If there’s one culinary concept that perfectly encapsulates the communal joy of dining in Singapore, it’s tze char. Tze char (literally meaning “cook and fry” in Hokkien) refers to a style of casual, affordable Chinese dining where a wide array of dishes is served family-style. Typically operating in a no-frills, kopitiam (coffee shop) setting, these restaurants are beloved for their wide-ranging menus, bold flavors, and generous portions.
But for the uninitiated, the sheer variety of dishes on a tze char menu can be overwhelming. Here, we’ll explore the hallmark dishes of a tze char restaurant, breaking down the flavors, ingredients, and must-tries. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diner, this guide will help you relish your next tze char feast!
What is Tze Char Dining?
Tze char restaurants are quintessentially Singaporean, channeling influences from various Chinese cooking styles while incorporating local flavors. They’re cherished for offering a home-cooked experience without the actual cooking. While the setting is casual, the food is prepared with skill and passion, delivering flavors that rival any high-end restaurant.
Menus are often extremely extensive, with dishes that range from stir-fried classics to seafood specialties and even sizzling clay pot meals. These restaurants are designed for sharing, so the more people at your table, the more dishes you can try!
Now, let’s uncover some of the signature dishes you’ll find in a tze char restaurant.
The Classics You Can’t Miss
Whenever diners gather at a tze char table, there are a few staple dishes that almost always make an appearance. These dishes are crowd favorites, loved for their reliable flavor and satisfying textures.
1. Sweet and Sour Pork (咕噜肉)
Sweet and sour pork is a must-order at almost every tze char place. Pieces of battered pork are fried until golden and coated in a tangy, glossy sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Pineapple chunks and onions add an extra sweet-and-zesty punch.
This dish is a fusion of textures and flavors, with the perfect balance of crispiness from the pork and the sticky sweetness of the sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest.
2. Salted Egg Prawns (咸蛋虾)
Singaporeans’ love for salted egg yolk knows no bounds, and tze char restaurants are no exception. Salted egg prawns feature plump prawns coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with salted egg yolks, butter, curry leaves, and chili.
The dish is indulgently flavorful, with a savory-sweet taste that’s unique to salted egg dishes. Most tze char places also offer variations such as salted egg squid or even salted egg tofu.
3. Sambal Kang Kong (马来风光)
No tze char spread is complete without a vegetable dish, and sambal kang kong is by far the crowd favorite. This humble dish features water spinach (kang kong) stir-fried with garlic and sambal belacan, a spicy shrimp-paste chili.
The combination of smokiness, crunch, and spiciness makes this an irresistible way to enjoy your greens. It balances out the richness of the other heavy-hitters on your table.
4. Oyster Omelette (蚝煎)
Oyster omelette (or “orh luak”) is a tze char classic that originated as street food. Eggs and potato starch are fried into a crispy, gooey pancake and topped with fresh, briny oysters.
Some stalls serve a crispier version (especially in Singapore), while others offer a softer, gooier texture (reminiscent of the traditional Teochew style). Don’t forget to dip it in the accompanying chili sauce for an extra kick!
Seafood Lovers’ Paradise
A hallmark of tze char restaurants is their mastery of seafood. From humble prawns to premium crabs, here are dishes that celebrate the ocean’s bounty.
5. Chili Crab (辣椒螃蟹)
Nationally iconic and internationally lauded, chili crab needs no introduction. Whole crabs are cooked in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy tomato-based sauce thickened with egg ribbons.
The best part? Mopping up that sauce with golden fried mantou (buns). Grab some napkins because this is a messy but delicious eating experience!
6. Black Pepper Crab (黑胡椒螃蟹)
If chili crab isn’t your thing, the peppery spice hit from black pepper crab might just win your heart (and taste buds). Crabs are stir-fried in butter and fragrant black pepper sauce, creating a bold, umami-packed experience.
7. Steamed Fish (清蒸鱼)
For a lighter, more delicate option, steamed fish is a standout. Fresh fish (often seabass, garoupa, or pomfret) is steamed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatics like ginger and spring onions. Its simplicity allows the freshness of the fish to shine through.
Comfort in a Claypot
Claypot dishes may not turn heads with flamboyant presentation but are hands-down one of the most satisfying parts of a tze char menu.
8. Claypot Ee Mee (砂锅伊面)
Nostalgia on a plate, claypot ee mee brings together braised egg noodles, mushrooms, prawns, chicken, and vegetables in a savory, soy-based gravy. Served piping hot in a clay pot, the dish is comforting and packed with flavor.
9. Curry Fish Head (咖喱鱼头)
A favorite among spice lovers, curry fish head blends Indian and Chinese flavors into one hearty masterpiece. The fish head is cooked in a rich curry loaded with vegetables like eggplant and okra, creating an explosion of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors.
Lesser-Known Hidden Gems
While classics and seafood reign supreme, every tze char menu features hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
10. Butter Cereal Prawns (奶油麦片虾)
This dish features buttery prawns coated with crunchy cereal flakes and fragrant curry leaves. The sweet and salty flavors complement the crispy texture of the cereal, making it utterly addictive.
11. Prawn Paste Chicken (虾酱鸡)
Juicy chicken wings marinated in prawn paste (shrimp paste) and deep-fried to golden perfection—need we say more? This dish boasts an umami-rich flavor and crunch that stands out even amidst an already impressive spread.
Planning Your Tze Char Feast
The beauty of eating at a tze char restaurant is the extensive variety, meaning there’s always something for even the pickiest eater in your group. Planning a meal? Start with one seafood dish, a vegetable dish, a noodle or rice dish, and some side classics like sweet and sour pork.
And don’t forget to invite your foodie friends so you can try as many dishes as possible!
Experience the Joy of Tze Char Dining
Tze char isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience of gathering with loved ones around a table brimming with delicious, hearty dishes. It’s affordable, authentic, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re indulging in chili crab or sharing plates of sambal kang kong, every bite helps tell the story of Singapore’s vibrant food culture.
Feeling hungry yet? The next time you’re looking for a group-friendly dining option, head to the nearest tze char restaurant such as HK Street Restaurant and order up a feast. Pro tip: go early to snag a table, as these beloved eateries tend to fill up fast!
