📸 Image coming soon for Century Egg with Pickled Ginger
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger
Hawker • Singapore
About Century Egg with Pickled Ginger
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger is a classic cold side dish commonly spotted at porridge stalls in Singapore hawker centres. The century egg, also known locally as 'pei dan', is a preserved egg that has a creamy, savoury yolk and a slightly earthy, jelly-like white. Sliced century eggs are usually served chilled, paired with slivers of sharp, tangy pickled ginger to balance the richness. Sometimes you’ll find it garnished with a dash of light soy sauce or a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. It's usually plated as a small sharing platter or a single portion alongside bowl porridge, especially Teochew-style. Nutrition-wise, this dish is fairly moderate in energy, with about 100 kcal per 100g. It’s higher in protein compared to many hawker snacks, and the fat content comes mostly from the century egg itself. The portion is usually small, but because century eggs are rich and pickled ginger is pungent, it’s meant as an appetite starter or palate cleanser rather than a main meal. If you’re watching your calorie or fat intake, it’s best to stick to a sharing portion rather than polishing off the whole plate yourself, and skip any extra soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check. If ordering as a side with porridge or rice, it complements plain carbs without overwhelming the meal.
How to Make Century Egg with Pickled Ginger (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger is a classic Chinese dish deeply woven into Singapore's vibrant culinary tapestry. Often found in kopitiams and Chinese hawker stalls, this dish reflects the fusion influences and multicultural spirit of Singaporean food culture. The century egg, also known locally as 'pei dan', is renowned for its silky texture and earthy flavor, perfectly complemented by the zingy freshness of pickled ginger. Traditionally served as an appetizer or light lunch, it’s a favorite among locals who appreciate its balance of flavors and nostalgic roots. Century Egg with Pickled Ginger is not just a delicacy, but a celebration of Singapore's hawker heritage. The dish is enjoyed by all generations, from seniors reminiscing about old Chinatown to younger foodies exploring authentic vegetarian options. The interplay of umami-rich eggs and tangy ginger makes it an ideal choice for those seeking lighter, yet flavor-packed lunch offerings. This healthy, vegetarian recipe embraces local produce and modern nutritional consciousness without sacrificing authenticity.
Ingredients(for 1 century egg with 30g pickled ginger per serving)
- 2 Century eggs (pei dan) (Readily available at local markets)
- 60g Pickled ginger (Locally known as 'sheng jiang')
- 1/2 Cucumber (Thinly sliced for garnish) - optional
- 1 stalk Spring onion (Finely chopped) - optional
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce (Low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Sesame oil (Adds aroma)
- 1 tbsp Coriander leaves (Local 'keng chai', chopped) - optional
- 1/4 tsp White pepper (For seasoning) - optional
- 1 tsp Rice vinegar (For extra tang) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Carefully peel the century eggs, then rinse briefly under cold water to remove any residual coating.
5 minutes
Peel gently to avoid breaking the eggs.
- 2
Slice each century egg into quarters and arrange on a serving plate.
5 minutes
Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
- 3
Layer pickled ginger slices evenly beside or on top of the egg wedges.
3 minutes
Fan out the ginger for visual appeal.
- 4
Garnish with cucumber slices, spring onion, and coriander leaves for freshness and color.
3 minutes
Cucumber adds crunch and balances flavors.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This dish is a healthy choice because it combines nutrient-dense century eggs with fresh vegetables and ginger, providing a balanced meal that’s light yet satisfying. The use of low sodium soy sauce and minimal oil keeps it heart-friendly. Pickled ginger aids metabolism, and the vegetarian nature makes it suitable for a variety of diets. It’s ideal for calorie-conscious diners seeking authentic Singaporean flavors.
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger is a low-calorie, vegetarian dish rich in protein from the eggs and antioxidants from ginger. Century eggs provide essential amino acids, while pickled ginger aids digestion and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. The addition of cucumber and coriander boosts vitamin C and fiber, making this dish a nutritious choice for lunch. With minimal oil and sodium, this recipe supports heart health and overall wellness.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Chill century eggs before slicing for firmer texture.
- 💡Tip 2: Use homemade pickled ginger for enhanced flavor and less sugar.
- 💡Tip 3: Garnish just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes separate for maximum freshness. Do not freeze.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 100.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.0 g |
| Total Fat | 8.0 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Century Egg with Pickled Ginger is a staple side dish at porridge stalls in Singapore, enjoyed for its contrasting flavours and textures. It’s commonly ordered to accompany rice porridge, especially Teochew porridge, as a light palate refresher.
