Zi Char

Everyone flocks to Two Chefs for their famous Butter Pork Ribs, but you should also order regular favourites like the Salted Egg Prawns and Golden Mushroom Beancurd. If you like cockles, you won't be disappointed with their fresh garlic and chili cockles. Prepare to queue, this is a popular spot for groups of friends, with their reasonable prices and generous portions.

KEK is one of those rare zi char places with friendly and prompt service. Go for the unique Claypot Pig Liver with rich liver sauce for liver lovers, and the Claypot Drunken Prawns in lovely herbal soup. The star dishes here are their Moonlight Horfun with raw egg, and their Salted Egg Crab! There are both outdoor and indoor seating, call ahead for reservations!

"Eat full first", newly opened by one of the sons of the famed Sik Wai Sin, is an air conditioned version on the same street. This joint serves only 13 dishes, with popular ones from his family's restaurant making an appearance. Go for the Steamed Fish Head, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Black Chicken Soup. Expect the dishes to be pricy, but they're truly worth it!

At this humble spot along Casuarina, you might just find some of the best crabs (at a really reasonable price) in Singapore. Butter crab, chili crab, pepper crab - take your pick. Also order the Hot Plate Beancurd and the La-la! Great for a satisfying meal with a bunch of friends you haven't seen in a while.

Determined to serve dishes that are unique and reasonably priced, Siang Hee doesn't fail to please. After relocating from its famous Zion Road premises to Serangoon Gardens, the standard is still high, attracting locals by the dozen. Order the signature Tempura Prawns in Spicy Pumpkin Cream, and the super crispy Pork Knuckles that are first pressure-cooked then deep fried..

4 words - Claypot Mee Tai Mak. This dish may not be pretty, but it's darn tasty and only $5 for extreme comfort, complete with a raw egg for you to stir in. As its name suggests, this place is known for their Fish Head Steamboat, and other great dishes like Salted Egg Pork Ribs and Boss Bee Hoon. Best part is its convenient location next to Maxwell Market, and of course, air con!

Famous for their Chao Tar (Burnt) Bee Hoon, this is a great spot in a central area for a midnight snack. Share the nicely browned and flattened bee hoon topped with crunchy lard and brimming with wok hei, along with the Seafood Toufu and Baby Bok Choy. If you're up for something spicy, go for the Hot & Sour Soup Thai Style. Look out for the Shing Boon Hwa Food Centre sign across from Sim Lim Tower.