you'll soon learn of this not-so-secret taxi driver supper spot. The boss here is rocker-chic in his fitting black t-shirt and denim jeans, and he cooks up a mean hae bi hiam (dried prawns) and braised duck. Feeling brave? The chicken feet here are also fried a la minute, unlike many places where they are bought pre-fried.
ChaoZhou Porridge
221 River Valley Road
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 5am
ChaoZhou Porridge is one supper spot to keep in mind if you're looking to sup in air-conditioned comfort. And if your grandparents have taught you the wonders of porridge water, you'll have your eye on the steamed meat ball in the clear congee broth. The large domes of minced pork are packed with bits of vegetables, and are a satisfying accompaniment to the plain congee.
Broadway Teochew Porridge
1 Beng Wan Road
Open 24 hours
Open 24 hours daily, Broadway Teochew Porridge is a go-to for merrymakers living near the Serangoon area. The corner coffeeshop is clean and comfortable, with a decent selection of dishes ranging from omelette to grilled prawns and chicken feet to go with your plain porridge.
#01-387, 55 Lengkok Bahru, #01-387, Singapore 151055
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 5am
Hop into a cab often enough and you'll soon learn of this not-so-secret taxi driver supper spot. The boss here is rocker-chic in his fitting black t-shirt and denim jeans, and he cooks up a mean hae bi hiam (dried prawns) and braised duck. Feeling brave? The chicken feet here are also fried a la minute, unlike many places where they are bought pre-fried.
ChaoZhou Porridge
221 River Valley Road
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 5am
ChaoZhou Porridge is one supper spot to keep in mind if you're looking to sup in air-conditioned comfort. And if your grandparents have taught you the wonders of porridge water, you'll have your eye on the steamed meat ball in the clear congee broth. The large domes of minced pork are packed with bits of vegetables, and are a satisfying accompaniment to the plain congee.
Broadway Teochew Porridge
1 Beng Wan Road
Open 24 hours
Open 24 hours daily, Broadway Teochew Porridge is a go-to for merrymakers living near the Serangoon area. The corner coffeeshop is clean and comfortable, with a decent selection of dishes ranging from omelette to grilled prawns and chicken feet to go with your plain porridge.
An omelette is a common dish to order when eating Teochew porridge.
Heng Long Teochew Porridge
1012 Upper Serangoon Road (few outlets islandwide)
Opening Hours: 10am to 4am
Well-known as the porridge restaurant that made local headlines earlier this year when four customers kicked up a ruckus over what they deemed a 'pricey' meal, Heng Long Teochew Porridge remains a firm favourite among regulars and supper lovers. The selection is extensive, with over 60 dishes to choose from. The steamed sotong (squid) here is particularly fresh, and a nice balance to heavier dishes such as braised tau kwa or pork belly.
1012 Upper Serangoon Road (few outlets islandwide)
Opening Hours: 10am to 4am
Well-known as the porridge restaurant that made local headlines earlier this year when four customers kicked up a ruckus over what they deemed a 'pricey' meal, Heng Long Teochew Porridge remains a firm favourite among regulars and supper lovers. The selection is extensive, with over 60 dishes to choose from. The steamed sotong (squid) here is particularly fresh, and a nice balance to heavier dishes such as braised tau kwa or pork belly.
Tian Tian Fatt Rice and Porridge
#01-213, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh Market and Food Centre, 210 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh
Opening Hours: 1pm to 1am
It's largely accepted that following the queues is a foolproof way to hunt down good food. And this is particularly true for Tian Tian Fatt Rice and Porridge. The queues begin from dinner time, and little wonder why — the lady boss here cooks the food fresh at night, so the dishes are still warm when served. Tuck into items such as steamed pomfret, black sauce chicken wings and stir-fried eggs with long beans.
#01-213, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh Market and Food Centre, 210 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh
Opening Hours: 1pm to 1am
It's largely accepted that following the queues is a foolproof way to hunt down good food. And this is particularly true for Tian Tian Fatt Rice and Porridge. The queues begin from dinner time, and little wonder why — the lady boss here cooks the food fresh at night, so the dishes are still warm when served. Tuck into items such as steamed pomfret, black sauce chicken wings and stir-fried eggs with long beans.
