Popular Zi Char Dishes in Singapore
Zi Char (or “Zhi Char”), a term derived from the Hokkien dialect meaning “cook and fry,” refers to a type of Chinese cuisine in Singapore that is akin to home-cooked comfort food. Zi Char stalls, found in coffee shops and hawker centers across the island, offer an extensive menu of affordable yet delicious dishes. These eateries are known for their versatility, serving everything from seafood to meat, vegetables, and tofu dishes that cater to both small gatherings and large feasts.
Here are some of the most popular and must-try Zi Char dishes in Singapore:
1. Har Cheong Gai (Prawn Paste Chicken)
A signature Zi Char dish, Har Cheong Gai is deep-fried chicken wings marinated in fermented shrimp paste. The result is a crispy, golden-brown crust with a juicy and flavorful interior. The umami-packed shrimp paste gives the chicken its distinctive taste, making it an irresistible favorite among locals.
2. Chilli Crab
Singapore’s national dish is also a staple in many Zi Char restaurants. The fresh crab is cooked in a thick, sweet, savory, and spicy tomato-based sauce made from chilli, egg, and various spices. Best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou (buns) to soak up the rich sauce, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
3. Black Pepper Crab
An alternative to Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab offers a more peppery and aromatic flavor. The crabs are stir-fried in a rich black pepper sauce, which gives the dish a bold and spicy kick. The fragrance and taste of freshly ground black pepper make it a highly sought-after Zi Char dish.
4. Salted Egg Yolk Crab
Salted egg yolk sauce is a popular addition to many dishes, and when paired with fresh crab, it becomes an indulgent delight. The sauce is rich, creamy, and slightly grainy, coating the crab with a savory, sweet, and buttery flavor that is hard to resist.
5. Cereal Prawns
Cereal prawns are deep-fried prawns coated with a buttery, crispy cereal mixture that includes curry leaves and chili padi for added fragrance and spice. The sweet and savory contrast makes this dish a favorite among diners, and it is often eaten with its crunchy shell intact.
6. Sweet and Sour Pork
A classic in Chinese cuisine, sweet and sour pork features crispy battered pork cubes tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and bell peppers. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a staple at Zi Char stalls.
7. Coffee Pork Ribs
This unique dish features tender pork ribs coated in a sticky coffee-based sauce. The deep aroma of coffee, combined with the sweetness of the glaze, creates an intriguing and delicious balance of flavors that sets this dish apart from traditional pork rib dishes.
8. Salted Egg Yolk Pork Ribs
Salted egg yolk isn’t just for seafood – when paired with pork ribs, it creates an equally addictive dish. The pork ribs are deep-fried and then tossed in a creamy salted egg yolk sauce infused with curry leaves and chili padi.
9. Sambal Kang Kong
A simple yet flavorful vegetable dish, Sambal Kang Kong is stir-fried water spinach cooked with spicy sambal belacan (fermented shrimp chili paste). The smoky, spicy, and umami-rich flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to meat and seafood dishes.
10. Hotplate Tofu
Served on a sizzling hotplate, this dish consists of soft egg tofu cooked with minced meat, prawns, mushrooms, and vegetables in a savory brown sauce. The sizzling effect enhances the dish’s aroma and keeps it warm throughout the meal.
11. Claypot Fish Head Curry
A fusion of Chinese and Indian influences, fish head curry is a robust dish featuring a fresh fish head cooked in a spicy, tangy curry with vegetables like okra, eggplant, and tomatoes. The claypot enhances the flavors and keeps the dish hot for a longer time.
12. Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce
This dish highlights the natural sweetness of fresh fish, which is steamed to perfection and drizzled with a fragrant soy sauce mixture made with ginger, garlic, scallions, and coriander. It is a must-order for those who enjoy light, healthy, and aromatic dishes.
13. Salted Fish Fried Rice
A flavorful take on fried rice, this dish incorporates bits of salted fish that add a delightful umami punch. Stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes lap cheong (Chinese sausage), it is a satisfying and fragrant dish.
14. Moonlight Hor Fun
Named for its raw egg yolk topping that resembles the moon, this dish features silky wok-fried flat rice noodles in a savory, smoky dark sauce. The raw egg is mixed into the noodles, creating a rich and creamy texture.
15. Hokkien Mee
Singapore-style Hokkien Mee is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish made with yellow noodles and thick rice vermicelli, cooked in a prawn and pork broth with eggs, squid, prawns, and bean sprouts. It is often served with sambal chili and a squeeze of lime.
16. Fish Head Steamboat
A heartwarming dish, Fish Head Steamboat consists of a flavorful broth cooked with fish head, yam, tofu, vegetables, and dried sole fish for added umami. The broth is served in a traditional charcoal steamboat, which gives it a unique smoky aroma.
17. Assam Fish Head
For those who love tangy flavors, Assam Fish Head is a must-try. The fish head is cooked in a spicy and sour tamarind-based gravy with tomatoes, okra, and other vegetables, making it a refreshing and appetizing dish.
18. Prawn Paste Eggplant
A lesser-known but highly addictive dish, this features crispy fried eggplant coated with a shrimp paste batter. The result is a crispy outer layer with a soft, flavorful interior that pairs well with rice.
19. Marmite Chicken
This dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, sticky, and slightly savory Marmite sauce. The unique umami flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults.
20. White Bee Hoon
A comforting noodle dish, White Bee Hoon consists of vermicelli noodles cooked in a seafood-based broth with eggs, prawns, squid, and vegetables. It is light yet flavorful, with a natural sweetness from the seafood.
Conclusion
Singapore’s Zi Char cuisine is diverse and offers something for everyone, from seafood lovers to meat enthusiasts and even those who prefer vegetables. Whether you’re looking for comforting classics like Sweet and Sour Pork or bold flavors like Black Pepper Crab, there’s always a dish to satisfy your cravings. Next time you visit a Zi Char stall, be sure to try some of these popular dishes to experience the full spectrum of flavors that make Zi Char a beloved part of Singapore’s food culture.