Mandarin-Speaking Indian Chef “Xiao Hei” Reopens Zi Char Stall In Chinatown—Here’s Our Review

TL;DR: XH Delicious Seafood, the beloved zi char stall run by Mandarin-speaking Indian chef "Xiao Hei", has reopened in Chinatown with a refreshed menu and the same wallet-friendly prices. The chilli crab and salted egg prawns are unmissable, and the whole experience is one of Singapore's most charming food stories right now.

The Zi Char Stall That Proves Singapore Food Culture Has No Boundaries

If you think you've seen everything Singapore's food scene has to offer, XH Delicious Seafood is here to humble you. The stall is helmed by an Indian chef who goes by the nickname "Xiao Hei" — Mandarin for "Little Black" — a moniker his regular Chinese customers gave him years ago as a term of endearment. He speaks fluent Mandarin, woks like a seasoned hawker veteran, and turns out zi char dishes that would make any Cantonese auntie nod in approval. After a brief closure that left loyal fans bereft, Xiao Hei has returned to Chinatown with renewed energy, a slightly updated menu, and the kind of buzz that only a genuinely beloved neighbourhood stall can generate.

The reopening has already drawn queues, and honestly, the hype is justified. Xiao Hei's story is quintessentially Singaporean — a man who crossed cultural lines through a shared love of food, earned his stripes in Chinese kitchens, and built a loyal following that transcends race and language. This isn't a gimmick. It's the real thing, and the food absolutely backs it up.

What's On The Menu — And What You Absolutely Must Order

The menu at XH Delicious Seafood reads like a greatest hits of classic zi char cooking, with a few personal touches that set it apart from the dozens of other seafood stalls in the area. Xiao Hei's chilli crab is the headline act — rich, tangy, and generously portioned, with a sauce that demands you mop up every last drop with a mantou bun. The salted egg yolk prawns are another standout, coated in a buttery, fragrant crust that clings to each prawn without overwhelming it. If you're visiting with a group, the cereal prawns and the tofu with minced pork are solid supporting players that round out a satisfying spread.

• Signature dish: Chilli Crab with Mantou (from $38, market price)
• Must-try: Salted Egg Yolk Prawns ($18-$22)
• Crowd favourite: Cereal Prawns ($16-$20)
• Comfort order: Tofu with Minced Pork ($10-$12)
• Price range: $15-$50 per person depending on seafood selection

Portions are generous and prices remain refreshingly reasonable for the quality on offer. This is the kind of place where you can bring a table of six, order recklessly, and still walk away without a shocking bill. The cooking is consistent, the flavours are bold without being heavy-handed, and the wok hei — that elusive smoky breath of a well-seasoned wok — is very much present.

XH Delicious Seafood

📍 Chinatown, Singapore

⏰ Hours vary — check before visiting

🗺 View on Google Maps

The Atmosphere — Hawker Vibes, Zero Pretension

Don't come here expecting air-conditioning, mood lighting, or a curated playlist. XH Delicious Seafood is a proper hawker-style zi char setup — plastic stools, communal tables, the clatter of woks in the background, and the kind of no-frills energy that reminds you why Singapore's hawker culture was awarded UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. It's loud, it's lively, and it's exactly the right environment for this kind of food. Xiao Hei himself is often visible at the wok, and if you catch him on a good night, he might even have a quick chat — in Mandarin, naturally.

The Chinatown location makes it easy to build a full evening around the meal. You're a short walk from the bars and dessert spots along Keong Saik Road and Club Street, so a post-dinner stroll and a cold craft beer are very much on the cards. It's the kind of spontaneous, satisfying night out that Singapore does better than almost anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is "Xiao Hei" and why is he famous?

"Xiao Hei" is the nickname of an Indian chef who specialises in zi char cooking and speaks fluent Mandarin. His Chinese regulars gave him the name, which means "Little Black" in Mandarin, as a term of affection. He gained a following for his authentic Chinese seafood dishes and his unique cross-cultural story within Singapore's hawker scene.

Where exactly is XH Delicious Seafood located?

The stall is located in Chinatown, Singapore. The exact unit can shift with hawker centre arrangements, so it's worth checking Google Maps or calling ahead before making a special trip.

What are the must-order dishes at XH Delicious Seafood?

The chilli crab with mantou is the top pick, followed closely by the salted egg yolk prawns and cereal prawns. For something lighter, the tofu with minced pork is a reliable and affordable option that pairs well with rice.

Is XH Delicious Seafood suitable for large groups?

Absolutely. The zi char format is designed for group dining — you order multiple dishes to share, which keeps costs manageable and lets everyone try a variety of flavours. A group of four to six people is the ideal size for getting the full experience without over-ordering.

How much should I budget for a meal at XH Delicious Seafood?

Expect to spend roughly $15 to $50 per person, depending on how much seafood you order. Dishes like tofu and vegetables are very affordable, while the crab is priced at market rate. Overall, it offers strong value for the quality of cooking you receive.

The Verdict

XH Delicious Seafood is one of those rare spots that earns its reputation through the food alone, no Instagram filters required. Xiao Hei's return to Chinatown is genuinely good news for anyone who loves honest, skillfully cooked zi char at prices that don't require a second mortgage. Whether you're a longtime fan welcoming him back or a first-timer drawn in by the story, this is a meal worth planning your weekend around. Go with a group, order the chilli crab, and let Xiao Hei do the rest.