A Flavorful Adventure Awaits

This week, embark on a delightful culinary journey through the picturesque landscapes of the North Eastern Riverine Loop. As we stroll approximately 4km in about 50 minutes, we’ll uncover the rich tastes of Hakka cuisine, featuring iconic dishes like thunder tea rice and yong tau foo.

Scenic Stroll to Flavor Town

Our trek kicks off at Coney Island’s western edge, leading us along the tranquil Punggol Promenade to the impressive Punggol Waterway—Singapore’s longest man-made waterway. Did you know it holds enough water to fill 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools? As we wander, we’ll encounter stunning nature, including nearly 5,000 trees, and charming bridges like the Kelong Bridge, a nod to Punggol's fishing heritage.

Culinary Curiosities at Hakka Leipopo

After a refreshing walk, a mere 5-minute jaunt brings us to Hakka Leipopo, nestled in the One Punggol Hawker Centre. This eatery is the heartfelt creation of Kumiko Tan and her husband Khoo, who both hail from Johor Bahru.

Kumiko’s journey into Hakka cuisine sprouted from Khoo’s yearning for his childhood favorite, lei cha fan (thunder tea rice). After two years of trial and error, Kumiko mastered the recipe, which remained an unmeasured treasure in her mother-in-law's memory.

Taste the Tradition in Every Bite

What sets their lei cha fan apart is the unique Malaysian twist—with crispy fried dried shrimp instead of anchovies. Kumiko meticulously prepares the ingredients, relying on her inherited pestle and mortar, adding personal touches that reflect her family's legacy.

Each bite of their thunder tea rice bursts with vibrant flavors: salty-sweet chye poh (preserved radish), crunchy garlic-fried vegetables, and the essential tau kwa (tofu) and pucuk manis (sweet leaf), all harmoniously blended with their herbal soup.

A Delectable Duo: Thunder Tea and Yong Tau Foo

To accompany the meal, indulge in yong tau foo—crisp-fried brinjals, bitter gourd, and tau kwa generously stuffed with seasoned pork and mackerel. For dipping, their house-made garlic-vinegar-chili sauce adds a delightful kick!

A Taste of Home and Hope for the Future

Despite using quality ingredients, the prices remain incredibly reasonable—with a serving of lei cha fan priced at S$5 and yong tau foo at S$1.20 each, making it a perfect spot for those seeking satisfying, wholesome meals.

Having transformed from a home-based venture to multiple thriving stalls, Kumiko and Khoo hope to continue expanding, fueled by their passion for Hakka food and loyal customers.

Visit Hakka Leipopo Today!

Located at One Punggol Hawker Centre, Hakka Leipopo welcomes you with open arms Thursdays through Sundays. Join this culinary adventure and taste the love that goes into every dish!