Exploring Singapore’s culinary gems: The top Chinese restaurants to try

Singapore’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of international flavors, with Japanese, Thai, Peranakan, and more on offer. However, it’s Chinese cuisine that holds a special place in our hearts, offering the comfort of communal feasts shared with family and friends. Join us as we explore Singapore’s top Chinese restaurants, each bringing its unique twist to this beloved cuisine.

1. Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant

Hidden on the second floor of Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy in Katong, Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant offers creative dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include crispy prawn rice rolls, butterfly pea har gow, and purple sweet potato puffs. For mains, indulge in wok-fried A4 wagyu striploin with fresh wasabi or crispy Iberico pork collar with sweet and sour hawthorn sauce.

2. Yellow Pot

Located within the Duxton Reserve, Autograph Collection, Yellow Pot in Tanjong Pagar offers a contemporary take on Chinese flavors. With a luxurious decor characterized by a striking black, gold, and yellow palette, the restaurant provides a memorable dining experience. Expect delectable dishes crafted from fresh and natural ingredients, free from MSG and artificial flavorings. Signature dishes include aromatic roast duck, Australian beef tenderloin cubes with fiery black pepper sauce, and seared Canadian scallop with Inaniwa thin udon in rich tonkatsu broth. Dessert options like roselle jelly with osmanthus honey and crispy pancake with red bean filling promise a sweet conclusion to your meal.

3. Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium is an ideal choice for family gatherings, business lunches, or birthday celebrations. Enjoy contemporary Cantonese cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Signature dishes like homestyle roast duck with tea leaves, poached rice with seafood in superior broth, and stir-fried wagyu beef cubes are sure to please every palate. Classic dim sum offerings such as yam dumpling with chicken and seafood filling, salted egg yolk custard buns, and double-boiled dumpling soup with crab meat and dried scallops are perfect for lunch dates. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and celebratory set menus, along with private dining rooms for special occasions.

4. 5 ON 25

Taste the richness of Cantonese cuisine at 5 ON 25 in Andaz Singapore. Named after the five senses, this dining destination is a treat to the eyes and the palate. The space is transformed by the vision of Hong Kong-based interior architect, André Fu, who designed the hotel’s rooms and public spaces. Expect a bright, airy dining room that’s upscale and sophisticated. Psst: if you have an event on the cards, there are two private dining suites (that sit up to eight and 12 people) available for booking. Look forward to a delicious Cantonese menu by head chef Lim Hong Lih, made using a selection of premium produce cooked with a twist. We’re talking about succulent duck meat smoked with jasmine tea leaves; fried bird’s nest with Sri Lankan crabmeat, beansprouts and superior stock, and more. New highlights on the menu include the crispy fried codfish fillet with black vinegar sauce, as well as fried South African abalone with peppercorn. Keep an eye out for monthly specials too! Check out the Weekend Dim Sum Club for a brunch menu that features classic steamed dumplings and fried delicacies. Wash it all down with wine or sake if you’re in the mood for a tipple. There’s also a free flow beverage option at $88 per person, with free flow champagne, wine, beer and organic sparkling tea from Copenhagen.

5. Tien Court Restaurant

For an authentic Cantonese-Teochew dining experience, look no further than Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore. Helmed by award-winning Master Chef Lui from Hong Kong, the restaurant promises oriental delights and an incredible dim sum experience. Signature dishes include the braised white teat sea cucumber in oyster sauce, a savory dish boasting a combination of textures and flavors of the sea. Another standout is the pomfret fish with tomato and pickled vegetable, a classic creation that features fork-tender fish in a slightly tangy sauce. Don’t leave without trying the handcrafted dim sum: the deep-fried glutinous rice dumpling with minced chicken is a must-try, offering a crispy bite hiding a savory filling within. There’s plenty more to try, so snag a table, stat. Psst: if you’re seeking an intimate dining experience, there are also private rooms at Tien Court Restaurant that you can reserve for special occasions!

6. Yan

Yan, located at the National Gallery Singapore, offers an authentic Cantonese fine dining experience. The restaurant is renowned for its Peking roast duck, suckling pig, lobster porridge with clams, and wok-fried Sri Lankan crab with pan-fried cheong fun and pork lard sauce. Yan also boasts an excellent dim sum selection, making it a top choice for Cantonese cuisine enthusiasts.

7. Madame Fan

Madame Fan, an elegant restaurant in The NCO Club, serves exquisite Cantonese classics. Dishes like steamed soon hock, braised lobster, and double-boiled herbal chicken soup showcase the restaurant’s culinary prowess. The cocktail dim sum brunch is a fantastic way to kickstart your weekend.

8. Mott 32

If you’re spending the day at Marina Bay Sands, consider dining at Mott 32. This award-winning restaurant seamlessly blends East and West through its New York-inspired design, classical Chinese decor, and authentic cuisine. The applewood-roasted Peking duck is a standout dish that must not be missed.

9. Shang Social

Shang Social, located in Jewel Changi Airport, offers authentic modern Chinese cuisines, including Cantonese, Huaiyang, and Sichuan. The menu, curated by Shangri-La’s acclaimed master chefs, features dishes like house-smoked chicken, eight treasures tofu pudding, and double-boiled chicken soup.

10. Hai Tien Lo

Hai Tien Lo, situated in Pan Pacific Singapore, offers classic Cantonese recipes and treats in a stunning setting. Signature dishes like crispy barbecued suckling pig stuffed with prawn paste and fresh seafood dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. The restaurant also hosts a brunch buffet with unlimited champagne and wine, making it an excellent choice for dim sum lovers.

Enjoy exploring these top Chinese restaurants in Singapore, each offering a unique culinary experience and a delightful array of dishes.