Switzer Alliance – Affordable Zi Char in a Golf Range by Ex-Commandos

We were looking for a dinner place near home and the husband found Switzer Alliance at Toa Payoh Golf Range. “What? They sell Switzerland cuisine isit?” That was my first question. But I was wrong as this eatery serves traditional Chinese Zi Char.

Born into a family of foodies, Switzer Alliance’s owner, Daymon Lim, used to be a commando. Daymon used to run a canteen stall before opening this eatery in Toa Payoh. Why Switzer Alliance? It’s the name of his favourite car brand “Switzer Performance”. To be honest, I went with zero expectations because how much can we expect from an eatery located in a golf range? However, we were pleasantly surprised when the food arrived.

The crab bee hoon soup is one of the highlights here, even though we thought that the milkiness can be toned down a little. Galangal and young ginger slices pack a gentle heat and the tomatoes boast a mild sweetness in the milky and fragrant soup. Every part of the Sri Lankan crab was sweet and juicy. Sadly, the milky soup masked the natural flavours of the crab a little. So remember to ask them to go light if you want a more distinct seafood flavour. Oh, and best part? Refill of the soup is free! They are currently having a promotion – for $88, you get a pot of crab bee hoon soup and a plate of 5 small abalones!

Other good zi char dishes include Dual Taste Kai Lan ($12) and Salted Egg Pork Ribs ($15). The former is a combination of stir fried and deep fried kai lan, while the latter features tender pieces of pork ribs with grainy salted egg cream and curry leaves. Don’t forget to pair the dishes with their belachan, very shiok!

The menu is not the most comprehensive, and probably needs some work in re-designing, so do ask the staff for recommendations. They may even introduce you some unique dishes, which are not found in the menu, such as pig trotter bee hoon and sambal fish. I need to try the Switzer King Pork Ribs and Curry Fish Head next time. 

Switzer Alliance is a non-pretentious and laid back eatery with pocket-friendly dishes in very hearty portion. The service is fantastic too – they check on us regularly and the dishes arrived very quickly.

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MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous order and paid for its own meal at the restaurant featured here.