Zi Char

Only open from 5-10pm, this 45 year old zi char restaurant is known for its low prices and hearty homestyle dishes. Occupying the entire coffeeshop come dinnertime, be prepared to wait for your dishes as the space fills up. The signature dishes include Claypot Grouper Fish Head with Vegetables, and the Stir Fried Prawns and Asparagus.

A hidden gem in the Balestier area, this spot is a favourite of those who know it. This upscale environment is great for celebrations, as it retains standard zi char prices. A must-try dish here is their Fragrant Fish Roe Fried Rice, a generous amount of crunchy, flavorful tobiko in every bite of fluffy rice. Finish off with their famous French Toast, a nice way to end a zi char meal.

In this vibrant Geylang back alley, dig into pan fried and flatted bee hoon, satisfying in its simplicity and wok hei. The Salted Egg Prawns are a hit as well, served with crispy corn kernels. If you're in the mood for crab, their White Pepper Crab won't disappoint with super fresh crab and pepper sauce that packs a good punch. Dinner's definitely not a bore here!

Everyone flocks to Two Chefs for their famous Butter Pork Ribs, but you should also order regular favourites like the Salted Egg Prawns and Golden Mushroom Beancurd. If you like cockles, you won't be disappointed with their fresh garlic and chili cockles. Prepare to queue, this is a popular spot for groups of friends, with their reasonable prices and generous portions.

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!

"Eat full first", newly opened by one of the sons of the famed Sik Wai Sin, is an air conditioned version on the same street. This joint serves only 13 dishes, with popular ones from his family's restaurant making an appearance. Go for the Steamed Fish Head, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Black Chicken Soup. Expect the dishes to be pricy, but they're truly worth it!

At this humble spot along Casuarina, you might just find some of the best crabs (at a really reasonable price) in Singapore. Butter crab, chili crab, pepper crab - take your pick. Also order the Hot Plate Beancurd and the La-la! Great for a satisfying meal with a bunch of friends you haven't seen in a while.

Determined to serve dishes that are unique and reasonably priced, Siang Hee doesn't fail to please. After relocating from its famous Zion Road premises to Serangoon Gardens, the standard is still high, attracting locals by the dozen. Order the signature Tempura Prawns in Spicy Pumpkin Cream, and the super crispy Pork Knuckles that are first pressure-cooked then deep fried..

At this Teochew muay style coffee shop, loyal patrons swear by the decievingly simple dishes of salted egg bitter gourd, and the steamed mince pork with salted fish. Also known for super fresh steamed fish, you'd be really missing out if you didn't order one for the table.

Mellben needs no introduction to all crab lovers. The crab bee hoon has addictively rich, creamy sauce that keeps people coming back for more, despite the insanely long queues. Besides the excellent crab, go for the Salted Egg Pork Ribs, and Salad You Tiao. Don't forget to order some greens to balance this meal ;) Make reservations ahead of time to avoid queuing for 2 hours!

4 words - Claypot Mee Tai Mak. This dish may not be pretty, but it's darn tasty and only $5 for extreme comfort, complete with a raw egg for you to stir in. As its name suggests, this place is known for their Fish Head Steamboat, and other great dishes like Salted Egg Pork Ribs and Boss Bee Hoon. Best part is its convenient location next to Maxwell Market, and of course, air con!

Famous for their Chao Tar (Burnt) Bee Hoon, this is a great spot in a central area for a midnight snack. Share the nicely browned and flattened bee hoon topped with crunchy lard and brimming with wok hei, along with the Seafood Toufu and Baby Bok Choy. If you're up for something spicy, go for the Hot & Sour Soup Thai Style. Look out for the Shing Boon Hwa Food Centre sign across from Sim Lim Tower.