Heritage · Culture · Craft

Stories Behind Asia’s Most
Beloved Tables.

We go beyond food. The Humble Belly visits heritage eating establishments that have stood the test of time — to uncover the culture, craft, and people behind every plate.

Featured

Chinese · Singapore

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat

There was a time when gathering around a charcoal fire was simply part of dinner. No induction cooker, no temperature controls and certainly no QR.

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Legendary · 70+ yrs

Chinese · Johor Bahru · Malaysia

Baliban: Keeping a 1973 Teochew Braise Alive

Since 1973, Baliban has kept its family tradition of Teochew braised duck alive in Johor Bahru - complete with generous portions, old granite tables and a closely guarded braising recipe.

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Johor Bahru Deeply rooted · 51–70 yrs

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Copenhagen

Det lille Apotek

More than 300 years of history, traditional Danish food and stories live on at Det Lille Apotek, where dining offers a delicious connection to Copenhagen’s culinary past.

Denmark Legendary · 70+ yrs

Chinese

Nan Hwa Chong Fish Head Steamboat

There was a time when gathering around a charcoal fire was simply part of…

Singapore Legendary · 70+ yrs

Chinese · Johor Bahru

Baliban Braised Duck

Since 1973, Baliban has kept its family tradition of Teochew braised duck alive in Johor Bahru - complete with generous portions, old granite tables and a closely guarded braising recipe.

Malaysia Deeply rooted · 51–70 yrs

Humble mentions

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Mention

Hakka Thunder Tea , Johor Bahru

In a world increasingly drawn to bigger, sweeter, saltier and spicier flavours, Hakka lei cha feels almost rebellious in its simplicity. At Restoran Hakka Thunder Rice, this humble combination of herbs, vegetables, rice and ground tea reminds us of an older philosophy of eating: nourishment came first, and the ingredients were the flavour.

Mention

Joyce Prawn Cracker , Johor Bahru

Joyce can make only so many cucur udang in a day. Tiny sea prawns are meticulously arranged by hand before each cracker is double-fried until golden, crisp and remarkably light.

Mention

Nasi Lemak Tudong Saji , Johor Bahru

Born from Puan Kauju and her children selling nasi lemak outside their village home, Tudong Saji has grown into a Seri Alam favourite while keeping its kampung spirit intact.