Delightful three! Simple delicious breakfast for everyone! Chang Ji Gourmet.
I’ve walked by this economic bee hoon store many times during my previous visits to the Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. The queue is always long, a common sign of a food stall’s popularity. Today I thought I should take a closer look.
Chang Ji Gourmet in Chinatown Food Complex
What caught my interest, aside from the long but moving queue, was the number of items offered—just three: bee hoon, noodles, and porridge. A stark difference from the many economic bee hoon stalls, where loads of dishes are presented. Interesting. 🧐
Serving after serving.
Stacks of bee hoon.
I decided to pop myself to the back of the line. The line that is now snaking across the aisle of tables to the stalls of the opposite row. Yes. That’s how long the line is.
Look at that queue!
The line was slow-moving, mostly due to the sheer number of orders that some customers are placing. I can see orders numbering from 5 to 10 and above each. At the prices they were going, I totally understood why many were going for bulk orders. However, the stall operators seemed very experienced in handling such volumes of orders and kept the line moving.
The queue never seems to end.
Another interesting thing I spotted was this massive pot of porridge sitting by the stall’s side with a large ladle with an extended grip in it. It was being stirred like a cauldron periodically by one of the stall operators. It looked like he was putting his whole weight into the task each time he does it.
Huge pot of porridge
Aside from managing the pot, batches of the bee hoon and noodles were continuously cooked and served simultaneously. There is just a flurry of activities happening nonstop within the confines of the stall.
Serving continuously.
Putting his back into it!
It was my turn to order. I went for a plate of bee hoon, noodles and a bowl of porridge. The portions were small compared to the usual quantities I get from other economic bee hoon stalls. However, they were still good enough for a hearty breakfast, and the right portion sizes to have a taste of everything.
Simplicity rocks!
So how was it?
Well, there is a reason why they only serve these three items, it was a thumbs up for all three! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The bee hoon is flavourful, slightly sweet, and really fluffy! It tasted like those my mum bought for us as kids. And like those my mum bought, some charred clumps of bee hoon were on the plate. These charred lumps added to the flavours, enhancing the tastes. Absolutely fantastic!
Soft fluffy bee hoon, spice it up with their chilli.
The noodles were equally flavourful, without the grease and weird alkaline taste that always goes with this type of noodle. And they were cooked to just the right texture as well! Personally, one of my favourites! 👌🏻
Delicious bee hoon noodles!
And finally, we have the porridge. It’s deliciously light, with bits of fish and peanuts to bring about that hint of fishy and peanut taste. I think the periodical stirring really helped break up the grains into this fine bowl of soft, soup-like delicacy. I literally drank the bowl in no time. 😋
Tasty porridge!
Many masters of their crafts do just one thing, and they do it right. I do not know about their background, but Chang Ji seems to have mastered these three dishes. They have the art of doing three simple dishes right, and at such an affordable price for all to enjoy!
Overall, a simple but delightfully fulfilling breakfast! 👍🏻
CHANG JI Gourmet 昌记美食
📍Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre #02-110, 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335
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