An Ji: Discovering 43 Traditional Dishes Since 1960 in Singapore's Chinatown

Getting to Know An Ji

The Chinatown Complex Food Centre in Singapore always leaves visitors amazed by the wide array of dining options. Each visit reveals something new, and An Ji is certainly one of those gems. This restaurant stands out with a sign that proudly states 'Recommended on TV,' catching my eye the very first time I visited.

I spent quite some time admiring the menu, which boasts around 43 different dishes at An Ji. A chat with the owner revealed that An Ji is not a new dining spot. In fact, the owner's grandmother, now in her third generation of the family business, began selling food from a cart back in the 1960s, even before the Chinatown Complex was built.

Ordering at An Ji

One of the highlights at An Ji is the fish head noodle soup, but since I was already familiar with it, I opted for the Crispy Beef Noodles (6 SGD) — available in sizes of 8 SGD, 12 SGD, and 15 SGD. The dish was beautifully presented with slices of fresh beef resting on a bed of crispy golden noodles and fresh greens. Instead of immediately adding sauce, I decided to taste the noodles and beef separately to fully appreciate each flavor.

The beef was perfectly tender, not overly mushy, allowing its natural taste to shine through. The noodles were delightfully crunchy, providing an enjoyable texture with each bite. Remarkably, the noodles maintained their crispness even after being mixed with sauce, a feat not many places achieve — usually, the noodles would become soggy right away.

Other Must-Try Dishes

I continued my culinary adventure with the Tofu with Fish & Pork (10 SGD), featuring a smooth piece of tofu topped with marinated pork and fish. As a fan of pork floss, I was pleased to find this dish seasoned with that delightful addition. It brought a warm feeling and evoked flavors reminiscent of my childhood.

Next up was the Fish Pho (6 SGD), quite similar to the beef noodles but made with fish instead. While visually not much different, the fish pho packed a more robust and flavorful punch thanks to its delicious sauce. The slices of fish were fresh and firm, showcasing the quality of the seafood.

Location and Useful Information

An Ji is located within the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, making it easily accessible via various public transportation options. The nearest MRT stations are Chinatown (NE4/DT19) and Maxwell (TE18). You can also take a bus and alight at Maxwell Stn Exit 2 or New Bridge Ctr.

This restaurant is perfect for older adults who enjoy traditional Cantonese cuisine, but it’s also ideal for anyone looking to savor lighter seafood dishes. If you're dining with a larger group and want to try a variety of zi char dishes, An Ji offers other options like Rainbow Fried Prawns (12 SGD) and Shrimp Sauce Chicken (10 SGD).

Recommendation and Conclusion

The answer is yes; I would definitely return to An Ji if I have the chance to visit this area again. After six decades of operation, I am curious about their famous fish soup and will save it for my next visit. I also hope the restaurant will soon replace their paper plates with reusable ones to elevate the dining experience.

This article has been referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food