Situated under an ulu HDB area lays a new Hong Kong Cafe started by a young man.
Alfred, who is the current chef-owner of Sing HK Cafe, has been living in Singapore for around 15 years. He is born in Hong Kong. After getting his Masters Degree and worked in the private banking sector for about 2 years, he decided to move on and seek his passion.
Back to the Origins
Alfred has a great passion in cooking. During his childhood days, he had been staying with his grandparents. Both his grandparents are very old. During meal preparation time, he always asked, ‘Can I help you to cook?’
At the age of 10, Alfred started cooking fried egg and instant noodle. At the same time, he kept learning and explore about cooking from both his grandparents and his own parents. Since then it became a habit and his passion grew even deeper.
During exams or high stress level period during working days, Alfred would distress himself through reading cooking books and watch programmes which range from Jamie Oliver’s, Taiwanese Chef A-ji-shi (阿吉師)’s to Gordon Ramsey’s and more. He always likes to host private cooking sessions in his house for his relatives, friends and colleagues too.
Parents influence also played a part in Alfred’s determination which pushes him further into the entrepreneurship arena as his parents are doing their own business as well. Therefore after 2 years working for people, he decided to do something for himself. It was truly an inspiration that came upon him through his passion and his mindset which led him to start his own F&B business.
Hong Kong Cafe (香港茶餐厅) Sing HK Cafe
Alfred realised that many Hong Kong Cafe in Singapore aren’t doing that good. Even if it is good, their quality drops once they expand.
‘Every ingredient is treated with full respect’ said Alfred who is proud of his cafe slogan. He spends a lot of energy and time to prepare the food. He will think twice on how to use the ingredients and make sure all the processing are clean and hygiene. Alfred mentioned that he will not serve poor quality food to people. He will accept feedback, recommendations and continue to improve.
The reason of why Alfred started Sing HK Cafe is not just because he is from Hong Kong. He wants to bring in special Hong Kong comfort food into Singapore. He creates his own version of hot items as well through twisting, mixing and matching the ingredients he knows and come across.
Sing HK Cafe is also a place for people from all walks of life (family, friends and more). The old school designs and layout such as the photographs and lights were setup by him.
One of the special things is that you can perform in his cafe – yes he will have one guitar and a keyboard waiting for you! Probably you can request him to sing a song for you too as well during non peak hours.
Check out some of his dishes.
The Breakfast Variety:
Cheesy French toast with Ham OR Classic Condense Milk Toast
Eggy breads with ham and melting cheese – this is absolutely a tasty breakfast. With drips of honey on it that is sprinkled with the parsley and black pepper gives the toast not a brighter look but also addition of sweetness and fragrant.
On the other hand, if you prefer the ‘Singaporean Classic’ which is ‘similar’’ to our Kaya & Butter Toast, you can try out their Condense Milk Toast. I will strongly recommend you to add on chef’s scramble egg. Scope some of the egg and put it on top of the toast and eat them together. The sweetness of the honey and butter compliments very well with the scramble egg’s creamy, buttery texture and flavour!
The Hong Kong Classics – Chef’s Recipe:
Slow Cooked Pork Belly OR Beef Brisket with Radish
These meats are braised for at least 4 to 5 hours. They are then led to slimmer over night to allow the meat to fully absorb the broth’s flavour. Both meats are very tender. Choice of Soup or Dry Noodles and Rice with salted vegetables, caramelised Onions which has 3 types of homemade sauce to choose from namely black pepper, oyster, tomato or creamy corn sauce.
The Hong Kong Western Style – Chef’s Recipe:
Signature New Zealand Sirloin Steak
(Butter mashed potato, caramelised onion, tomato salad and sauce)
The sirloin steak is prepared medium rare. The caramelised onions retain the texture of slight crunchiness which goes really well with the steak and Asian brown sauce. Alfred uses real fresh potatoes. The texture of the mashed potato is smooth and smashed in a way that allows you to feel the bits of actual potatoes.
Signature Red Wine Oxtail
(Butter mashed potato, caramelised onion, tomato salad and sauce)
This red wine oxtail has a twist of both Asian and Western recipe using tomato paste, red wine and Asian spices which gives addition kick on the flavours. The meat tenderness is just right but for some they will prefer the tendon to be way softer. Overall, the presentation looks great. This dish is also inspired through Chef Heston Blumenthal who created the bacon & egg ice cream and is also the owner of The Fat Duck Restaurant. It is only available every Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Slow Grilled Chicken Chop
The tender chicken thigh chop is marinated using Chef’s secret recipe, grilled and presented with homemade oyster sauce. This is one of the popular meats among all his customers as well.
There are many more homely Hong Kong Cafe recipes which are waiting for you to taste. Plan your gathering now, head over and check it out!
Sing HK Cafe
Blk 4 Everton Park, #01-42 Singapore 080004
Operating Hours:
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday 1030am – 830pm, Saturday 930am – 830pm
Close on every Sunday
