Singapore’s food scene thrives on bold flavors, and one dish stands out—creamy, rich, and packed with umami. This golden-coated delight has become a must-try for locals and visitors alike. From hawker stalls to upscale eateries, everyone has their favorite spot.
Our list ranks the top places based on sauce quality, crispy texture, and overall value. We’ve included hidden gems and popular joints, ensuring options for every budget. Whether you crave late-night bites or halal-certified meals, there’s something for everyone.
The debate between 3 Meals a Day and Taste Good is real—both have fierce loyalists. Local food bloggers weigh in with pro tips, making your culinary adventure even better. Ready to dig in?
Key Takeaways
- Singapore’s food culture celebrates this savory dish as a signature flavor.
- Selection criteria include sauce richness, crispiness, and affordability.
- Options range from budget-friendly stalls to premium restaurants.
- Halal and late-night choices cater to diverse preferences.
- The #1 spot sparks lively debates among food enthusiasts.
10. Cui Xiang Yuan: A Tanglin Halt Hidden Gem
Tucked away in Tanglin Halt, Cui Xiang Yuan has quietly perfected its craft for over a decade. This family-run spot thrives on simplicity, serving golden-crusted egg yolk chicken that keeps regulars coming back. Cash-only and unpretentious, it’s a testament to Singapore’s love for hearty, flavorful dishes.
What Makes It Special
Thick-cut chicken pieces wear a visible salted egg crust—crispy outside, juicy inside. The owners, who’ve run the stall for 15+ years, tweak their recipe weekly for consistency. Pair your meal with their fiery sambal belacan side for an extra kick.
Must-Try Dish
Their chicken rice combo steals the show. Creamy sauce clings to each grain, while tender meat balances the crunch. Regulars insist it’s one of the top places for late-night eats, open until 10pm.
Location & Hours
Find them at 47 Tanglin Halt Road, near the market’s parking lot. Weekends get busy, but the wait is worth it. Pro tip: Skip the cards—this hidden gem operates on cash only.
9. GLC Restaurant: Halal-Friendly Comfort Food
At GLC Restaurant, fiery flavors meet halal-certified comfort in every bite. This Muslim-owned zi char spot stands out as the only halal-certified entry in our top 10, offering a spicy twist on the classic dish.
Spicy Twist on Salted Egg Sauce
Their signature fiery sauce blends fresh chili padi with creamy richness, creating a bold contrast. Regulars rave about the visible flecks of chili in every spoonful—proof of its homemade authenticity.
Affordable Pricing
Portions start at just S$5.50, including a crispy fried egg. Combo meals with drinks stay under S$6, making it a wallet-friendly pick. Vegetarian modifications are available upon request.
How to Get There
A 10-minute walk from Potong Pasir MRT, GLC is a favorite for late-night suppers. Taxi drivers often swing by post-shift, fueling its reputation as one of the top spots for midnight cravings.
8. Jia Yuen Eating House: Buttermilk Fusion
Jia Yuen Eating House shakes up tradition with a bold buttermilk twist on a beloved classic. Their signature buttermilk-salted egg hybrid sauce is a pioneer in Singapore’s food scene, blending tangy richness with creamy depth.
Unique Buttermilk-Salted Egg Combo
The star here is the egg sauce, whipped with fresh buttermilk for a lighter finish. Each bite delivers a crispy crunch, followed by a velvety, slightly tangy coating. Regulars swear by the secret-menu add-on: steamed mantou buns for dipping.
Portion Size & Value
XXL portions easily feed 2–3 people, making it a steal for groups. The dish comes piled high with golden-fried cuts and a side of fragrant rice. Budget-friendly and filling, it’s a top pick for office lunches.
Delivery Options
Prefer takeaways? Jia Yuen’s original delivery kitchen concept works seamlessly. Order via GrabFood or Foodpanda—perfect for noon cravings. Limited seating means quick service, but arrive early to beat the lunch rush.
- Address: 13 Crane Rd (near Redhill MRT)
- Hours: Opens at noon; closed Mondays
- Pro tip: Pair with their house-made barley drink.
7. New Station Snack Bar: Orchard’s Budget Bite
Far East Plaza hides a wallet-friendly gem where pork ribs steal the spotlight in a golden, curry-kissed sauce. At New Station Snack Bar, S$6.50 buys you a plate of tender belly cuts smothered in a curry leaf-infused sauce—Orchard Road’s cheapest salted egg fix.
Salted Egg Pork Rice Highlight
Skip the chicken—their pork ribs are the star. Thick, juicy slices wear a crispy crust, while the sauce balances creamy richness with aromatic curry leaves. Regulars swear by the fried mantou side, perfect for scooping up every last drop.
Crowd Favorites
Zi char crowds flock here for XXL portions that feed two. The claypot rice and kailan dishes are steals at under S$7, but the pork rice remains the hero. Pro tip: Order takeaway to avoid the tight seating.
Weekend Queue Tips
Come before 11:30am or after 2pm to dodge lunch rushes. Cash is king—this no-frills spot doesn’t take cards. Find them at Far East Plaza’s fifth floor, a 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT.
- Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-95 (Far East Plaza)
- Hours: 11:30am–9pm (Sat until 9:30pm)
- Must-try: Salted Egg Pork Ribs + Crispy Mantou combo
6. Yong Tai Seafood: Late-Night Cravings Solved
When hunger strikes after midnight, one spot in Sims Avenue answers the call with sizzling wok-fired dishes. Yong Tai Seafood thrives when most kitchens close, serving crispy, golden delights until 4am. Its air-conditioned dining room buzzes with post-clubbing crowds and shift workers alike.
Midnight Zi Char
Chefs here master the wok hei technique, tossing squid and prawns in a rich, velvety sauce. The salted egg squid combo is a standout—crispy tentacles draped in creamy goodness. Portions arrive piping hot, perfect for sharing.
Family-Sized Portions
Platters start at S$15, feeding groups without breaking the bank. Regulars recommend the mega seafood platter, piled high with prawns, squid, and crispy mantou. Vegetarian? Swap meat for fried tofu or eggplant.
Parking Availability
Free parking after 10pm makes Yong Tai a hassle-free stop. Located at 130 Sims Ave, it’s a 5-minute drive from Paya Lebar MRT. Pro tip: Beat the 1am rush by arriving early.
- 4am closing—ultimate supper spot for night owls
- Shared platters from S$15–S$30
- Chef’s secret: extra chili padi for spice lovers
“Their squid is legendary—crispy outside, tender inside. Worth the 3am queue!”
5. Puncak Best Noodles: Halal Excellence in Orchard
Puncak Best Noodles brings a lighter twist to rich flavors without compromising taste. This halal-certified spot near Somerset MRT stands out for its airy dining space and innovative sauces. Regulars love its balance of authenticity and modern flair.
Creamy Yet Light Sauce
The creamy sauce surprises with its fresh coconut milk base, offering a subtle sweetness. Unlike heavier versions, it’s slightly watery but packed with flavor—perfect for coating tender noodles or rice. Pair it with their lemongrass tea for a refreshing contrast.
Dining Ambiance
Bright and mosque-friendly, the space includes a prayer area for convenience. Large windows flood the room with light, making it ideal for daytime meals. Families appreciate the spacious layout and kid-friendly menu options.
Why It Stands Out
Beyond the food, Puncak wins with thoughtful touches. Weekly specials keep the menu exciting, like their turmeric-infused fried rice. Portions start at S$8, offering great value for Orchard’s central location.
- Must-try: Combo meal with crispy fried egg and lemongrass tea
- Hours: 11am–9pm (closed Fridays for prayer time)
- Pro tip: Visit on Wednesdays for rotating seafood specials
4. Taste Good (Chinatown Complex): OG Flavors
In the heart of Chinatown Complex, a humble stall has been serving legendary flavors since 2009. Their mini wok presentation keeps each portion sizzling hot, with an optional S$0.50 fried egg upgrade. Regulars swear by the unchanged original recipe—a rarity in Singapore’s ever-evolving food scene.
15-Year Legacy
This family-run spot refuses to tweak their 2009 formula. Thick, golden egg yolk sauce coats every piece, thanks to daily-mashed yolks. The owners joke they’ve worn out 12 woks but won’t change a single step.
Sauce Consistency Secrets
Velvety texture comes from a precise yolk-to-cream ratio. “We strain it twice,” says the chef, showing his calloused hands. BYO chili is encouraged—regulars often bring homemade blends to personalize their plates.
Anniversary Discounts
May brings S$1-off deals celebrating their opening. Seniors get extra perks year-round. Arrive before 3pm—batches sell out fast. Pro tip: Pair with their crispy prawn crackers for contrasting textures.
“First tried this in 2012. Same perfect clinginess to every bite.”
- Address: Chinatown Complex #02-135
- Hours: 10:30am–3pm (closed Wednesdays)
- Must-try: Combo with added fried egg
3. Taste Good (Sim Lim Square): The Viral Contender
A tiny eatery near Sim Lim Square has taken social media by storm with its sizzling cast-iron presentations. This viral contender draws crowds with golden-crusted creations served in miniature woks—perfect for Instagram stories and foodie bragging rights.
Mini Wok Presentation
Each order arrives piping hot in personal-sized cast iron pans, keeping the sauce bubbling until the last bite. The visual appeal is unmatched—thick yolk-based sauce clings to crispy cuts while steam rises dramatically. Regulars love scraping the caramelized bits from the wok’s edges for extra crunch.
User Reviews Recap
With 400+ five-star ratings, praise centers on the texture contrast and generous portions. “The first bite made me understand the hype,” reads one Google review. Night owls appreciate the late hours, while office workers swear by their efficient lunchtime service.
Egg Add-On Hack
For just 70 cents, upgrade your dish with a runny fried egg add-on—the yolk mixes into the sauce for extra creaminess. Pro tip: Regulars order double eggs for maximum richness. Pair it with their house-made barley drink to cut through the decadence.
Find this hotspot a 5-minute walk from Bugis MRT, with parking available at Rochor Canal. Separate lines for dine-in and takeaway keep waits manageable—one of the few spots where the reality lives up to the TikTok fame.
2. Where to Find the Best Salted Egg Chicken in Singapore
Two culinary giants dominate Singapore’s salted egg scene, each with a fiercely loyal following. Whether you prefer creamy indulgence or bold umami, this showdown reveals which spot suits your taste.
3 Meals a Day vs. Taste Good Debate
3 Meals a Day wins fans with its velvety sauce, while Taste Good packs a punch with intense yolk flavor. Side-by-side tests show:
- Sauce viscosity: 3 Meals’ blend clings better to noodles; Taste Good’s is thicker but less adhesive.
- Crowd density: Weekday lunches at Taste Good (Sim Lim) see 30% longer waits than 3 Meals’ outlets.
- Secret menus: 3 Meals offers chili-crab infused sauce on request; Taste Good has a crispy yolk topping.
Sim Lim Square Showdown
The Sim Lim branch of Taste Good draws Instagram crowds with sizzling mini woks. Proximity to tech shops means quick bites for shoppers. Nearest MRT exit: Rochor (5-minute walk).
Price Comparison
| Feature | 3 Meals a Day | Taste Good |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (S$) | 8.50 | 7.80 |
| Portion Size (g) | 350 | 320 |
| Loyalty Program | 10 stamps = free meal | 5% cashback via app |
“Taste Good’s yolk-forward profile won me over, but 3 Meals’ creaminess is unbeatable for rice pairings.”
1. 3 Meals a Day: Singapore’s Reigning Champion
Crowned by food critics and locals alike, this eatery sets the gold standard for rich, indulgent flavors. Its signature dish dominates polls, blending crispiness with a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. Regulars gladly endure 40-minute waits for a taste.
What Makes It #1
The French butter technique elevates their sauce—slow-cooked with evaporated milk for silkiness. Free-flow house-made sambal adds a customizable kick. Limited-edition salted egg milkshakes (seasonal) draw dessert lovers too.
Secret Sauce Recipe
Founders reveal their blend includes 12-hour-marinated yolks and a whisper of curry leaf. “Straining twice is non-negotiable,” says the head chef. The result? A glossy, lump-free coating that’s become their trademark.
Prawn Crackers Pairing
Order the prawn crackers for crunch contrast. Lightly salted, they’re ideal for scooping up leftover sauce. Pro tip: Dip them into the sambal for a spicy-savory combo.
- Expansion buzz: Plans to open in Johor Bahru next year.
- Peak hours: Arrive before 11:30am or after 2pm for shorter queues.
- Insider hack Ask for extra fried egg—it’s worth the S$1 upgrade.
Conclusion
From crispy bites to creamy sauces, this guide covers the top picks for every craving. Each spot brings something unique—whether it’s late-night servings, halal options, or bold twists on classics.
Use our interactive map to find these gems nearby. Seasonal specials, like turmeric-infused sauces or chili-crab blends, keep the food scene exciting. Watch for new entrants—rumors hint at a Johor Bahru expansion soon!
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