Few dishes capture the essence of local comfort food like a warm bowl of porridge. From bustling food centres to quiet neighborhood stalls, this humble dish has long been a staple in the city’s culinary scene.
Singapore’s porridge culture blends rich traditions—Hainanese, Cantonese, and Teochew styles each bring unique flavors. Some spots have served generations, while others reinvent classics with modern twists.
This list revisits beloved hawker stalls and hidden gems. Whether you crave silky-smooth textures or hearty toppings, these time-tested recipes deliver nostalgia in every spoonful.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s porridge scene reflects diverse cultural influences.
- Hawker centers and food courts are go-to spots for authentic flavors.
- Classic recipes remain popular alongside creative variations.
- Options range from budget-friendly bowls to premium dining experiences.
- Many stalls have preserved traditional methods for decades.
Introduction: A Nostalgic Journey Through Singapore’s Porridge Spots
Generations have gathered over simmering pots of this humble yet beloved dish. More than just comfort food, it’s a culinary heirloom passed down through families and hawker stalls alike.
Regional styles define the experience. Cantonese versions simmer for hours, yielding silky textures. Hainanese methods preserve rice grains for heartier bites. Teochew-style, with its clear broth and bold side dishes, remains a supper-time favorite.
Late-night cravings? Spots like Chai Chee Pork Porridge serve steaming bowls past midnight. Their secret? Fresh ingredients and time-tested recipes.
This guide explores 10 iconic stalls—each a keeper of Singapore’s food heritage. From charcoal-cooked congee to DIY toppings, every bowl tells a story.
1. Soon Lee Porridge: Hainanese-Style Comfort
At Clementi Market & Food Centre, one stall has perfected the art of thick, hearty porridge. Soon Lee’s signature Hainanese-style bowls offer a comforting contrast to thinner Cantonese versions, with rice grains simmered to a creamy, gao texture.
Signature Dishes
The menu stars three protein options: tender pork, flaky fish, and shredded chicken. Each $4 bowl delivers generous portions, making it a budget-friendly meal. Regulars swear by the minced pork variation, topped with crispy shallots.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Porridge | 4.00 | Minced pork with century egg |
| Fish Porridge | 4.00 | Fresh slices in clear broth |
| Chicken Porridge | 4.00 | Shredded free-range chicken |
Location & Opening Hours
Find this beloved stall at Clementi Market, a neighborhood institution since the 1980s. Weekday crowds come early—service runs 6am-8pm (Mon-Fri). Saturday hours shorten to 6am-3pm, so plan accordingly.
What keeps customers returning? The no-frills authenticity. “Same taste since my school days,” shares one patron, lining up for his weekly fix.
2. Weng Kiang Kee: Traditional Hainanese Porridge
A former hotel chef brings fine-dining flair to humble bowls at this Chinatown stall. Weng Kiang Kee elevates Hainanese traditions with premium ingredients—think abalone and pig fallopian tubes—in their $5 signature porridge.
Signature Dishes
The chef’s hotel training shines in bold recipes. Adventurous eaters rave about the Signature Porridge, while the Triple Egg Porridge (century, salted, and poached) packs a protein punch.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Porridge | 5.00 | Abalone, pig fallopian tubes |
| Triple Egg Porridge | 4.50 | Century, salted, poached eggs |
Note: Opening hours end at 1pm—arrive early!
Location & Hours
Nestled in Chinatown Food Complex, the stall draws morning crowds. Tuesday–Sunday service (7:30am–1pm) aligns with the area’s breakfast rush. “It’s worth waking up early,” says a regular, savoring the last spoonful before the lunchtime closure.
3. Botak Cantonese Porridge: HK-Style Congee
Silky-smooth Cantonese-style congee takes center stage at Botak Porridge. Their Hong Kong-inspired recipes contrast with heartier regional varieties, achieving a delicate texture through slow simmering.
Signature Dishes
The Century Egg with Lean Meat Porridge ($4) stars tender pork slices and creamy yolk ribbons. For richer flavors, the seafood version piles on fresh prawns and scallops. Don’t skip the $0.60 raw egg add-on—it transforms each bowl into a velvety masterpiece.
- Handmade meatballs: A must-try for their springy bite.
- Family-friendly: Our Tampines Hub’s lively hawker setting.
- Extended opening hours: Daily 7am–9:30pm.
Location & Hours
Find this stall in The Hawker Centre @ Our Tampines Hub. Its central location makes it ideal for weekday dinners or weekend lunches. “The congee here reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking,” shares a regular, ladling extra broth over rice.
4. Sin Heng Kee Porridge: Generous Ingredients
Hougang’s hidden gem serves bowls packed with generous toppings. Sin Heng Kee turns simple meals into flavor explosions with eight or more fresh ingredients per serving. Regulars praise the stall’s no-compromise approach to quality.
Signature Dishes
The $7.50 Signature Porridge stars tender minced pork, century egg, and crispy anchovies. Adventurous eaters opt for the claypot frog version—a local delicacy with ginger-infused broth.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Porridge | 7.50 | 8+ ingredients, century egg |
| Claypot Frog Porridge | 9.80 | Spicy broth, fresh frog legs |
Location & Hours
Find this bustling stall at Hougang Street 61’s neighborhood hawker center. Opening hours run 7am–8pm (Wed-Mon), perfect for family dinners. “We come with friends—portions are huge,” shares a group of regulars.
Pro tip: Closed Tuesdays—plan your visit accordingly!
5. Chai Chee Pork Porridge: Late-Night Comfort
Cravings don’t follow a schedule, and neither does Chai Chee Pork Porridge. This Fengshan Hawker Centre stall has been a supper staple for decades, serving steaming bowls long after others close. Their secret? A commitment to fresh ingredients and recipes that feel like home.
Signature Dishes
The pork porridge ($4.50) stars juicy meatballs and minced pork, simmered until tender. Pair it with crispy you tiao for the ultimate comfort food experience. Prefer lighter flavors? The cuttlefish version offers a briny contrast with its clean, seafood-forward broth.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Porridge | 4.50 | Juicy meatballs, century egg |
| Cuttlefish Porridge | 4.50 | Fresh seafood, ginger-infused broth |
Location & Hours
Find this night-owl haven at Fengshan Hawker Centre, a hub for after-hours eats. Opening hours run Tuesday–Sunday (4pm–12am), perfect for post-work cravings. “We come here after clubbing—it’s our ritual,” laughs a group of regulars, ladling extra broth over rice.
- Late-night appeal: One of few stalls serving past 11pm.
- Budget-friendly: Generous portions under $5.
- Texture contrast: Silky cuttlefish vs. hearty pork.
6. Zhen Zhen Porridge: CBD Lunch Favorite
Office workers swarm Maxwell Food Centre for Zhen Zhen’s legendary fish belly bowls. This stall turns midday breaks into flavor expeditions, drawing crowds with its $4 signature dish.
Signature Dishes
The fish belly porridge rewards patience—bones add depth, but the silky texture is worth the effort. Prefer boneless? The sliced fish version delivers clean, tender bites. For variety, try the shredded chicken with century egg, a creamy contrast to seafood options.
- CBD lunch rush: Arrive before noon to skip queues.
- Thursday note: Closed; plan visits for other weekdays.
- Budget-friendly: Generous portions under $5.
Location & Hours
Find Zhen Zhen at Maxwell Food Centre, a lunch hub near Raffles Place. Opening hours run Wed, Fri–Mon (5:30am–2pm)—early birds get the freshest batches. “I schedule meetings around their 11am lull,” admits a regular, savoring the last spoonful.
7. Mui Kee: Hong Kong’s Third-Generation Recipe
Orchard Road’s upscale dining scene welcomes a taste of Hong Kong’s culinary legacy. At Shaw Centre, Mui Kee elevates street food traditions with premium ingredients and air-conditioned comfort. Their third-generation recipes turn simple congee into artful bowls.
Signature Dishes
The Garoupa Fish Belly Congee ($16.50++) showcases silky fish slices in rich broth. For celebrations, the Braised Baby Abalone version adds luxury with tender seafood. Noodle dishes and desserts round out meals for groups.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Garoupa Fish Belly | 16.50++ | Hong Kong-style broth |
| Baby Abalone | Market price | Slow-braised delicacy |
Location & Hours
Find this hidden gem on Shaw Centre’s dining floor. Opening hours cater to both lunch crowds (Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm) and dinner dates (5:30pm-9pm). Weekends offer extended service from 8am.
“We fly in garoupa weekly—it’s non-negotiable,” shares the chef, stirring a pot of simmering broth. Regulars recommend arriving before 12:30pm to avoid the lunch rush.
8. Xian Ji Porridge: Old-School Cantonese Porridge
Morning light filters through Jalan Bukit Merah as Xian Ji Porridge starts its daily ritual. This breakfast institution serves Cantonese-style bowls with a twist—fresh watercress adding a crisp contrast to creamy textures.
Signature Dishes
The Century Egg Minced Pork Porridge stars tender meat and velvety yolk ribbons. Watercress isn’t just garnish—its peppery bite cuts through richness. At $7, bowls cost more than average, but regulars swear by the quality.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Minced Pork Porridge | 7.00 | Watercress, century egg |
Location & Hours
Find this hidden spot near Tiong Bahru’s trendy cafés—a world apart in both style and opening hours. Service runs Tuesday–Sunday (7am–10am), perfect for early risers. “Come at 8:30am or risk sold-out signs,” advises a longtime patron.
What makes it special? The three-hour window ensures fresh ingredients daily. While nearby spots serve lattes, Xian Ji sticks to tradition—one steaming bowl at a time.
9. Ah Chiang’s Porridge: Charcoal-Cooked Congee
For over five decades, Ah Chiang’s has perfected the art of charcoal-cooked meals. The smoky aroma drifting from their stall at Tiong Poh Road signals a taste of tradition. Each bowl of congee carries the distinct richness only open flames can create.
Signature Dishes
The pork porridge comes in two styles—sliced for tenderness or minced for bold flavor. Adventurous eaters opt for the mixed version, combining cuts with fresh offal. Every ingredient arrives daily from Tiong Bahru Market, ensuring peak freshness.
| Dish | Price (SGD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sliced Pork Porridge | 5.50 | Silky texture, lean cuts |
| Mixed Pork Porridge | 6.80 | Offal, minced & sliced pork |
Location & Opening Hours
Find this heritage spot near Tiong Bahru’s art deco landmarks. Opening hours stretch from 6:15am to 10:30pm—perfect for breakfast or supper. “We’ve used the same charcoal pit since 1971,” shares the owner, stirring a pot over glowing embers.
- Charcoal advantage: Imparts depth unmatched by gas stoves
- Texture contrast: Silky broth with toothsome rice grains
- Historical roots: Family recipe preserved across generations
10. Peng Jia Zhou: DIY Congee Experience
Forget fixed menus—Peng Jia Zhou’s pay-per-ingredients model puts creativity in your hands. This Chai Chee Road stall redefines comfort food with a choose-your-own-adventure approach. Base congee comes free; toppings cost extra, making each bowl uniquely yours.
Signature Dishes
The Hakka-style fried pork steals the show—marinated overnight for bold flavor. Crispy intestines add texture, while $0.80 youtiao (fried dough) provides crunch. Regulars recommend pairing these with preserved radish for salty contrast.
| Add-On | Price (SGD) | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Hakka Fried Pork | 2.50 | Base congee + century egg |
| Youtiao | 0.80 | All porridge varieties |
| Intestines | 3.00 | Spicy soy sauce drizzle |
Location & Opening Hours
Find this neighborhood gem at Block 54 Chai Chee Road. Opening hours run daily (7am–9pm), ideal for family dinners. “Kids love picking toppings—it’s edible playtime,” laughs a parent, watching her child stack pork over rice.
- Interactive twist: Great for groups with diverse tastes.
- Budget-friendly: Start with free congee; add-ons under $4.
- Local secret: Off-the-tourist-radar charm.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Singapore’s Porridge Heritage
From Hainanese-style bowls to silky Cantonese congee, each variation tells a story of tradition. The Teochew porridge stands out with its clear broth and bold side dishes—a supper favorite that’s gaining lunchtime fans.
Rainy afternoons or late-night cravings? These steaming bowls offer more than comfort food—they’re edible history. Stalls like Heng Leong preserve recipes passed down through generations.
Beyond our list, hidden gems await. Try claypot versions or DIY toppings at neighborhood spots. Every spoonful celebrates Singapore’s rich heritage.
Let’s keep supporting hawkers—the keepers of these culinary treasures. Whether it’s a quick bite or a shared meal, porridge remains a delicious link to the past.
