Established in 1993, HK Porridge in Taman Johor Jaya has been serving traditional Cantonese-style porridge (粥) for more than three decades. Alongside a wide selection of side dishes, diners can choose from porridge with pomfret, prawns, pork, chicken, crab, pork ribs, cuttlefish, frog, mushrooms, peanuts, three eggs, meatballs and more, with the option to customise their own combinations.
Porridge has been part of Chinese food culture for thousands of years. Believed to date back nearly 10,000 years to the Yangtze River Valley, it began as one of the simplest ways to cook rice. Over time, it became a breakfast staple, a comforting meal for the sick, and an affordable dish that could easily be paired with different meats and preserved ingredients. Even today, a warm bowl of porridge continues to represent comfort and nourishment for many Chinese families.
HK Porridge is especially well known for its Crispy Deep-Fried Intestine Porridge. Thankfully, they are generous with the toppings rather than scattering a few token pieces. The bowl is also finished with plenty of youtiao (Chinese crullers), making every spoonful satisfying.
While the porridge here is not cooked into the ultra-smooth, grainless consistency of Cantonese congee, it remains fragrant, creamy and wholesome. The gentle warmth of fresh ginger runs through the porridge without overpowering it. As the youtiao slowly soaks up the broth, it becomes soft and pillowy, creating a pleasant contrast against the still-crispy pork intestines.
For many people, pork intestines are an acquired taste. Their distinctive smell alone is enough to make some hesitate. HK Porridge changes that perception completely. The intestines are cleaned so thoroughly and fried so perfectly that all you experience is an addictive crispness. Even after sitting in the hot porridge, they remain remarkably crunchy from the first bite to the last. A scattering of spring onions, crispy shallots, pepper and a dash of soy sauce ties everything together into a bowl that is simple, satisfying and deeply comforting.
Expect a crowd on weekends, although service remains surprisingly efficient. If the dining room is full, there is additional al-fresco seating available behind the shop.