The Teochew Kitchenette
We popped into The Teochew Kitchenette at Keong Saik after seeing it on social media. The old-school bowls, the retro plates, the claypot bubbling away… it had that nostalgic vibe that makes you think of meals with family and noisy coffeeshop tables.
So I gathered a couple of friends and went in with hungry bellies and high hopes.
We ordered Bak Kut Teh, braised pork trotter, sambal kang kong, homemade prawn roll and minced meat tofu. The food arrived fast, piping hot, looking the part. But as we dug in, I realised something was missing.
The Teochew Bak Kut Teh, which I hoped would be bold, peppery and soul-warming, turned out lighter than expected. Comforting, yes but lacking that oomph that usually hits you at the back of the throat. The braised pork trotter also surprised us. The menu teased a glorious whole trotter, but what we got were chopped pieces in a braising sauce that did not quite cling on with depth. The meat was not as tender or gelatinous as it should be, which took away some of that rich, melt-in-the-mouth satisfaction I was looking forward to.
The other dishes were decent. The sambal kang kong, prawn roll and minced meat tofu were all alright, but just alright. Nothing bad, nothing offensive but nothing that made us go “wah, must come back for this.” You know that feeling when you want your tastebuds to tango, but they just sway a little and sit down? Yes, that.
Still, I loved the heritage look, the casual energy and the idea of what this place could be. Maybe we did not order their best dishes like their fish head steamboat. Maybe the kitchen was having one of those days. Teochew food is about clarity and balance, simple flavours that still speak loudly. This time, it just whispered.
Would I return? Possibly but with a different set of dishes to try. After all, every kitchen has good days and off days. And every foodie adventure comes with hits and misses.
On to the next meal.
The Teochew Kitchenette
26 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089133
