With the borders closed, people in Singapore haven’t been able to travel up north to Malaysia for hearty and affordable street food for a couple of years now, no thanks to the pandemic.
The founders of Feng Xiang, who grew up in Klang, Malaysia, especially missed the rich flavours of their hometown food. They asked their families for age-old recipes of familiar dishes and then recreated them right here. Understanding that there are many Malaysians working and living in the Lion City who may be missing their families and home, they decided to launch Feng Xiang, bringing these wonderful tastes to the palettes of lucky Singapore residents.
Let’s take a look at the many delicacies available at the humble store.
Herbal Bak Kut Teh and Dry Bak Kut Teh
There is the age-old question: white peppery bak kut teh versus herbal bak kut teh, which is the original bak kut teh that came first? While we don’t quite have an answer to that, we know for sure that Feng Xiang’s herbal bak kut teh is packed with flavours and is a go-to for meat lovers.
Bak kut teh, or pork bone tea, is actually a soup dish that stars chunks of pork ribs cooked in a broth. There is no ‘tea’ in ‘pork bone tea’, but the beverage is served alongside the soup back in time, thus birthing the unique name. Different Chinese dialect groups have their own ways of preparing this dish, all with the same main ingredient (the pork ribs), thus all similar pork bone soups in the region share this same name.
At Feng Xiang, the aromatic, herbalicious bak kut teh broth is lovingly brewed for long hours, using only quality herbs and ingredients, following a hand-written recipe that has been passed down through generations. Generous, thick cuts of pork rib pieces are infused with the traditional spices, readily invoking memories of the taste from the home of herbal bak kut teh, Klang, Malaysia.
In every bowl of herbal bak kut teh, there is beancurd skin (tau kee), beancurd puff (tau pok), enoki mushrooms or some leaves of lettuce. It’s definitely a hearty, filling meal to enjoy.
For diners who want something that’s heavier in taste, the Dry Bak Kut Teh is your answer to that. The ingredients – tender chunks of meat, lady’s fingers, cuttlefish slices and dried chilli are stir-fried to add a heady dose of wok-hei. The gravy is perfect when drizzled over white rice, or with Feng Xiang’s speciality fried mee sua (rice vermicelli).
Fried Porridge in Eight Different Flavours
Another umami bomb at Feng Xiang is its Fried Porridge.
This popular dish from Malaysia has made its way across the causeway for several years now, and every eatery here has its own way of preparing this dish.
Now, the idea of ‘frying’ congee may sound a little strange, but hear us out. Yes, rice porridge is literally stir-fried with a variety of flavoursome ingredients, to create a bowl of porridge that’s not only comforting but very, very delicious.
At Feng Xiang, this Malaysian local favourite is offered with six different accompaniments. The porridge is simmered in a special broth and fried in a wok à la minute, when ordered, to give it that wok-hei flavour. The gruel soaks up all the essence of the ingredients and seasoning in the frying process. Complementing pieces of fried pork lard serves as a topping and helps create a delightful surprise for your tastebuds. A bowl of fried porridge is then topped up with sprinkles of fresh spring onions and fried shallots to add that oomph.
Other than the popular fried porridge flavours like sliced pork, minced pork and mixed pig’s organ, Feng Xiang also carries seafood options fresh prawns and sliced fish. The FX Pork Cutlet Fried Porridge, served with crispy pork cutlet by the side, is an insiders’ favourite. Feeling a tad decadent? Then opt for the Seafood Fried Porridge, or the Abalone Fried Porridge, where you get really good stuff at an affordable price.
The fried porridge is best paired with the homemade chilli sauce that’s sure to pack a punch, elevating the taste of the porridge and its ingredients.
Get Your Taste of Malaysia at Feng Xiang
Apart from herbal bak kut teh and fried porridge, Feng Xiang also has a selection of other yummy Malaysian treats. You don’t have to be doing your confinement to enjoy their Vinegar Pig’s Trotter that’s tangy and delicious. Alternatively, take a bite into a flavoursome Braised Pork Trotter, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Want something warm and comforting, but not feeling it for meat? Check out Feng Xiang’s seafood soup series, all perfect accompaniments to chilly, rainy days.
Get your taste of true, authentic Malaysian comfort food, conveniently here in Singapore. Available at four locations islandwide: Beauty World Centre Food Centre, Kallang Bahru (inside 7 Days Coffee Shop @ 63 Kallang Bahru), Breadtalk iHQ (inside Food Republic @ Tai Seng), and in Food Republic at VivoCity. You may also order the food from Feng Xiang via selected food delivery apps.