Image Credit: Thunderbolt Tea Facebook Page
“Health is wealth.” The inspirational saying undoubtedly pinpoints historical fact behind this wholesome vegan bowl — thunder tea rice — which rides high on nutrition, and marks its culinary origins during the period of China’s warring Three Kingdoms.
The health boosters it carries, were said to have advantaged soldiers in keeping up higher levels of fitness and immunity from disease. The signature “green” aroma and colour of the soup, along with its undeniable health benefits, has thunder tea rice preserved in a deserving spot, as a widely acclaimed dish in Singapore!
This ancient and well-loved Hakka dish is more characteristically known as Lei Cha, and thunder tea rice was what proudly prefaced the grain bowl. The labour-intensive process that goes into this dish is highly rewarding for health-conscious chaps, especially those who are looking to pack in more greens amongst their dietary needs.
The taxing preparation of thunder tea rice begins with conscientious efforts to pulverize a host of herbs and vegetables (basil, tea leaves, mugwort and nuts feature in the mix) using a mortar and pestle. The flavourful concoction is then added to boiling water to proffer a charming green soup. The soup is presented to you alongside a bowl of rice that’s heaped with an array of chopped vegetables, all which pair well with healthy tastebuds.
Expat Choice happily presents 5 of the best Singaporean eateries to have yourself a delectable bowl of thunder tea rice! Perhaps this dish of ‘green goodness’ will persuade you to have a resurgent health focus? Put yourself to the test and grab some already!
Thunder Tea Rice
Thunder Tea Rice is all about herbs, vegetables and tofu. Thunder Tea Rice low fat, low cholesterol diet ideal for body detoxification and weight management. Many types of herbs are use in the making of Thunder Tea Rice thus it has high therapeutic and curactive value.
It is especially effective cold, flu, cough and som commen sickness. Thunder Tea Rice is also effective in treating joint pains and in removing stomach gas and wind. Frequent consumption of Thunder Tea Rice promotes good health and improves vitalilty.
INFORMATION
a. 328 Joo Chiat Rd #01-04 Singapore 427585
Sunny Choice
Image Credit: SunnyChoice Facebook Page
Vegan lovers, this is the perfect locality for you! Coining the word “healthilicious” to align with the cafe’s motto to serve healthy and delicious food — Sunny Choice offers a completely vegetarian friendly menu with a choice of over 80+ food options available. Having successfully operated over the last 13 years, their thunder tea rice boldly holds out as one the most popular favourites from their menu. The soupy broth is a secret recipe credited to the masterful owner, who combines a total of 10 ‘wonder ingredients’ to result in a deep, olive-green soup that’s brilliantly balanced in sweet and savoury taste simultaneously!
In best interests of good health; sea salt is wisely substituted in place of common table salt, and 100% pure non-GMO rice bran oil is used in all of their cooking.
INFORMATION
Ah Lock & Co
Image Credit: Ah Lock & Co. Facebook Page
Nestled in the basement of Guoco Tower, Ah Lock & Co is the recommended spot for thunder tea rice newbies to have their first try! You may perhaps find a great deal of enjoyment by first sampling a more modernized take of the dish, before diving straight into the authentic, traditional flavours. This fantastic grain bowl carries both elements of thunder tea rice and the Hakka Yong Tau Foo, which when permeated together, produces an ingenious dish to love — sprinkled with the right feels of tradition and familiarity.
A note to the vegan lovers; contrary to traditional thunder tea rice, the bowl is served here with stuffed chicken meatballs and tofu.
INFORMATION
Thunder Tree
Image Credit: Thunder Tree Facebook Page
‘Organic. Healthy. Natural’ encapsulates the health-focused experience Thunder Tree caters to its satisfied consumers. Their signature dish Lei Cha, showcases their cornerstone focus in its usage of mainly organic ingredients alone. The generously portioned soup banks on a unique aromatic taste gathered from peanuts, herbs and tea leaves that have been grinded together, which cleverly keeps flavours perfectly balanced. It is served up with organic brown rice, assorted vegetables and garnished with preserved radish and peanuts.
While prices might be comparatively steeper to other more traditional stalls; keep in mind this restaurant takes great care to avoid any MSG, artificial flavouring or food colouring during its health-conscious stages of preparation.
INFORMATION
Traditional Hakka Rice
Image Credit: Traditional Hakka Rice Facebook Page
Since 2011, Traditional Hakka Rice has been serving Lei Cha with a mixture of elements that meld harmoniously to form a gorgeous, textured and healthy rice bowl. This family-owned establishment, comprises of a mother and son whom are both native to Hakka family heritage, and are well acquainted with thunder tea rice as one of their staple foods. This place guarantees variety, freshness and well-proportioned ratios of sides served. The stand-out however, is the broth, which shows culinary restraint against overpowering bitter tastes, and is instead a superbly balanced refreshment to consume — especially for beginners to thunder tea rice.
The co-owner mother often jokes that eating Lei Cha regularly, has helped keep her figure on par with a healthy standard it reflects!
INFORMATION
Thunderbolt Tea
Image Credit: Thunderbolt Tea Facebook Page
The Thunderbolt Tea experience lives up to its name full and well, backed by a stream of loyal consumers who faithfully return to get their thunder tea rice cravings filled. If you’re looking for a thunder tea rice stall that majors on the savoury delights, you’ve hit home at this locality indeed! Their recipe has been a priceless part of its heritage from the time this restaurant first opened — sesame and peanuts lend aromatic hints to a broth that is fragrant, delightful and slightly creamy.
A recommended try for those keen to add in some tasty protein flavours (beyond the vegetables); pile on a helping of fried pork belly and you’ve just taken your bowlful to the next level!
INFORMATION
