I used to despise eating porridge as a kid. It was tasteless, mushy, textureless, and basically just sick person food. I always doused my porridge in soy sauce in an attempt to make it more palatable to my younger self.

Now I know better, and have learnt to enjoy porridge for what it is. I don’t see it as sick people food any longer, and I do crave it from time to time. It’s a real treat especially on cold rainy days.

I had heard about Empress Porridge from one of my colleagues a few months ago but never got around to trying it. I think it took over the herbal tea shop at One@Kent Ridge. Finally decided to dapao it one day to try and I am so glad I did. Empress porridge serves their signature porridge stewed with dried compoy, cuttlefish, pork, peanuts, anchovies, and so much ho liao which makes for an amazingly flavourful and delicious porridge. The texture is more like congee, it’s thick and creamy, and just full of mouthfeel in every bite. It’s savoury enough that you don’t need to add in any extra soy sauce. There’s also fried dough fritters/you tiao topped on the porridge for an extra crunch which I always appreciate. Though the you tiao here are less fluffy and more solid/firm, they serve their purpose well and don’t become soggy that quickly even after being in contact with the porridge for more than 20 minutes.

I’m super happy that I’ve found a great porridge place, and even happier that it’s within walking distance from my office! Best part is that NUS/NUH staff and students get a discount, so be sure to show your staff/student card :)