Putien Mama: Putien’s wallet-friendly alter-ego dishes out home-style Fujian fare, all for under S$12
In recent years, Fujian cuisine has been enjoying a quiet, but steady surge in popularity, with more hawker stalls and food court vendors bringing its comforting flavours into the spotlight.
Leading the charge is homegrown favourite Putien — a well-known restaurant that has held a one-Michelin-star for seven years and remains a beloved choice for authentic Fujian fare.
Three years ago, the brand introduced its fast-casual spin-off, Putien Mama, at Plaza Singapura, with the goal of bringing hearty Fujian classics into neighbourhoods at wallet-friendly prices. All of its dishes here are kept below S$12.
Since then, it has expanded to three more outlets, including food court locations at VivoCity and Kang Kar Mall in Hougang, as well as a standalone space at Tiong Bahru Plaza.
As the restaurant’s express concept, Putien Mama offers a pared-down selection of Putien’s signatures, alongside simple, homecooked-style plates made for everyday meals.
You’ll still find a few of its greatest hits, including the lor mee (S$7.80), Hing Hwa fried bee hoon (S$7.80), and the sweet and sour pork with lychee (S$8.80). There’s also even a claypot yellow croaker rice (S$8.90) — exclusive to Putien Mama — spotlighting Putien’s well-loved yellow croaker fish.
Even with the friendly pricing, portions at the eatery are more than satisfying to please a quick craving, yet easily shareable, if you’re dining with company and want to try a bit of everything.
This June also marked the opening of Putien Mama’s newest outlet at Tiong Bahru Plaza — its first standalone store — which carries a broader menu than the food court counterparts.
The Tiong Bahru location has recently rolled out several new dishes, too, adding even more variety to its offerings.
Those heading to this outlet will spot a first-of-its-kind refill station for Putien Mama — stocked with complimentary slow-boiled chicken soup, pickled cabbage, and Putien’s signature chilli sauce.
And as an added bonus, there’s no service charge or GST, thanks to the restaurant absorbing both.
What to expect at Putien Mama
I’d make a beeline for the crowd-favourite lor mee (S$7.80). It’s a hearty bowl stacked with clams, a prawn, pork belly, a fried egg, and some greens in a rich, milky broth.
As a huge fan of Putien’s rendition, I was absolutely satisfied that the lor mee at Putien Mama delivers just as much punch — the gravy is gao (thick) without being overly starchy and clings beautifully to every strand.
The carbs are delightfully springy, too, making each mouthful so dang shiok. Rain or shine, this comforting bowl is sure to hit the spot.
Another must-try staple is the sweet & sour pork with lychee (S$8.80) — a familiar favourite from Putien’s wheelhouse that also makes an appearance at Putien Mama.
This Fujian-style version stars crispy, deep-fried pork coated in a glossy red sauce that strikes a lovely balance between sweet and tangy.
Putien Mama amps it up with plump lychees, adding a gentle fruity lift that rounds out the sharper, vinegary notes.
It’s an undeniably addictive dish, which you’ll want to enjoy with a generous spoonful of rice.
One more dish that left quite an impression is the claypot assam fish fillet (S$11.80). It may not be a traditional Fujian dish, but Putien Mama turns out a surprisingly solid execution.
The claypot arrives bubbling with tomatoes, eggplant, and okra, alongside lightly fried fish fillets that impressively hold their texture, even after soaking in the tangy asam zhup (gravy).
Flavour-wise, it delivers exactly what a good asam dish should: Aromatic, gently spicy, and satisfyingly piquant.
The heat lands right where it should, too — prominent enough to perk you up, yet still comfortably manageable.
New outlet-exclusive dishes at Tiong Bahru Plaza
Among the newest additions at the Tiong Bahru Plaza outlet is a classic dish that everyone knows and loves — chicken claypot rice with Chinese sausage (S$8.90).
Putien Mama’s rendition is armed with that signature smoky aroma, complete with a glorious layer of crispy, charred rice at the bottom — always the best part, if you ask me.
That said, we did find ourselves wishing for a bit more dark soya sauce to bring the whole pot together, giving every grain and ingredient a more even, flavourful coat.
The dangerously snackable lotus fried roots (S$4.80) was another highlight for us.
Instead of the typical lotus root rings, these are cut into slender strips that make them all too easy to munch on. Each piece is also coated in a light dusting of sesame seeds, adding a subtle nutty fragrance and extra crunch.
It’s one of those sides you’ll casually reach for throughout the meal… only to realise you’ve finished the whole plate.
There’re also other recent additions such as the crispy prawn roll (S$5.20), stir-fried luffa with pork cracklings (S$8.80), and Chinese braised chicken (S$8.80).
Overall, Putien Mama succeeds in delivering the essence of Putien in a format that’s fast, fuss-free, and friendly on the wallet. More importantly, it doesn’t cut corners on flavour or comfort.
This was a hosted tasting.
For the latest eats in Singapore, read more about the newly opened grilled fish concept in Tanjong Pagar and the all-new revamped menu at Heavenly Wang.
Tue 10am - 10pm
Wed 10am - 10pm
Thu 10am - 10pm
Fri 10am - 10pm
Sat 10am - 10pm
Sun 10am - 10pm
- Tiong Bahru
Shannon has the taste buds of a grandmother and perpetually struggles with a food coma.
Read more stories from this writer.
