[Update] This outlet is permanently closed.

In the West you have pizza places; in Malaysia we have porridge joints. One great place to get a porridge fix is at Porridge Time, which has branches in malls all over the country. Serving hearty and delicious porridge, the outlets are no-frills and the items are affordable, considering the air-conditioned setting.

The nearest outlet to my house is at IOI Mall in Puchong, tucked within a quiet corner on the ground floor. It can be hard to miss, so just look out Papa John’s Pizza/Seoul Garden BBQ and you’ll find the resto, all decked out in red.

I like the one topped with deep fried pieces of pork intestine (above). The flavour is a little gamey, but the innards are super crunchy and addictive.

Porridge is best eaten with deep fried crullers. Cut into small pieces, you dip them into the porridge where they soak up the broth.

Something less fatty.

“Teng Zai” porridge, so called because it used to be sold on little boats. This dish was popular in Hong Kong back in the day. The version here has crab meat sticks, seaweed and peanuts, garnished with spring onions and ginger.

Enjoy with seasonings such as pepper, soy sauce and sesame oil.

PORRIDGE TIME