New Casual Teochew Eatery in Town
Word travels quickly in the local Teochew community and this casual eatery is no exception. Despite being open for just two months, it has already captured the attention of food lovers. While there’s no shortage of reputable Teochew restaurants around, this newcomer stands out by branding itself as a Teochew 小吃 (xiǎochī), which translates to “snacks” but more accurately refers to a casual kitchen offering simple, everyday dishes and, happily, without the GST and service charge!
From Catering to the Masses to the Intimacy of a Restaurant
The owner is a veteran in the local food scene, bringing his years of experience to the table. Mr. Ricky Koh, 68, has spent over three decades running a successful catering business specializing in Teochew-style buffet spreads, earning a reputation for delivering quality and authenticity. Now, he has taken the next step in his culinary journey by opening this eatery, driven by a desire to showcase authentic Teochew dishes in a more personal and accessible setting.
His son, Aaron, has also taken an active role in running the restaurant. Together, they plan to present a dining experience that stays true to Teochew traditions while resonating with a broader audience. Judging by the warm reception from patrons, they’ve struck a good balance between quality and price, making this eatery a promising destination for those looking for Teochew comfort food in a fuss-free setting.
Limited but Authentic Dishes
The menu is fairly limited, focusing on a carefully curated selection of dishes that reflect the essence of a traditional Teochew eatery. While staples like steamed fish and oyster omelette are present, one notable omission is Teochew porridge which is surprising given its iconic status within Teochew cuisine. However, they do have hearty one-pot congees, which make for a comforting and satisfying option, particularly for late-night diners.
As expected from a Teochew establishment, the fish is impeccably fresh—a non-negotiable point of pride for any Teochew restaurant owner. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavors of its ingredients, staying true to the essence of Teochew cuisine. While the menu is modest in size, its commitment to authenticity and quality ensures that every dish offers an authentic taste of Teochew tradition. Adding to its credibility, the chef hails directly from Chaoshan, bringing with him his authentic culinary expertise. His family even runs a restaurant in Shantou under the same name—Chaoshan Xiaochi—underscoring the eatery’s genuine connection to its cultural heritage.
Review of the Dishes
Oyster Omelette $8
Their oyster omelet is excellent—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with a dip made from Chaoshan fish sauce and white pepper. According to Mr. Ricky, Teochew food lore holds that the secret to a perfect oyster omelette lies in “Big Fire, Lots of Lard, and a Pungent Sauce.” It’s hard to argue with the wisdom of millennia! While it’s unfortunate that Chaoshan oysters cannot be imported into Singapore, the medium-sized Korean oysters used here are a good substitute. They provide a delicate, mildly briny flavor that enhances the dish without being overpoweringly fishy. 4.5/5
Teochew Style Steam Pomfret $80 for 550g fish
Pork Trotter Terrine $12
Pork trotter terrine is often considered the poster dish of authentic Teochew cuisine. While there are many other iconic Teochew dishes, this particular one stands out for its complexity in preparation, making it uncommon on most menus. When a restaurant offers it, it signals a serious commitment to serving true Teochew flavors. The flavor of the terrine is excellent, though I did find the jelly a tad too firm. 4/5
Prawn Roll, Liver Roll Platter $15
I really enjoyed the prawn roll. It has a great prawn flavor, thanks to the use of fresh sea prawns rather than the crunchy frozen ones that many other places use. The liver roll was decent, but I found the flavor a bit underwhelming, and the filling was slightly too firm and dry for my taste. Prawn 4.25/5, Liver 3.75/5
Teochew Oyster Porridge $12
Unlike traditional congee, the rice grains remain distinct in Teochew style porridge. They are simmered in a rich, flavorful broth made with fresh oysters and an assortment of seafood, infusing the dish with a delicate sweetness and briny depth. The simplicity of the porridge allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, making it a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for late-night supper or a quick one dish meal. 4.25/5
Pork Ribs Rice with Suan Chye $8
Both of my makan kakis really enjoyed this dish, which features pork braised in fermented black beans and served over rice, topped with suan chye (pickled mustard greens). The suan chye adds an intriguing tanginess that complements the savory pork, though I must admit I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about it as my friends were. 4/5
Teochew Crystal Dumplings $8 for 6
Their crystal buns (水晶包, shuǐ jīng bāo) are outstanding. The translucent, chewy skin has a satisfying, toothy texture, and they have a selection of different fillings to choose from. I especially enjoyed the red bean filling, which features smooth red bean paste with whole red beans for added texture. This is a must-try! 4.5/5
Fried Sweet Yam $15
The yam was soft and powdery which I really enjoyed. However, I felt that the sugar coating could have been a bit thinner and more delicate, as the thick coating was a little too much for the yam. That said, I did appreciate the addition of fragrant shallot oil to the coating. It added a wonderful depth of flavor, giving the dish a savory, aromatic finish that complemented the sweetness of the yam beautifully. 4/5
Conclusion
This casual Teochew eatery is a refreshing addition to the local dining scene, perfectly bridging the gap between formal Teochew restaurants and hawker stalls. While the menu is concise, the quality of the food is very good, offering an authentic taste of Teochew cuisine. Their prices are competitive with no additional gst and service charge. The fresh seafood can be expensive, so make sure you enquire first before ordering.
