Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃) @ West Coast Plaza - Affordable Fujian-Style Comfort Food 24 Hours a Day

Located in the basement of West Coast Plaza, Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃) is a casual spot serving classic Fujian-style snacks and comforting rice and noodle dishes. With several outlets around Singapore, the brand offers a convenient option for a quick, affordable meal, and the West Coast Plaza outlet stands out for being open 24 hours, making it especially handy for late-night meals or an early breakfast. We tried a few of the rice and noodle sets, which are generally generous in portion and reasonably priced.

Pork-Bone Wonton Soup 4/5

The Classic Trio Set ($8.80) comes with Pork-Bone Wonton Soup and Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles with Braised Egg, offering a satisfying combination of soup and noodles in one set. The Pork-Bone Wonton Soup comes with plump wontons filled with juicy minced pork. The wonton skin is thin enough without being overly delicate, while the pork filling has a pleasant savoury flavour. The accompanying pork-bone broth is light and comforting, making this an easy dish to have alongside the noodles.

Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles, Braised Egg 3.5/5

The Fragrant Scallion Oil Noodles are tossed in aromatic scallion oil and a savoury, braising-style sauce, giving the noodles a deep, slightly sweet, savoury flavour. The noodles have a decent bite and are well coated with the sauce, while a whole braised egg adds another layer of richness to the dish. It is a simple combination, but it works well for a quick, filling meal.

Sauerkraut Fish Rice Set 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish Rice Set ($12.80) comes with tender slices of fish in a tangy and spicy broth, accompanied by sauerkraut and cabbage. The broth has a noticeable sour, spicy kick, and the sauerkraut adds a characteristic tang that helps cut through the soup’s richness. The fish slices are reasonably tender, while the cabbage adds some texture and sweetness. Served with steamed rice, it makes for a hearty, satisfying meal, and the portion is fairly generous for the price.

Sichuan Boiled Beef Rice Set 3.8/5

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Sichuan Boiled Beef Rice Set ($11.80) offers tender-ish slices of beef in a spicy, mala-style broth. The beef may not be the most tender, but it comes in generous portions. More importantly, the broth delivers a good mala kick without completely overwhelming the dish. The steamed rice also helps balance the spiciness and makes the dish more substantial.

Braised Chicken Rice Set 3.5/5

For something milder, the Braised Chicken Rice Set ($9.80) is a straightforward option featuring braised chicken pieces served with onions and capsicum over rice. The chicken is tender and carries a savoury braised flavour, while the onions add a touch of sweetness. The capsicum, however, could have been cooked a little longer, as it retained a raw, crunchy texture. Nevertheless, this is a decent choice for those looking for something non-spicy and uncomplicated.

Overall, Sha Xian Snacks may not be the destination to visit if you are looking for refined or top-notch Chinese cuisine, but it does a decent job at what it sets out to do — serving affordable, filling and comforting food without much fuss. The portions are generous for the price point, with most of the rice and noodle sets hovering around the $10 to $13 range. The West Coast Plaza outlet’s 24-hour operation is another major plus, especially for local residents or anyone looking for a late-night meal. Whether it is a bowl of wonton soup and noodles, a spicy Sichuan beef rice set, or a comforting plate of braised chicken rice, Sha Xian Snacks offers plenty of fuss-free options for a quick, wallet-friendly meal.


Sha Xian Snacks (沙县小吃)
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#B1-09
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 8221 6723
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Numb Restaurant (川麻记) @ Marina One - Numb Restaurant Launches New Seasonal Sichuan Dishes Alongside 2nd Anniversary

Numb Restaurant at Marina One celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with the launch of an exciting lineup of new seasonal Sichuan dishes, each crafted with the modern flair for which the restaurant is known.

From now until 9 Nov 2025, diners can enjoy 50% off their highest-priced dish from the new menu with a minimum spend of $50. Plus, those who order the Spicy Chongqing Chilli Chicken ($40.80) and reply “Labubu Spicy” when prompted by the staff will unlock a complimentary upgrade to the upsized portion.

Golden Bliss Jasmine Tea, Fortune Blossom Jasmine Matcha

We began our meal with two new cold-crafted tea drinks, the Golden Bliss Jasmine Tea ($7.80) and the Fortune Blossom Jasmine Matcha ($7.80). Both were light, refreshing and carried pleasant floral notes.

Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce 4/5

Playfully presented, the Iberico Pork Belly with Garlic Sauce ($19.80) featured slices of boiled pork belly, drizzled with a tangy chilli and vinegar mix, alongside cucumber ribbons, ready to be dipped. The cucumbers provided a good balance of freshness and added crunch.

Sichuan Beer-Braised Duck with Potatoes 4/5

The Sichuan Beer-Braised Duck with Potatoes ($34.80) arrived sizzling in a claypot, with tender chunks of duck stewed in a rich braise. This would be good to have with white rice.

Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone and Seafood 3/5

Next was the Golden Broth Crispy Rice Pot with Abalone and Seafood ($46.80), which had a bed of brown rice mixed with prawns, abalone slices, edamame, carrots, and corn, topped with puffed rice. It was a pity that the broth leaned slightly bland and was overpowered by the brown rice’s nuttiness.

Classic Chengdu Seabass in Sour Pickled Soup 4.2/5

The Classic Chengdu Seabass in Sour Pickled Soup ($39.80 for Small, $49.80 for Large) is from the existing menu and was just as satisfying as on our previous visits. The bowl came brimming with tender slices of seabass, enoki mushrooms, and Sichuan pickled cabbage. What stood out was the broth, which was flavourful yet clean, with a drinkable tang and a gentle heat that even spice-sensitive diners can enjoy.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜) @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 - Affordable Hunan Flavours in the Heartlands

With the rising popularity of Hunan cuisine, Singaporeans have gradually expanded their repertoire of Chinese food beyond the familiar realms of Cantonese and Sichuan fare. Thanks to the accessibility of restaurants like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, many have come to appreciate the bold, spicy, and smoky characteristics that define Hunan cuisine.

Now, even heartland residents can enjoy authentic and affordable Hunan flavours with the recent opening of Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine at Block 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 kopitiam. Prices here are wallet-friendly, often up to half the cost of the more established restaurants, making it a great entry point for anyone keen to explore the cuisine.

Smashed Century Egg & Chilli 4/5

The Smashed Century Egg & Chilli ($8.90) is a punchy appetiser that perfectly captures the bold and unapologetic flavours of Hunan cuisine. A rustic yet vibrant dish, it features chunks of century egg smashed and tossed with a medley of chopped green chillies, garlic, and aromatics, creating a striking contrast of colours and textures. The creamy, custard-like yolk of the century egg melds beautifully with the fiery crunch of the green chillies. Each bite delivers a spicy, smoky, and umami-laden kick that lingers just long enough to awaken the palate. Bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this fiery starter sets the tone for the robust flavours that follow.

Steamed Rice

Like Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine and Nong Geng Ji, Xiang Kitchen offers fragrant steamed rice served in a whole rice pot. The perfect companion to soak up the rich and punchy flavours of its dishes.

Special Chilli with Stir Fry Beef 4/5

The Special Chilli with Stir-Fry Beef ($15.90) is an appetising dish best enjoyed with a bowl of steamed rice. The beef slices are tender and well-coated with the fragrant mix of chillies and coriander, delivering both aroma and heat. During our visit, the chef had adjusted the spice level in response to customer feedback. If you can handle the heat, please let the staff know you'd prefer the original, fiery version.

Stir Fry Pork 4/5

The Stir-Fry Pork ($12.90) is a quintessential Hunan dish showcasing the cuisine's hallmark balance of smoky heat and savoury intensity. Thinly sliced pork belly is wok-fried over high heat to achieve a light char and enticing wok hei, before being tossed with an aromatic blend of green chillies, garlic, and fermented black beans. The pork remains tender with just the right amount of fat for richness, while the chillies impart a fiery yet fragrant bite. It's a comforting yet exhilarating dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, embodying the rustic and full-bodied flavours of Hunan cooking. That said, the seasoning could have been a touch bolder to elevate the dish even further.

Mao's Braised Pork 4.5/5

A standout for me was the Mao's Braised Pork ($18.90). The pork belly glistens invitingly in its luscious braised sauce, boasting a tender, juicy texture. Reminiscent of Dong Po Rou, the dish is rich and flavourful yet not overly greasy. It is a satisfying balance of fat and umami that makes it one of the highlights here.

Organic Cauliflower 4.2/5

The Organic Cauliflower ($11.90) may appear unassuming and straightforward, but it's a well-executed dish with delightful crunch. Stir-fried with pork lard, red chillies, and coriander, it's aromatic and lightly spicy, with just enough richness to make a humble vegetable shine.

Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish 4.2/5

Another must-try is the Golden Soup Pickled Vegetable with Fish ($16.90). The fish is poached to a soft, tender texture and served in a spicy, sourish golden broth that balances heat and tang beautifully. It's a comforting yet invigorating dish that rounds out the meal with finesse.

Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine brings authentic Hunan flavours to the neighbourhood at affordable prices, offering dishes that are both hearty and satisfying. While a few items could benefit from a heavier hand with seasoning, the overall execution and value make it a worthy contender in Singapore's growing Hunan food scene. It is a great spot to satisfy your craving for bold, spicy, and smoky Chinese fare without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiang Kitchen Hunan Cuisine (湘厨湖南菜)
Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
Singapore 560421
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Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk down Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 under the MRT track. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Ang Mo Kio bus interchange (Stop ID 54009). Take bus number 22, 24, 135 and 262. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Xiao Yu Hao (小鱼号) @ Collyer Quay Centre - China’s Largest Suan Cai Yu Chain Opens First Outlet in Singapore, Serving Convenient Single-Portion Bowls

Newly launched at Collyer Quay, Xiao Yu Hao (小鱼号) is one of China's largest Suan Cai Yu (酸菜鱼) brands, with over 800 outlets since its debut in 2019. It marks their first foray into Singapore, bringing their signature single-portion pickled fish bowls to local diners, starting at an affordable $9.90.

Diners can choose from 5 distinctive broths - Golden Sauerkraut Broth, Spicy Lemon Broth, Tomato Vit C Broth, Miao Style Spicy Sour Broth and Sichuan Spicy Broth, as well as 3 proteins - Black Fish (Snakehead), White Fish (Dory) and Marbled Beef. For the indecisive, there's also a half-half option combining Black Fish and Marbled Beef.

Each speciality bowl comes with a medley of toppings, including tofu puffs, sweet potato vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms. Alternatively, options for add-ons are also available, such as Cheese Tofu ($2.50) and Lobster Balls ($2.50)

White Fish in Spicy Lemon Broth 4/5

Among the three broths we sampled, the Spicy Lemon Broth with White Fish ($10.80) stood out. Zesty with a gentle heat, this version was refreshing and kept it appetising to enjoy.

Black Fish in Miao Style Red Sour Broth 3.8/5

While the Black Fish in Miao Style Red Sour Broth ($14.20) is one of its popular broths in China, we found the flavours more muted than we expected. We also learnt that the broth is naturally fermented without any preservatives.

Sauerkraut Black Fish Five Grain Rice Noodles in Golden Broth 4/5

The Sauerkraut Black Fish Five Grain Rice Noodles in Golden Broth ($12.80) features a broth brewed with 300-day-aged pickled mustard greens. Don't be mistaken by its pale appearance. The broth delivered a tangy heat that grew with each spoonful. The portion of noodles was huge.

Taro Roll 2.8/5

We also sampled the Taro Roll ($5.80) as a side. While crispy on the outside, the filling tasted overly sweet and slightly artificial, to our liking.

Xiao Yu Hao brings something unique to Singapore’s Suan Cai Yu scene, especially for solo diners seeking variety.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xiao Yu Hao (小鱼号)
Collyer Quay Centre
#01-10
16 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049318
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 4pm
(Closed on Sun and PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Nong Geng Ji (农耕记 ) @ Orchard Gateway - Popular Hunanese Restaurant Opens New Outlet inthe Heart of Orchard Road

Hunanese restaurant Nong Geng Ji (农耕记) has quickly gained popularity since opening its flagship outlet at Collyer Quay late last year.

Its fifth new location in the basement of Orchard Gateway provides a spacious and welcoming setting, ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant also features a membership programme offering special discounted prices for nearly all dishes (indicated by ‘MP’ on the menu), excluding steamed rice and beverages.

Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg 4.2/5

We began with the Pan-seared Green Chilies with Century Egg (MP $10.80, U.P $13.80), a unique chilled appetiser served in a mortar. Diners can opt to pound it themselves or have the staff assist. The dish was a delight with its creamy century eggs paired with smoky green chillies that carried just the right amount of heat.

Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli 4/5

Next was the Stir-fried Pork with Abalone and Chilli (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80), a creative combination of baby abalones, sliced pork, Hunan green peppers, and crunchy white fungus. While the dish had a fun variety of textures, we wished the green pepper flavours were more prominent.

Stir-fried Cauliflower 4.2/5

The simple looking Stir-fried Cauliflower (MP $13.80, U.P $16.80) was executed well. It was garlicky and seasoned just right.

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic 4.2/5

Served on a portable gas stove, the Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic (MP $19.80, U.P $22.80) was precisely timed until it was ready to be eaten. The vermicelli thoroughly soaked up the garlicky and savoury sauce.

Sauerkraut Fish with Soup 3.8/5

The Sauerkraut Fish with Soup (MP $25.80, U.P $28.80) fell short for us. The broth leaned on the saltier side, and though the fish slices were fresh, the number of bones made it less enjoyable.

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 4.2/5

Our second soup was the Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth (MP $21.80, U.P $25.80). This was so homely and comforting that we wiped the bowl clean quickly. It also helped to cut the spice from the rest of the dishes.

Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut 4/5

Lastly, we tried the Dry Pot Pork Intestine with Sauerkraut (MP $21.80, U.P $24.80). Those who appreciate fattier cuts of pork intestine would enjoy this that has a blend of spicy and tangy notes from the sauerkraut.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nong Geng Ji (农耕记)
Orchardgateway
#B1-13
277 Orchard Road
Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6908 0153
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS, Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]