Throughout the touristy hawker centre situated between Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Zhen Zhen Porridge stays a powerful contender among the many massive variety of hawker stalls residing inside Maxwell Meals Centre.
First impressions sensible, we have been barely shocked by the rundown exterior of the stall which was dimly lit compared to neighbouring stalls. The two stall homeowners have been the illustration of a humble enterprise.
They coordinated like clockwork. Uncle stayed throughout the kitchen in the back of the store and dished out thick congee into pink bowls in accordance with the portion bought. Solely 2 parts can be found and are priced at S$4 and S$5 accordingly.
On the retailer entrance, Auntie took orders and was accountable for seasoning the Cantonese delight. The menu was easy — principally select what elements you needed in your bowl of congee.
What I attempted at Zhen Zhen Porridge
Unquestionably, I went for the ‘all-in’ straight away — Sliced Fish + Shredded Rooster + Century Egg Porridge — on the S$4 portion.
The porridge itself was so flavourful. All these further toppings — aromatic sesame oil, fried shallots, spring onion, sliced ginger and preserved greens — have been added in correct sizes and portions.
The beneficiant quantity of those toppings have been important in adequately seasoning and offering a refreshing style to the thick and creamy congee.
My eating accomplice didn’t just like the addition of sliced ginger, however I appreciated its means to chop via the creaminess of the congee and century egg (vital merchandise every time I eat porridge). The preserved greens added bursts of saltiness which pleasantly stunned me.
Regardless of the title of the dish being “shredded rooster”, the rooster was served in chunks, chew sized and tremendous tender. There was barely any want for chewing however the meat remained agency and intact even after a lot stirring.
Although comparable in measurement to the rooster items, the fish was extra delicate as in comparison with the poultry. It was additionally extra tedious to individually find the fish chunks and so they broke off effortlessly on the stress of my chopsticks.
As if the above elements weren’t already sufficient, I added an Egg (S$0.50). For first timers, don’t be alarmed when Auntie cracks a uncooked egg into the bowl earlier than Uncle pours a ladle of porridge over to briefly cook dinner the egg.
Whereas the addition of uncooked egg could delay people, I welcomed it with each arms open. The silky egg complemented the savoury flavour of the congee whereas including dimension to the dish.
I’d advise clients to rapidly eat earlier than the porridge waters down and creates an disagreeable combine with the half-cooked egg.
Last ideas
The time period ‘no frills’ is most apt in my expertise with Zhen Zhen Porridge.
I’m reconsidering whether or not porridge ought to even be named a easy dish after witnessing what number of parts the two stall homeowners have to organize beforehand. Like many others, this stall is now my go-to when I’m craving a satisfying portion of porridge.
