Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃) is a no-frills, casual Teochew eatery along Geylang Road, run by a father-and-son team, with the chef hailing from Chao Shan, China. Most dishes are priced between $8 and $15, and what's even better, there is no GST or service charge here. The menu leans heavily on traditional Teochew fare, including some rarely seen heritage dishes.
Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette 4/5
One of the most popular items here is the Traditional Fried Oyster Omelette ($8). Unlike the usual gooey style, this version is more crispy, with plump and fresh oysters. The tangy chilli sauce on the side lifts the dish and rounds off the flavours nicely.
Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice 4/5
The Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice ($12) is a traditional, labour-intensive dish not often found in restaurants today. The glutinous rice was aromatic and comforting, further enhanced by the addition of peanuts and sesame seeds, which gave both fragrance and textural contrast.
Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable 3/5
This was a first for me to have Large Pig Intestine Stir Fried with Preserved Vegetable ($10). The sweet-salty preserved vegetable paired decently with the chewy intestine, which was well-cleaned and free from gaminess. Straightforward but not particularly memorable.
Pig Trotter Terrine 4/5
A classic Teochew favourite, the Pig Trotter Terrine ($12) was gelatinous and silky, set naturally from collagen. The standout here was the braising sauce, which carried a richer depth of flavour compared to others I’ve tried.
Prawn Roll, Liver Roll Platter 4/5
The Prawn Roll and Liver Roll Platter ($15) was deep-fried to golden brown perfection. The exterior was crisp while the generous fillings provided a hearty bite. It is a great sharing plate.
Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish 3.5/5
The Kai Lan with Dried Sole Fish ($12) was well executed, with the greens retaining their crunch. However, the dried sole fish flavour was rather muted.
Steamed Pomfret (Market Price)
The Steamed Pomfret was done in the traditional Teochew style, steamed with salted vegetables and sour plum for a light, slightly tangy broth. The fish was moist, allowing its natural sweetness to shine.
Cold Crab 2.5/5
Unfortunately, the Cold Crab fell short. The one we had wasn’t the freshest nor the meatiest, making it a disappointing order that night.
Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish 4/5
The Rice Noodle with Preserved Radish ($12) had good wok hei, with the noodles infused with smoky flavour. The addition of diced kai lan and preserved radish provided crunch and contrast, making it an enjoyable dish.
Teochew Oyster Congee 4.2/5
My favourite dish of the evening was the Teochew Oyster Congee ($12), served bubbling hot in a claypot. Cooked in the Teochew style, the rice grains retained their texture instead of being fully broken down. The oysters lent a natural seafood sweetness to the light, flavourful broth – hearty, comforting, and delicious.
Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam 4/5
We ended the meal on a sweet note with the Sugar Coated Sweet Potato with Yam ($12), a simple yet delightful dessert. The root vegetables were coated in a crisp, syrupy glaze for a satisfying crunch and sweetness.
Chao Shan Xiao Chi is a hidden gem for traditional Teochew cuisine, featuring some rare and heritage recipes. While not every dish stood out (the Cold Crab was a miss), there are plenty of authentic offerings here worth returning for – especially the Oyster Congee, Pig Trotter Terrine, and Pig Intestine Glutinous Rice.
Chao Shan Xiao Chi (潮汕小吃)
749 Geylang Road
Singapore 389655
Tel: + 65 9815 3139
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Paya Lebar Road to Geylang Road. Turn right onto Geylang Road. Walk down Geylang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
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