If you are searching for traditional Singapore carrot cake, Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway is a humble hawker stall worth checking out. Also known as chai tow kway, Singapore carrot cake is a popular local hawker dish made from radish cake and fried with eggs, garlic and seasonings.
What makes Lau Goh Teo Chiew Chye Thow Kway a little different, however, is the unique experience of ordering your food. The stall owner is deaf, so if you want to order the carrot cake, you will need to point to indicate your order.
It is a simple gesture, but one that makes the visit memorable.
Ordering at Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway
If this is your first visit, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wondering how to place your order. Since the person cooking is deaf, verbal communication is not necessary.
When you are ready to order your carrot cake, simply point to indicate what you would like. It is easy, straightforward and part of the experience when visiting this traditional hawker stall.
I actually found this to be quite an interesting experience. Sometimes, communication does not have to rely on words. A simple gesture can be enough to get your order across.
Traditional Singapore Carrot Cake
The Singapore carrot cake, or chai tow kway, is one of those classic hawker dishes that many locals enjoy. Despite its name, there are no carrots in the dish. Instead, the main ingredient is radish cake, which is cut into pieces and fried on a hot wok.
The carrot cake is cooked until the pieces develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender inside. The wok-fried aroma adds to the appeal, especially when you are watching it being prepared right in front of you.
For those who enjoy old-school Singapore hawker food, Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway is definitely worth trying. It is old-school Teochew-style cooking, with generous use of chai poh (preserved radish) and eggs.
The carrot cake is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the wok. I would recommend eating it while it is still warm, when the exterior is slightly crispy and the inside remains soft and savoury. Once it cools down, you may not get the same texture and enjoyment, so you’ve got to eat it while it is hot!
Another plus point is that the carrot cake is made with vegetable oil and contains no pork or lard, making it a suitable option for those who prefer to avoid pork and lard. If you are particular about these ingredients, it is always a good idea to check with the stall directly about the latest preparation and ingredients.
A Simple Hawker Stall with a Unique Story
One of the things I enjoy about exploring Singapore’s hawker centres is discovering the stories behind the food. While some stalls may be famous for elaborate dishes or long queues, others stand out because of the people and their unique way of serving customers.
Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway is one of those stalls that offers a simple but memorable experience. Watching the carrot cake being prepared on the wok and communicating through gestures makes the visit different from a typical hawker-centre meal.
It is also a small reminder of the importance of being patient and accommodating when communicating with others. There is really no need to speak loudly or repeatedly call out your order instead just point.
Worth Trying for Hawker Food Lovers
If you are exploring Singapore hawker food and enjoy traditional local dishes, consider adding Lau Goh Teo Chiew Chye Thow Kway to your food list.
The next time you are craving Singapore carrot cake or chai tow kway, you can give this humble stall a try. And if you are wondering how to order, remember the simple trick:
Just point!
It may be a small detail, but it is part of what makes the experience at Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway memorable.
For more Singapore food reviews, hawker food, restaurant recommendations and food adventures, follow my TikTok, Instagram and Facebook as I continue exploring places to eat in Singapore and beyond.
Location:
70 Zion Rd, #01-26 Zion Riverside Food Centre, Singapore 247792
You can find directions on HERE
Operating Hours:
Wed to Mon 12:00PM - 2:30PM
4:00PM - 9:00PM
Closed on Tue
