Zichar Stall

Lai Bao, An Affordable 1960s-inspired Zichar – Toa Payoh, Singapore

Lai Bao serves 1960s inspried zichar dishes is one recommendation for those staying especially in the north or around the hood. I am sure you will be extremely excited to know that it is not only delish but prices are extremely affordable.

Located at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, withing the ground of Kim Eng Seng kopitiam. It is flanked between two MRT station, Toa Payoh and Braddell. In addition, it is a stone throw from Central, making it relatively accessible.

Highlight of Menu

The first must order item is the Sixties Fish Head Charcoal Steamboat, Grouper ($15/$25/$35). Diners could choose either Grouper or Snapper, original or spicy soup. If you prefer, you can also opt for more add-on of Meat Pie, Forest Mushroom, Yam and Fresh Vegetable.

If you are familiar with Chicken dish at Soup Restaurant, you may be happy to know that Lai Bao serve a similiar dish too, Ginger Spring Chicken ($6/$12 Half/Whole). Though both taste different, all around the table enjoyed it.

True to its name, Charcoal Silken Tofu ($5/$8/$10).

The Old School Sweet & Sour Pork is not on the menu yet. They don’t use tomato sauce to cook this dish, instead vinegar was used.

Don’t forget to order the Crisp Fried Aubergine & Pork Floss ($7/$9/$11). Though they offer 3 sizes, proceed to order the large.

One of the rare long beans that is not spicy, Lai Bao Wok Fried Fine Bean ($7/$9/$11).

If you love wok hei, Seafood Lala Ying Yang Hor Fun ($5/$7/$10) is a good option. We could savour this extra flavour in this dish which is often a sign of good zichar.

The crab at Lai Bao is super reasaon, one crab at $30 and 2 at $50. We tried the Lai Bao 13 Spices Black Pepper Crab ($30/$50 1 crab / 2 crabs); the pepper flavour isn’t overwhelming which I enjoyed.


NAHMJ Verdict

Our entire table of 10 dishes at Lai Bao consisting of mainly medium size came to a bill of only $100 and it fed 4 person until we felt so full.


Lai Bao Fish Head Steamboat 徕寶鱼头炉 

Block 168, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1040, Singapore 310168
Tel: +65 6261 5825

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Laibaosg/

Opening Hours

Daily 1200 to 2200

Getting There

By MRT:

  • North South line – Toa Payoh station

By Bus:

  • Toa Payoh Bus Interchange – 8, 26, 28, 31, 73, 88, 139, 142, 143, 145, 157, 163, 155
  • Blk 163 along Lorong 1 Toa Payoh – 59, 231

Rating: 7/10