Ah Ching Claypot Rice (阿清砂煲饭) @ Lower Delta Road - Traditional Charcoal Claypot Rice Cooked From Raw Rice

I have been following Ah Ching, the man behind Ah Ching Claypot Rice, since his days cooking at Geylang Claypot Rice, before he ventured out on his own — first at Simpang Bedok, then Sin Ming, and now a new outlet at Lower Delta Road. Staying true to tradition, Ah Ching continues to serve his signature charcoal-cooked claypot rice, painstakingly prepared from scratch over a charcoal fire using old rice grains.

Claypot Rice 4.2/5

To enjoy the Claypot Rice at its best, it is highly recommended to call and pre-order in advance. Otherwise, be prepared for a long wait, as each claypot rice is cooked fresh over charcoal fire. I would also suggest ordering extra chicken pieces for a more satisfying experience. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, tossed in an aromatic, slightly sweet black soy sauce that enhanced the overall enjoyment. The chicken pieces were tender and well-cooked. However, there was a slight flaw during my visit — possibly due to the overwhelming crowd — as the rice was overly burnt at the base, which detracted a little from the experience.

Claypot Tofu 3/5

Beyond claypot rice, the stall also offers a selection of cooked dishes. To complement the meal, we ordered a few sides. The Claypot Tofu was comforting and hearty, a decent dish that does its job, though it did not quite leave a lasting impression.

Stir-fried Kai Lan 3/5

For a balanced diet, we had the Stir-fried Kai Lan. Simply executed with garlic, it was well-cooked and retained a pleasant crunch, making it a reliable vegetable dish to go with the mains.

Har Cheong Kai 3.5/5

Served piping hot, the Har Cheong Kai (Prawn Paste Chicken) was tender and juicy inside, with a light and crispy batter. While enjoyable, I wished the prawn paste flavour could have been more pronounced for that extra punch.

Despite the minor hiccup with the burnt rice, it is still heartening to see Ah Ching remain committed to traditional charcoal cooking — a craft that is increasingly rare these days. For fans of old-school claypot rice, this is still a place worth checking out, especially if you pre-order and come with the right expectations.


Ah Ching Claypot Rice (阿清砂煲饭)
1080 Lower Delta Road
Singapore 169311
Tel: +65 8599 5996
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 230pm, 430pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 123 or 195. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

STYXX @ Teck Lim Road - Modern Middle Eastern Grill Restaurant

Located along the buzzing stretch of Teck Lim Road, STYXX is a modern grill restaurant anchored in Middle Eastern flavours. Celebrating the joy of communal dining with a touch of energetic vibe, dishes are served all at once to the centre of a table lined with kraft paper, with sauces and condiments piped directly onto the surface before the food is laid on top.

Dolma 4.2/5

Complementing the skewers, the Dolma ($18) is one to try. Instead of the usual stuffed grape leaves, this rendition features Sogan Dolma, onions stuffed with spiced beef and rice, cooked in demi glace. The onions were beautifully softened, lending a natural sweetness that balanced the savoury spiced meat filling.

Freekeh Salad 4.2/5

The Freekeh Salad ($17) delivered plenty of textural bite with winged beans, toasted green wheat and dollops of creamy smoked labneh. While the classic Arabic salad is also available, this felt like a more exciting choice. Styxx's hummus certainly did not disappoint.

Hummus Baladi 4.2/5

The Hummus Baladi ($19) was smooth and rich with tahini, sprinkled with deeply roasted pine nuts that amplified its nutty depth. A spoonful of matbuha added a gentle tomato sweetness, lifting the hummus's earthiness.

Iraqi Laffa 4/5, Filfil Pardon 4/5

The skewers are served directly on the kraft paper lined table, over a spread of beetroot tahini, mustard and basil tahini. The freshly baked Iraqi laffa was incredibly soft, fluffy, and chewy, making it much more satisfying than pita for eating the meats. Filfil Pardon ($16), essentially Padrón Peppers, were well seasoned, but I would have preferred a deeper char and blistering.

King Oyster Mushrooms 4/5

The King Oyster Mushrooms ($18), on the other hand, were impressive with a pronounced smokiness and a satisfyingly meaty bite.

Duck Kebab 3/5. Adani Kebab 3.5/5, Samak Fish 4.2/5

The standout for me was the Duck Kebab ($19). Each bite into the unctuous, fatty skin, coupled with its smoky char, made it particularly memorable and uncommon elsewhere. The Adani Kebab (Beef Turkish Kebab) ($18) was slightly disappointing. The minced meat felt unevenly seasoned and a touch dry. I have had better renditions at other Turkish establishments. Samak Fish ($19) features white fish grilled with spices and herbs, a technique commonly adopted in coastal Middle Eastern cuisine. It was well-grilled, remaining moist and tender, with balanced seasoning.

Not all the dishes hit the mark, but overall Styxx offers a lively, shareable dining experience ideal for gatherings.

Words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


STYXX
18 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088390
Tel: +65 9711 6913
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]