Gong Jing Li Qiang Guo Yu 恭敬李炝锅鱼 – Beijing’s Famous Flashed-Wok Fish Now in Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Singapore has no shortage of Chinese restaurants, each offering its own regional specialties. But one name that has recently caught my attention is 恭敬李炝锅鱼 Gong Jing Li Qiang Guo Yu, a small but mighty restaurant tucked along New Bridge Road. It has only been around for a year, but this isn’t just another new kid on the block.

Back in Beijing, Gong Jing Li runs more than 30 outlets and has won a loyal following on Dianping. This Chinatown shop marks their first international outpost, bringing their signature Qiang Guo Yu (炝锅鱼) to Singapore—a dish that’s theatrical and intensely flavourful.

The Gong Jing Li Way of Qiang Guo Yu

If you’ve had Sichuan boiled fish before, this is different. Qiang Guo Yu literally translates to “flashed-wok fish,” and the cooking here is all about freshness and drama.

The ritual begins the moment you place your order. In the kitchen, live fish—snapper or soon hock, with tiger grouper coming soon—are swimming in tanks. Only when you order will the staff catch the fish, kill it swiftly, and marinate it for just five minutes. The fish is then blanched briefly in boiling water before being arranged neatly in a steelpot.

Then comes the show. A wok of piping hot oil infused with Guizhou lantern peppers is brought out. As the chef pours it over the fish, the entire pot crackles and hisses. A rush of steam erupts dramatically, carrying with it the fragrance of the lantern pepper—spicy yet fragrant, warming but not overwhelming. You can almost feel the wave of heat and aroma hit your face.
This sizzling moment is not just for theatrics; it’s what makes the dish. The flash of hot oil unlocks the natural sweetness of the fish, which turns incredibly tender and silky. The flesh flakes easily with chopsticks, melting in the mouth with just the right amount of heat clinging to it. It’s a dish that engages all your senses—sight, sound, smell, and taste.

The Magic of Guizhou Lantern Pepper

A big part of the magic lies in the Guizhou lantern pepper. Unlike the piercing sharpness of some Sichuan chillies, this pepper has a rounded, almost fruity aroma. Its spiciness is gentle, fragrant, and lingers just enough to enhance the fish without drowning it out. Every mouthful balances the sweet freshness of the fish with a smoky, mellow heat that keeps you going back for more.

Beyond the Signature Dish

Freshness is the soul of this restaurant. Besides fish, live frogs are also available, and their spicy frog and shrimp xiang guo is a must-try. The mala sauce here is different—layered with herbs that give it a distinct herbal aroma alongside the numbing spice.

Another winner is the Suan Cai Yu (酸菜鱼). The broth, cooked with sour cabbage and fresh live fish, is bold and punchy—sour, spicy, savoury all at once. The first spoonful surprises you with its intensity, but soon it becomes addictive. It’s a dish that warms you, refreshes you, and makes you crave another bowl.

For meat lovers, the hot plate roasted lamb is a must-order. Many shy away from lamb for its gaminess, but here it was tender and surprisingly mild. One colleague even mistook it for beef! The flavours are rich and satisfying without being overpowering.

Xiao Pang Bao Zi Wang – Beijing’s Beloved Buns

Here’s another surprise: Gong Jing Li also houses 小胖包子王 Xiao Pang Bao Zi Wang, a popular baozi brand from Beijing. Their buns are made with fresh meat and traditional old dough fermentation, giving them a fluffy, chewy bite.

We sampled the vegetarian three-ingredient bun and the hand-cut sauced meat bun. The former was light yet flavourful, while the latter was hearty, juicy, and deeply comforting. Perfect for kids—and speaking of kids, the restaurant also offers family-friendly dishes like Old Buddha health-preserving tofu, special seafood porridge, and cabbage with soy and sesame sauce.

Promotions

There’s more reason to visit: spend $50 and receive a $10 return voucher. And for Miss Tam Chiak readers—flash our video to the staff to enjoy an exclusive 1-for-1 Braised Fish till October 2025!