It has been ages since I last had a bowl of Tiong Shian Porridge. I remember when I was younger, my family would have our dinner here whenever we visit Chinatown. Perhaps that is how I grew to love porridge, especially the Cantonese-styled ones.
As the coffee shop is located just by the main road, customers had to endure the carbon output from passing vehicles. Not only that, they also had to put up with the unbearable heat during the day. And of course, not forgetting the emotionless and sometimes rude waiting staff.
Despite all that, it has not deterred customers from returning for their porridge fix. This place is always fully packed that it would be quite a daunting task trying to get a table.
In recent years, I felt that the quality and quantity of the porridge is deteriorating. Furthermore, rising costs is also making the porridge more and more expensive. A small portion of raw fish that costs SGD3.70 in 2011 now costs SGD4.20. A bowl of Century Egg Porridge that costs SGD3.80 in 2011 now costs SGD4.
Due to these factors, I have stopped eating at Tiong Shian for the last few years.
While we were at Chinatown last weekend, Dad suddenly suggested having lunch at Tiong Shian. Due to Dad's impromptu suggestion, I decided it's time to head back.
I am glad I did because the the standard is somewhat back. Maybe still not as good as they used to be but decent enough.
Mixed Pork Porridge (SGD4.50)
This is my regular order. There are pork slices, pork liver and pork intestine (both poached and fried). I love the consistency of the porridge which isn't too starchy (like glue) and not too watery like Teochew porridge.
The porridge is flavorful but a little salty.
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The porridge is flavorful but a little salty.
The Verdict?
My ratings: 3/5
Raw fish with julienne ginger, crunchy lettuce,
and cut chili in a dressing of sesame oil and soya sauce
and cut chili in a dressing of sesame oil and soya sauce
This is another must-eat at Tiong Shian. The fish is thinly sliced with no fishy smell.
Just toss everything together with a squeeze of lime and you are good to go!
Just toss everything together with a squeeze of lime and you are good to go!
I could polish off the whole plate by myself
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The Verdict?
My ratings: 3.5/5
Lou Beancurd ($2)
This is the first time we tried the beancurd. Dad ordered it because almost every table had this. I believe the beancurd has been pre-fried then braised in the braising sauce. The resultant beancurd is firm on the outside yet tender inside.
The taste of the sauce is quite subtle.
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The taste of the sauce is quite subtle.
The Verdict?
My ratings: 3/5
Tiong Shian offers many choices of porridge including some of the uncommon ones like Fish Head Porridge, Fish Stomach Porridge and Prawn Porridge. They are also famed for their claypot dishes like Kung Po Frog Legs, Kung Po Prawns, Kung Po Pig's Liver, etc which I think I shall try during my next visit.
TIONG SHIAN PORRIDGE 長城粥品
265 New Bridge Road
Ann Kway Building
Singapore 088745
Telephone: 6221 1596, 6222 3911
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 8am to 4am
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/FoWck
GPS Coordinates: 1.2825979,103.842388
265 New Bridge Road
Ann Kway Building
Singapore 088745
Telephone: 6221 1596, 6222 3911
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 8am to 4am
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/FoWck
GPS Coordinates: 1.2825979,103.842388