Foodies can agree that globalisation has been nothing but a boon as we can now experience and savour more varieties of cuisines from all around the world. One cuisine that has us Singaporeans enamoured is Chinese food. No, we are not talking about the Teochew or Hokkien food our grandmothers cooked for us growing up. Instead, we are talking about dishes such as mala xiangguo, suan cai yu (sauerkraut fish), and shao kao yu (grilled fish). Adding to that list is chuan chuan, or Chinese skewers featuring fried, grilled, or barbecued meat and vegetables seasoned with a punchy mix of chillies, herbs, and spices. Ahead, we spotlight 10 eateries and restaurants that specialise in the craft of Chinese skewers.
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1. Imperial Treasure Bar + Grill
Imperial Treasure Bar + Grill is the latest addition to the Imperial Treasure group of restaurants. The 28-seater establishment is located within Imperial Treasure Cantonese Cuisine at Great World with two private rooms available. Cooked over an electric grill, the Chinese skewers here are meant to be enjoyed with the extensive list of alcohol. Options here range from seafood, such as Grilled Giant Grouper Fillet with Oyster Sauce ($10 for two) and Grilled 6 Head Fresh Whole Abalone with Oyster Sauce ($38 for one), to uncommon items, including Grilled Duck’s Chin with Japanese BBQ Sauce ($4 for one) and Grilled Pig’s Tongue with Salt ($6 for one). There are also the Skewer Sets ($68++/$108++) if you want a curated menu instead.
Imperial Treasure Bar + Grill is at 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #02-111 Great World, Singapore 237994. Visit its website for more information.
2. BBQ Box
Since its founding in 2007 by Song Zhi Min, BBQ Box has expanded to become the largest chain of restaurants specialising in Chinese skewers. You will find many Northern Chinese delights here, including starters such as Dongbei Cold Dish ($8.80) and Spicy Cucumber ($9.80), grilled skewers ranging from pork and lamb to vegetables and seafood, and mains like Hot and Sour Rice Noodles ($7.80) and Noodles with Soybean Paste ($7.80).
BBQ Box has multiple locations, including 21 Tan Quee Lan St, #01-03, Singapore 188108 and 182 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389252. Visit its Instagram for more information.
3. Panda BBQ
Started by a Sichuanese, the kitchen of Panda BBQ is likewise helmed by a fellow Sichuanese to ensure that the authentic flavours from Chengdu are available to us here in Singapore. The extensive skewer menu includes signatures like the Grilled Pig Brain and Grilled Lamb Ribs alongside classic options such as Mutton BBQ, Pig Intestine with Chili, and Grilled Potato Chip. Need more food? There are also non-skewer options such as Sour & Spicy Fish Fillet, Shredded Potato with Vinegar Pepper, and Kong-po Chicken.
Panda BBQ is at 273 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 088749. Visit its Instagram for more information.
4. Thirteen BBQ Bar
The Anhui-born owner of Thirteen BBQ Bar tapped into her family’s background in BBQ and roped in the help of a Henan-born chef trained in Chengdu and Chongqing. Today, they devised a menu consisting of skewers and cooked Chinese foods. Favourites from the former are Grilled Beef Skewer ($1.20), Grilled Lamb Skewer ($1.20), Grilled Chicken Gizzard Skewer ($1.20), and Grilled Pork Belly Skewer ($1.20). Meanwhile, options for the latter include Sichuan Mala Chicken or Laziji ($16) and Handmade Pork Dumpling with Chilli Oil ($5.80).
Thirteen BBQ Bar is at 27 Lor 13 Geylang, Singapore 388670. Visit its Instagram for more information.
5. Oriental Chinese Restaurant
Oriental Chinese Restaurant started as a single-unit eatery in Chinatown in 2005. It has since expanded to take up multiple units while continuing to pull crowds willing to wait in line for its Northeastern and Sichuan food. The brand also unveiled a new Hougang Mall location offering skewers and mala tang. Skewers, of course, receive top billing here with their variety and taste. Otherwise, you will find an extensive menu of cooked dishes (including the fan favourites Laziji and Guo Bao Rou) to satisfy your cravings and fill your belly.
Oriental Chinese Restaurant is at 193/195/197 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059425 and 90 Hougang Ave 10, Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766. Visit its Facebook for more information.
6. Good Luck BBQ
Another Chinatown option, Good Luck BBQ was founded by a Sichuanese who has served Sichuan cuisine in Singapore for over a decade. The skewers are first fried until golden, crispy, and tender before seasoned with a punchy Sichuan barbecue seasoning. You will find the usual suspects here, ranging from mutton and pork to leeks and potato slices. And if the food starts to feel too spicy, get a bowl of Pig Trotter Soup or one of the many cooked dishes to freshen up your palate.
Good Luck BBQ is at 277 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 088751. Visit its Facebook for more information.
7. Moustache BBQ
Moustache BBQ has two outlets you can check out — one in Geylang and another in Chinatown. Regardless, we recommend heading to either restaurant early before the queue starts to form. The usual menu items aside, try some of the less common options found here, such as the Roast Boneless Duck Feet ($5), Roast Duck Tongue ($5), Grilled Beef Penis ($2), and Grill Lamb Rib ($5). The Deep Fried Chicken ($13) and Boiled Sliced Fish ($16) are popular selections for the cooked dishes.
Moustache BBQ is at 70 Lor 25A Geylang, Singapore 388255 and 26 Temple St, Singapore 058571.
8. Chef China 华厨
Nestled in Bugis, Chef China 华厨 stands out among its competitors with its space-themed decor, complete with an astronaut statue and cosmic backdrops. The chuan chuan menu is similar to any other restaurant, with options such as Mutton ($1.30), Beef ($1.30), Pig Intestine ($1.50), and Grilled Abalone Mushroom ($1.50). Meanwhile, Pickled Chinese Sauerkraut Fish ($22.80), Kung Pao Prawn Ball ($25.80), and Stir-Fried Beef with Chives ($18.80) are among the signatures on the cooked dishes menu.
Chef China 华厨 is at 101 Beach Rd, #01-01 The 101, Singapore 189703. Visit its Facebook for more information.
9. Jiayangdi
With outlets in West Coast and Havelock, Jiayangdi is an option for those who don’t want to head to Geylang or Chinatown to satisfy their cravings for Chinese skewers. The grilled and fried skewers here are priced upwards of $1.30 per stick, with three flavour options: Cumin, Sweet Korean, or Spicy Asian. PS: The Zha Jiang Mian is a hot pick for those who need carbs with every meal.
Jiayangdi is at 1 W Coast Dr, #01-97 NEWest, Singapore 128020 and 741 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169655. Visit its Facebook for more information.
10. 79号烧烤 Chuaner Talk
@just.in.videos Authentic Chinese Skewers and Food at Chuaner Talk! Met up with a couple of Chinese friends to try out a new skewer shop called Chuaner Talk (79号烧烤) located just a stone’s throw away from Farrer Park MRT Station. The exterior of the shop is colourfully decorated with lots of neon lights while the interior resembles a Korean BBQ restaurant as they do provide an option for diners to grill the skewers themselves (upon request). Though I am not a frequent skewer eater myself, the variety offered is pretty extensive and the flavour and seasoning of all the skewers are on point! A friend remarked that the taste is very authentic and what truly differentiates Chuaner Talk from others is that they charcoal grilled their skewers instead of deep frying it like what most Chinese skewer shops do. Definitely a hidden gem and one that you have to visit if you are a friend of Chinese skewer food! Chuaner Talk does not have a website, do google them for more information. Address: 20 Flanders Square, Singapore 209305 Shot on 23/12/2023 Music: Mountain by Milky Wayvers Music from https://freetouse.com/music #chuanertalk #79烧烤 #skewers #sgfoodie #chinesefood #farrerpark ♬ Mountain – Milky Wayvers
With most skewers priced at just $0.99 for one, 79号烧烤 Chuaner Talk is an affordable location for chuan chuan. The eatery is located behind City Square Mall (beside Farrer Park MRT) and is decked out with low metal chairs and tables that add to the cosy factor. For those with bigger crowds or appetites, we recommend getting the Scallion Pancakes, Grilled Fish, Cold Noodles and Soy Sauce Fried Rice too.
79号烧烤 Chuaner Talk is at 20 Flanders Square, Singapore 209305.
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- TAGS:
- chinese barbecue
- chinese skewers
- chuan chuan
