My colleague was the one who introduced this place to me last year, telling me that their fried rice is very nice. I didn’t even notice this stall tucked away inside this popular coffeeshop opposite Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic because I always just order the Bak Chor Mee when I’m at this coffeeshop.
The first time I ordered Cantolicioius‘ Yang Zhou Fried Rice though, I was blown away by the wok hei of the fried rice. It’s a very simple dish but it was done really well! I decided to bring a friend along to have lunch so that I could try more dishes!
1. Yang Zhou Fried Rice, $3
You will really enjoy this dish because it fulfills the basic requirement of good fried rice – rice grains that stay separate instead of clumped together. This gives a very good mouthfeel for every spoonful and you can taste the charred aroma of every grain of the wok-fried rice.
The ingredients used are also good – lots of eggs and real char siew. A lot of zi char stalls don’t even use real char siew these days. They use like…red-dyed rubber-like pieces and little balls of mock crab meat that taste even faker than…uh…mock crab meat, which is why Cantolicious really stands out by using real meat. And this plate of fried rice shared between my friend and I only costs $3!!!!
There are other fried rice items like Sambal Fried Rice, Seafood Fried Rice etc, but I can’t find any reviews online and I’m not very adventurous with food. I’m always ordering Yang Zhou Fried Rice because every time I ask for recommendations, the staff will tell me Yang Zhou Fried Rice, so I end up eating the same thing forever.
2. Cantonese-style Hot Plate Tofu, $8
I ordered something different today!!! Because I have a dining companion, I could order something meant for sharing!
I think every Singaporean would order a Hotplate tofu when eating zi char? It is such a signature dish for people who want to pretend that they don’t just eat meat dishes – “Look! I ordered a tofu dish, ok!”
Cantolicious’ Hotplate Tofu is uh…cantonese-style. Not quite sure what that means but I noticed that they have thin slices of pork belly and long beans in it! This is something that is not found in the hotplate tofu I usually order.
This is another yummy dish! I was glad I gave this a try! It also comes with real prawns that are very uncommon in hotplate tofu these days.
3. Salted Egg Chicken, $6
Ok, this was recommended to me every time I asked the chef on duty for recommendations and I finally decided to give this a try!
I like how the chicken pieces are all very tender, flavourful and not too dry like how a lot of salted egg dishes are.
However, Cantolicious’ Salted Egg Chicken tasted more like Curry Chicken than what its name implies it should be. Still delicious but I personally prefer the Sweet and Sour Chicken I ordered previously.
4. Lotus Root Soup w Peanut & Pork Ribs, $4
I don’t know why I ordered this again when it’s actually not a very outstanding soup. I think I just wanted a soup when I’m eating all these heaty dishes.
Their soup is ok but I think I would get a drink next time instead.
The bill came up to just $21 for the two of us and it was a VERY filling lunch. My friend and I agreed that it was very good value for money. I would probably return again to try their other dishes if I’m in the area with a friend.
Oh…but one thing about the food here is…I believe MSG is used in their dishes because I couldn’t get rid of that salty aftertaste in my mouth after lunch even after I drank a lot of water. It only subsided after a few hours. Not a big deal but I know some people are allergic to MSG. Other than that, I feel like this is a very good stall if you want to eat cheap and good zi char in Choa Chu Kang and have only a friend or two dining with you!
Cantolicious
Address: 145 Teck Whye Avenue, Singapore 680145
Nearest MRT Station: Choa Chu Kang (take buses 190, 985 from the interchange, alight at Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic 3 stops away and cross the road)
Operating Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Yes we almost eat the fried rice every week without fail
wow!!! yes i really love their food there! Cheap and good!!!!