Claypot rice in Singapore isn’t just food—it’s fire-kissed comfort served with a satisfying crunch. With its signature guo ba (crispy bottom), tender meats, and rich aroma, this dish rewards those who wait. Here are ten standout stalls that continue to perfect this timeless favorite.
1. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice
Location: Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, 335 Smith St, #02-198/199, Singapore 050335
Lian He Ben Ji has been simmering tradition for over 40 years. Rice is cooked from scratch over a charcoal flame, infusing every grain with a distinct smokiness. Their Mixed Rice, featuring chicken, lup cheong, and salted fish, remains a staple. Expect to wait 30–45 minutes, unless you call ahead. Dark soy sauce is provided, allowing diners to adjust flavor intensity. Moist, well-seasoned chicken stands out, though the rice-to-topping ratio occasionally draws critique. Prices range from S$8 to S$20.
2. New Lucky Claypot Rice (新鸿运瓦煲饭)
Location: Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, 44 Holland Dr, #02-19, Singapore 270044
Facebook: newluckyclaypot
Operating since 1979, this Bib Gourmand recipient serves rice cooked to order over charcoal. The mix of old and new grains gives the rice its bite, layered with juicy chicken, liver sausage, and salted fish. Aromatic oil and dark soy sauce are provided for custom seasoning. Prices start at around S$10–S$15 for two. Call ahead or risk an hour-long wait.
3. Geylang Claypot Rice
Location: 361, 363, 365 Beach Road, Singapore 199576
Facebook: geylangclaypotrice
Originating from Lorong 33, this stall now operates in a cooler, modern venue but sticks to charcoal cooking. Expect 25–30 minutes of prep time. Signature pots feature generous cuts of chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish, and occasionally pork belly. Add lard oil for extra richness. The rice has a satisfying char, though chicken texture may vary. Side dishes like Sambal Kang Kong and Beancurd Skin Roll round out the meal. Prices: S$15 for two, S$26 for four, S$36 for six.
4. Yew Chuan Claypot Rice
Location: Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Rd, #01-73, Singapore 199583
This husband-and-wife team has spent nearly two decades perfecting their claypot rice. The chef honed his skills at Geylang Claypot Rice, and it shows. Batang salted fish, pork and duck sausage, and marinated boneless chicken are standard. Shallot oil and dark soy sauce help build deeper flavor. The al dente rice is packed with smoky layers and crunch. S$12 serves two. Lighter palates might want more sauce.
5. NanXing Claypot Rice
Location: Circuit Road Hawker Centre, 79 Circuit Rd, #01-11, Singapore 370079
Website: nanxingclaypot.getz.co
With nearly 40 years of tradition, NanXing delivers a consistently flavorful experience. The rice is cooked partially on gas before finishing on charcoal, ensuring wok hei and the coveted crispy base. The Traditional Claypot Chicken Rice includes boneless chicken, vegetables, lup cheong, and salted fish. Prices are reasonable—around S$7 for a small portion. Their chili packs a punch, and wait times average 15–20 minutes.
6. Cantonese Claypot Rice
Location: Beo Crescent Market, 38A Beo Cres, #01-66, Singapore 169982
Fast and satisfying, this stall offers dishes like Claypot Sausage Bacon Chicken Rice and Bacon Pork Rib Rice. Fresh ingredients, including black fungus, make each bite hearty. Lup cheong is aromatic, and the rice carries a good char. Though some find the chicken overly tenderized, the overall balance of texture and price—S$5.30 to S$6.30—makes it a reliable lunch option.
7. Sembawang Traditional Claypot Rice
Location: 4 Jln Tampang, Singapore 758948
Website: sembawangclaypotrice.getz.co
This spot serves generous portions of claypot rice cooked directly over fire upon order. The result: soft, fragrant rice paired with salted fish, chicken, and sausage. Small portions start at S$8.80, with medium sizes at S$13.80. The texture leans toward softness, but the aroma compensates. It’s a solid choice for groups, with other highlights including KL-style San Lao Bee Hoon and Curry Fish Head.
8. Yuan Yuan Claypot Rice
Location: ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-38, Singapore 150006
Facebook: YuanYuanClaypotRice
Charcoal-fired and managed single-handedly by Raymond, this stall draws loyal crowds. Each pot bursts with hua diao wine fragrance, marinated chicken, lup cheong, and salted fish. Reviewers say the rice is already well-seasoned and doesn’t need additional sauce. Prices start from around S$10–S$15 for two. Arrive early or pre-order to skip the long line. Side soups and dishes are available for a fuller meal.
9. Le Chasseur
Location: Pek Kio Market and Food Centre, 41A Cambridge Rd, #01-28, Singapore 211041
Facebook: lechasseurSG
A hidden favorite among regulars, Le Chasseur offers the claypot rice essentials: chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish, and that familiar smoky base. Though less publicized than other spots, its consistency makes it a go-to for nearby residents craving the traditional hawker taste.
10. Broadway Claypot Rice
Location: Broadway Coffee Shop, 727 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 560727
Facebook: Broadway Claypot Rice
This Ang Mo Kio veteran has over three decades of claypot experience. Customers can choose between standard or kampong chicken. Rice is made fresh per order, packed with charred bits and seasoned meats. Portions (S$10–S$15) are suitable for 2–3 people. The balance of texture and moisture is praised, though some miss a dedicated chili sauce for the dish.
Tips to Maximize the Experience
- Wait Time Is Part of the Meal
Claypot rice made from scratch over charcoal is slow food. Plan ahead. - Phone Orders Help
Many stalls allow advance ordering. This can save 30–60 minutes. - Scrape the Bottom
The guo ba—crispy rice at the base—is the star. Don’t let it go to waste. - Stir It Up
Mix in the dark soy sauce and oil before digging in. It distributes the flavors and textures evenly.
These ten spots showcase why claypot rice continues to draw queues across Singapore. Whether you’re chasing deep smokiness or a hearty weekday lunch, each of these stalls offers something worth waiting for.