Teochew Restaurants in Singapore

Teochew restaurants in Singapore: what to know

Teochew is the dialect name for Chaozhou, a city in eastern Guangdong province in southern China. Teochew people are one of the largest Chinese dialect groups in Singapore. Teochew restaurants in Singapore cook food that is lighter than many other Chinese styles. Cooks use little oil and let fresh seafood speak for itself. Braising, steaming and poaching are the main methods.

Teochew dishes to order

Braised duck and goose

Teochew braised duck, or lor ark, is cooked slowly in a dark stock of soy sauce, galangal and spices. Galangal is a root related to ginger. The duck is served sliced with tofu, eggs and a garlic and vinegar chilli dip. Braised goose is a richer version, often saved for special meals.

Seafood

• Teochew steamed pomfret: fish steamed with salted vegetables, tomato, sour plum, ginger and mushrooms. The result is a light, slightly sour broth.
• Cold crab: whole crab steamed, then chilled and served cold. It shows off the sweet, fresh meat.
• Oyster omelette: small oysters fried with egg and a starchy batter until crisp. See the Oyster Omelette page for more places.

Porridge and side dishes

Teochew porridge is very different from thick Cantonese congee. The rice grains stay whole in a light, watery broth. You eat it with many small side dishes, such as salted egg, braised pork, steamed fish, tofu and pickled vegetables. At casual places, you choose what you like and pay per dish. See the Teochew Porridge page for where to try it.

Dessert and tea

Orh nee is a smooth, sweet yam paste, often served with ginkgo nuts and pumpkin. Many Teochew meals end with gongfu tea. This is a strong oolong tea poured into tiny cups, a traditional way to finish the meal.

Where to eat Teochew food in Singapore

Orchard and River Valley

Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine and Paradise Teochew are both in the Orchard area. Both suit a sit-down Teochew meal during a day of shopping on Orchard Road.

Newton and Novena

Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine is in the Newton and Novena area, a short ride north of Orchard.

Tiong Bahru and Alexandra

Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant serves Teochew food in the Tiong Bahru and Alexandra area. Ah Chiang's Porridge is a porridge spot in the same area. Walk off your meal among the pre-war flats of Tiong Bahru Estate, or follow our Tiong Bahru Heritage Walk: A Self-Guided Route.

Teochew roots at hawker centres

Several everyday hawker dishes have Teochew roots. Bak chor mee is noodles tossed with minced pork and vinegar. Find it on the Bak Chor Mee page. Also look out for kway chap, flat rice sheets with braised pork, and chwee kueh, steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish.

Tips for a Teochew meal

• Order to share. Teochew meals are served family style. Plan about one dish per person, plus rice or porridge.
• Ask about seafood prices. Fish and crab are often priced by weight or listed as a seasonal price. Ask the price before you order.
• Book ahead. Popular restaurants fill up at weekends and during festivals. Read What's Open During Chinese New Year in Singapore? if you visit then.
• Check for pork. Pork and lard appear in many dishes. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Plan your budget. A porridge meal is cheap, while a seafood dinner costs much more. Prices change, so check before you go.

FAQs about Teochew restaurants in Singapore

What is Teochew food known for?

Teochew food is known for light, natural flavours. Fresh seafood, braised duck and goose, and plain rice porridge are its best-known dishes.

What is the difference between Teochew and Cantonese food?

Both come from Guangdong province in southern China. Teochew cooking focuses on braising and steaming seafood, while Cantonese food is famous for roast meats and dim sum. See Cantonese restaurants to compare.

What is Teochew porridge?

It is a watery rice porridge with whole grains of rice. You eat it with a choice of small side dishes, such as salted egg, braised meats and vegetables.

What does lor mean on a Teochew menu?

Lor means braised in a dark soy sauce stock. Lor ark is braised duck, and lor bak is braised pork.