I have been following Ah Ching, the man behind Ah Ching Claypot Rice, since his days cooking at Geylang Claypot Rice, before he ventured out on his own — first at Simpang Bedok, then Sin Ming, and now a new outlet at Lower Delta Road. Staying true to tradition, Ah Ching continues to serve his signature charcoal-cooked claypot rice, painstakingly prepared from scratch over a charcoal fire using old rice grains.
Claypot Rice 4.2/5
To enjoy the Claypot Rice at its best, it is highly recommended to call and pre-order in advance. Otherwise, be prepared for a long wait, as each claypot rice is cooked fresh over charcoal fire. I would also suggest ordering extra chicken pieces for a more satisfying experience. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, tossed in an aromatic, slightly sweet black soy sauce that enhanced the overall enjoyment. The chicken pieces were tender and well-cooked. However, there was a slight flaw during my visit — possibly due to the overwhelming crowd — as the rice was overly burnt at the base, which detracted a little from the experience.
Claypot Tofu 3/5
Beyond claypot rice, the stall also offers a selection of cooked dishes. To complement the meal, we ordered a few sides. The Claypot Tofu was comforting and hearty, a decent dish that does its job, though it did not quite leave a lasting impression.
Stir-fried Kai Lan 3/5
For a balanced diet, we had the Stir-fried Kai Lan. Simply executed with garlic, it was well-cooked and retained a pleasant crunch, making it a reliable vegetable dish to go with the mains.
Har Cheong Kai 3.5/5
Served piping hot, the Har Cheong Kai (Prawn Paste Chicken) was tender and juicy inside, with a light and crispy batter. While enjoyable, I wished the prawn paste flavour could have been more pronounced for that extra punch.
Despite the minor hiccup with the burnt rice, it is still heartening to see Ah Ching remain committed to traditional charcoal cooking — a craft that is increasingly rare these days. For fans of old-school claypot rice, this is still a place worth checking out, especially if you pre-order and come with the right expectations.
Ah Ching Claypot Rice (阿清砂煲饭)
1080 Lower Delta Road
Singapore 169311
Tel: +65 8599 5996
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am – 230pm, 430pm – 930pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 123 or 195. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]