If you’re among the many Filipinos that miss eating their way around Singapore, no doubt a big chunk of the food you miss from the country is their affordable array of dishes being hawked in humble stalls, shophouses, and eateries. Many of us are very familiar with popular delicacies like Laksa, Chicken Rice, and Milo Dinosaur, so now Singapore Tourism Board wants us to get to know Zi Char a little bit better!
/ TSE – CHAH /
Zi Char: to ‘Cook and Fry’
Zi Char is a popular cooking style in Singapore, and refers to many dishes you can find all over the country, from hawker centers, kopitiams, to upscale Chinese restaurants. It is influenced by home-cooked food, a go-to style for many locals seeking a traditional meal, and nowadays next-generation chefs are also putting their own culinary spin on it.
How does one pronounce Zi Char, by the way? Let’s see how some famous Filipinos like Marvin Agustin fare in this video below:
Elements of Zi Char
- it is mainly Chinese, but has many influences from Malay, Indian, and Peranakan
- these dishes are hearty, for sharing, and customizable to one’s liking
- usually served in colorful melamine plates
- go-to of locals for its value for money and comforting flavors
You’ve probably enjoyed Zi Char for a while now but are just now learning about the term. Some of these dishes you’ve probably tried are Chili Crab, Cereal Prawn, and an assortment of vegetable and noodle stir-fry. More interesting dishes include Coffee Pork Ribs and Salted Egg Yolk Prawns. You can reminisce about more wonderful Zi Char dishes through Netflix’s Street Food Asia episode featuring Singapore!
After learning how to say ‘Zi Char,’ actor, chef, and restaurateur Marvin Agustin will lead a web series launching soon. He will be joined by Singaporean chef, Bjorn Shen, who will teach him how to make popular Zi Char dishes. The ‘Singapore Reimagined’ web series will also have Marvin create his own reimagined dishes, using ingredients easily found in the Philippines.
Try this Zi Char Recipe at Home!
Nowadays you can have some popular Zi Char dishes delivered to your doorstep. But you can also easily recreate and reinvent recipes at home!
Love noods? Here’s a reimagined recipe for Seafood White Bee Hoon shared by Singapore Tourism Board you can try cooking at home:
Say Zi Char Challenge
Foodies can Say Zi Char for a chance to win special gifts from the Singapore Tourism Board! Simply Like and Follow the Visit Singapore Philippines page on Facebook, and post videos here saying “Zi Char” correctly.
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