Scissors Cut Curry Rice: A Taste of Tradition with a Crispy Twist

If you happen to visit one of their restaurants, you'll likely hear a familiar clicking sound—the sound of food being cut with scissors. If you're wondering about the name of the place, it's called Ka Tou Kali Peng, more commonly known as Scissors Cut Curry Rice! It's one of the most popular spots in the city for curry rice and chap chye. Their presentation is unique, and so are the flavorful sauces they drizzle over your food.

You might think the scissor-cutting is just part of the restaurant's theatrics, but that’s not entirely the case. This unique serving style actually has roots in Singapore’s darker past.

Back in the 1930s, when Mr. Lee Ah Hock opened his first stall, gang fights were a common occurrence in the city. These fights often broke out near drinking or eating places. To protect their lives and livelihoods, stall owners like Ah Hock would keep meat cleavers close at hand.

However, over time, Ah Hock came up with a simpler and quicker way to both serve food and defend himself—by using a pair of scissors. It was always in his hand, ready for slicing meat or fending off trouble if needed.

The metallic clicking sound of the scissors soon became a signature of his stall. People began calling it Ka Tou Kali Peng, which translates to Scissors Cut Curry Rice. Since then, the stall has become a beloved spot in Singapore, remaining popular even as the city moved on to more peaceful times.

I know this branch isn't the original location, so I wanted to check if the quality matches that of the main branch. But if I'm being honest, the original branch on Beach Road has a unique vibe that sets it apart, making the experience different from the other locations. The ambiance and environment add to its distinct charm.

The food selection is quite similar to other mixed vegetable rice places, so I can't say there's anything particularly special about this restaurant—except for the sauces.

It wasn’t easy to choose what to put on my plate because there were so many tempting options. And as much as I wanted to try everything, I could only eat so much! 😂

For this lunch, I went with the sesame chicken cutlet, stir-fried kai lan (Chinese broccoli), and an omelet.

Overall, Scissors Cut Curry Rice offers a satisfying meal with its signature sauces and crispy cutlets, though its selection is similar to other mixed vegetable rice stalls. While the taste and quality are consistent across branches, the original location on Beach Road has a unique charm that enhances the dining experience. If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal with a bit of history behind it, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

Name of Restaurant: Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
Location: Upper Thompson area
Price Range: starts at $3.00