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Welcome to Da Bao Diaries, a daily column dedicated to what Time Out Singapore's editors are eating and drinking while Singapore's 'circuit breaker' measures are in place till May 4. Da bao is a Singaporean colloquialism derived from Mandarin that refers to having a meal to go instead of dining in at an establishment.
Having a bowl of porridge can be comforting – or a terrible mistake – depending on the weather. When it’s hot out, tucking into a piping hot bowl of liquid rice can be quite the torture – the steamy dish and warm coffeeshop environment make for a sweaty meal. Instead, it's best savoured on rainy days (which are getting increasingly rare) when the temperature is cool. But here’s another scenario where porridge can be enjoyed: in the comforts of your own home.
Photograph: Fabian Loo
Sin Heng Kee is a stall that sells porridge with a variety of ingredients. The rice is boiled down, congee-style, to a thick, smooth, and slurp-worthy consistency. Your order could come with meatballs, slices of pork, pig’s liver, and even the option to throw in cubes of century eggs. Frog legs (from $8), cooked in a claypot and tossed with either dried chillies or ginger and onion, is also a popular option. But most people visit this porridge specialist for its signature bowl ($5) that comes with a little of everything – minced meat, slivers of pork, liver, cuttlefish, fish, century egg, and more to add a different texture to every mouthful. Craving something simpler? Options of mixed pig’s organ ($4) and sliced fish ($4) will warm your belly too.
The accompanying side of you tiao almost always sells out. Grab it if it’s available, and let those fritters soften in the porridge for the best experience.
How to order Sin Heng Kee Porridge has two outlets – one in Chong Pang and another in Hougang. WhatsApp your orders to 9118 1569 at least 30 minutes in advance, then swing by to pick it up. The stall is currently working on getting listed on Foodpanda for delivery services.