Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by Sultana Parvin
Singapore is known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the most popular cuisines is zi char. Zi char, which means “cook and fry” in Chinese, is a type of cuisine that combines a variety of flavours and ingredients to create a unique dining experience.
From crispy cereal prawns to fragrant claypot rice, Tampines zi char dishes are packed with bold flavours and textures that will tantalise your taste buds. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at zi char and provide a foodie’s guide to finding the best zi char in Singapore. We’ll also introduce one of our favourite zi char restaurants, Lao Li Da Pai Dang, located in Tampines.
Table of Contents
What is Zi Char?
Zi char is a type of Chinese cuisine that is commonly found in Singapore and Malaysia. It is a unique blend of different Chinese cooking styles, such as Hokkien, Cantonese, and Teochew, and often uses a wide variety of ingredients and spices. Some of the most popular Tampines zi char dishes include fried rice, stir-fried noodles, seafood, and meat dishes.
One of the reasons why Tampines zi char is so popular is because it is a communal dining experience. Unlike fine dining, zi char dishes are often served in large portions and shared among friends and family. This creates a lively and social atmosphere that is perfect for groups of all sizes.
Finding The Best Zi Char in Singapore
If you’re looking for the best zi char in Singapore, there are a few things you can do to find the perfect restaurant. Firstly, read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have eaten at zi char restaurants before. This will give you an idea of what to expect and which restaurants are the most popular.
Another tip is to explore different neighbourhoods in Singapore. Each neighbourhood has its own unique charm, and there are plenty of hidden gems to be found in places like Tampines. Tampines is a great place to start as it has a wide variety of zi char restaurants to choose from.
Finally, pay attention to the quality of the ingredients and the cooking techniques used by the restaurant. The best tampines zi char dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are cooked to perfection. Look for restaurants that have a reputation for quality food and skilled cooking techniques.
1. Lao Li Da Pai Dang: A Must-Visit Zi Char Restaurant in Tampines
Located in Tampines, Lao Li Da Pai Dang is one of our favourite best zi char in Singapore in Singapore. The restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and has built a reputation for its quality food and generous portions.
One of the standout dishes at Lao Li Da Pai Dang is the butter pork ribs. The pork ribs are coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in a creamy butter sauce that is both savoury and slightly sweet. It’s a dish that is sure to please even the most discerning foodies.
Another popular dish at Lao Li Da Pai Dang is the claypot rice with salted fish. The dish is made with fragrant rice that is cooked in a claypot with a variety of ingredients, including salted fish, chicken, and Chinese sausage. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Lao Li Da Pai Dang is also known for its sambal kangkong, a dish that combines stir-fried water spinach with a spicy sambal sauce. It’s a dish that is perfect for adding some heat to your meal and is a must-try for spice lovers.
In addition to its delicious food, Lao Li Da Pai Dang also offers affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
While Lao Li Da Pai Dang is one of our favourite zi char restaurants in Tampines, there are also plenty of other great options to choose from. Here are a few other popular restaurants to check out:
2. Keng Eng Kee Seafood:
This restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including chilli crab and salted egg yolk crab.
3. Hong Sheng Restaurant:
This family-run restaurant offers a wide variety of zi char dishes, including crispy cereal prawns and black pepper beef.
4. New Rong Liang Ge Cantonese Roast Duck:
If you’re in the mood for some delicious roast meats, this restaurant is a must-visit. Their roast duck and roast pork belly are particularly popular.
Conclusion
Zi char is one of the most popular cuisines in Singapore and for good reason. With its bold flavours, generous portions, and communal dining experience, zi char is a great choice for groups of all sizes. To find the best zi char in Singapore, read reviews, explore different neighbourhoods, and pay attention to the quality of the ingredients and cooking techniques used.
If you’re in Tampines, be sure to check out Lao Li Da Pai Dang. This restaurant offers delicious and affordable zi char dishes, including butter pork ribs, claypot rice with salted fish, and sambal kangkong. And if you have time, be sure to also check out other popular restaurants in the area, such as Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Hong Sheng Restaurant, and New Rong Liang Ge Cantonese Roast Duck. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect zi char restaurant for your next meal out.
