Possibly the Best BBQ Sambal Stingray

HEAR:
Click to listen/ download podcast of this week’s smoky, umami BBQ episode!

SEE:

Quintessentially Singaporean – tapao hawker food for a hotel staycation! Newton Food Centre supper favourites clockwise from top left: Oyster omelette, sambal kang kong, BBQ chicken wings, fishball and herh keow soup from Soon Wah, Hokkien Mee & BBQ stingray!

Hello Makan Kakis! This week, we take you on a little trip down memory lane to an Oldie but Goodie – Newton Food Centre. Granted, it has gained a bit of a reputation for touting and being touristy (thanks, Crazy Rich Asians movie!) but honestly, the place still holds great charm, nostalgia and still boasts many stalls that have been serving up legit food for generations. Also, the touting is gone and after several facelifts, Newton remains a great supper destination with a buzzy vibe and mouthwatering hawker favourites.

Case in point, the go-to BBQ Seafood stall of our Foodie Friend, Audrey Lee of Little House of Dreams & EasyFood. 31 Heng Heng BBQ has been at Newton for 3 generations, serving up fresh seafood and BBQ/ cze char classics. Audrey swears by their BBQ sambal stingray, which she believes to be the best she’s ever tasted.

So what sets this BBQ Stingray apart from the rest? Audrey says that the secret is in the sambal. It’s got a great balance of flavour and while it packs a spicy punch, it doesn’t burn your mouth with chilli heat. Slathered over the firm yet moist stingray is a thick, almost creamy sambal that’s full of earthy, smoky, umami. Paired with the accompanying salty, funky chinchalok (fermented baby shrimp/ krill), the pops of flavour going off in your mouth is delightful, especially when finished off with a brightening squeeze of tangy lime.

Served up on banana leaf for extra fragrance, Heng Heng’s BBQ Stingray is a winner. Audrey confesses to hogging a whole portion to herself, which she polishes off with hot, steamed white rice – perfect for soaking up all those luscious juices & spicy flavours!

So Makan Kakis, if like Denise, it’s been a while since you visited stalwart Newton Food Centre, give it a go! With thanks to Audrey for the reminder of just how good the food can be. In particular, pop by Heng Heng for their signature stingray and other specialties like Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Crab, La La & BBQ Prawn!

TASTE:

31 HENG HENG BBQ
Newton Food Centre, #01-31
500 Clemenceau Ave North S(229495)
Open Daily: 12 – 10.30pm
Tel: +65 82249929
Island-wide Delivery available.