The best of Chinese cuisine
Cantonese and Sichuan: • Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen • Min Jiang at Dempsey • Si Chuan Dou Hua • Soup Restaurant • Summer Pavilion • TungLok Signatures
Teochew: • Swatow City
Shanghainese and Others: • Imperial Treasure Fine Shanghai Cuisine • Dian Xiao Er • PUTIEN
Chinese cooking is a world of culinary diversity in itself. Here in Singapore, the more prominent Chinese cuisines are Cantonese, Teochew, Sichuan and Shanghainese. As such, it’s no surprise that there’re so many good Chinese restaurants across the island.
Fit for all budgets, here’re 10 of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Order in and save the fuss of having the entire family dine out!
1. Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Synonymous with Cantonese cuisine, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen dishes out heartwarming dim sum and Cantonese delights. Satisfy your wanderlust with Hong Kong dim sum favourites like Steamed Siew Mai with Fish Roe (4pcs for $8.10) and Steamed BBQ Pork Bun. Of course, there’s also the Crystal Jade Signature Pork Belly ($24.20) and Soya Sauce Chicken (from $17.80) for those of you who love Cantonese roast meats.
2. Dian Xiao Er
Those of you who love a quack-ing good duck will certainly be familiar with Dian Xiao Er. The Chinese restaurant is famous for their Duck Roasted w Ten Wonder Herbs (from S$18.50) which packs a strong herbaceous punch. Apart from roast ducks, other popular dishes include their Homemade Tofu with Luffa & Crabmeat (from $14.90) and a unique Prawn Balls with Wasabi Mayo Sauce (from $19.20).
3. Imperial Treasure Fine Shanghai Cuisine
Michelin Plate restaurant Imperial Treasure Fine Shanghai Cuisine is a member of the internationally-acclaimed group, Imperial Treasure. Indulge in exquisite Shanghainese dishes such as Stewed Pig’s Hock with Oyster Sauce ($51.40) and Smoked Duck with Tea Leaves ($42.80). For appetisers, try the scrumptious Deep-fried Beancurd Skin Roll Stuffed with Mushroom ($15) and the reimagined Minced Spinach Salad($15).
4. Min Jiang at Dempsey
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Specialising in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, Min Jiang at Dempsey is famous for their roast meats and dim sum, and is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore. If you’re a fan of Beijing duck, the Legendary Wood-fired Beijing Duck served with Homemade Crepes ($118.50) is a must-try. Otherwise, the Deep-fried U.S. Kurobuta Pork Cubes ($35.20) and Sautéed Beef Cubes with Black Pepper Sauce ($35.20) will also leave you wanting more. As for dim sum, there’s no going wrong with their Mini Black Charcoal Salted Egg Custard Buns (3pcs for $7.50).
5. PUTIEN
With a Michelin star under its belt, PUTIEN has sealed its spot as one of Singapore’s best Chinese restaurants. Over here, you can’t go wrong with their top two dishes. I’m talking about the Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon ($11.70) and PUTIEN Red Mushroom Lor Mee/ Fujian Lor Mee ($16). Nevertheless, while the generous portion of the noodles will easily fill you up, PUTIEN also serves up dishes that make great add-ons. Think Deep-fried Tenggiri Fish ($12.60 for 2pcs) and PUTIEN Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychees ($15.90).
6. Si Chuan Dou Hua
The go-to place for Sichuan cuisine, Si Chuan Dou Hua serves up heartwarming dishes that are big on flavours. Challenge your spice tolerance with their signature “Chong Qing” Diced Chicken with Dried Chilli (from $26) and Boiled Fish in Sichuan Pepper Sauce (from $28). For more palatable dishes, try the Deep-fried Cod in Sweet Wine Sauce ($32) or Braised “Ee Fu” Noodles (from $26).
7. Soup Restaurant
As its name suggests, Soup Restaurant specialises in soups which are a staple in Cantonese cuisine. Choose from a wide range of nourishing soups at this top family restaurant. Warm up over Double-Boiled Cordyceps Flower with Chicken Soup ($19), Double-Boiled Waisan and Ginseng Roots with Chicken Soup ($17.80) and others. Be sure to get their signature Samsui Ginger Chicken ($23.90) or perhaps opt for the simple Steamed Hand-Chopped Minced Pork with Salted Fish (from $13.40).
8. Summer Pavilion
Recreate a Michelin star experience at home when you order from Summer Pavilion. Savour on a selection of handcrafted Cantonese dishes like their signature Marinated Smoked Whole Duck with Chinese Tea Leaf ($81.30), Wok-Fried Prawns ($34.25) and Braised Sea Perch ($34.25). They also offer dim sum too, such as the classic Steamed Prawn Dumplings (3pcs for $8.05) and unique Deep-Fried Lobster Rolls (2pcs for $8.40).
9. Swatow City
Swatow City offers traditional Teochew cuisine in the form of exquisite seafood delicacies and meat dishes. Think Teochew Chilled Jellied Pork Trotter ($10) and Swatow Kampong Chicken (from $14)—dishes that will get you reminiscing about grandma’s cooking. Meanwhile, the Teochew Style Steamed Soon Hock ($62) is one of Swatow’s most popular seafood dishes; so is the classic Fried Pomfret with Salt & Pepper ($80). Last but not least, great for sharing as an appetiser is everyone’s favourite Teochew Prawn Roll ($10).
10. TungLok Signatures
Award-winning TungLok Signatures takes pride in its diverse repertoire of modern Chinese cuisine. From Cantonese to Shanghainese to Sichuan dishes, there’s bound to something for everyone in the family. Star dishes include the Steamed Star Garoupa Fillet in Chicken Stock and Wine ($51.40) and Deep-fried Prawn coated with Salted Egg Yolk ($32.10), amongst others. Meanwhile, meat lovers will enjoy the TungLok Pork Shank ($32.10) and Roast Duck (from $42.80). Another classic family favourite is also the Boiled Chinese Cabbage with Minced Pork and Dried Shrimp ($21.50).