Vicki Zhao Wonders If She's Not Popular In S'pore ‘Cos Nobody Approaches Her On The Streets

Chinese actress-director Vicki Zhao may be best known for playing the endearing Xiao Yanzi in the 1998 hit period drama My Fair Princess, but her visits to Singapore have left her wondering if she's really that recognisable.

Vicki, 50, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, made a rare public appearance at Australian Hong Kong-based hair maestro Kim Robinson's The Golden Age fashion show at Ngee Ann City yesterday (Oct 20).

The actress, who was previously married to China-born Singaporean businessman Huang Youlong, has lived in Singapore, and their daughter, April, 16, was born here.

During a media interview at the event, Vicki recalled how, about 10 years ago, she found it odd that nobody seemed to recognise her while she was out shopping in Singapore.

"I asked my Singaporean friends, 'Do Singaporeans not recognise me?' They said, 'Of course they do! Everyone knows you. They've all watched My Fair Princess.'"

Yet, nobody on the streets gave her the impression that they recognised her.

She eventually put it down to Singaporeans being polite.

"Or maybe I'm just not that popular," she told 8days.sg with a laugh.

While My Fair Princess remains one of Vicki's most iconic works, she acknowledged that fewer young people today are familiar with the drama.

And that apparently includes her own daughter.

"She hasn't watched it," shared Vicki.

"I asked her, 'Do you want to watch it? Many people like it, especially kids.'"

But even after Vicki seriously tried to persuade her, April still refused.

"She's not interested. I guess her interests lie elsewhere,” said Vicki.

Guess being Xiao Yanzi's daughter doesn't automatically make you a fan.

One thing Vicki is a fan of, though, is Singapore.

"I'm not just saying this to be polite. I genuinely mean it,” she said.

"What I really like about Singapore is the people. Singaporeans are very polite, and it comes from the heart.”

She also praised Singapore's inclusiveness. With people of different ethnicities and backgrounds living together, and many speaking multiple languages, Vicki feels Singapore is particularly welcoming to outsiders.

And although she no longer lives here, she still visits frequently, including on private trips.

Of course, she's also a fan of our food.

Her must-tries for anyone visiting Singapore? Hainanese chicken rice and bak kut teh, which she says truly represent the local food culture.

She's particularly fond of Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh and Boon Tong Kee, as well as old-school, no-frills eateries that have been around for decades.

On a previous visit, she even brought several friends from China to try her favourite local eats.

And the verdict?

Still delicious.