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]

Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) @ Paragon - Toss to a Prosperous Lunar New Year to Usher in The Year of The Horse

Gather friends and family to toss to a prosperous Lunar New Year at Din Tai Fung with their festive range of Yu Sheng. We visited the Paragon outlet with the family for an early celebration.

Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Thoughtfully offered in three assortments, diners can choose from the Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng, Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng and Vegetarian Prosperity Yu Sheng, catering to different preferences. Additional toppings, such as Fried Salmon Skin, are also available for extra indulgence.

The Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng won the hearts of my dining companions for how clean and refreshing it tasted, while studded with Fried Salmon Skin and Smoked Salmon Slices. We particularly appreciated the addition of fried yam strips, which provided a strong textural contrast. The plum dressing was mildly sweetened, just the way we like it.

Each Yu Sheng platter ordered includes a limited-edition Din Tai Fung red packet and an adorable mascot coin pouch. From 23 Jan to 3 Mar 2026, diners can enjoy:

● 10% off any 1 Yu Sheng or 15% off any 2 Yu Sheng (DBS/POSB Cardholders)

● An $8 Din Tai Fung e-voucher for your next visit, with the purchase of any Yu Sheng via the BreadTalk Group Rewards App

*Note: Promotions are available for dine-in and takeaway at all Din Tai Fung restaurants except Novena Square Mall, while stocks last.

Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing 4/5

After a prosperous toss, we moved on to Din Tai Fung’s classic, comforting dishes, starting with the Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing, which remains a crowd-favourite starter. Served chilled, it is refreshing with pleasant, tangy notes that awaken the palate.

Deep Fried Handmade Tofu with Lotus Roots & Mushrooms 4/5

It was our first time trying this Chef’s Special - the Deep Fried Handmade Tofu with Lotus Roots & Mushrooms, and we were pleasantly surprised. The tofu had a thin, crisp exterior while remaining soft inside, with added texture from the lotus roots and mushroom bits.

Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake 4/5

Fried to a beautiful golden-brown, the Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake is another side perfect for sharing. It’s thin yet filled with juicy prawn chunks.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao 4/5

The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is a staple you’ll spot on almost every table. Each dumpling comes with delicate skin encasing tender pork and a good amount of savoury broth. Beyond this signature flavour, there are other variations, including Steamed Crab Meat & Pork, Chicken, Shrimp & Pork, Truffle & Pork, Vegetarian, and more.

Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs 4/5

Similarly iconic is the Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs. We appreciate how consistent the quality is across outlets, delivering a fragrant, well-fried plate every time. Enjoy it plain or topped with shrimp, shredded pork, truffles, or a hearty pork chop.

Noodle with Vegetable & Pork Wantons in Peanut Sesame Sauce 4/5

For noodles, we opted for the Noodle with Vegetable & Pork Wantons in Peanut Sesame Sauce. The noodles were cooked perfectly with a bite and carried the fragrant, nutty sauce well. There’s a light kick of heat in this, but not too spicy. You can also order this with Shrimp & Pork Wantons.

Steamed Strawberry Mochi Xiao Long Bao 2/5

Joining the menu from 1 Feb 2026 is the Steamed Strawberry Mochi Xiao Long Bao. Served fresh off the steamer, it features a mochi exterior with a strawberry filling made from Korean strawberries. We would prefer the skin to be thinner and softer for a more balanced bite.

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.


Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Paragon Shopping Centre
#B1 - 03
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6836 8336
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 9.15pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Robata Akari @ Duxton Hill - Showcases Traditional Robatayaki with Premium Ingredients

Robata Akari, located along Duxton Hill, is a Japanese robatayaki-style izakaya that opened in September 2025. The restaurant centres on the traditional robatayaki grilling technique, where premium ingredients are slow-grilled over charcoal, offering diners an authentic, communal Japanese dining experience in a warm, inviting setting.

We went with the Special Menu ($189), which provided a well-paced journey through appetisers, sashimi, grilled items and hearty mains. There is also a premium menu at $289.

Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers 3.5/5

The meal began with the Chef's Selection of 3 Appetisers, featuring Wagyu with Sea Urchin, Cream Cheese with Wasabi, and Potato Salad. Among the trio, the Wagyu with Sea Urchin stood out effortlessly. The rich marbling of the wagyu paired beautifully with the briny sweetness of the uni, delivering a luxurious bite that set the tone for the meal.

Chilled Starters - Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables

The chilled course was a Japanese Salad with Colourful Vegetables. Unfussy and straightforward, it was light and refreshing, allowing the natural freshness of the greens to shine through. It's a good light starter before the heavier courses.

Sashimi - Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds 4/5

Next came the Chef's Selection of Sashimi 5 Kinds, comprising Salmon, Bonito, Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp topped with Salmon Roe. Each slice was fresh and clean-tasting, showcasing high-quality seafood with a balanced mix of textures and flavours.

Deep-Fried - Seasonal Vegetable & Agedashi Tofu 4/5

For the deep-fried course, we had Agedashi Tofu paired with capsicum and Eggplant. The tofu was soft and silky inside, with a light exterior that absorbed the savoury sauce nicely.

Akari's Special - Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu/ Sukiyaki 4.5/5

The highlight of the Special Menu is undoubtedly Akari's Premium Wagyu, available as either shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. I opted for the shabu-shabu, which allowed the beautifully marbled wagyu to shine. The beef was incredibly tender, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth texture with rich, beefy flavours.

Robata-Grilled - Eggplant 2.5/5

A series of robata-grilled selections followed, showcasing the restaurant's robata-grilling techniques. The Eggplant paired with Bonito came first, with the skin removed to reveal a very soft interior. Unfortunately, this dish did not quite resonate with me, as the flavours felt relatively mild and the texture leaned towards the mushy side.

Robata-Grilled - Black Cod 3.8/5

The Robata-Grilled Black Cod fared much better, offering a rich, buttery flesh with a pleasing crisp on the skin.

Robata-Grilled - Salmon with Salmon Roe 3.8/5

This was followed by the Robata-Grilled Salmon topped with Salmon Roe, which was cooked precisely, resulting in a moist texture without being dry, reflecting good control over the grilling timing.

Robata-Grilled - Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk 3/5

Rounding off the robata items were the Chicken Meatballs with Egg Yolk; while flavourful, the texture was a little too soft for my personal liking, making it less memorable compared to the other grilled dishes.

Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn 3.8/5

The Claypot Rice with Wagyu & Corn was a comforting and satisfying dish. The rice was fragrant, infused with wagyu fat for added depth, while the corn introduced a pleasant sweetness and textural contrast.

Dessert - Sweet Potato & Vanilla Ice Cream 3/5

Dessert was Sweet Potato with Vanilla Ice Cream. The sweet potato was naturally sweet with light smoky notes from the fire, pairing nicely with the cold, creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple yet effective hot-and-cold contrast.

Black Throat Sea Perch 4.5/5

We also tried the Black Throat Sea Perch from the à la carte menu. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in irori style, the fish was evenly cooked, moist, and naturally sweet, allowing its quality to shine without excessive seasoning.

Overall, Robata Akari delivers a refined robatayaki experience, with strong execution of its grilled items and premium ingredients, making it a noteworthy addition to Singapore's Japanese dining scene — especially for those who appreciate charcoal-grilled flavours executed with restraint and precision.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Robata Akari
10 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089594
Tel: +65 9647 5330
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk down Duxton Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Neil Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the stairs to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) @ Bugis+ - Launches 4 Pax Feastive Feast

Suppose you enjoy tasty barbecue, hearty dishes, and the lively atmosphere of communal dining. In that case, Xita Lao Tai Tai Bugis+ is ready to welcome you for a season of feasting and gatherings this holiday season. Known for its Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue grills, signature marinades, and charmingly nostalgic interior, Xita Lao Tai Tai has built a following in Singapore’s ever-evolving BBQ scene. It is also well worth joining their membership programme, as members get to enjoy special deals and attractive discounts.

Festive Set BBQ Platter

Their seasonal Festive Set is priced at $108 for members (usual price $151.80) and includes four types of BBQ meat: the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, pork belly, pineapple-glazed beef rib fingers, and secret-marinated chicken chop. It consists of a cold-dressed chicken appetiser, joyful sesame balls, and strawberry ice burst for dessert.

We also ordered some a la carte items to complement our experience. I was pleasantly surprised that the team helped grill all the meats for us, which made the experience relaxed, enjoyable, and completely fuss-free. We could focus on eating and chatting while the staff refilled our plates.

Banchan/Accompaniments, Drinks

Along with our meal, we were served a generous selection of accompaniments, including kimchi, fresh lettuce for wraps, potato salad, and a comforting pumpkin soup. We also enjoyed some refreshing iced slushies, which were perfect for cooling down between all the grilling and feasting.

The highlight of the Festive Feast has to be the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, dressed for the festivities with charming decorations and stacked generously with assorted cuts. Each cut is well-seasoned, tender, and neatly portioned for easy sharing.

Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Fingers

The Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib fingers come with a tangy, lightly sweet glaze that helps tenderise the meat, and the natural richness of the beef pairs beautifully with these flavours. The grilled pineapple slices were a delightful treat as well.

Pork Belly

No barbecue meal feels complete without Pork Belly, and the slices here are deeply marinated, allowing the fat to render into a crisp outer layer with a soft, melty centre.

Pork Collar

The Pork Collar, which is not part of the Festive Feast but is a recommended add-on, is another excellent choice. It is slightly leaner than the belly yet still wonderfully succulent, and it grills beautifully over the claypot heat. Both cuts are the sort of crowd-pleasing staples that disappear quickly once the grilling begins.

Secret Marinated Chicken Chop

The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop is juicy and stays wonderfully tender on the grill, with a comforting flavour that makes it an easy crowd-pleaser at the table.

Golden Tofu

Cold Dressed Chicken

For a light side dish, golden tofu is satisfying yet straightforward, adding a pleasant contrast to richer meats. The Cold Dressed Chicken appetiser, part of the set, is served chilled and refreshing, offering a gentle, clean-tasting start before the grilled items begin to arrive.

Seafood Pancake

Golden Glutinous Rice Ball

The Seafood Pancake came out nice and crispy, but unfortunately, we found it a little too oily for our liking. The Golden Glutinous Rice Ball, on the other hand, was satisfyingly yummy and chewy, with a slight sweetness.

Clam Soup

The Clam Soup is light, clear, and subtly sweet from the clams. It helps cleanse the palate between bites and is also comforting to sip while waiting for the next round of grilling, especially amid all the smoke and warmth from the stove.

Joyful Sesame Balls

Strawberry Ice Burst

Two desserts are included in the festive set. The Joyful Sesame Balls are pleasantly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a sesame filling. To conclude, the Strawberry Ice Burst is light, fruity and refreshing, making it ideal after a table full of smoky and savoury dishes. It is, however, on the sweeter side.

In conclusion, dining at Xita Lao Tai Tai Claypot Stove BBQ is lively and well-suited for gatherings. If you are looking for a fun place in town to celebrate with friends or simply enjoy a good BBQ with quality meats, Xita Lao Tai Tai is a wonderful option this season.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]