Tuck into a bowl of Teochew porridge, a Singaporean dish of softened rice grains while you acquaint yourself with the origins of this oh-so-yummy comfort food.
A brief history of Teochew Porridge
Once a plate of this soft and rich porridge is served to you, you will be given a true taste of history. Originally, this dish was an integral part of Chaozhou cuisine from the eastern part of Guangdong Province in China. Early immigrants to Singapore brought the recipe along with them and so it became an integral part of local cuisine.
Unlike other types of rice porridge, which are often made from gelatinous rice that is cooked for hours, Teochew porridge is made from freshly harvested rice. The watery nature of this porridge is another indication of its history. Due to the warm and humid climate of the Chaozhou region, porridge with a higher water content was preferred as it would keep your belly full while also keeping you hydrated.
How it is made
Teochew porridge is vastly different from other varieties of rice porridge in Chinese cuisine. Instead of being cooked in liquid at low temperatures for an extended period of time, this type of porridge is boiled in water for ten minutes. After the initial cooking time, the pot will be covered and left to steam for a further ten minutes. Typically, these types of porridges are cooked with a minimal amount of seasoning. Not only does this make the porridge the perfect accompaniment to virtually any dish but it also helps to retain the unique taste of the rice.
Once the porridge is cooked, it can be served as it is with a variety of classic dishes like chilli crab, steamed fish, or spicy meat dishes. Alternatively, you could opt for a bowl of rice porridge that is mixed with a light meat or seafood broth before it is served. While being the perfect side dish for an evening meal, you can also enjoy a portion of this tasty grain dish with your breakfast. Enjoy a bowl of congee with a salted egg or buttery omelette.
Where to get this porridge
Teochew porridge is one of the most popular side dishes in all of Singapore, which is why you will never struggle to find a tasty morsel of this dish to accompany your favourite pork, poultry, beef, seafood or vegetables.
When you order Teochew porridge at a restaurant, it will be served with an array of foods that will be enhanced by the flavour of the porridge. Head to leading restaurants Liang Kee Teochew Restaurant or Lucky Cafe to tuck into this delectable dish that is perfect for any occasion.
