These Are The Best Zi Char Places In Singapore, According To Google Ratings

When it comes to affordable feasts, Singaporeans are spoiled for choice thanks to the large number of zi char places in the country. But with so many such eateries out there, it can be difficult to decide where to get your coffee pork ribs or cereal prawns.

Luckily, we live in the Internet age, so we can turn to the Big G for advice. Based on the star rating system on Google Maps, we have curated a list of the best zi char places in Singapore. The criteria are that they have a score of at least 4.0 and plenty of reviews—aside from our last two picks, which are hidden gems.

Do note that the Google ratings are from the time of writing and may change over time.

• 1. Kai Xin Crabs

Renowned crab delivery service, Kai Xin Crabs, has recently opened their first brick-and-mortar zi char stall in the Macpherson ‘hood, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the area’s best zi char options. Currently boasting a 4.6-star rating, Kai Xin Crabs has been praised for its value-for-money and large portions, with restaurant-quality dishes for the whole fam. Naturally, their seafood dishes are a must-order.

Crabs are what they’re best known for, and here, you can find Sri Lankan crabs from $38, stir-fried in sauces such as chilli, black pepper, and salted egg. We’re also fans of their Curry Fish Head ($28), a tangy fish curry that’s generous enough to share with a group. Don’t forget to add on their fried chicken offerings, especially the Salted Egg Chicken ($15) or Prawn Paste Chicken ($15).

The former sees crispy chicken tossed in a creamy salted egg sauce made from real yolk and infused with curry leaves, while the latter is everything you want from har jeong kai—crispy, juicy, and well-marinated in prawn paste. Address: 76 Circuit Road, #01-18, Singapore 370076

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm Tel: 8818 4585

Website

Kai Xin Crabs is not a halal-certified eatery.

• 2. Long Ji Zi Char

Rated 4.1 stars with close to 1K Google reviews, Long Ji Zi Char near Outram Park MRT Station is worth the hype. The restaurant is known for its crab bee hoon, but there’s plenty more to explore—think meat, veggies, and seafood dishes galore.

We recommend starting strong with Wasabi Prawns (from $22++), Kum Heong Clams (from $17++), and a side of Cereal & Pumpkin Sauce Deep Fried Tofu (from $18++), the latter being new to us, but a welcome surprise. Order a Sweet Corn with Crab Meat Soup (from $30++) to balance out the heavier flavours, and cap off your meal on a sweet note with a Fried Ice Cream ($3++).

Address: 253 Outram Road, Singapore 169049 Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 10:30pm

Tel: 9790 5682

Website

Long Ji Zi Char is not halal-certified.

• 3. 8 Crabs

8 Crabs is a popular seafood restaurant with solid delivery service. Do note that dine-in hours are only available for dinner daily, so if the timing doesn’t work for you, delivery is the way to go.

There’s a variety of crabs here, all at market price, starting with the Award-Winning Mala Crab, Award-Winning Laksa Crab, and Award-Winning Garlic Butter Crab. These are flavours you probably won’t find elsewhere, so we’d recommend going for the unique ones over the regular chilli or black pepper. Address: 80 Playfair Road, #02-19, Lobby B Kapo Factory Building, Singapore 367998

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 6pm to 9pm, Fri-Sun 6pm to 10pm Tel: 8959 9579

Website

8 Crabs is not halal-certified.

• 4. Zheng Zichar

Zheng Zichar is an IYKYK kind of place—under the radar, but well-loved among regulars nonetheless. It’s tucked away along Changi Coast Walk, so you get a scenic view to go with your meal.

The menu can feel a little overwhelming with so much to choose from, so here’s where to start: the Claypot White Pepper Szechuan Tang Hoon with Prawn ($32++) is a great sharing dish to whet your appetite, followed by the creamy Butter Pork ($14++) and flavour-packed Deep Fried Eggplant with Chicken Floss ($12++). Address: 11 Changi Coast Walk, NSRCC Sea Sports Centre, Singapore 499740

Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 9pm Tel: 8916 8321

Website

Zheng Zichar is not halal-certified.

• 5. Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Keng Eng Kee Seafood needs no introduction. This legendary zi char stall has racked up serious clout over its 50-plus years in the game, from a Michelin Plate to a shoutout from the late, great Anthony Bourdain himself.

Recommended dishes include their Coffee Pork Ribs (from $19.80+), which are piquant and meaty. Instead of getting rice to go along with these dishes, you can opt for the Signature Moonlight Hor Fun (from $10.80+), a well-balanced noodle dish with a silky mouthfeel.

Website | Full list of outlets

Keng Eng Kee Seafood is not halal-certified.

• 6. Kok Sen Restaurant

Having been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, Kok Sen Restaurant is another eatery that has received much acclaim. It is known for dishes such as the Big Prawn Hor Fun (from $20+), a wok-hei-filled noodle dish with large, juicy prawns, and Yong Tau Fu (from $18+) in a warm claypot.

For some fried goodness, get the Prawn Paste Chicken (from $15+), which features a batter infused with fermented shrimp paste. Read our Kok Sen Restaurant review. Address: 4 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2:15pm, 5pm to 9:15pm Tel: 9727 2533

Website

Kok Sen Restaurant is not halal-certified.

• 7. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House

You expect zi char fare done right at Sin Hoi Sai Eating House. While it has a sister outlet in the form of Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant, Google has this outlet as the more popular and better-rated choice.

Crowd favourites here include the sweet and savoury Special Marmite Chicken (from $10) and the fragrant Fried Prawns with Butter (from $20). Be sure to get some Sambal Kang Kong (from $8) alongside your rice too!

Address: 187 East Coast Road, Singapore 428893 Opening hours: Daily 4pm to 3am Tel: 6440 6956

Website

Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is not halal-certified.

• 8. J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant

J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant offers Malaysian-style zi char, and to many, that means extra wok hei.

The San Lou Meehoon (from $9) is a good example of this—messy and somewhat unpleasant to look at, but brimming with wok-kissed aroma and flavour. While you’re there, don’t miss the White Pepper Crab (market price), which is said to have tender meat and the irresistible fragrance of white pepper. Pair this with a side of the Famous Fried Garlic Chilli Clams (from $20) for a punchy kick.

Address: 534 Geylang Road, Singapore 389490 Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5pm to 2am, Sun 5pm to 1:30am Tel: 6741 2418

Website

J.B. Ah Meng Restaurant is not halal-certified.

• 9. Two Chefs Eating Place

Everyone knows Two Chefs Eating Place, and for good reason. Their two outlets in Commonwealth and Sin Ming both draw constant crowds, with both branches open past 10pm every day.

Many patrons rave about their Butter Ribs (from $12) in particular. These pork ribs are blanketed with milk powder and are said to be juicy and wonderfully creamy.

Other popular dishes include the Seafood Claypot (from $28) and Golden Mushroom Beancurd (from $10).

Commonwealth outlet

Address: 116 Commonwealth Crescent, #01-129, Singapore 140116 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:15pm, 5pm to 11pm

Tel: 6472 5361

Sin Ming outlet

Address: 410A Sin Ming Avenue, #01-01, Singapore 570409 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:15pm

Tel: 6451 3812

Website

Two Chefs Eating Place is not halal-certified.

• 10. Chuan Kee Seafood

Established in 1975, Chuan Kee Seafood offers a great variety of seafood fare. Besides their longstanding history, the restaurant has garnered over 1.5K Google Reviews at the time of writing.

The menu is simple but extensive, with something for everyone. There are over five kinds of fried rice alone, ranging from the spicy-tangy Tom Yam Fried Rice (from $6+) to the must-have Salted Fish Fried Rice (from $6+). Noodle lovers, on the other hand, should zoom in on the Black Bean Hor Fun (from $5+) or Claypot Noodle (from $5.50+).

Toa Payoh outlet

Address: Lorong 7 Toa Payoh, #01-264, Sing Hiap Huat Coffee Shop, Singapore 310019

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10:30pm Tel: 9866 8939

Lower Delta outlet

Address: 1091A Lower Delta Road, Singapore 169207 Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3:30pm, 4:30pm to 10pm

Tel: 9878 9924

Website

Chuan Kee Seafood is not halal-certified.

• 11. Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant

Despite being rated by over 2K users on Google, Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant maintains one of the highest scores on the list. This popular zi char place serves classics such as Black Pork (from $30.52) and Sweet and Sour Sliced Fish ($16.35), but they are better known for their seafood dishes, including Deep Fried Baby Squid ($16.35), Prawn Roll ($13.08) and more. Address: 462 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466508

Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 11pm Tel: 6442 9313

Website

Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant is not halal-certified.

• 12. George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer

Located along the scenic Boat Quay, George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer is probably the most interesting entry on this list, as it’s a Penang-style zi char restaurant that also specialises in craft beer. Standout dishes include the Buah Keluak Chicken ($25++) and the sour and tangy Nonya Steamed Live Fish (from $55++).

Don’t forget to get some Brewlander Craft Beer (from $12++) to go along with these dishes. Address: 81 Boat Quay, Singapore 049869

Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3am Tel: 8885 6935

Website

George Town Tze Char and Craft Beer is not halal-certified.

• 13. Por Kee Eating House 1996

With over 1,400 ratings, Por Kee Eating House 1996 has an overall score of 4.1 on Google. The Cantonese-style zi char restaurant located at Thye Hong Centre in Tiong Bahru has been around since 1996, just as its name suggests.

Some must-tries are their Champagne Short Rib ($24), Hot Plate Beancurd ($14), and Steamed Live Fish “Thai Style” (market price). Read our Por Kee review.

Address: 69 Seng Poh Lane, #01-02, Singapore 160069 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 2:30pm, 5pm to 10:45pm Tel: 6221 0582

Por Kee Eating House 1996 is not halal-certified.

• 14. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant

Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant is a halal zi char restaurant by the sea with over 2K ratings on Google for an overall score of 4.2 at the time of writing. They serve a wide range of zi char dishes, from a variety of Lemon Thai-styled Steamed Fish Head (from $25++) to Salted Egg Crab (market price).

A must-try would be their Curry Fish Head ($25++), which is said to feature piquant curry and fresh and meaty fish head. Don’t miss out on their Yam Ring Basket with Seafood ($24++) too!

Address: 6A Admiralty Road, Singapore 757445 Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11:30pm

Tel: 6366 9339

Website

Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant is halal-certified.

• 15. Zhenyi Veggie Place

Holding an overall score of 4.2 with more than 700 reviews on Google, Zhenyi Veggie Place offers a full vegetarian zi char feast without compromising on taste. The restaurant features a wide selection of unconventional vegetarian dishes, such as their meatless Ginger Duck ($10.30).

Don’t miss out on their chef recommendations, including their meatless Cereal Veggie Prawn ($13.30), Signature Assam Fish ($15.30), and Mala Fragrant Pot ($15.30). Address: 128 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, #01-1853, Singapore 560128

Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm Tel: 6456 3307

Website

Zhenyi Veggie Place is not halal-certified.

• 16. Jiak Modern Tzechar @ Hillv2

Jiak Modern Tzechar @ HillV2 scores 4.0 on Google with just over 700 reviews. The halal restaurant is one of the sleeker options on this list, with its interiors like a cafe rather than a zi char eatery.

There’s a wide variety of seafood options here, including the Signature Curry Fish Head ($25), Oats Sotong (from $14), and Slipper Lobster Black Bee Hoon (from $28). If you prefer meat, be sure to check out their Hotplate Black Pepper Beef (from $18) or Claypot Golden Chicken (from $12).

Address: 4 Hillview Rise, #02-04, Singapore 667979 Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm Tel: 6265 1097

Website

Jiak Modern Tzechar @ HillV2 is halal-certified.

• 17. FPC Seafood

With only about 300 ratings, but a superb score of 4.5 on Google, FPC Seafood fits our definition of a hidden gem. Their seafood dishes, particularly the Sweet & Sour Fish ($15) and Butter Prawns ($22), are said to be delectable, fresh, and value for money.

And like any zi char place worth its salt, the non-seafood dishes are quality too—the Thai Style Fried Chicken ($13) and Ginger & Spring Onion Pork ($13) are very well-regarded. Address: 267 Tampines Street 21, #01-47, Singapore 520267

Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11am to 8pm Tel: 6781 6511

Website

FPC Seafood is not halal-certified

• 17. Yang Ming Seafood

Seafood lovers will surely know of Yang Ming Seafood, a popular restaurant with three outlets across Singapore at the time of writing. There’s one in Ubi, Bishan, and even at VivoCity.

All three locations have a solid Google rating score of at least 4.5 stars! When we visited their VivoCity outlet, we tried the crowd-favourite Crab Strewed Bee Hoon (market price), boasting thin bee hoon noodles packed with sweet-savoury flavours from the crab stew.

There’s also the Claypot Crab with Thick Bee Hoon (market price) if you prefer thicker noodles! Aside from fresh crabs, there’s a variety of sotong dishes to choose from, with the likes of Cereal Live Prawn, Sambal Clam, and Ginger and Onion Sotong, all priced under $30++.

Read our Yang Ming Seafood review.

Website | Full list of outlets

Yang Ming Seafood is not halal-certified.

Google’s best zi char places in Singapore

You don’t have to sift through Google the next time you’re craving zi char—we’ve narrowed down a list of the top places to visit.

In related content, we have a guide to the best JB zi char places. We also have a guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Feature image adapted from @driftsyndrome and clien hou via Google Maps.

This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours. Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.