The easiest way to describe pao fan is to name the constituent parts: rice, either cooked as per usual or deep-fried till crispy, is soaked in a heady, umami-rich seafood broth and bone broth. In essence, it can be seen as a mix between Teochew porridge and fish soup. The result? A comforting dish that hits the spot any time of the day. It is no wonder then the dish has been popular in the local food scene for a couple of years now.
Yu Huang was founded in March 2022 by Hoong Boon Foo. He brings with him almost two decades' worth of experience working in Chinese restaurants such as Putien and Canton Paradise. Here, he prides himself on using quality ingredients such as giant grouper, scallop and lobster to elevate the pao fan experience. Prices start at $6.90.
101 Yung Sheng Rd, Singapore 618497
Can's Classic Pao Fan is another hawker started by a former restaurant chef, this time being Kenny Chong who cut his teeth at Seafood Paradise. Looking to compete with many big names in the food centre, Kenny decided to peddle pao fan with a prawn-based broth. Prices start at $5.50.
505 Beach Road, #01-111 Golden Mile Food Centre, 199583
Headed by 27-year-old Benjamin Phang, First Class Pao Fan was founded by three F&B veterans that including Benjamin's own father looking to hop on the pao fan trend. There are 13 options for you to choose from, which include toppings such as abalone, lala and even Iberico pork. Prices start from $4.50.
23 Sin Ming Road, Block 23 #01-01 Coffeeshop Stall no.5, 570023
Seafood is celebrated here at Chef Goo, the namesake stall founded by a former limousine taxi driver turned hawker. Pao fan, or Seafood Poached Rice, is one of the star dishes here, alongside Hokkien Mee and Crab Meat Fried Rice. Prices start at $5.
Blk 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-13, Singapore 150120
King of Pao Fan is a joint venture between four partners who are all professional chefs with the aim of creating quality, premium food without the hefty restaurant price tag. Here, you'll get the usual offerings of clams, fish and prawn toppings. But if you really want to splurge, get the half lobster iteration. Prices start at $6.
King of Pao Fan has multiple locations in Singapore
After opening 888 Mookata and The Famous Zhou, Famous Pao Fan is veteran actor Chew Chor Meng's latest food venture. The stall used to be located in Sultan Plaza and has since transitioned to an online delivery-only service. They have seven options available, including ones with Kurobuta pork and lobster. Prices start at $4.50.
Order Famous Pao Fan here
Chao Ting is part of the Zui Teochew Cuisine arm of the Jumbo Group that aims to celebrate the cuisine of the dialect group. Pao fan is the main dish sold at Chao Ting, with offerings of fish (both sliced and fried) as well as prawns and seafood. Prices start at $6.80.
132 Amoy St, Far East Square, Singapore 049961 and 308 Bedok Road Bedok Shopping Complex, 469469
Headed by a former Jumbo Seafood chef, San Pin Pao Fan has since expanded to nine locations islandwide - a testimony of how popular the brand has been. Besides the usual fish option, they also have sliced Iberico pork, sliced beef and lobster versions. Prices start from $6.
San Pin Pao Fan has multiple locations in Singapore
Paofan Paradise is the place to head to if you're looking for unique pao fan flavours that can't be readily found elsewhere. Here, you can tuck into flavours such as Flower Crab, Ginseng Chicken and White Pepper Pork Belly. Prices start from $12.
Block 37 Teban Garden, #01-302/303. Singapore 600037 and 107/109 Rowell Road, Singapore 208033
Le Kitchen is another option for you Westies. It was formerly located at Amoy Street before moving to its current location near Chinese Garden. Prices start from $5.
3 Yung Sheng Rd, #03-126 Taman Jurong Food Centre, Singapore 618499