Book a table in advance at this popular Bukit Merah zi char spot that is great for celebrations with friends. Get their signature Moonlight Hor Fun (from $7) that sees flat rice noodles fried with squid and lap cheong, and topped with a fresh raw egg yolk begging to be mixed in. Also good is their Salted Egg Crab ($60) with delicious gravy that you'll want to mop up with their Steamed Man Tou ($6 for 6 pieces). Complete your meal with the Mingzhu Roll ($2 per roll) and the Coffee Pork Ribs ($8). Since it's a celebration, bring your own wine (corkage at $5 per bottle!) to pair with the food!
Photo by Burppler Dave Tan
Bring the pals and pig out on worth-your-while hawker fare. For sharing, get the Black Pepper Crab ($60) that stars a thick sauce with a slight kick, best enjoyed with Steamed Man Tou ($6 for 6). Also get the generously-portioned Salted Egg Sotong (from $18) that boasts a crisp batter and good balance of flavour. Save some space for their signature Moon Light Horfun (from $6) — think silky smooth flavourful kway teow with the delectable fragrance of wok hei! For a truly good time, bring your own white wine (no corkage charges).
Photo by Burppler Amanda Tay
From hawker stall to full-fledged restaurant, Keng Eng Kee Seafood has come a long way since it started in 1975. The foolproof Moonlight Hor Fun (from $6) is what to come for, but Burpplers also enjoy the Coffee Ribs (from $8), Salted Egg Sotong (from $18) and KEK's Western fare!
Photo by Burppler Foodie Holic
A term used to describe Chinese communal dining, where various homestyle dishes are shared and eaten with white rice, "zi char" is a great meal option for groups — the more diners there are, the more dishes you get to try. A Burpple community favourite for zi char, KEK offers dishes that are full on flavour and affordably-priced, plus the service is prompt and friendly. Get the popular Coffee Ribs (from $12), which sees tender ribs slicked in a sweet and sticky sauce, redolent with the aroma of coffee; as well as the Salted Egg Yolk Sotong (from $12), where perfectly deep-fried battered squid rings are tossed with umami-rich salted egg sauce. Instead of pairing these with rice, get a plate of Moonlight Hor Fun (from $5) for carbs. Bearing a delicious smokiness from the wok, this dish of flat rice noodles is cooked with Chinese sausage, prawns, bean sprouts and lard, finished with a raw egg that completely transforms the dish when you mix it in. Pro tip: Order small portions of the dishes, so you have tummy space to try more. They also charge a very reasonable $5/bottle for corkage if you wish to BYOB. A cold Riesling goes wonderfully with the food here.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photos by Burpplers Muriel A, Su Yin Neo and Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua
KEK is one of those zi char places that we would gladly return to. With its friendly and prompt service, consistently flavourful dishes and plenty of seating to accommodate large groups, it's the foolproof option for those living in the West. Order the Moonlight Hor Fun (from $5) — hor fun full of wok hei cooked with Chinese sausage, prawns, beansprouts and lard, finished with a raw egg that completely transforms the dish when you mix it in. The Fried Salted Egg Crab is another crowd favourite, think fresh crab tossed in a thick, buttery salted egg sauce with the right amount of spicy! The Coffee Ribs ($8) are a hit with the customers too — tender on the inside, and glazed with a sweet, sticky coffee sauce. Pro tip: these dishes pair great with a crisp white wine. Bring a bottle along if you're celebrating (corkage charge of $5 per bottle)!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Keropok Man
Think Moonlight Hor Fun, Coffee Ribs, Salted Egg Yolk Sotong and my favourite the Prawn Rolls (Hei Zhor) and Har Cheong Gai. Table was quietly cleared within minutes, with occasion "fwah" and "this is... omnomnomnom so good" Definitely one of the best Zi Char around, finally one of the Zi Char place where everything is so darn good! Boneless Har Jeong Kai are the best invention everrrrrr! Especially shared with a good team of food lovers! #bestfoodmemory2015
KEK is one of those rare zi char places with friendly and prompt service, and it's perfect for big groups of friends or for a family gathering. Expect simple, homely dishes that are big on flavour, such as the Moonlight Hor Fun ($5/8/12/16) — lush wok hei hor fun with Chinese sausage, prawns, beansprouts and lard, finished with a raw egg that completely transforms the dish when you mix it in. The Fried Salted Egg Crab is another crowd favourite, think fresh crab tossed in a "thick, buttery salted egg sauce with a hint of spiciness", as Tastemaker Marc T. describes. The Coffee Ribs ($8) are a hit as well, tender on the inside, and glazed with a sweet, sticky coffee sauce. There are both outdoor and indoor seating, make sure you call ahead for reservations!
KEK is one of those rare zi char places with friendly and prompt service. Go for the unique Claypot Pig Liver with rich liver sauce for liver lovers, and the Claypot Drunken Prawns in lovely herbal soup. The star dishes here are their Moonlight Horfun with raw egg, and their Salted Egg Crab! There are both outdoor and indoor seating, call ahead for reservations!
