Kun Ji: Duck rice that's more than 40 years old ain't no quack!

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22-06-2025

When my mum told me that there was a duck rice stall that's been in business since her working days, could I not try it out? Ever since Kun Ji settled down in Marine Parade Central's Promenade Market @ 84, they've been serving customers for more than 40 years.
You have no idea how glad I was to get an early lunch, because a queue started forming behind me once I stepped up to the stall. It was barely noon and the queue was quickly shaping into an 'L', so I suggest you get there fast!
If the sight of these gleaming braised ducks hanging behind the glass isn't enough, the herbal scent of braising liquid rich with duck fat is sure to win you over. I can tell you that it worked wonders against me, at least.
With slices of duck piled high, the Braised Duck Rice (S$5) doesn't need extravagant garnishes. And this isn't that sort of 'half-duck-half-fat' sort of scheme either — I'm talking solid, juicy meat packed atop a rice-shaped hill.
Now before I talk about the duck meat, can I just say that I loved this rice? The uncle had a separate container for the braised rice. Each grain was drowned in the braising liquid and took on this shiny brown hue that made me salivate.
Don't tell me to have plain white rice with a splash of sauce, because I'm the kind of person who asks for two more scoops of that luscious zhap.
The juices and the rendered fat on these slices of duck were blinding. Each mouthful squeezed out more of that aromatic zhap that was absorbed into the meat during the braising process. Gamey taste? Kun Ji and I don't know her.
The meat was tender but still had a chew to it. Every bite mixed with rice reminded you of the duck meat's presence. The duck was the highlight of this plate through and through. The cucumbers provided a refreshing crunch and the soft, seasoned rice served to accentuate the boldness of the duck's umami perfectly.
When faced with the temptations of Rice (S$4) and Roasted Pork Rice (S$4) but only one stomach to fill, do the right thing and get the Roasted Pork Rice (S$5).
Served on a bed of fluffy white rice drizzled with sweet and savoury sauce, the Char Siew Roasted Pork Rice smelled heavenly. There was that charcoal-grilled smokiness, but I liked that there weren't any hard, blackened edges of meat.
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Gleaming with sauce, Kun Ji's char siew was a succulent gem of a bite. It was sweet and tender, pairing well with the mellow rice. The uncle was definitely generous with both types of meat. For S$5, I'd say I got my money's worth!
One thing I love about modern society is the availability of boneless meat, especially for roasted pork. It's a convenience some people overlook, but not Kun Ji. There weren't any round bits of bone concealed by sauce, and I peacefully savoured every bite of crispy skin and soft meat.
However, I do think that the roasted pork could use less salt, as I needed two spoons of rice to balance out the flavour.
I decided to add a side of Tau Kua (S$0.70) to my order as well. The white, squishy squares of pressed tofu soaked up all that braised sauce. Dipped in Kun Ji's garlicky, chicken rice-style chilli, it was a gentle and savoury mouthful with a little kick.
While I did enjoy the taste of the braised tau kua, I expected a bit more than the 6 slices I was given. Given the time we live in, though, I'll just be happy that it wasn't priced over a dollar.
This bowl of complimentary soup was the perfect end to a carb-rich feast. It was light and full of the aroma of Chinese spices, but also seasoned to a tee. The warm soup loosened up the remaining pearls of rice on my plate, making an impromptu porridge that soothed my stomach.
This wasn't any regular rice bowl-sized affair either. I'd expect to pay a few dollars for this soup anywhere else, yet Kun Ji offers it with all rice dishes. Don't mind me, I'm busy slurping this beauty of a soup while it's still hot!
All I can say is, 'as expected of a store that's been open for more than 40 years'. And I mean it. There is a structured assurance to the meal I've had there — like you could count on it to satisfy you.
It's the sort of food you'd fall back on if you were at a loss for what to eat. Somewhere you bring your friends or kids because you 'know a place'.
It's comforting, affordable and 100% worth it. That's Kun Ji.
Expected damage: S$4 – S$6 per pax
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