Zi Char Singapore
Look no farther if you’re searching for the best zi char in Singapore. These zi char spots offer everything you need to fulfill your hunger. Seafood to pork ribs, they have you covered.
With that in mind and based on our opinion, we have come up this list of the best zi char restaurants in the country. Take a look at our list for your next zi char experience.
What is Zi Char?
Zi char is a popular culinary culture in Singapore. Zi char stalls are scattered all over the island and it is a common sight to see people lining up to get their zi char for lunch especially.
Some may refer it as ‘tze char‘ or ‘zhi char‘, they refer to the same thing.
The Singaporean Ancestry of Zi Char
Zi char is a Singaporean cuisine that has been around for many years. It is a popular choice for many people due to its affordability and wide variety of dishes.
In the past, zi char was mainly served in hawker centres. Nowadays, zi char restaurants have become more popular because they offer more comfortable seating and better ambience.
The word “zi char” means “on-the-go” in Hokkien, which is why it is also sometimes known as Singaporean street food.
Best Zi Char in Singapore (2023)
Our team of experts have researched and curated a list of the Best Zi Char in Singapore. Our findings are based on ours and others' first-hand experience, so it will be helpful for you! Let's not wait and get to it!
1. Jiak Modern Tzechar @ Hillview

⭐ Description | Jiak Modern Tze Char is a family-friendly, Halal Chinese restaurant that serves up authentic and traditional Tze Char dishes |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://www.jiak.com.sg/ |
📌 Address | Located in: HillV2 Address: 4 Hillview Rise, #02-04, Singapore 667979 |
☎️ Contact | Phone: +65 6265 1097 Reservations: chope.co Order: deliveroo.com.sg, foodpanda.sg, oddle.me, grab.com |
⏰ Opening hours | Monday-Sunday: 11:30am-9:30pm (Last Order at 9:00pm) |
💵 Pricing | Signature Curry Fish Head: $22.00 https://www.jiak.com.sg/hillv2?pgid=kdg5qie6-e1018ee1-4a28-457e-8f9c-76413ddd21d3 |
The solution to halal zi char meals is this restaurant. You may be tricked by its refined atmosphere into believing this is an ordinary restaurant. Their dishes are on par with any other stress-free eateries.
Sambal sotong, salted egg prawns, and black pepper wagyu beef are on the menu. The signature fish head curry is spicy and tasty in equal measure.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Nice cosy Halal TzeChar. Good spread of dishes across categories like seafood, poultry, vegetables, noodles, rice, dessert and hot/cold drinks. Assam curry fish, black bee hoon with slipper lobster, ladies fingers are recommended. Did not have a chance to try the Kang Kong with cuttlefish. Service was good even though the plave was full. Reservations recommended!!”
2. Two Chefs Eating Place

⭐ Description | Particularly known for its butter pork ribs with condensed milk powder. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://web.facebook.com/TwoChefsEatingPlace/?_rdc=1&_rdr |
📌 Address | Commonwealth Crescent Located in: Block 116 HDB Commonwealth Address: 116 Commonwealth Cres, #01-129, Singapore 140116 Phone: +65 6472 5361 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:00am-2:00pm, 5:00pm-10:45pm Sin Ming Address: 410A Sin Ming Ave, #01-01, Singapore 570409 Phone: +65 6451 3812 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:00am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-10:15pm |
☎️ Contact | As above per location |
⏰ Opening hours | As in the address info per location |
💵 Pricing | Enquire for pricing |
This unpretentious eatery, run by two brothers from Ipoh, is noted for its butter pork ribs coated with milk powder, an odd and delectable combo.
Tofu with enoki mushrooms and prawn rolls are two other noteworthy meals.
A reservation in this restaurant does not guarantee that you will be seated instantly. During peak hours, expect to wait 15 to 20 minutes, which is usually the case. That’s how popular this place is.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“All the 7 dishes ordered taste was up to expectations and taste better than most other zi char stall, find this outlet better than the one at commonwealth. We went at about 6pm for early dinner, although the place was quite pack around that timing, food was still serve fast and hot, a must try if you are around that area.”
3. New Ubin Seafood

⭐ Description | New Ubin Seafood’s beginnings can be traced back to the island of Pulau Ubin itself, where a humble home served up kampong-style seafood to all who visited Ubin’s north shore, developing a reputation for serving fresh, authentic and delicious seafood in an laid-back and relaxing environment. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://newubinseafood.com/ |
📌 Address | CHIJMES Located in: CHIJMES Address: 30 Victoria St, #02-01B C, Singapore 187996 Menu: acuolina.com Reservations: newubinseafood.com Order: newubinseafood.com, foodpanda.sg, deliveroo.com.sg Phone: +65 9740 6870 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:00am-3:00pm (last order 2:30pm), 5:30pm-10:00pm (last order 9:30pm) Zhongshan Park Located in: Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park Address: 16 Ah Hood Rd, Singapore 329982 Menu: acuolina.com Reservations: newubinseafood.com, quandoo.sg, chope.co Order: newubinseafood.com Phone: +65 9740 6870 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 12:00pm-3:00pm (last order 2:30pm), 6:00pm-10:00pm (last order 9:30pm) |
☎️ Contact | As above per location |
⏰ Opening hours | As in the address info per location |
💵 Pricing | Foie Gras Satay: $10.00 https://www.quandoo.sg/place/new-ubin-zhongshan-park-56880?aid=63 |
The menu at New Ubin Seafood includes more than just sweet and salted egg pork and sambal kang kong.
Novel western meals, such as St. Louis-style pork ribs, black Angus ribeye steak, and foie gras satay, are also on their menu. New Ubin Seafood is definitely perfect for something a little different.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Ordered chilli crab and pepper crab (both 800g). The crabs were really fresh and very full. All pieces of the crab was accounted for so definitely was not short changed. Pepper crab was very peppery so beware if you cannot handle strong spice. Chilli crab was delicious and served with plenty of sauce! A fantastic meal and experience. Didn’t have to book as restaurants start getting a little less busy after 8:30pm. Before that time, you must book even on weekdays otherwise you run the risk of a long wait until 8:30pm.”
4. Sin Hoi Sai Eating House

⭐ Description | Singapore’s Favourite Crab and Seafood Delivery. Freshly cooked Sri Lankan wild catch crabs with an award winning taste, delivered to you within 1 hour. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://sinhoisai.ezqr.sg/ |
📌 Address | Address: 187 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428893 |
☎️ Contact | Menu: sinhoisai.ezqr.sg Phone: +65 6440 6956 Order: ezqr.sg |
⏰ Opening hours | Monday-Sunday: 3:00pm-3:00am |
💵 Pricing | Butter Prawns: $16.00-$31.00 https://sinhoisai.ezqr.sg/product/butter-prawns/ |
Traditional zi char foods such as marmite chicken, hot plate beef, fish head curry, and Guinness pig ribs are available in Sin Hoi Sai Eating House. It is a terrific destination when you feel hungry.
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House is open daily until the early hours of the morning.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Love this place. Very good food, relaxed atmosphere. The staff is very nice and friendly. Aunty who owns the place is the best!”
5. Sik Bao Sin / Desmond creation 食饱先

⭐ Description | The owner-chef of this restaurant makes every dish according to traditional recipes for an authentic taste. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://web.facebook.com/Sik-Bao-Sin-Eating-House-653473831353641/info?tab=page_info&_rdc=1&_rdr |
📌 Address | Address: 592 Geylang Rd, Lor 34 Geylang, Singapore 389531 |
☎️ Contact | Phone: +65 6744 3757 |
⏰ Opening hours | Tuesday-Sunday: 11:45am-2:30pm, 5:45pm-9:30pm Monday: Closed |
💵 Pricing | Bittergourd With Pork Rib: $31.00 https://food.grab.com/sg/en/restaurant/sik-bao-sin-desmond-s-creation-geylang-road-delivery/4-CZDUGU4GCGMGN6 |
This Cantonese-themed restaurant is termed as the “air-conditioned counterpart of Sik Wai Sin.” It is your greatest opportunity for classic Cantonese cuisine.
The decadent steamed pork with salted fish and peppery steamed fish head drenched in a delicious fermented soybean sauce are the must orders. Enjoy your kailan garnished with prawns, meat, or sautéed in garlic.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Father to son restaurant, and now the son is running this restaurant. The menu supposedly was similar to during the father times. The minced pork and the fish head were supposedly the standard must order dishes. The food was still good, thankfully, the standard of the food was still there. Service-wise, really couldn’t have too much expectation. Of course, the service standard could definitely have some improvement. In short, enjoyed the food, would definitely come back again.”
6. Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant

⭐ Description | Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant has a history that goes back 100 years. It is possibly Singapore’s oldest Teochew restaurant. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://ahorhseafood.sg/ |
📌 Address | Address: 115 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-1627, Singapore 160115 |
☎️ Contact | Menu: ahorhseafood.sg Phone: +65 6275 7575 Reservations: quandoo.sg Order: deliveroo.com.sg, foodpanda.sg |
⏰ Opening hours | Tuesday-Sunday: 11:00am-2:00pm, 5:30pm-9:00pm Monday: Closed |
💵 Pricing | Stir-fry Prawns 干煎大虾: $38.00-$48.00 https://ahorhseafood.sg/zi-char-menu/ |
This Teochew restaurant that Singaporean parents introduced to their children deserves a recognition.
You won’t find a menu to peruse. However, our recommendations and photographs in the restaurant should help you determine what to order.
Sliced braised duck with pork belly, oyster egg, pan-fried crayfish and lemon chicken are all must-tries. For a complete supper, accompany them with seafood fried rice.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Super yummy food with reasonable price.😝 Friendly staff,you can call to reserve the fish you want👍🏻 Always coming back here for my family dinner 💗 Yam paste was definitely a bomb , not too sweet❤️”
7. Jumbo Seafood

⭐ Description | JUMBO Seafood had its humble beginnings in 1987. Operating from a single outlet in East Coast Seafood Centre, the brand now comprises multiple restaurants in Singapore and abroad, capturing the hearts of local and overseas gastronomes alike with its Award-Winning Chilli Crab and other fresh seafood cooked to perfection. |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://www.jumboseafood.com.sg/en/home |
📌 Address | East Coast Seafood Centre Address: 1206 ECP, #01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore 449883 Menu: jumboseafood.com.sg Reservations: jumboseafood.com.sg, chope.co Order: jumboseafood.com.sg Phone: +65 6442 3435 Operating Hours Monday-Friday: 4:30pm-11:00pm (Last Order 10:00pm) Saturday, Sunday & PH: 11:00am-11:00pm (Last Order 10:00pm) Riverside Point Address: 30 Merchant Road #01-01/02 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282 Menu: jumboseafood.com.sg Reservations: jumboseafood.com.sg, chope.co Order: jumboseafood.com.sg Phone: +65 6532 3435 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:30am-2:30pm (Last Order 2:00pm), 5:30pm-10:30pm (Last Order 9:45pm) Dempsey Hill Located in: Dempsey Hill Address: 11 Dempsey Rd, #01-16, Singapore 249673 Menu: jumboseafood.com.sg Reservations: jumboseafood.com.sg, chope.co Order: jumboseafood.com.sg Phone: +65 6479 3435 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:30am-2:30pm (Last Order 2:00pm), 5:30pm-10:30pm (Last Order 9:45pm) ION Orchard Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #04-09/10, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801 Menu: jumboseafood.com.sg Reservations: jumboseafood.com.sg, chope.co Order: jumboseafood.com.sg, foodpanda.sg Phone: +65 6737 3435 Operating Hours Monday-Sunday: 11:30am-2:00pm (Last Order 2:00pm), 2:30pm-4:45pm (Last Order 4:45pm), 5:00pm-10:30pm (Last Order 9:30pm) Jewel Changi Airport Located in: Jewel Changi Airport Address: 78 Airport Blvd., #03-202 203 / 204, Singapore 819666 Menu: jumboseafood.com.sg Reservations: jumboseafood.com.sg Order: jumboseafood.com.sg Phone: +65 6388 3435 Operating Hours Monday-Friday: 11:30am-2:30pm (Last Order 2:00pm), 5:30pm-10:30pm (Last Order 9:30pm) Saturday, Sunday & PH: 11:30am-10:30pm (Last Order 9:30pm) |
☎️ Contact | As above per location |
⏰ Opening hours | As in the address info per location |
💵 Pricing | Beef Fillet With Black Pepper Sauce: $16.00 https://jumbogroup.sg/eMenus/JS/JE_ALCMenu.pdf?misc=20220621_040111 |
If you are craving for crabs, this is the right place to satisfy your appetite. Chili and black pepper crab are two of Jumbo’s most famous dishes.
Other distinctive dishes include vegetable beancurd cooked with fresh mushrooms, wok-fried codfish in a special spicy sauce, and scallops wrapped in yam rings to round out your crab treat. The mocha pork ribs will not be a disappointment if you’re looking for something meaty.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“Had a great business lunch here with fellow colleagues! The service provided was exemplary and exceptional! Food was even better especially the huge lobster that we ordered! Every one of the dishes that we ordered was outstanding with great plating and presentation that wets our appetite even before we sunk our teeth into them! A truly great restaurant living up to its name!”
8. 8 Crabs

⭐ Description | Crab Delivery Singapore by 8 Crabs serves the best tasting Wild Catch Sri Lankan Species Mud Crabs, that are known to be bigger, better, tastier, and meatier. We also specialise in other seafood, and a great variety of locally loved Zi Char dishes |
🌐 Website & Social Media | https://www.8crabs.com/ |
📌 Address | Address: 18 New Industrial Rd, Singapore 536205 |
☎️ Contact | Phone: +65 8725 0725 Email: hello@8crabs.com |
⏰ Opening hours | Monday: 10:30am-7:30pm Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30am-7:30pm Friday-Sunday: 10:30am-8:30pm |
💵 Pricing | 3 Regular Crabs: $95.90 https://www.8crabs.com/shop/3-regular-crabs-for-99/ |
Contact 8 Crabs if you want to host a zi char supper in the comfort of your own home as it is Singapore’s sole crab and zi char delivery service. With a minimum purchase of $120, you will receive free delivery.
This online restaurant serves the greatest Sri Lankan crabs in tastes like salted egg, chili and black pepper in addition to presenting iconic dishes, such as sweet and sour pork, beef with ginger and spring onion, and prawn omelet.
High-grade wild-caught crabs are the secret to their delectable dishes. They’re free of ammonia and more tasty, larger, and chunkier than their farmed equivalents.
⭐ Customer Reviews Based On Their Experience
“This is my first time order from 8Crabs and my family and I are satisfied with the crabs and rice. the crab is meaty, fresh and delicious. They are very generous with the chills crab and salty egg sauce too. The sauce goes so well with the mantou. The salted fish fried rice is nice too. I would definitely order again with 8 crabs. :)”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check out some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zi Char in Singapore.
What Is Zi Char In Singapore?
Zi char is a popular culinary culture in Singapore. Zi char stalls are scattered all over the island and it is a common sight to see people lining up to get their zi char for lunch especially.
Some may refer it as ‘tze char‘ or ‘zhi char‘, they refer to the same thing.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of the article! We’re glad that you made it this far! Now that you have our list of the best Zi Char in Singapore, do let us know if you feel that there are others that should be part of this list!
We hope this article that we have reviewed has been helpful for you! If you find this article helpful, do check out other related articles in Singapore!