Discover the Unique Lei Cha Fan at Fire Flies in Singapore

Special Lei Cha Fan

Recently, I've stumbled upon my new favorite dish: lei cha fan, also known as thunder tea rice. The combination of various ingredients, especially fresh greens, makes this dish incredibly appealing. When I shared my excitement with my mother, she immediately recommended her favorite lei cha spot: Fire Flies, located in the basement of People's Park Center.

I visited the restaurant twice with friends but realized I needed to return with my mom to enjoy the dish she had suggested. The location is convenient and not overly crowded, making it easy for us to find a seat.

Menu Suggestions at Fire Flies

On a Thursday at 11 AM, there were no long lines. We ordered the signature lei cha fan (S$6.80) and kolomee noodles (S$6.80), along with a serving of bitter gourd and tempeh (S$4.20). Although this wasn't our first visit, we decided to try the bitter gourd and tempeh for the first time.

The bitter gourd here is truly different from other places, as it has a soft texture rather than the usual firmness. While I braced myself for a strong bitter taste, the sweetness of the tofu provided a gentle balance. After a few moments, I found the bitterness to be milder than I expected.

The sauce had a sweet flavor, but there was also a hint of ginger, which I wasn't particularly fond of. However, my mom praised the thinly sliced, crispy ginger.

A Unique Flavor Experience

Next, we dug into the tempeh. With the first bite, I tasted a sweet and tangy sauce. Those who enjoy sweet and sour flavors will likely love this dish, while I personally preferred a milder taste.

As I enjoyed the lei cha fan, I could taste the slight bitterness along with refreshing notes from vegetables like cabbage, green beans, and carrots, complemented by peanuts, tofu, and wood ear mushrooms. After drizzling the tea over the rice, we began to savor our meal. Recently, kolomee noodles have become an exciting option at a lei cha restaurant.

My mom felt nostalgic over the kolomee, recalling her childhood when she often enjoyed it. She mentioned that she preferred the noodles over rice, which added a special touch to the meal.

Dining Experience and Ambiance

I still prefer the traditional lei cha fan, as it absorbs the tea flavors beautifully. The kolomee has a moderate taste, which somewhat overshadowed the tea flavor I wanted to fully enjoy.

In the end, we both finished our meals, which was a small victory for my mom, who usually has a small appetite. It seemed she truly enjoyed this meal!

Who Should Choose Fire Flies?

If you're looking for vegetarian dishes, love vegetables, or simply want to enjoy a rich combination of ingredients, Fire Flies is the perfect spot for you!

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Fire Flies is conveniently located near Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19). You can enter through Exit D, head into People's Park Center, and go down to the basement level. If you want to savor the lei cha fan with kolomee, make sure to visit Fire Flies for an unforgettable experience.

The prices here are quite reasonable, around 100,000 VND for the rice and noodles, making it budget-friendly for many. You can also order delivery through FoodPanda if you can't visit in person.

Lastly, keep in mind that the food court can get busy during lunchtime, so arriving early can help you avoid long queues.

Article referenced and edited from: Seth Lui Food