SINGAPORE: Duck Rice is the lesser-known cousin of Chicken Rice. It's not as commonly eaten simply because it is harder to prepare as the meat can be tougher if it is not done right. For some, they simply do not like the taste of a duck. Duck rice comes in many forms, and each caters for different preferences. You might prefer braised duck, and yet, others prefer roast duck using the Cantonese roasting method. You can choose to have it with white rice, covered with braised sauce or in some cases; the sauce is pre-mixed into the rice, making it glossy brown. Some places also served braised duck with braised pork and pig innards. Instead of rice, you have it with kway chap, which is a board rice noodle. If none of these work for you, you can have it with rice porridge or some simple yellow noodles seasoned with the braised source (滷水汁).
Cheok Kee Duck Rice - Zuo Ji Duck Rice Porridge 作記鴨飯鴨粥
Not to be confused with another duck rice stall with the same English spelling, this is located at East Coast Lagoon Food Village. This is the best duck rice I have ever eaten. It also comes with all the possible options of having it with rice, porridge or noodles. The flavourful duck comes with other add-on sides such as braised eggs, braised tofu, and innards such as duck livers and duck hearts.
Go early and be prepared to queue. If you don't see a queue, it is most likely sold out.
Address: 1220 ECP, Singapore 468960
Heng Gi Goose and Duck Rice
Used to be famous for selling goose until it was banned in Singapore. It is one of the best-known stalls serving Teochew-style braised duck, and it is an icon in Tekka Centre. Heng Gi has been operating for more than 60 years and now helmed by the disciple of the original master chef, Yang, selling the same braised duck, innards, pork belly, tau kwa, and egg. The only grievances I have is, the duck is not de-boned.
Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, #01–335 Tekka Centre, Singapore 210665
Ah Xiao Teochew Braised Duck
Founded by Mr Peh, Ah Xiao Teochew Braised Duck has been serving authentic Teochew-style braised duck since the 1990s. There is another branch at Bendemeer Market & Food Centre operated by his son. I opted for Kway Chap and believed me with the usual fare, and one bowl will not be enough.
Address: Blk 29 Bendemeer Rd, #01-41 Hawker Centre, Singapore 330029
Address: 505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre B1-43 Singapore 199583
Kun Ji Duck Rice
I guess if you see a queue, it has to be good. Kun Ji Duck Rice is very popular for the east-side folks, especially those who hang out at Parkway Parade. Kun Ji Duck Rice is rare few that sells both braised duck and roast duck. It also has other roast items such as roast pork and char siew. For the side, braised tofu, egg and other innards. Just take your pick. You get to choose between plain rice as well as rice mixed with braised sauce.
Address: 84 Marine Parade Central, #01-25, Singapore 440084
Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck Rice
Listed on Michelin Bib Gourmand, it is quite an achievement for the young owner who started making braised duck since he was 15 years old. Located at the Ghim Moh Market and Food Centre, it is a hawker centre notorious for all the long queues for all the good hawker stalls, and Chuan Kee is one of those. Awesome Teochew braised duck rice, covered with a dark braised sauce thickened with a little starch, served with a very flavourful bowl of soup made from the same braised sauce.
Address: 20 Ghim Moh Rd, #01-04, Singapore 270020
Fatty Cheong 肥仔详 - Traditional Roast
Ending this with a charcoal roast duck, I must admit that there are many more good roast duck out there. Located at ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Fatty Cheong is well known by many living in the area as well as those in the know. Looking at the queue, again expect to wait. They are known for roast pork and char siew too. Get a trio mixed plate and ta-da...the perfect lunch.
Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-120, Singapore 150006