In a fast-paced and hectic society like Singapore , home-cooked food has become a scarcity in our diets. Spurred by true passion to mastering the culinary art and the desire to serve people who appreciate delectable fares, the owners of Chu Kee set up the restaurant in October 2006 to pamper its customers and bring them closer to home with its delicately-crafted Chinese cuisines. Expect to find a spread of Hokkien and Baba-Indonesian Chinese cuisines that will satisfy your craving for some cosy and humble home-cooked food.

• The Vibe
  Bamboo plants that greet you at the entrance of the restaurant's glass facade uphold the philosophies of the art of Zen. Bearing deep symbolism to the name, Chu Kee means ‘Bamboo Abode' in direct translation. The dark teak furniture with simple lines and luscious plum and pearl-white satin drapes which flow across the ceiling reflects its contemporary style, while the hand-carved wooden Chinese signboard and Chinese calligraphy that adorns the walls add a touch of Oriental feel to the décor.

  The spacious dining area is illuminated by natural sunlight that seeps through the glistening glass windows. The cozy and casual atmosphere of the restaurant is contagious, beckoning those who prefer a less formal affair. Sit back and enjoy savory Chinese fares in a homely and cozy environment.

• The Food
  Set against a backdrop of simplicity, the chef whips up innovative Chinese delicacies that are both wholesome and delicious. Reminiscent of the good ol' times, the Hokkien popiah ($8) is a heartwarming dish to begin with. Fresh ingredients including prawns, flat fish and specially concocted popiah chai are provided for a D-I-Y experience in wrapping your own popiah . What makes it most pleasurable is the satisfaction of enjoying your own creation. You are recommended to request for Chinese sausages ($1.50) to wrap together in your popiah as it gives your creation an added ‘oomph'.

  However, if you are a small eater, the Kueh Pie Ti (4 pieces for $5) will be a more appropriate choice. Made using the same popiah chai as above and succulent prawns, the Kueh Pie Ti is also a flavorful dish but of a smaller portion to whet your appetite.

  The must-try is the Chu Kee Chili Crab ($40/kg) which is served with deep fried golden buns made by the chef from scratch. The freshness and sweetness of the crabs have infused into the thick gravy, giving it a tangy savory taste. The orange luminescent gravy also has the right amount of spiciness, just zesty enough to make you want to mop up the mouth-watering gravy up to the last drop. The Cold Crab ($50/kg) is also a commendable alternative. The fragrance of the rich orange roe is a heavenly combination with the unique garlic and chili sauce.

  The Fried Tofu with Special Sauce ($8) is a dish that will warm your heart. Also painstakingly made by the chef, the tofu is cooked to perfection such that it is crisp on the outside and melts in your mouth as soon as you reach the inside. If you are at Chu Kee with your family, you may want to try the Crispy Fried Spiced Duck ($18 for half a duck). A hearty portion, the meat is fried to an amazingly crispy layer. However, some parts of the duck may be too tough and hence not friendly on the palate.

• The Service
  Extremely meticulous and thoughtful, the service staff takes the initiative to refill your drinks. I was pleasantly surprised when the service staff offered the diners serviettes on their own accord the moment they observed that the diners would need them. The owners of the restaurant also form a personal bond with the diners, taking great care in attending to their needs.

The SD Food Advisor's Take on Chu Kee
Simple and unpretentious, Chu Kee is a cozy place to enjoy a heartwarming spread of home-cooked delicacies. However, its location is its main disadvantage as there are no signs of its presence from the outside. Nonetheless, its drawing point lies in its value-for-money dishes which make it a place that families can frequent for healthy and delicious Chinese food.