Authentic Cantonese Zi Char Excellence Since Day One
Located in the heart of Simpang Bedok, a beloved haunt of local foodies, Lao Li Zi Char has established itself as the premier destination for authentic zi char in Singapore's east. Our restaurant brings together over three decades of Cantonese fine dining expertise with the warm, welcoming atmosphere of traditional dai pai dong dining.
At Lao Li, we believe that exceptional zi char begins with quality ingredients and masterful execution. Our executive chef, with more than 30 years of experience in Cantonese fine dining culinary arts, leads a team of skilled cooks who carefully prepare each dish to perfection. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll experience the intoxicating aroma of wok hei and the vibrant energy that makes zi char dining so special.
What sets Lao Li apart is our commitment to authentic flavors and techniques. Unlike restaurants that rely on ready-made broths or shortcuts, we craft our own homemade broths from scratch, allowing us to maintain precise control over taste profiles and ingredients. We receive fresh prawns daily, ensuring that every seafood dish bursts with natural umami and sweetness.
Discover the culinary creations that have made Lao Li Zi Char a household name among zi char enthusiasts. Each dish showcases our mastery of the wok and dedication to authentic flavors.
Our most celebrated dish features silky smooth flat rice noodles enveloped in slightly runny egg threads, all infused with an unmistakable wok hei smokiness. The secret lies in our chef's masterful fire control and the use of fresh prawns delivered daily. This dish exemplifies everything great about zi char cooking—theatrical preparation, complex flavors, and perfect textural balance.
A nourishing and comforting masterpiece served piping hot in a traditional claypot. This dish combines thick, milky collagen-rich broth with succulent tiger prawns and delicate mee sua noodles. The result of hours of simmering pork bones, pork skin, and chicken feet, this soup provides deep, satisfying flavors with genuine health benefits. Perfect for families and especially beloved by elderly diners.
Plump, fresh prawns coated in our signature creamy salted egg sauce that's both savory and slightly sweet. The prawns are cooked to perfect doneness—tender and juicy inside with a light crispy exterior that holds the rich golden sauce. This crowd-pleaser demonstrates our seafood expertise and ability to balance bold flavors.
Fresh Sri Lankan crab wok-fried with aromatic black pepper sauce, creating an explosive combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. The crab meat remains succulent and sweet while the sauce provides an addictive kick. Best enjoyed with our crispy fried mantou for dipping—an essential Singaporean zi char experience.
Zi char, derived from the Hokkien phrase meaning "cook and fry," represents a uniquely Singaporean dining tradition that brings restaurant-quality Chinese cooking to accessible, family-friendly settings. As documented by Wikipedia's comprehensive guide to tze char culture, these establishments serve as community gathering places where families and friends share hearty, wallet-friendly meals in casual atmospheres.
At Lao Li, we honor this tradition while elevating it through culinary expertise and premium ingredients. Our spacious, well-lit restaurant provides comfortable seating for families and large groups, creating the perfect environment for celebrations, gatherings, or simply enjoying a satisfying meal together.
Executive chef with 30+ years of Cantonese fine dining experience, bringing professional techniques to zi char favorites
Fresh prawns and seafood delivered daily, ensuring peak flavor and quality in every dish
Strong breath of the wok achieved through precise fire control and years of expertise
Quality ingredients form the foundation of exceptional zi char. We source only the finest seafood, meats, and vegetables, then prepare everything using homemade broths and sauces crafted in-house. This approach gives us complete control over flavor profiles and ensures every dish meets our exacting standards.
Our skilled chefs understand the intricacies of high-heat wok cooking—knowing precisely when to add each ingredient, how to manipulate the flames for optimal wok hei, and how to balance flavors for maximum impact. This expertise, combined with decades of experience, results in zi char that's simply unmatched in authenticity and taste.
Lao Li Zi Char has earned recognition from Singapore's most respected food publications and critics. Our Golden Hor Fan has been praised for its exceptional wok hei and the chef's masterful technique, drawing comparisons to the kind of culinary excellence found at establishments like Yujin Izakaya, where famous Japanese chefs demonstrate similar dedication to authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods.
Food blogger and doctor Dr. Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost, one of Singapore's most influential food critics, has documented the thriving zi char scene in the Simpang Bedok area, highlighting the concentration of quality establishments that attract food lovers from across the island.
Popular food guide SethLui.com has included Simpang Bedok restaurants in their curated lists of wallet-friendly zi char destinations, noting the area's reputation for authentic, value-for-money Chinese cuisine that never sacrifices quality.
282 Bedok Road
Singapore 469438
Simpang Bedok
Sun - Thu: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
(Last order: 9:30 PM)
Fri - Sat: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
(Last order: 10:30 PM)
Phone: +65 8863 6863
Reservations recommended for large groups and weekends
Can't make it to our restaurant? No problem! Lao Li offers convenient zi char delivery straight to your door. Ordering online from our website is fast, easy, and hassle-free. Simply browse our extensive menu, place your order, and relax as we bring the best zi char in Singapore right to you.
Our delivery packaging is specially designed to preserve the wok hei and freshness of each dish, ensuring your home dining experience matches the quality you'd enjoy in our restaurant. Perfect for family gatherings, office lunches, or those evenings when you crave authentic zi char without leaving home.
Join the thousands of satisfied diners who've discovered Singapore's best zi char
Explore these authoritative resources to deepen your understanding of Singapore's beloved zi char tradition and broader culinary expertise:
Comprehensive encyclopedia entry covering the history, significance, and characteristics of Singapore's zi char dining tradition
The definitive guide to Singapore's hawker food culture, featuring comprehensive information on local dishes and eating traditions
Experience culinary excellence from a famous Japanese chef who shares our commitment to authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques
Extensive collection of recipes from around the world, perfect for home cooks seeking to explore diverse cuisines and cooking methods
Expert food blogger's comprehensive guide featuring 20 outstanding zi char destinations across Singapore
Popular food guide highlighting 18 delicious and affordable zi char spots throughout Singapore
Renowned food critic and doctor's authoritative blog covering Singapore's hawker and restaurant scene
Official Singapore Tourism Board guide to local dining culture and must-try dishes
At Lao Li, we believe the zi char experience should be enjoyable for the whole family. Our menu includes kid-friendly options alongside dishes that appeal to elderly diners who appreciate traditional flavors. Our attentive and friendly staff creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
Our spacious restaurant can accommodate large groups, making us the perfect choice for corporate dinners, birthday celebrations, family reunions, and social gatherings. We offer group-friendly portion sizes and can help customize menu selections for parties of any size.
We regularly offer discounts and promotions on select dishes and drinks. Follow us on social media or check our website to stay updated on the latest offers and seasonal specialties. Our membership program provides additional perks for regular diners.
Simpang Bedok has earned its reputation as one of Singapore's premier food destinations, particularly for authentic zi char and late-night supper. This vibrant stretch along Bedok Road brings together established favorites and innovative newcomers, creating a culinary landscape that attracts food enthusiasts from across the island.
As a cornerstone of the Simpang Bedok dining scene, Lao Li Zi Char represents the best of what makes this area special: authentic flavors, generous portions, reasonable prices, and the kind of warm hospitality that keeps diners returning again and again. When locals recommend zi char in the east, Lao Li consistently tops the list.