Wok Hei Essence
Wok hei is the soul here. You want that distinct smoky aroma that only comes from a seasoned cast iron wok and a high flame. Without it, you are just eating warm rice with egg.
The Egg Distribution
Every grain should be coated in a thin layer of egg. A bad fried rice has large, rubbery chunks of egg separate from the rice. In a kopitiam setting, look for rice that is fluffy and moves freely when the plate is shaken.
Ingredient Balance
Whether it is Yang Chow style or just simple egg fried rice, the additions like spring onions or tiny shrimp should provide pops of texture. They should never overwhelm the rice itself.
Quick answers
- Can I get a vegetarian version?
- Most zi char stalls can do a veg version without meat or seafood, just ask them to skip the ikan bilis too.
- Is it very oily?
- Good fried rice should leave almost no oil on the plate when you are finished.