皇家河公寓

The chain started life as a stall, before this hugely popular outpost opened in 1996. The veteran crew follows ancient recipes to craft its reasonably priced Cantonese fare. The signature Ze Ze eels are swamp varieties served sizzling in a claypot; the fried mantis shrimp in spiced salt bursts with sweetness; and the house-made ice cream is a must. Only private room reservations are accepted. Otherwise, come early to beat the long wait at peak hours.

You can't miss the long queue at the door, but that doesn't put avid foodies off coming here. Available in both Singaporean and Malaysian styles, bak kut teh is simmered for three hours with pork ribs, garlic, white peppercorns and herbs until the meat falls off the bone. You will even find Thai and Vietnamese classics on the menu – the sautéed Chinese violet buds in Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste taste floral and pungent at the same time.

Since opening in 2018, this tiny shop has been jam-packed with diners, so expect to share a table with strangers at peak hours. It is named after a street in the owner's native Hong Kong and has nearly 30 types of claypot rice in dai pai dong style, plus three kinds of double-boiled soups. Try their claypot rice topped with assorted Cantonese preserved meats – and savour every grain enrobed in perfumed oil and the crispy crust on the base.

Since 1983, Dayang has been synonymous with double-boiled soups, which dominate its menu. Three stacks of steel steamers in the corner turn out tasty health tonics every couple hours and you never know in advance exactly what will be available. In the top-selling silkie chicken soup in whole coconut, meaty and nutty flavours mingle. The quail soup is also popular. Adventurous eaters might like to try the turtle jelly with milk and honey.

Since 1985, this tiny gem has been specialising in double-boiled soups. The menu boasts some 20 health tonics that are grouped by medicinal properties – some nourish the lungs; others boost energy levels. Those slow-cooked in whole coconuts are especially loved by customers, like the coconut chicken soup that imparts sweet aromas. Steamed rice with pork patty and pickled mustard greens entices with briny umami and juicy, silky pork.

As the name suggests, Laifen noodle soup is the main item sold at this rustic shop, and is served alongside ingredients such as barbecue pork, beef balls or octopus. The creamy rice soup has hints of mushroom and dried shrimp flavours. "Water caltrop", consisting of rice noodles shaped like bite-size buffalo nuts topped with shredded egg, preserved cabbage, cracklings and peanuts, is an old-time dish that is hard to find elsewhere.

The dimly lit space is dotted with red lanterns and bamboo screens; the sizzling sounds and intoxicating smells from the semi-open kitchen prime diners for a feast that engages all senses. The menu features around 30 dishes served in claypots, complemented by an array of home-made sauces – try the rice paddy eel variety with firm, flavoursome meat. The double-boiled soups and home-made ginger juice milk curd ice cream are also worth trying.