FunEmpire Singapore Blog

8 Best Zi Char Spots in Singapore [2024]

Hi! Welcome to FunEmpire šŸ‘‹

We take pride in finding the best local experiences, activities and services. We only recommend what we love, and hope you love them too. Learn about our story.

Best Zi Char Singapore

Best Zi Char Singapore
Best Zi Char Singapore

If youā€™re in Singapore and have a craving for home-style, wok-fried comfort food, Zi Char is the answer.

The Best Zi Char spots in Singapore include New Ubin Seafood, Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant, Jiak Modern Tzechar, Two Chefs Eating Place, and Jumbo Seafood.

When selecting a Zi Char restaurant in Singapore, take into account factors like the range of menu options, the quality of food, the ambiance, and the affordability.

Zi Char is a prominent fixture in Singaporeā€™s culinary landscape, capturing the hearts of both locals and tourists with its wide range of flavors and comforting homemade dishes.

Discover the best Zi Char spots in Singapore, capturing the essence of this unique cuisine for locals and tourists alike.

Quick Summary

  • Best Zi Char spots in Singapore include New Ubin Seafood, Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant, Jiak Modern Tzechar, Two Chefs Eating Place, and Jumbo Seafood.
  • When choosing a Zi Char spot in Singapore, consider factors such as menu variety, food quality, atmosphere, and affordability.
  • Zi Char holds a significant place in Singaporeā€™s food scene, immensely popular among locals and tourists alike for its diverse flavors and home-cooked goodness.

Key Consideration Factors

Before getting into the best Zi Char, here are some consideration factors to remember:

  • Quality of food: Look for restaurants with fresh and of course delicious ingredients.
  • Price: While good food doesnā€™t come cheap, you can still find affordable Zi Char places.
  • Food variety: Zi char restaurants typically offer a wide range of dishes to choose from.
  • Atmosphere: While not always important, the environment in your chosen restaurant matters as well.

Best Zi Char Singapore

1) New Ubin Seafood

Ubin Seafood Singapore - Best Zi Char Singapore
Ubin Seafood Singapore ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Ubin Seafood Singapore)
Key services:You can also look forward to novel western dishes like black Angus ribeye steak, St. Louis-style pork ribs, and foie gras satay.
Address:30 Victoria St, #02-01B C, Singapore 187996
Website:https://newubinseafood.com/
Phone:+65 9740 6870
Email:newubinseafood.com
Operating hours:Tuesday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Wednesday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Thursday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Friday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Saturday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Sunday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM
Monday
11AMā€“3PM, 5:30ā€“10PM

For something less traditional, this zi char joint in Singapore fits the bill.

New Ubin Seafood doesnā€™t just serve your usual sambal kang kong and sweet and salted egg pork.

You can also look forward to novel western dishes like black Angus ribeye steak, St. Louis-style pork ribs, and foie gras satay.

Salivating yet?

Key Differentiators

  • You can also look forward to novel western dishes like black Angus ribeye steak, St. Louis-style pork ribs, and foie gras satay.

Client Testimonial

This is one of favorite place for dining in with friends and families. I have been knowing the place since 2019. And always coming back for their famous steak. and of course others.

Mida Hardo

2) Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant

Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant - Best Zi Char Singapore
Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant)
Key services:Must-tries include lemon chicken, oyster egg, pan-fried crayfish, sliced braised duck with pork belly.
Address:115 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-1627, Singapore 160115
Website:https://ahorhseafood.sg/
Phone:+65 6275 7575
Email:ahorhseafood.sg
Operating hours:Tuesday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Wednesday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Thursday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Friday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Saturday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Sunday
11AMā€“2PM, 5:30ā€“9PM
Monday
Closed

If old is gold, then this Teochew establishment introduced to us by our parents deserves 24 karats.

Thereā€™s no menu for you to pore over.

But pictures around the restaurant (and our recommendations) should help you decide what to put on the table.

Must-tries include lemon chicken, oyster egg, pan-fried crayfish, sliced braised duck with pork belly.

Pair ā€™em with seafood fried rice for a full meal.

Key Differentiators

  • Must-tries include lemon chicken, oyster egg, pan-fried crayfish, sliced braised duck with pork belly.

Client Testimonial

Kitchen prepare the dishes very fast!

Jim Tan

3) Jiak Modern Tzechar

Jiak Modern Tzechar - Best Zi Char Singapore
Jiak Modern Tzechar ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Jiak Modern Tzechar)
Key services:Menu highlights have to be salted egg prawns, sambal sotong, and black pepper wagyu beef.
Address:4 Hillview Rise, #02-04, Singapore 667979
Website:https://www.jiak.com.sg/
Phone:+65 6265 1097
Email:deliveroo.com.sgoddle.megrab.com
Operating hours:Tuesday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Wednesday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Thursday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Friday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Saturday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Sunday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM
Monday
11:30AMā€“9:30PM

This is the answer to halal zi char dishes.

Donā€™t let the polished ambiance fool you into thinking itā€™s a middle-of-the-road kind of establishment.

The food is as good as the next fuss-free eatery.

Menu highlights have to be cereal prawns, salted egg prawns, sambal sotong, and black pepper wagyu beef.

But the piece de resistance?

The signature fish head curry ā€” itā€™s equal parts fiery and flavourful.

Key Differentiators

  • Menu highlights have to be salted egg prawns, sambal sotong, and black pepper wagyu beef.

Client Testimonial

Value for money and perfect for a casual lunch. I found the dishes and set meals well priced.

Mints Lim

4) Two Chefs Eating Place

Two Chefs Eating Place - Best Zi Char Singapore
Two Chefs Eating Place ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Two Chefs Eating Place)
Key services:Other standout plates include salted egg prawn roll and tofu with enoki mushrooms.
Address:116 Commonwealth Cres, #01-129, Singapore 140116
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 6472 5361

Run by two brothers from Ipoh, this no-frills eating place is known for its butter pork ribs that are dusted with milk powder ā€“ an intriguing and tasty combination.

Other standout plates include prawn rolls and tofu with enoki mushrooms.

But take note, hungry folks.

Having a reservation doesnā€™t mean youā€™ll get seated immediately.

Expect to wait for about 15 to 20 minutes during busy hours (which is, in fact, all the time).

Yes, itā€™s that popular!

Key Differentiators

  • Other standout plates include prawn rolls and tofu with enoki mushrooms.

Client Testimonial

Been here a couple of times, but first time on a long while. Still love the food. The coffee pork ribs and salted egg prawns were delicious.

Bernie Chin

5) Jumbo Seafood

Jumbo Seafood - Best Zi Char Singapore
Jumbo Seafood ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Jumbo Seafood)
Key services:Complete your crab feast with other signature dishes like scallops wrapped in yam rings, wok-fried codfish in a special spicy sauce, and vegetable beancurd braised with fresh mushrooms.
Address:2 Orchard Turn, #04-09/10, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Website:https://www.jumboseafood.com.sg/en/home
Phone:65 6737 3435
Email:jumboseafood.com.sgfoodpanda.sg
Operating hours:Tuesday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Wednesday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Thursday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Friday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Saturday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Sunday
11:30AMā€“10PM
Monday
11:30AMā€“10PM

If crabs are on the agenda, make your way to this long-standing seafood stalwart.

Jumbo is famous for two things: chili and black pepper crab.

Complete your crab feast with other signature dishes like scallops wrapped in yam rings, wok-fried codfish in a special spicy sauce, and vegetable beancurd braised with fresh mushrooms.

For something meaty, the mocha pork ribs wonā€™t disappoint.

Key Differentiators

  • Complete your crab feast with other signature dishes like scallops wrapped in yam rings, wok-fried codfish in a special spicy sauce, and vegetable beancurd braised with fresh mushrooms.

Client Testimonial

The dim sum high tea is so good! Such a satisfying meal. Chill crab puff is really nice. Love the Sweet Yam Paste puff. It is so crispy and tasty!

Wang Tsai

6) 8 Crabs

8 Crabs - Best Zi Char Singapore
8 Crabs ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: 8 Crabs)
Key services:On top of serving iconic dishes like prawn omelet, sweet and sour pork, and beef with ginger and spring onion, this online restaurant offers the best Sri Lankan crabs in flavors like black pepper, chili, and salted egg.
Address:18 New Industrial Rd, Singapore 536205
Website:https://www.8crabs.com/
Phone:+65 8725 0725
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Tuesday
10:30AMā€“7:30PM
Wednesday
10:30AMā€“7:30PM
Thursday
10:30AMā€“7:30PM
Friday
10:30AMā€“8:30PM
Saturday
10:30AMā€“8:30PM
Sunday
10:30AMā€“8:30PM
Monday
10:30AMā€“7:30PM

Want to throw a zi char feast in the comfort of your home?

Enter 8 Crabs.

Itā€™s the only crab and zi char delivery service in Singapore.

On top of serving iconic dishes like prawn omelet, sweet and sour pork, and beef with ginger and spring onion, this online restaurant offers the best Sri Lankan crabs in flavors like black pepper, chili, and salted egg.

The secret to its lip-smacking chilli crab and salted egg crab creations?

Wait for itā€¦ AAA grade wild-caught crabs.

Theyā€™re ammonia-free and much tastier, bigger, and meatier than their farmed counterparts.

All that to say, youā€™re getting your moneyā€™s worth.

Not to mention, itā€™s also highly raved about by over 30,000 customers and top social media influencers.

Enjoy free delivery with a minimum spend of $120!

Key Differentiators

  • On top of serving iconic dishes like prawn omelet, sweet and sour pork, and beef with ginger and spring onion, this online restaurant offers the best Sri Lankan crabs in flavors like black pepper, chili, and salted egg.

7) Sin Hoi Sai Eating House

Sin Hoi Sai Eating House - Best Zi Char Singapore
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Sin Hoi Sai Eating House)
Key services:Tuck into classic zi char dishes like fish head curry, marmite chicken, Guinness pork ribs, and hot plate beef.
Address:187 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428893
Website:https://sinhoisai.ezqr.sg/
Phone:+65 6440 6956
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Tuesday
3PMā€“3AM
Wednesday
3PMā€“3AM
Thursday
3PMā€“3AM
Friday
3PMā€“3AM
Saturday
3PMā€“3AM
Sunday
3PMā€“3AM
Monday
3PMā€“3AM

Open daily till the wee hours of the morning (3 am!), Sin Hoi Sai Eating House makes for a great supper spot when the hunger pangs strike.

Tuck into classic zi char dishes like fish head curry, marmite chicken, Guinness pork ribs, and hot plate beef.

Key Differentiators

  • Tuck into classic zi char dishes like fish head curry, marmite chicken, Guinness pork ribs, and hot plate beef.

Client Testimonial

Iā€™ve been going to Sin Hoi Sai almost every week for the past 2 years and itā€™s become a sort of a comfort food for me. Excelled dishes, lovely owner lady and thereā€™s a certain warmth in all of the food being served. Open till late 3AM and theyā€™re such hardworking people. Undoubtedly the best Zi Char place in all of Singapore

Ashis Nayak

8) Sik Bao Sin

Sik Bao Sin - Best Zi Char Singapore
Sik Bao Sin ā€“ Best Zi Char Singapore (Credit: Sik Bao Si)
Key services:Must-tries include the piquant steamed fish head thatā€™s doused in a savory fermented soybean sauce and the sinful but oh-so-good steamed pork with salted fish.
Address:92 Geylang Rd, Lor 34 Geylang, Singapore 389531
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 6744 3757
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Tuesday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Wednesday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Thursday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Friday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Saturday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Sunday
11:45AMā€“2:30PM, 5:45ā€“9:30PM
Monday
Closed

Famously dubbed as the ā€œair-con version of Sik Wai Sinā€, this Cantonese-styled restaurant is your best bet for traditional (read: old-school zi char dishes).

Must-tries include the piquant steamed fish head thatā€™s doused in a savory fermented soybean sauce and the sinful but oh-so-good steamed pork with salted fish.

For greens, have your kailan topped with beef, prawn, or cooked in garlic.

Key Differentiators

  • Must-tries include the piquant steamed fish head thatā€™s doused in a savory fermented soybean sauce and the sinful but oh-so-good steamed pork with salted fish.

Client Testimonial

Best in the business IMHO

Tin Peng

Best Zi Char Singapore

The zi char stall is alive and well in Singapore.

Whether youā€™re looking for a casual place to eat with friends or want to feed your whole family at home, there are plenty of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets.

If youā€™re still stuck on what zi char dish would be perfect for your next meal, consult this feature!

Should you be interested in learning more about lifestyle, entertainment, and more, you may read any of the articles below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have any questions about Zi Char in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Zi Char Singapore below:

How can I make my Zi Char meal healthier?

You can opt for dishes with less oil and salt, or request for sauces to be served separately so that you can control the amount of sodium intake. You should also choose vegetable dishes over fried items or those cooked in creamy sauces.

Are there any affordable Zi Char restaurants in Singapore?

Yes, there are plenty of affordable Zi Char restaurants in Singapore, such as Ah Orh Seafood, Liangā€™s Kitchen Seafood Paradise, Ban Leong Wah Hoe and Huat Huat Add.

Where can I find the best Zi Char in Singapore?

The 8 best Zi Char or Tze Char spots in Singapore are Ah Orh Seafood, Liangā€™s Kitchen Seafood Paradise, Ban Leong Wah Hoe, Sin Hoi Sai Eating House, Huat Huat, Monti, and Sik Bao Sin. You can also check out Kok Sen restaurant and Keng Eng Kee seafood.

What are the must-try dishes at Zi Char restaurants in Singapore?

Must-tries at Zi Char restaurants include curry fish head, prawn paste chicken, Guinness pork ribs, wok hei, hot plate beef, fried beef hor fun, salted egg yolk, claypot yong tau foo, piquant steamed fish head doused in a savory fermented soybean sauce and the of steamed pork with salted fish.

What is the dish Champagne Pork Ribs and where can I find it at Zi Char restaurants in Singapore?

ā€˜Champagne Pork Ribsā€™ is a popular dish at Zi Char restaurants in Singapore. This dish consists of pork ribs cooked in champagne, which gives it a unique and delicious flavour. The

Additional Useful Articles

If you are looking for other useful guides and articles about best Zi Char in Singapore, check them out below:

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

Article by

I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Singapore. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Singapore. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Singapore has to offer.