The Place Located in a nondescript coffeeshop in Bedok South Avenue 3, I checked out the newly opened Ding Gua Gua, a hawker stall opened by a seasoned ex-Din Tai Feng chef. It is at the void deck of a HDB, and the coffeeshop is an average neighbourhood size one where getting a table might be difficult. 

The Food Priced from S$4 onwards, the menu is predominantly fried rice centric with four different variations paired with four different ingredients like shrimps, fried pork chop, luncheon meat and Taiwanese sausage. There is also a small selection of sides like Spicy and Sour Soup (S$5), Crispy Duck Roll (S$5) and Homemade Crispy Prawn Cake (S$8), though most items were sold out during our visit.

I went for the Signature Egg Fried Rice with Pork Chop (S$6.50), which has a similar presentation to Din Tai Feng’s style. You get generous slices of pork chop on the rice, and it looks promising from the presentation. That said, the pork chop is a tad too dry for me, and it doesn’t have the glossy bright texture like DTF. The rice itself is passable, and don’t expect DTF standards as it is not as fragrant and flavourful. Go with the chilli oil for more flavour instead. 

An interesting style of fried rice on the menu is the Sambal style, so I just had to try the Sambal Fried Rice with Luncheon Meat (S$5.50). You get cubes of luncheon meat here, where the sambal taste is distinct and I didn’t actually feel the need to add on chilli oil to my rice. Overall, an interesting combination here but not a must have. 

Sides I had included the Fried Dumpling (S$3.80) and Crispy Duck Roll (S$5). The Fried Dumpling comes with interestingly with the sweet sauce for dipping, which typically comes with our Yong Tau Foo orders. Will much prefer the pairing with mayonnaise though.

I was quite disappointed with the duck roll, and it is stuffed with mainly potato, and just measly amount of duck meat where you need to strain your eyes to spot it. Just treat it as a fried potato roll.

Rants Despite the team’s previous stint at DTF, do not expect the DTF service though. My dine-in food was served packed erroneously by the kitchen. Upon notification, the kitchen decided to remedy my orders by slotting mine orders behind fellow diners who were came after me. After making known my displeasure to the kitchen, my orders were then ‘prioritized’ though not without some discontent from the team. Not the best dining experience for sure.

Will I Return Again? Probably not with the long waiting time, since I do not live in the neighbourhood. That said, it is really very affordable if you are seeking the DTF style fried rice, just moderate your expectations on the taste and the service here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3/5
Hole in the pocket: 2.5/5
Ambience: N/A
Overall Experience: 3/5

Ding Gua Gua 
#01-498 Blk 69 Bedok South Ave 3 
Singapore 460069 
Tel: +65 8040 1168 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 10:30am to 8:30pm 

Ranted by The Ranter