Johor dim sum chef, who learnt craft at 12, opens stall with 17 items
What were we up to when we were 12 years old? Probably playing video games or having fun before diving into secondary school! Slogging in the kitchen certainly didn’t cross our minds. But for Johor-born Master Heng, owner of Din Cheng Pau Dian, it was the age when he began (slowly but surely) learning the art of dim sum making.
Born into a family of dim sum makers who ignited his passion, he apprenticed in Melaka, mastering every detail of crafting exceptional dim sum. Now, with over 4 decades of experience, Master Heng has dedicated himself to bringing this labour-intensive tradition to Singapore.
Even before the sun wakes up from its daily slumber, Din Cheng Pau Dian already opens for business at 7am (great for early risers!) and closes by 5pm daily. To locate them, simply head to the basement of Fu Lu Shou Complex where you’ll find Choh Dee Food Place. The menu features a total of about 17 handcrafted items.
Pau lovers… you’re in for a treat. Sink your teeth into popular crowd favourites like the Handmade Char Siew Pau (S$1), Big Pau (S$2), Red Bean Pau (S$0.90), Lotus Pau (S$1) and Vegetarian Pau (S$1.20).
If you’re someone who loves a cup of Joe, then give the unique Coffee Pau (S$1) a go. There’s even the Shou Tao (S$1), a visually-appealing lotus seed bun that’s shaped like a longevity peach, and usually served for birthdays.
On the other hand, you can indulge in the sinful but oh-so-delicious Braised Pork Pau (S$1.80)— what I like to call ‘kong ba pau‘. It’s supposedly the best item on the menu! There’s also Classic HK Siew Mai (S$3 for 3 pieces), Soon Kueh (S$1.50), Teochew Png Kueh (S$1.50) and deep-fried goodies like the Beancurd Skin Shrimp (S$2.80) and Prawn Dumpling (S$3.80).
So, if you’re shopping for tech stuff at Sim Lim Square or simply getting a foot massage at Fu Lu Shou Complex, satisfy your hunger pangs with delightful dim sum at Din Cheng Pau Dian.
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