It goes without saying that Singapore is a haven for excellent Chinese food. After all, over 76% of the population has Chinese roots, so you can find traditional and modern dishes from all regions of China in nearly every neighbourhood on the island. But with so many options to choose from, where do you go for the really good stuff? We’ve tried countless Chinese restaurants in Singapore over the years, but there are only a few that are absolutely impeccable in our books. We’re talking great ambiance, stellar service, and of course amazing food. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the absolute best Chinese restaurants in Singapore. (The restaurants are not ranked in any particular order)
1. Hai Di Lao
It may be a chain, but there’s nothing generic about Hai Di Lao. This Sichuan hotpot restaurant offers endless variations on soup and noodle dishes, Choose from a range of soup bases like thick creamy chicken with black mushrooms or spicy ma la soup, meats like beef, pork, chicken and seafood, plus veggies and extras like fried bean curd skin and hand pulled noodles. Jazz up your creation with vibrant sauces like Korean guchujung or nutty sesame sauce.
Hai Di Lao, various locations.
2. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
If it’s authentic Peking duck you’re after, look no further than Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck. In fact, the restaurant earned a Michelin Plate designation for their top-notch duck and other tasty Chinese dishes. Each whole duck is roasted until ultra crispy on the outside and sliced right at your table to reveal tender, juicy meat. Come for lunch and you can also get dim sum dishes like the deep fried pepper and salt squid and steamed rice roll with BBQ pork.
Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, 290 Orchard Road, Paragon, #05-42/45, Singapore 238859. p. +65 6732 7838. Open Mon – Sat 11:30am – 2:45, 6pm – 10pm, Sun & PH 10:30am – 2:45pm, 6pm – 10pm & 8 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 1 #02-08, Singapore 018960. p. +65 6636 1868. Open daily 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
3. Min Jiang
Min Jiang at Goodwood Park has been one of our go-tos for ages because the Sichuan and Cantonese dishes are pretty hard to beat. They also have a new location in Dempsey that’s a bit more upscale with chic interiors and elegant decor. At lunch it’s all about selecting delish bites from the dim sum trolleys, while at dinner you can pass around plates like the Kurobuta pork loin with creamy salted egg yolk or sauteed prawns with chive flowers in XO sauce.
Min Jiang, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221. p. +65 6730 1704. Open Mon – Sat 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Sun 11am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm & 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249684. p. +65 6774 0122. Open daily 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm
4. Wah Lok
Award-winning Wah Lok specialises in decadent dim sum spreads made with premium seasonal ingredients. Think delicate steamed crab meat and egg white dumplings, steamed cheong fan with scallops, and chilled foie gras with abalone. Heartier dishes include the lobster mee pok and roasted Peking duck. We also love that they offer free corkage for up to four bottles of wine. Cheers to Cantonese feasts and BYOB!
Wah Lok, 76 Bras Basah Road, Carlton Hotel Singapore Level 2, Singapore 189558. p. +65 6338 8333. Open daily Mon – Sat 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm, Sundays & PH 11am – 2:30pm, 6:30 – 10:30pm
5. Yan Ting
Yan Ting is one of the more modern Chinese restaurants in Singapore, as the decor is chic and stylish and the chefs put out innovative takes on classic Cantonese cuisine. The food is ultra flavourful without being too heavy, so you can sample a wide variety of dishes and not feel weighed down afterwards. Do yourself a favour and swing by for one of their delectable dim sum brunches. Insiders tip: If you have a St Regis card, you get 25% off your total bill.
Yan Ting, 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, Singapore 247911. p. +65 6506 6887. Open daily 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm. Dim sum brunch: Sat, Sun & PH 10:30am – 12:30pm & 1pm – 3pm
