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Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
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Singapore’s culinary maestros share their go-to spots for this popular hawker dish
There aren’t many things in this world that deliver genuine comfort like a plate of Hainanese curry rice. This beloved dish, born from the fusion of Hainanese and Peranakan flavours, was originally crafted by Hainanese immigrants adapting local spices and ingredients when they arrived in Singapore during the early 20th century. Carrying its rich history into Singapore’s dynamic gastronomic landscape today, the hearty dish has since woven its way into the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike.
To find out the best there is around, Tatler Dining spoke to five local chefs to uncover their favourite spots for the quintessential Hainanese curry rice experience in Singapore. Here’s what they recommended.
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1. Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Yew Eng Tong, executive chef of Alma by Juan Amador
“I am usually not a fan of chap chye peng because I like my food freshly cooked so I usually go early when they open. I also like to see the dishes, instead of them all being lumped together on a plate and covered in sauce. I like Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice because they serve all the dishes separately, each on a different plate and I request for the curry to be served separately so I can drizzle the curry myself. The curry is unique and stands out for me as it is a blend of Hainanese and Nonya curry.
I always order the crispy pork chop—even though it is thin, it is still tender and not hard. Another must here is the sambal squid—the curry sauce is much spicier than the curry gravy used for rice.”
Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice
Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-67/68, S(168898)
2. Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Above Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
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Edward Chong, executive Chinese chef of Peach Blossoms
“Hainanese curry rice is one of my favourite dishes and I am a big fan of Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice. I love the curry sauce as it coats each grain of rice perfectly, creating a robust base for the meal. The pork cutlet is fried to perfection, boasting a delightful crunch while retaining its tender and juicy texture. There’s also the braised pork belly which is always tender and tastes so good. Then you can’t forget the stir-fried cabbage and fried egg, and of course, finishing with curry sauce and the braised pork belly sauce. Whenever I am not at work, my family and I visit the stall regularly as my children also enjoy it.”
Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Address: 229 Jalan Besar, S(208905)
3. Victory Hainanese Curry Rice
Sam Chin, executive chef of Vue Singapore
“I am from Penang, and we typically love to have loads of gravy on our rice. The curry here is rich and flavourful. My favourite picks are the ngoh hiang and pork cutlet, both are very crispy yet tender inside—very different from the ones at Beo Crescent or Havelock Hainanese Curry Rice. This is my usual spot whenever I have cravings as the ingredients are always fresh. Extra brownie points for the comfortable environment as it gives me a sense of familiarity.”
Victory Hainanese Curry Rice
Address: 69 Geylang Bahru, #01-40, S(330069)
4. 40 Beo Crescent Curry Rice
Above 40 Beo Crescent Curry Rice
40 Beo Crescent Curry Rice
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Paul Liew, third-generation owner of KEK Seafood
“The Hainanese curry rice at 40 Beo Crescent is my go-to. I first had it more than 30 years ago and I still remember my first experience of it as it looks messy yet delicious; what makes it unique to me is the fried crispy pork slices and the mix of different curries and braised sauces. The crispy pork chop paired with cabbage is especially memorable as it's a delicious option even for those who don’t take spicy foods well.
I still visit the store at least once every fortnightly now, and my go-to order would be the crispy pork chop, stir-fried cabbage, and an egg fried sunny-side up. Another favourite of mine is their assam fish head which is very flavourful.”
40 Beo Crescent Curry Rice
Address: 40 Beo Crescent, S(160040)
5. Sin Chie Toke Huan Hainanese Curry Rice
Seth Lai, chef-partner of Ce Soir
“I particularly like how mildly spiced the curry is as compared to the typically rich and gooey type of curry. Hainanese curry rice stalls are known for their variety but this stall does a few of them very well, such as the crispy prawn paste chicken, one not to be missed; braised cabbage, very soft yet flavourful; otah, thick with chunks of fish meat; and the tender pork belly, braised in sesame oil ginger and dark soy from what I recall. The best part? It opens till late in the morning which makes for an ideal supper spot—there’s also cendol too if you’re looking for desserts.”
Sin Chie Toke Huan Hainanese Curry Rice
Address: 1018 Upper Serangoon Road, S(534756)
Credits
Photography: Melvin Wong
Photography: Dawson Tan
