15 best porridges in Singapore that deserve the congee-niality award
Simple? Check. Comforting? Check. Affordable? Mostly, yes.
Ranging across different cultures (think jook, mui or kiam buay), this versatile dish is highly underrated and regarded as bland and even, boring. As a proud porridge lover through and through, my compiled list of the 15 best porridges in Singapore that deserve the congee-niality award is here to prove those naysayers wrong. From Pork to Frog, can you resist the beguiling call of comfort this gruel brings?
Before we continue — For the record, the porridge that we are having today is commonly associated with congee as well. Ready, set, 粥 (zhou)!
1. Sin Heng Kee Porridge
Let’s start with one of our Boss Man’s favourites.
With over 20 different types of porridges to choose from, Sin Heng Kee Porridge has 3 outlets across the island with its Hougang location being the most popular. Aside from their Century Egg & Meatball Porridge (S$6), the Signature Porridge (S$7.50) is a must-try.
Laced with an abundance of ingredients like minced pork and sliced fish, this thick yet smooth porridge is said to be the “best congee in Singapore”.
Oh, regulars swear by their You Tiao (S$1.20) too! Boasting a crispy golden-brown exterior and a fluffy bite, it soaks up the hearty dish perfectly.
For a list of locations, click here.
+65 9118 1569
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2. Weng Kiang Kee Porridge
Dare to eat this? I surprisingly would.
Established by an ex-hotel chef, Weng Kiang Kee Porridge at Chinatown sells Hainanese-style porridge with the special addition of “birth intestines (fallopian tubes)”. Contrary to popular belief, fret not, this ingredient is clean, subtly sweet and strangely addictive.
If you’re a fan, opt for the Premium Porridge (S$6), which has the same ingredients as the Signature Porridge (S$5) – mixed pork with sweet intestine, liver, fish, cuttlefish and century eggs, with the addition of “birth intestines” and abalone.
With the use of premium rice grains that yield a velvety texture, quality is at the fore here.
335 Smith Street, Chinatown Food Complex, #02-082, Singapore 050335
+65 8839 3686
Tue to Sun: 7.30am – 1pm
Closed on Mon
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3. Hoàng Hâu
Vietnamese-style porridge. You didn’t see that coming huh?!
Authentically Viet, Hoàng Hâu at Bukit Merah is helmed by a true-blue Vietnamese chef. Impressed by the chef’s culinary flair for his hometown cuisine, the owners of the Empress Porridge decided to open up this casual eatery to bring a taste of Vietnam to the neighbourhood. I guess that speaks for itself. The porridge in question is the Freshwater Eel Porridge (S$19).
Infused with briny yellow eel, the fluffy mixture is topped with fried shallots, Chinese parsley and roasted peanuts.
Did you know: This dish is usually avoided by many eateries due to its tedious preparation process. Not with the chef’s finesse though.
146 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-1090, Singapore 160146
+65 8852 3687
Tue to Sun: 11am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 8pm
Closed on Mon
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4. Botak Porridge
No, they won’t make you botak.
As its name suggests, Botak Porridge at Tampines and Punggol serves up piping bowls of thick jook. Best-sellers include Minced Pork Century Egg Porridge (S$4), which features slices of tender meat and the pungent jelly-like preserved delicacy that you either hate or love.
If you are craving something simple, give their Handmade Meatball Porridge (S$3.50) a try. Made from scratch every morning, their self-kneaded meatballs are savoury and perfectly sized.
Remember to add an Egg (S$0.60)! Once mixed in, the raw egg will impart a rich and silky-smooth taste to your fragrant bowl of viscous goodness.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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5. Old World Bak Kut Teh & Fried Porridge
If you’ve never tried Fried Porridge, this is a good place to start.
Old World Bak Kut Teh & Fried Porridge at Yishun offers Teochew pork ribs soup alongside bowls of wok hei-infused porridge. Their bowl of Mixed Pig’s Organ Fried Porridge (S$6) is guaranteed to get you moving. Pre-cooked with dark soya sauce and fried-to-order, each smoky bowl has a variety of offals and bits of tau kwa cubes that are stir-fried separately.
You may also opt for the Sliced Pork Fried Porridge (S$5) which is packed with simplicity at its best.
Fun fact, the Fried Porridge concept originated in Malaysia when families across the border sought to repurpose leftover porridge!
Blk 101 Yishun Ave 5, #01-55, Singapore 760101
+65 9388 5288
Tue to Thu: 9.30am – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 8:30pm
Closed on Wed
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6. Hong Chang Frog Porridge & BBQ Fish
Ah, the formidable Frog Porridge. Hear me out, it isn’t that bad.
Situated right beside Upper Serangoon Road, Hong Chang Frog Porridge & BBQ Fish showcases the prosaic Malaysian eatery setting. Along with other zi char dishes that they offer, the piquantly spicy Kung Pao Chilli Frog Leg (S$9/ S$15/ S$18/ S$24) complements the plain Porridge (S$2/ S$3).
The intensity of this dish can get a tad cloying after a while, but that’s what that blank canvas is for.
Without compromising the taste of its accompanying dishes, the sticky porridge quietly ramps up flavours with ease.
2 Braddell Rd, Singapore 359895
+65 9160 3125
Tue to Sun: 3pm – 2am
Closed on Mon
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7. Han Kee Fish Soup
This Michelin Bib powerhouse at Amoy Street Food Centre needs no introduction.
Serving generous slices of batang that never fail to impress, Han Kee Fish Soup’s Sliced Fish Porridge (S$6/ S$8/ S$10) is super shiok for rainy days. These fishies were macam caught the same morning and most likely cleared by the end of daily operations due to the large number of orders.
Garnished with pepper, coriander and garlic bits, their versatile fish broth is clean-tasting and infused with a subtly sweet umami yielded from fish parts. Thus, it is used as a full-bodied base for the light gruel.
I can’t stop thinking about that batang.
7 Maxwell Rd, Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-129, Singapore 069111
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm
Closed on Sat & Sun
8. Zhen Zhen Porridge
Heartening comfort at an affordable price?
With a fixed pricing of S$4/S$5 for ALL jook, Zhen Zhen Porridge at Chinatown is where it’s at. While some porridges might need the addition of soy sauce and pepper, the ones here are very well seasoned on their own.
Other than your usual Fish (S$4/ S$5) or Chicken Porridge (S$4/ S$5), why not enjoy the best of both worlds (and one more) with Sliced Fish + Shredded Chicken + Century Egg Porridge (S$4/S$5).
Combined with julienned ginger, this tender array of ingredients is sure to thoroughly comfort your being.
1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre, #01-54, Singapore 069184
Wed, Fri to Mon: 5.30am – 2pm
Closed on Tue & Thu
9. Johor Road Boon Kee Pork Porridge
Drag yourself out of bed for this.
As one of the oldest and famed porridge stalls of Singapore, Johor Road Boon Kee Pork Porridge at Jalan Besar warrants early risers. The early birds catch their porridge before they’re sold out by early afternoon. You can mix and match ingredients with the 4 they have: Pork, Chicken, Sliced Fish, and Cuttlefish.
For a more indulgent bowl, get the Large Pork Porridge With Egg and Century Egg (S$5).
Tender pork slices and Century Egg make for the savoury and toothsome bowl, while the freshly cracked Egg coats your palate with creaminess.
638 Veerasamy Road, Yi He Eating House, Singapore 200638
+65 6296 9100
Wed to Sun: 6.45am – 2pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
10. Hong Kee Porridge
Would you take a gamble on their no-price menu?
Hong Kee Porridge at Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre has decent bowls of jook that are the epitome of “comfort food”. According to Google Reviews, their Pork Porridge With Century Egg is currently priced at S$6.50.
However, we do know that this is a hefty bowl of thick porridge with chunky quarters of century egg and slivers of pork and liver.
If you happen to be in the area, look no further for a solid bowl of Pork Porridge! This one here is a robust bowl of meaty flavours that’s lip-smackingly satisfying.
31 Commonwealth Crescent, Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre, #02-89, Singapore 149644
+65 9067 5755
Mon to Wed: 6am – 3pm
Thu to Sun: 6am – 2.30pm
11. Soon Lee Porridge
I guess that Soon Lee Porridge is one of Clementi’s best-kept secrets.
Silky in texture, this Hainanese porridge makes for a light meal when you’re not feeling the usual decadent hawker fare. In a bowl of Pork Porridge with Egg (S$4.50/ S$5.50/ S$6.50), chives and preserved vegetables add fragrance, while the fried shallots give a nice crunch.
At this point, this is a no-brainer for you now – Add an egg to achieve that extra gooey and savoury goodness!
The cat’s out of the bag, you can expect a wait time of up to 45 minutes at this 45-year-old stall here.
448 Clementi Ave 3, Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre, #01-50, Singapore 120448
Mon to Fri: 6am – 8.30pm
Sat: 6am – 4pm
Closed on Sun
12. Gen Shu Mei Shi Shi Jia 根叔美食世家
Be thrilled to know that this humble spot is helmed by a master chef from Hong Kong.
Amidst the wide selection of handmade dim sum, Gen Shu Mei Shi Shi Jia 根叔美食世家 at Toa Payoh has Congee with Century Egg & Salted Egg (S$4.80) brimming with porridge that’s light on the palate. Well, I got my eye on the Congee with Sliced Fish & Wolfberries (S$4.80).
And while you’re at it, get yourself a side of Hong Kong Glutinous Rice (S$3.20) or Zhu Chang Fun with Bean Sauce (S$3.20).
This sounds like the perfect breakfast sia…
74 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-03, Singapore 310074
+65 9739 1318
Tue to Thu, Sat & Sun: 5.30am – 12.30pm
Closed on Mon & Fri
13. Xin Mei Congee
We always say YES to hidden gems, and here is another.
This entry is run by a second-gen husband-and-wife duo who both quit their full-time job to continue the family’s congee legacy. Xin Mei Congee at Ang Mo Kio offers the usual soothing jook, with a twist. The Century Egg and Pork Congee (S$4.50) consists of Japanese pearl rice infused with the flavours of pork and chicken stock.
For a meatier meal, top up S$1 for an additional serving of Lean Pork. Want something lighter? Loaded with sliced toman and garnished with julienned ginger, the Fish Congee (S$4.50) is also a must-try.
Guess what, all orders come with a complimentary you tiao!
724 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre, #01-32, Singapore 560724
Daily: 8am – 7.30pm
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14. Ah Chiang’s Porridge
Charcoal-cooked porridge?!
Cue Ah Chiang’s Porridge at Tiong Bahru which has been around for over 50 years. Regardless, their jook is said to be smooth and popular among old folks. Featuring succulent minced pork and sliced meat, the Pork Porridge (S$4.50) is a best-seller that shouldn’t be missed.
For those who love a heartier mix, the Mixed Pork Porridge (S$5) comes with pork intestines too.
Side note: As their porridge is not prepared on commercial stoves, this may cause longer waiting times during peak periods.
65 Tiong Poh Rd, Singapore 160065
+65 6557 0084
Daily: 6.15am – 10pm
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15. Mui Kee Congee
Let’s end this on an atas note.
We can’t have a listicle of “the Best Porridge in Singapore” without Mui Kee Congee at Orchard and Balestier, which has earned praise in Hong Kong and Singapore. From Sliced Beef, Pork, and Garoupa to congee with Alaskan Crab Legs, it’s porridge haven here.
But let me bring your attention to this bowl of Threadfin Belly (S$20.80), a Signature Wok Hei Congee which takes a whopping 5 hours to prepare.
The fish slices are wok-fried, then sealed in a clay pot along with sliced ginger, spring onion and a dash of triple-distilled rice wine.
For a list of locations, opening hours and contact numbers, click here.
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