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When it comes to authentic Teochew food, I tend to have the impression that you’d need to go to a fancy restaurant and pony up a chunk of cash to enjoy it. That perception may start changing thanks to a relatively new eatery that has opened up in Geylang named Chaoshan Xiaochi (潮汕小吃).
The eatery is run by a father-son duo, with the former having over 30 years of experience running a successful catering business that specialised in Teochew buffet spreads.
The menu is uncomplicated and relatively simple – it features the quintessential Teochew dishes, such as steamed fish, orh nee (yam paste), and oyster omelette. Instead of having the iconic Teochew mueh, or rice porridge, Chaoshan Xiaochi instead offers one-pot congees, which despite the name, still have the distinctive, separated rice grains we associate with Teochew-style porridge.
The best part about Chaoshan Xiaochi? There’s no GST and no service charge. Lovely!
The Teochew Oyster Congee (S$12) is a hearty, comforting dish with Teochew-style rice porridge simmered in a broth made with fresh oysters and seafood. The dish’s simplicity allows the freshness of the ingredients to shine through, and is a perfect dish for a cold, rainy day.
Any Teochew establishment worth its salt will only offer the freshest possible fish, and Chaoshan Xiaochi is no exception. Available options include pomfret, rabbit fish, grouper, and flathead grey mullet. The fish is priced according to the market rate, so do inquire before ordering.
Other notable dishes include the Oyster Omelette (S$8), made with fresh Korean oysters. It’s everything one expects from a solid oyster omelette – a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
The Prawn Roll, Liver Roll Platter (S$15) is also one dish you should get for the table. The prawn roll uses fresh sea prawns in the filling, and the liver roll is perfect for those who enjoy liver.
Ye Lai Xiang Teochew Porridge: Your taxi uncle’s fave Teochew Mui, open till 4am
