Deng Wen Ji 鄧文记 at East Village stands as a remarkable testament to traditional Chinese culinary artistry, helmed by Chef Chong Hoi Ching who brings over two decades of invaluable experience from his previous role at the renowned Geylang Claypot Rice establishment. Originally operating as Eng's Wanton Mee and Claypot Rice before rebranding to Deng Wen Ji, this authentic Chinese restaurant has evolved into a comprehensive zi char destination that masterfully combines three signature specialties: charcoal-fired claypot rice, robust Hokkien mee, and refined wanton mee that showcase the depth and complexity of Singaporean-Chinese cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to traditional cooking methods, particularly their insistence on charcoal preparation techniques that require patience and expertise, sets them apart in Singapore's competitive Chinese food landscape, while their expansion into zi char offerings demonstrates their versatility and dedication to providing customers with a complete authentic Chinese dining experience.
The crown jewel of Deng Wen Ji's menu remains their Charcoal Claypot Rice ($13 regular, $23 large), painstakingly cooked over open charcoal flames for approximately 30 minutes to achieve the perfect balance of smoky aroma, crispy rice crust, and tender toppings of succulent chicken, Chinese sausages, and savory salted fish that create layers of umami complexity. Their celebrated Hokkien Mee features springy noodles thoroughly coated in a rich, prawn and pork-infused broth enhanced with generous chunks of house-made crispy lard that delivers exceptional wok hei fragrance, while the Dry Wantan Mee ($4.50) showcases honey-glazed char siew roasted over charcoal for unmistakable sweetness, complemented by plump, meaty wanton dumplings and their famous house-made chilli sauce. The expanded zi char menu includes popular dishes like Prawn Paste Chicken (har jeong kai), expertly wok-fried hor fun that demonstrates proper breath of the wok technique, and various seafood preparations that cater to different preferences and group dining needs, all prepared with the same attention to traditional techniques and authentic flavors.
Operating Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM at #01-08/09 East Village, Deng Wen Ji offers both individual dishes and zi char selections in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting that perfectly balances authentic Chinese restaurant atmosphere with modern convenience. The restaurant's location within East Village's diverse food court makes it easily accessible to residents throughout the Bedok area and visitors exploring Singapore's eastern region, while their reputation for maintaining traditional cooking methods has earned them recognition in multiple food blogs and review platforms that celebrate genuine hawker heritage. Whether seeking a nostalgic taste of traditional Chinese comfort food, introducing friends to authentic zi char culture, or simply enjoying expertly prepared noodles and claypot rice that honor generations of culinary tradition, Deng Wen Ji provides an essential connection to Singapore's rich Chinese food heritage in an welcoming environment that welcomes both longtime zi char enthusiasts and curious newcomers to this beloved cuisine.
