Best zi char in Singapore according to Google
When it comes to affordable feasts, Singaporeans are spoiled for choice thanks to the large number of zi char places in the country. But with so many such eateries out there, it can be difficult to decide where to get your coffee pork ribs or cereal prawns.
Luckily, we live in the Internet age, so we can turn to the Big G for advice. Based on the star rating system on Google Maps, we have curated a list of the best zi char places in Singapore. The criteria are that they have a score of at least 4.0 and plenty of reviews—aside from our last two picks, which are hidden gems.
Do note that the Google ratings are from the time of writing and may change over time.
1. Kai Xin Crabs
Image credit: Kai Xin Crabs
Renowned crab delivery service, Kai Xin Crabs, has recently opened their first brick-and-mortar zi char stall in the Macpherson ‘hood, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the area’s best zi char options. Currently boasting a 4.6-star rating, Kai Xin Crabs has been praised for its value-for-money and large portions, with restaurant-quality dishes for the whole fam.
Naturally, their seafood dishes are a must-order. Crabs are what they’re best known for, and here, you can find Sri Lankan crabs from $38, stir-fried in sauces such as chilli, black pepper, and salted egg. We’re also fans of their Curry Fish Head ($28), a tangy fish curry that’s generous enough to share with a group. Don’t forget to add on their fried chicken offerings, especially the Salted Egg Chicken ($15) or Prawn Paste Chicken ($15). The former sees crispy chicken tossed in a creamy salted egg sauce made from real yolk and infused with curry leaves, while the latter is everything you want from har jeong kai—crispy, juicy, and well-marinated in prawn paste.
Address: 76 Circuit Road, #01-18, Singapore 370076
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 8818 4585
Website
Kai Xin Crabs is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Long Ji Zi Char
Image credit: Bigjsm via Google Maps
Rated 4.1 stars with close to 1K Google reviews, Long Ji Zi Char near Outram Park MRT Station is worth the hype. The restaurant is known for its crab bee hoon, but there’s plenty more to explore—think meat, veggies, and seafood dishes galore.
We recommend starting strong with Wasabi Prawns (from $22++), Kum Heong Clams (from $17++), and a side of Cereal & Pumpkin Sauce Deep Fried Tofu (from $18++), the latter being new to us, but a welcome surprise. Order a Sweet Corn with Crab Meat Soup (from $30++) to balance out the heavier flavours, and cap off your meal on a sweet note with a Fried Ice Cream ($3++).
Address: 253 Outram Road, Singapore 169049
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 10:30pm
Tel: 9790 5682
Website
Long Ji Zi Char is not halal-certified.
3. 8 Crabs
Image credit: @fooodtimesroll
8 Crabs is a popular seafood restaurant with solid delivery service. Do note that dine-in hours are only available for dinner daily, so if the timing doesn’t work for you, delivery is the way to go.
There’s a variety of crabs here, all at market price, starting with the Award-Winning Mala Crab, Award-Winning Laksa Crab, and Award-Winning Garlic Butter Crab. These are flavours you probably won’t find elsewhere, so we’d recommend going for the unique ones over the regular chilli or black pepper.
Address: 80 Playfair Road, #02-19, Lobby B Kapo Factory Building, Singapore 367998
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 6pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 8959 9579
Website
8 Crabs is not halal-certified.
4. Zheng Zichar
Image credit: @zhengzichar
Zheng Zichar is an IYKYK kind of place—under the radar, but well-loved among regulars nonetheless. It’s tucked away along Changi Coast Walk, so you get a scenic view to go with your meal.
The menu can feel a little overwhelming with so much to choose from, so here’s where to start: the Claypot White Pepper Szechuan Tang Hoon with Prawn ($32++) is a great sharing dish to whet your appetite, followed by the creamy Butter Pork ($14++) and flavour-packed Deep Fried Eggplant with Chicken Floss ($12++).
Address: 11 Changi Coast Walk, NSRCC Sea Sports Centre, Singapore 499740
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 9pm
Tel: 8916 8321
Website
Zheng Zichar is not halal-certified.
5. Keng Eng Kee Seafood
Keng Eng Kee Seafood needs no introduction. This legendary zi char stall has racked up serious clout over its 50-plus years in the game, from a Michelin Plate to a shoutout from the late, great Anthony Bourdain himself.
Recommended dishes include their Coffee Pork Ribs (from $19.80+), which are tender and highly flavourful, and the Signature Chilli Crab (market price), both of which are piquant and meaty. Instead of getting rice to go along with these dishes, you can opt for the Signature Moonlight Hor Fun (from $10.80+), a well-balanced noodle dish with a silky mouthfeel.
Website | Full list of outlets
Keng Eng Kee Seafood is not halal-certified.
Keng Eng Kee Review: Famous Zi Char Restaurant With Coffee Pork Ribs And Moonlight Hor Fun
6. Kok Sen Restaurant
Having been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, Kok Sen Restaurant is another eatery that has received much acclaim.
It is known for dishes such as the Big Prawn Hor Fun (from $20+), a wok-hei-filled noodle dish with large, juicy prawns, and Yong Tau Fu (from $18+) in a warm claypot. For some fried goodness, get the Prawn Paste Chicken (from $15+), which features a batter infused with fermented shrimp paste.
Read our Kok Sen Restaurant review.
Address: 4 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2:15pm, 5pm to 9:15pm
Tel: 9727 2533
Website
Kok Sen Restaurant is not halal-certified.
Kok Sen Restaurant Review: Michelin Bib Gourmand Zi Char Eatery With XL Prawn Hor Fun And More
7. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
You expect zi char fare done right at Sin Hoi Sai Eating House. While it has a sister outlet in the form of Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant, Google has this outlet as the more popular and better-rated choice.
Crowd favourites here include the sweet and savoury Special Marmite Chicken (from $10) and the fragrant Fried Prawns with Butter (from $20). Be sure to get some Sambal Kang Kong (from $8) alongside your rice too!
Address: 187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893
Opening hours: Daily 4pm to 3am
Tel: 6440 6956
Website
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not halal-certified.
8. J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant
Image credit: @driftsyndrome
J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant offers Malaysian-style zi char, and to many, that means extra wok hei. The San Lou Meehoon (from $9) is a good example of this—messy and somewhat unpleasant to look at, but brimming with wok-kissed aroma and flavour.
While you’re there, don’t miss the White Pepper Crab (market price), which is said to have tender meat and the irresistible fragrance of white pepper. Pair this with a side of the Famous Fried Garlic Chilli Clams (from $20) for a punchy kick.
Address: 534 Geylang Road, Singapore 389490
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm to 2am, Sun 5pm to 1:30am
Tel: 6741 2418
Website
J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant is not halal-certified.
9. Two Chefs Eating Place
Image credit: @wwchesterk
Everyone knows Two Chefs Eating Place, and for good reason. Their two outlets in Commonwealth and Sin Ming both draw constant crowds, with both branches open past 10pm every day.
Many patrons rave about their Butter Ribs (from $12) in particular. These pork ribs are blanketed with milk powder and are said to be juicy and wonderfully creamy. Other popular dishes include the Seafood Claypot (from $28) and Golden Mushroom Beancurd (from $10).
Commonwealth outlet
Address: 116 Commonwealth Crescent, #01-129, Singapore 140116
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:15pm, 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6472 5361
Sin Ming outlet
Address: 410A Sin Ming Avenue, #01-01, Singapore 570409
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:15pm
Tel: 6451 3812
Website
Two Chefs Eating Place is not halal-certified.
10. Chuan Kee Seafood
Image credit: @dumfoodtrail
Established in 1975, Chuan Kee Seafood offers a great variety of seafood fare. Besides their longstanding history, the restaurant has garnered over 1.5K Google Reviews at the time of writing.
The menu is simple but extensive, with something for everyone. There are over five kinds of fried rice alone, ranging from the spicy-tangy Tom Yam Fried Rice (from $6+) to the must-have Salted Fish Fried Rice (from $6+). Noodle lovers, on the other hand, should zoom in on the Black Bean Hor Fun (from $5+) or Claypot Noodle (from $5.50+).
Toa Payoh outlet
Address: Lorong 7 Toa Payoh, #01-264, Sing Hiap Huat Coffee Shop, Singapore 310019
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9866 8939
Lower Delta outlet
Address: 1091A Lower Delta Road, Singapore 169207
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3:30pm, 4:30pm to 10pm
Tel: 9878 9924
Website
Chuan Kee Seafood is not halal-certified.
11. Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant
Image credit: kar wai lee via Google Maps
Despite being rated by over 2K users on Google, Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant maintains one of the highest scores on the list.
This popular zi char place serves classics such as Black Pork (from $30.52) and Sweet and Sour Sliced Fish ($16.35), but they are better known for their seafood dishes, including Deep Fried Baby Squid ($16.35), Prawn Roll ($13.08) and more.
Address: 462 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466508
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6442 9313
Website
Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant is not halal-certified.
12. George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer
Image credit: @georgetowntzechar
Located along the scenic Boat Quay, George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer is probably the most interesting entry on this list, as it’s a Penang-style zi char restaurant that also specialises in craft beer.
Standout dishes include the Buah Keluak Chicken ($25++) and the sour and tangy Nonya Steamed Live Fish (from $55++). Don’t forget to get some Brewlander Craft Beer (from $12++) to go along with these dishes.
Address: 81 Boat Quay, Singapore 049869
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3am
Tel: 8885 6935
Website
George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer is not halal-certified.
13. Por Kee Eating House 1996
Image credit: clien hou via Google Maps
With over 1,400 ratings, Por Kee Eating House 1996 has an overall score of 4.1 on Google. The Cantonese-style zi char restaurant located at Thye Hong Centre in Tiong Bahru has been around since 1996, just as its name suggests.
Some must-tries are their Champagne Short Rib ($24), Hot Plate Beancurd ($14), and Steamed Live Fish “Thai Style” (market price).
Read our Por Kee review.
Address: 69 Seng Poh Lane, #01-02, Singapore 160069
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:45pm
Tel: 6221 0582
Por Kee Eating House 1996 is not halal-certified.
Por Kee Review: Famous Zi Char Stall With XXL Pork Ribs And More In Tiong Bahru
14. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant
Image credit: nazeera s via Google Maps
Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant is a halal zi char restaurant by the sea with over 2K ratings on Google for an overall score of 4.2 at the time of writing.
They serve a wide range of zi char dishes, from a variety of Lemon Thai-styled Steamed Fish Head (from $25++) to Salted Egg Crab (market price). A must-try would be their Curry Fish Head ($25++), which is said to feature piquant curry and fresh and meaty fish head. Don’t miss out on their Yam Ring Basket with Seafood ($24++) too!
Address: 6A Admiralty Road, Singapore 757445
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11:30pm
Tel: 6366 9339
Website
Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant is halal-certified.
15. Zhenyi Veggie Place
Image credit: Ethan Ong via Google Maps
Holding an overall score of 4.2 with more than 700 reviews on Google, Zhenyi Veggie Place offers a full vegetarian zi char feast without compromising on taste.
The restaurant features a wide selection of unconventional vegetarian dishes, such as their meatless Ginger Duck ($10.30). Don’t miss out on their chef recommendations, including their meatless Cereal Veggie Prawn ($13.30), Signature Assam Fish ($15.30), and Mala Fragrant Pot ($15.30).
Address: 128 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #01-1853, Singapore 560128
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6456 3307
Website
Zhenyi Veggie Place is not halal-certified.
16. Jiak Modern Tzechar @ Hillv2
Image credit: Chuah Chun Kit via Google Maps
Jiak Modern Tzechar @ HillV2 scores 4.0 on Google with just over 700 reviews. The halal restaurant is one of the sleeker options on this list, with its interiors like a cafe rather than a zi char eatery.
There’s a wide variety of seafood options here, including the Signature Curry Fish Head ($25), Oats Sotong (from $14), and Slipper Lobster Black Bee Hoon (from $28). If you prefer meat, be sure to check out their Hotplate Black Pepper Beef (from $18) or Claypot Golden Chicken (from $12).
Address: 4 Hillview Rise, #02-04, Singapore 667979
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6265 1097
Website
Jiak Modern Tzechar @ HillV2 is halal-certified.
HillV2 Food Guide: 12 Places For Cheap Afternoon Tea, Sichuan Grilled Fish And More
17. FPC Seafood
Image credit: @fpcseafood
With only about 300 ratings, but a superb score of 4.5 on Google, FPC Seafood fits our definition of a hidden gem.
Their seafood dishes, particularly the Sweet & Sour Fish ($15) and Butter Prawns ($22), are said to be delectable, fresh, and value for money. And like any zi char place worth its salt, the non-seafood dishes are quality too—the Thai Style Fried Chicken ($13) and Ginger & Spring Onion Pork ($13) are very well-regarded.
Address: 267 Tampines Street 21, #01-47, Singapore 520267
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11am to 8pm
Tel: 6781 6511
Website
FPC Seafood is not halal-certified
17. Yang Ming Seafood
Seafood lovers will surely know of Yang Ming Seafood, a popular restaurant with three outlets across Singapore at the time of writing. There’s one in Ubi, Bishan, and even at VivoCity. All three locations have a solid Google rating score of at least 4.5 stars!
When we visited their VivoCity outlet, we tried the crowd-favourite Crab Strewed Bee Hoon (market price), boasting thin bee hoon noodles packed with sweet-savoury flavours from the crab stew. There’s also the Claypot Crab with Thick Bee Hoon (market price) if you prefer thicker noodles! Aside from fresh crabs, there’s a variety of sotong dishes to choose from, with the likes of Cereal Live Prawn, Sambal Clam, and Ginger and Onion Sotong, all priced under $30++.
Read our Yang Ming Seafood review.
Website | Full list of outlets
Yang Ming Seafood is not halal-certified.
Yang Ming Seafood Review: Popular Zi Char Eatery With Lobster Chee Cheong Fun And Crab Pao Fan
Google’s best zi char places in Singapore
You don’t have to sift through Google the next time you’re craving zi char—we’ve narrowed down a list of the top places to visit.
In related content, we have a guide to the best JB zi char places. We also have a guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore.
10 JB Zi Char Places Worth Crossing The Causeway For, Including Chao Ta Bee Hoon And Fish Head Curry
Feature image adapted from @driftsyndrome and clien hou via Google Maps.
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
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