Are you Team White or Team Black?

Carrot Cake is a dish that’s very close to my heart. It was THE Sunday breakfast for me as I was growing up. When I was a kid, my parents would da-bao a packet of white carrot cake from the market for me, while I was still in bed. I eat it much lesser now, but having it always brings back memories.

I was in Tampines Round Market and Food Centre, seeking a plate of nostalgia. Xiong Kee Fried Carrot Cake is an old name in the business. Having spent 10 years at the same spot in Tampines Round Food Centre, the establishment has gained many loyal fans, and friends, over the years.

I ordered everything the menu had to offer, the White Carrot Cake (Large, $3.50) and the Black Carrot Cake (Large, $3.50).

I started with my favourite, the White Carrot Cake ($3.50). I was immediately hit by a strong egginess, which was followed closely by a lovely fragrance of radish. I loved how the 2 key flavours did not overwhelm each other, allowing the other to share the same spotlight. Occasionally, you get bits of cai po which offers touches of sweetness and saltiness. The spring onions kept the dish refreshing, and kept it from getting cloy. My carrot cake was fried with chilli, but the heat was very manageable.

The sweet and smoky Dark Carrot Cake ($3.50) was enjoyable as well. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the sweetness but this was good enough for me to go back for a few more mouthfuls. The egginess took a backseat this time, as the flavours of the dark sauce and, surprisingly, the radish, took centrestage. I would have thought that the strong flavours of the sauce would have drowned out the taste of the radish but I was proven otherwise.

Here’s something not many people know, Xiong Kee Famous Carrot Cake is actually run by a father and son duo. They have 2 stalls in Tampines Round Food Centre, #01-17 and #01-29. They have had customers patronize both their stalls but never made the connection because apparently the father and the son don’t look alike.

We had a chance to talk to the son, Seong, currently 42. He first started cooking in National Service where he was conscripted as a cook. After which, he found himself lucky enough to learn from a carrot cake master while doing odd jobs at a kopitiam. He’s been in love with carrot cake ever since, and decided to start Xiong Kee together with his father.

After setting up shop in Tampines Round Market, Seong met his now-wife who was working a few stalls away in the same food centre (how cute!). Despite facing the same dish every day, Seong still goes on a hunt for good carrot cakes on his off days.

So, if you’re heading here for a plate of carrot cake, do share with Seong about any good carrot cake that you’ve had!

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

Simply comment below if there’s any changes or additional info to Xiong Kee Famous Carrot Cake. We will verify and update from our side. Thanks in advance!

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