Hollywood Duck Rice – Old-School Braised Duck Rice

Nestled within Tanjong Katong, about a decade ago, was Hin Hollywood Canteen. There used to be this humble stall selling Braised Duck Rice — Lian Kee Duck Rice. Hin Hollywood Canteen was demolished in 2011 and Lian Kee Duck Rice moved. I have since been trying to find the stall, which was my go-to duck rice stall as it was located near my school. A quick consult with my friend Google led me to Sims Place Market and Food Centre. Lian Kee Duck Rice has changed their stall name to Hollywood Duck Rice, probably just to retain a little of their origin. I was really elated and excited to find the stall again!

The main star was none other than the Braised Duck Drumstick Rice ($5). At Hollywood Duck Rice, any cut of meat will be good as long as it is accompanied with their mouth-watering gravy. I was so glad I paid a little more for the drumstick as it was super juicy and tender! The thick and gooey gravy was packed with flavour. It was slightly on the saltier side, with a hint of sweetness and subtle herbal notes. Sometimes I am a little apprehensive when it comes to duck due as it tends to have this smell if it is not handled properly. However, the one here was done pretty well. It tasted just like how I remembered it to be in my childhood years.

I really love the dark brown rice that comes along with it. They cook their rice in their own braising sauce. The rice was soft and fluffy and had this lovely fragrance. I am contented just eating it on its own! Adding the homemade chilli and gravy just completed the experience. They have a few types of chilli, but I preferred the one that had lime seeds in it (similar to that found at a chicken rice stall). The soup had a very light herbal taste and was a nice accompaniment to the rice.

Being a little adventurous, I decided to give the Kway Chap ($4.30) a try too. I have never tried their kway chap back when I was a child. The kway chap comes with Pig Skin, Tau Kua, Tau Pok, Chitterlings (Small Intestines) and pork. To be honest, I was not as impressed with the Kway Chap as I was with their duck rice. I felt that the Kway Chap was a little dry and not as flavourful. The pork was a little tough and the chitterlings were bitter. I quite liked the texture of the pig skin though! It was chewy and went well with the gravy.

I’m glad to have found my childhood haunt. It brought back great memories of my school days! And needless to say, I will be back.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.