Pork King Knuckle Rice has become my salvation after losing my beloved braised pork trotter spot. I’ve realised that some of the best Teochew-style braised pork trotter rice I’ve ever had in Singapore were all at Ang Mo Kio Central, and this discovery continues that tradition.When I stumbled upon Chao Shan Te Kar Peng previously, it brought back fond memories of my late grandmother due to the similarity in the taste of the braising sauces. When it closed down (so heartbreaking!), I hadn’t had a decent bowl of braised pork trotter rice until I visited the renovated S11 food court at Ang Mo Kio Central and spotted Pork King Knuckle Rice.
Why I Had to Try Pork King Knuckle Rice
Being a Teochew Ah Muay, I simply can’t resist braised meats. There’s no way I would give Pork King Knuckle Rice a miss, even though there are new stalls alongside some former ones that are probably worth trying too.
The first thing that struck me when looking at their menu was how affordable the prices were. A shredded pork mee sua costs just $3.50, whilst pork trotter rice is only $4.90. These are relatively cheaper than others I’ve had at hawker centres and kopitiams around Singapore.
What We Ordered and My Honest Take
Pork Trotter Rice ($4.90)
The $4.90 pork trotter came with a brilliant ratio of meat and fat. There’s nothing I didn’t like in this bowl. The meat was tender and flavoursome. Peanuts were soft. The egg was perfectly braised (it would be hard to go wrong with that, wouldn’t it?). Salted veggies provided that essential tangy crunch.
Most importantly, the braising sauce doused over the rice brought everything together beautifully. This was a homely and comforting bowl of pork trotter rice – well-balanced with ample flavour without being overwhelming.
Don’t miss their vinegary chilli sauce – it adds a wonderful zing that cuts right through the richness of the braised meat.
This is Teochew comfort food that hits all the right notes!
Pork Belly Rice ($4.90)
This is essentially the pork belly version of the above dish. It required slightly more chew but remained beautifully braised, tender, and delicious. Both bowls were equally good – it just depends on what cut of pork you prefer.
My advice? Be like us and order both to enjoy the best of both worlds. You won’t miss out on either cut, and the pricing makes it totally feasible.
Pork King Mee Sua ($5.90)
I ordered this expecting smooth, silky Taiwanese-style mee sua that you can slurp up easily. Unfortunately, I was disappointed that this mee sua tasted floury and had an unpleasant texture.
I’m not sure if it’s the mee sua quality or cooking method, but the noodles just didn’t work in this dish. The broth was actually good – not overly salty but flavourful enough. It came with tender pieces of pork trotter meat, half a braised egg, braised beancurd, and xiao bai cai.
The silver lining? You can pick other noodle options like yellow noodles, bee hoon, or kway teow. Next time, I’ll definitely choose one of these alternatives rather than the mee sua.
My Final Verdict on Pork King Knuckle Rice
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the meal. I wouldn’t say it’s spectacular, but it’s definitely above average for Teochew braised meat standards. It’s something I’d come back for when cravings strike.
The pricing makes it incredibly accessible for regular visits. The braised dishes showcase proper technique and those nostalgic flavours that remind me of home-cooked meals. The renovated S11 food court provides a comfortable environment, and there are plenty of other interesting stalls to explore nearby.
For anyone who’s been searching for authentic Teochew comfort food that won’t break the bank, Pork King Knuckle Rice delivers exactly what you’re craving – honest, flavourful braised pork that tastes like home.
(65) 9169 8553