Any Chinese family would be familiar with this concept of dining, and I am no exception to this. I tend to have my zi char meals during dinner time, as it is the best time for my family to come together and enjoy a hearty meal after a long day.
I will usually head down to “Gong Xi Fa Cai Eating House” at Yuhua Village Market & Food Centre to get my usual fix of Zi Char food. This stall is famous with the locals for its good comfort food and it is packed with customers, especially during evening hours.
Being able to order what I feel like having that day is a definite plus-point! You would also be surprised by the food that leaves the not-so-spacious kitchen, and if I must add, it is only managed by a single chef!
I love their food as it really reminds me of how comforting a meal can be, and it is so satisfying that I am always left wanting for more! There are some dishes in my opinion that are a must to order, namely the yam ring, Teochew style’s steamed fish, sambal kangkong (water spinach), 四季豆 (Four season beans/french beans) stir-fry with garlic & blended dried shrimp, baby kai-lan (Chinese broccoli) & fish head curry.
The “ring” itself is hollow in the middle that is shaped like a large donut to house the other complimenting ingredients, such as stir-fry chicken cubes, vegetables, button mushroom, and cashew-nut.
Deep-fried bee-hoon is also sprinkled all around the “ring” to beautify the dish, which are very chewy in texture.
For this style of cooking, the fish is prepared and steamed alongside ingredients such as salted sour plum, salted vegetables, tomatoes, tofu & ginger, and the end result is a dish that is not only healthy, but also delicious as well!
Sambal Kangkong!
You can taste the crunchiness of the vegetables with every bite that is built on top of the rich flavour from the garlic, oil & the essence of the blended dried shrimp!
I ordered the snapper for the fish head that came soaking in the curry, had carried a fragrant aroma which was so irresistible, that it made my stomach growl.
You can taste some slight coconut-milk & the fragrance of the curry leaves that are being added, which contributes to the overall flavour of the curry. The meat of the fish, on the other hand, was very fresh & you can really tell that the fish has fully absorbed the rich essence of the curry.
The food here is value-for-money, and the price is wallet-friendly. If you are looking for a good zi char meal, then look no further.
I never leave this stall feeling unsatisfied, and I am sure it will be the same for you when you dine in at “Gong Xi Fa Cai Eating House”.
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 17:30 – 22:00
Tel: –
Average Price:
- 3 Vegetable dishes + 1 Fish head curry dish = Approx. SGD $50++
- 3 Vegetable dishes + 1 Steamed Fish dish = Approx. SGD $60 – $70++ (Depending on fish type)