If you’re looking for a traditional Chinese seafood restaurant in the East, Tekong Seafood Restaurant at Changi Village is one place worth checking out.
With a history spanning more than 35 years, Tekong Seafood Restaurant originally operated on Pulau Tekong before relocating to the Singapore mainland. Today, it continues to serve a wide variety of seafood and familiar Chinese zi char dishes, making it a dining option for families and larger groups.
We were in the area after checking out the Cosford Container Park and taking the children to watch planes take off and land at Changi Airport.
We headed to Changi Village to find out what are the food options and spotted an old school looking restaurant. Did a quick check and saw that the reviews were pretty good. So we ordered a selection of six dishes our family of 2A + 2C – Manis Vegetable, Fried Prawns, Fried Kelong Fish with Ginger, Prawn Paste Chicken Wings, Homemade Tofu and Fried Vermicelli.
Fried Kelong Fish with Ginger
One of the dishes we ordered was the Fried Kelong Fish with Ginger.
This is a type of small fish that our parents used to fry it in a light batter. Tender and soft white flesh and tasty on its own.
What makes this preparation appealing is its simplicity. Rather than covering the fish in a heavy sauce, the ginger adds a fragrant, slightly warming element that complements the seafood.
It’s also a nice alternative to the usual steamed fish, especially for diners who enjoy fried seafood dishes.
Fried Prawns
This is a straightforward dish where small river prawns are fried to a crisp and seasoned with salt. Fried prawns are one of those classic seafood dishes that are easy to share around the table.
The appeal of a good fried prawn dish lies in the balance between the natural sweetness of the prawns and the flavour developed during cooking.
Prawn Paste Chicken Wings – A Zi Char Classic
Another familiar favourite we ordered was the Prawn Paste Chicken Wings, also known as Har Cheong Gai.
This is easily one of the most recognisable dishes at Singapore’s zi char restaurants.
The chicken wings are typically marinated with fermented prawn paste before being deep-fried, giving them their distinctive savoury fragrance.
A good plate of prawn paste chicken wings should have a crisp exterior while remaining juicy inside.
It’s the sort of dish that appeals to both adults and children, making it a popular choice for family meals.
Manis Vegetable – A Simple Vegetable Dish
Manis vegetables, sometimes called sweet leaf or sayur manis, are commonly enjoyed in Southeast Asian cooking.
They have a distinctive leafy texture and a naturally mild sweetness, making them a pleasant alternative to more familiar vegetables such as kailan or kangkong.
Homemade Tofu – A Comforting Addition
Another dish we included was the Homemade Tofu.
Homemade tofu is a familiar favourite at Chinese seafood restaurants, and it is often appreciated for its soft, delicate texture.
Compared to strongly flavoured seafood or deep-fried dishes, tofu offers something milder to balance the meal.
It’s also a practical choice for family dining, particularly when sharing food with younger children or diners who prefer gentler flavours.
Fried Vermicelli – A Filling Way to Complete the Meal
Instead of ordering plain rice, we decided to try the Fried Vermicelli.
Fried vermicelli is a popular zi char staple, offering a satisfying noodle option alongside the various meat, vegetable and seafood dishes.
The thin noodles are typically stir-fried to develop a savoury flavour while absorbing the seasonings used in the dish.
With six dishes in total, the fried vermicelli provided the carbs and made it a more substantial meal.
Final Verdict: Is Tekong Seafood Restaurant Worth Visiting?
Tekong Seafood Restaurant offers a zi char dining experience with a menu that caters to different tastes and preferences.
Would I recommend giving it a try? If you’re around Changi Village and looking for a conventional Chinese seafood restaurant with a good selection of zi char dishes, it’s certainly an option to consider.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Tekong Seafood Restaurant
Blk 6 Changi Village Road, #01-03, Singapore 509907
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4pTDDkQM7qpHM6WG9
