Penang Food For Thought: Eminent Frog Porridge

Geylang is not only known for being Singapore's red-light district, but it is also popular for its street food. One of the renowned nighttime eateries here is Eminent Frog Porridge & Seafood (明辉田鸡粥海鲜煮炒店). Located at the corner of Geylang Road and Lorong 19 Geylang, this restaurant has been operating for many years.

Eminent Frog Porridge keeps a stock of live frogs (田鸡) in the kitchen for maximum freshness. For most dishes, the frogs are priced at SGD8.00 each. 3 frogs are priced at SGD16.00 and must be of the same cooking style.

Gong Bao Frogs (宫保田鸡, SGD16.00) are cooked with dried red chili (辣椒干) and dark soy sauce, presenting a very flavorful dish. Cooked in a claypot, the frogs are garnished with a copious amount of scallions. Other signature frog delicacies at Eminent Frog Porridge are with ginger & spring onion (姜葱) and with chicken essence (鸡精).

Plain Porridge (白粥, SGD3.00 for medium size) is also served in a claypot so that it stays warm for as long as possible. This is the Cantonese-style porridge where the rice grains have mostly disintegrated to form a thick paste. Sesame oil is added to enhance its aroma. The porridge is tasteless on its own, so it is meant to be eaten with Gong Bao Frogs.