Fire Rice: Superb sambal fried rice with fragrant wok hei & huge pork chop in Toa Payoh
With giant chicken and pork cutlets served alongside fried rice gaining popularity among hawkers, I am super ecstatic to share that Fire Rice has just opened up their 2nd outlet in Toa Payoh.
Many of us may know this dish from its debut at the popular Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung. As creations by ex-DTF chefs, Fire Rice’s signature dishes are none other than fried rice served with giant pork or chicken cutlets, but at affordable prices.
Situated in the coffee shop under Block 125, Korean fried chicken used to be the most popular option. However, most patrons were seated with plates of Fire Rice dishes on my most recent visit. Observing this change suggested that the crowd must be pleased with the food offered by Fire Rice.
What I tried at Fire Rice
As someone who enjoys spicy food, I was torn between the Spicy and Black Pepper Deep Fried Pork Chop. However, I began my tasting with the most popular option on the menu — Black Pepper Pork Chop Fried Rice (S$7).
I witnessed the chef skillfully use his wok to cook the fried rice. After tossing the rice around the kitchen pan, he filled a rather large bowl with it. Next, he flipped the bowl over onto a plate to create a dome-shaped serving of fried rice. A generous slab of pork chop was then added to the container and liberally dusted with black pepper.
A generous portion of soft and fluffy eggs had been mixed into the fragrant fried rice. Although lightly seasoned with salt, the rice possessed a strong wok hei taste which was addictive. Some spring onions were thrown into the rice and that added freshness. However, it lacked depth and dimension.
Thankfully, they packed 2 tubs of chilli oil mix with my order. The chilli dip resembled that found at Chinese dumpling restaurants and added the perfect kick to the rice. Do not be alarmed by its striking red colour as the dried chillies used made it quite mild.
I expected an overpowering taste of black pepper but was pleasantly surprised that its flavour complemented the juicy and savoury pork cutlet. I also appreciated how the large cutlet was sliced into thin strips which made it easier to eat. Encased within the crispy and lightly battered cutlet was tender and juicy pork that almost had a snappy bite.
If you face the same trouble of having to choose only one flavour of chicken or pork cutlet, you will be pleased to know that they offer a la carte options such as the Spicy Deep Fried Pork Chop (S$4.20).
The team also offers a wide flavour selection apart from the original Crispy Chicken Cutlet (S$4) — Sweet & Sour (S$4) and Mala (S$4).
I was thrilled when I found out they also specialise in Sambal Fried Rice (S$5). The fried rice is made exactly the same as the Egg Fried Rice but with the addition of local sambal chilli paste. Personally, I love the combination of sambal and eggs. Hence, it did not take much for this dish to win me over.
Despite its dark hue, the rice dish was only subtly spicy with a distinct charred aroma. There were even mouthfuls that I took with dollops of extra chilli oil.
I would recommend topping up just S$2.20 for a generous portion of snappy large prawns — the exact order: Sambal Shrimp Fried Rice (S$7.20). The mix of sambal-flavoured prawns, eggs and cucumbers reminded me of the local delight, nasi lemak. However, I would ask for more cucumber slices on my next visit.
I ordered an additional Prawn Paste Chicken Wing (S$1.70) to pair with the Sambal Fried Rice. This popular zi char item is usually sold as a platter and I was thrilled that the option to order just 1 wing was available at Fire Rice.
The single wing was rather large and lightly battered. The prawn flavour was distinct but not jelak at all. I also appreciated how the succulent meat was lightly salted, making it the perfect accompaniment to the fried rice.
Final thoughts
Given their good portions at relatively affordable prices, I would head down to Fire Rice when I crave hearty and comforting food. With the brand’s expansion, it is expected that their popularity will continue to surge in times to come.
If you are in the area and missing good old charred fried rice, Fire Rice is a good option that will satisfy your taste buds!
Expected damage: S$7 – S$15 per pax
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