Ah Heng Duck Rice @ Hong Lim

Running errand in town and made a detour to one of the culinary heaven in Singapore – Hong Lim Food Centre.

Ah Heng is named after Yang Qi Heng 楊啓興, the original owner and chef of the store. He was getting on in age, and passed everything to his main assistant and disciple for many years, Mai Xueqi 麥學奇. Regular cannot detect the difference in the taste between master and disciple. But since, both gentlemen have passed on, and store is run by Mdm Tan (widow of Mr Mai) and an assistant.

Frankly it does not look appealing as it is darker than most of the braised duck in the market these days. But the proof is in the taste, and it is the 潮州卤鸭 Teochew braised duck taste that has been missing in a lot of stores these days. I scooped the sauce into my rice for good measure as it was savoury and yet packed with flavours of the spices used to braise the duck.

They also sell kway chap in the store, but most of the offals were sold out when I was there. This is not foie gras, but they have nailed the braised duck liver in terms of texture, doneness and taste. The liver was cooked just right, not too hard (overcooked) and very creamy.

While the duck is very dark, the braised tofu is very light that you doubt that it has been braised properly. Oh boy, was I so wrong! The tofu has absorbed the taste of the braised perfectly.

Ah Heng Duck Rice has three successor stalls – another disciple at Heng Gi in Tekka Market, brother-in-law at Hup Seng in Sin Ming Estate, and this stall Ah Heng in Hong Lim Market. The stall closes as soon as the braised ducks are sold out, which on a good day can be as early as 2 pm.

Ah Heng Duck Rice 同濟前阿興鴨飯
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre #02-64,
531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531

Visited Jun 2024

Michelin Singapore Guide Bib Gourmand 2024