I have driven past this particular coffeeshop along Tanjong Katong on many occasions en route to the carpark and have always noticed that it was quite crowded. But it wasn’t until my friend Johnny told me about their char siew that I made an effort to drop in to give it a try. Johnny specifically said that I needed to ask for the fattier charred cuts to truly experience their char siew!
He was right.
The char siew here, especially the charred, fatty cuts are a carnivore’s dream come true. But this char siew is more than just delicious. It had an old school quality that really reminded me of the char siew I used to have as a kid in Toa Payoh Lor 7 in the early 80s. Like Nan Xiang, that stall also serves char siew on chicken rice which is a fantastic combination. One caveat, though. You really do need to ask for the fattier cuts as the lean cuts can be tough and dry. 4.5/5
The stall owner, Mr Moh has been running the stall since 1967. Being Hainanese, he first started out selling Chicken Rice. Business was slow when he first started but it picked up in the 70’s when he started selling roast meats. The char siew recipe was something that he concocted himself and can rightly be called a Hainanese style char siew.
Their roast duck and sio bak are both quite competent, 4.25/5 but it is the char siew that is really worth the trip. Bargain hunters will be happy to know that Mr Moh has the philosophy of selling his food at affordable prices, something he has been doing since the early days in order to win customers when business was slow.
I met with 2nd generation Jimmy Moh who tells me that he had been working as an engineer before deciding to make a mid career switch. He had grown up helping his father at the coffeeshop but decided one day that it was much better to run his own business even though the hours are long and working in an old coffeeshop is nowhere as comfortable as his air-conditioned office.
Hawkers like Jimmy who make a mid-career switches are not uncommon. He is fortunate to be able to inherit a business which is doing well. I have spoken with several other middle aged hawkers who had to start from scratch and it isn’t as easy. These mid-life hawkers bring with them memories of traditional food and most end up selling stuff that they ate as kids. Aside from young hawkers entering the trade, they are playing an integral role in keeping our culinary traditions alive!
Conclusion
This old school char siew is definitely worth the calories and the waiting time and it’s value for money too! Just make sure to ask for the fatty, charred cuts as the lean cuts are quite mundane.
Note:
In the evenings the stall is manned by another hawker. They occupy the same premises but use their own recipes.
Should try their roast chicken as well! Also the original stall owner is the evening shift uncle. I have been eating his chicken rice since 20 many years back. Back then, the stall is only opened in the evening only.
I think we should honour credit when it’s due, the original evening uncle deserves praise for serving nostalgic kfc “flavoured” roast chicken and fatty char siew.
Ah this looks amazing. I hope to make it back to Singapore this year!!!
I was there with my family to eat one Sunday. Asked for all 3 meats as my mother was there and I wanted to give her a treat. Seller give black face when I ask for 3 meats. Ask me whether I want if $7 per person. I said is ok. Then seller supplied but the char siew is like super fat. When I asked for chicken breast (meant to tell him earlier but taken aback at his behaviour, he complained that I never tell him earlier . Won’t be coming again. Super bad attitude Hope it close down for zero customer service.
That is unfortunate. I wonder if the son was around or if you were served by the workers?
Interesting that you were there for the char siew as this is my favourite place to go for a combination of roasted duck drumstick with roast pork on chicken-flavoured rice (not plain white rice) with the chicken rice chilli. I shall return to try their char siew and chicken rice once of these days. Jimmy is nice to chat with too. Enjoy!