The Chinese love their cuisine and socializing with friends, families and business associates is a big part of their lives and culture. Dining out is hence an indulgence and an essential – Peking duck, suckling pig, roast chicken, fresh seafood, double boiled soups…
There is no lack of good Chinese restaurants here in our sunny island, and Singapore is always in the spotlight for impressive Chinese cuisine. Whether you prefer the traditional style and ambience, or an occasion calls for fine dining, we’ve got that covered.
In this feature, we handpicked and present 30 of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore for you. And the next time your boss wants you to plan a corporate lunch, or you need an outlet to celebrate your Granny’s birthday, or whenever you want to seek solace in the fine and intricate world of Chinese flavours, you have these restaurants to add to your list.
ASIA GRAND RESTAURANT
Despite the tough competition in Singapore’s food scene, Asia Grand at Odeon Tower remains one of the to-go places for businessmen to entertain their clients, as well as families to have their weekend yum cha because the food is always reliably good.
Some of the highlights include Steamed Bamboo Clam (S$10.80++), Roast Suckling Pig (S$80/160), Australia Grade 9 Wagyu Ribeye (S$70 for 200g), and Peking Duck (S$38).
331 North Bridge Road
Odeon Tower
Tel: +65 6887 0010
Mon to Sat: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
BLUE LOTUS – CHINESE EATING HOUSE
Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House is the only Chinese restaurant at Quayside Isle, and it offers simple but very well-executed Chinese food. Think classic dishes that are familiar and comforting, yet refined and exquisite with the use of premium ingredients.
31 Ocean Way
#01-13 Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6339 0880
Mon, Wed to Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun & Public Holiday: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
CHAO SHAN CUISINE
From the outside, the restaurant is nothing special – in fact, it is easy to miss if you are not looking out for it – but once you have been here, you will understand why their regulars come back again and again. Chao Shan Cuisine is a no-frills restaurant that serves fantastic Teochew food. I’ll go so far as to say that it is one of the best Teochew restaurants in Singapore.
85 Beach Road
Tel: +65 6336 2390
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Bugis
CHERRY GARDEN
Cherry Garden is as much about the ambience as it is about the authentic classic Cantonese dishes that it presents with a modern touch. Menu highlights include its Crispy Wasabi-aioli Prawns with fresh mango and fish roe, and Oven-baked Honey Marinated Cod Fillet.
The weekend dim sum brunch (S$68/adult, S$40/child) is a splendid way to spend an afternoon, and gives you the chance to sample most of the restaurant’s signature offerings.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6885 3500
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade
CRYSTAL JADE GOLDEN PALACE
One of the most popular Chinese restaurant chain in Singapore – the recent takeover by French luxury group LVMH has further enhanced its reputation – Crystal Jade Restaurant is a familiar name to locals and expats alike.
Among all the restaurants under the group, our top pick is Crystal Jade Golden Palace at Paragon. Here, you can look forward to refined Cantonese and Teochew fare with a contemporary twist.
290 Orchard Road
#05-22 The Paragon
Tel: +65 6734 6866
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6.00pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 3.00pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
FENG SHUI INN
At Feng Shui Inn, located within Crockfords Tower in Resorts World Sentosa, Chinese Head Chef Li Kwok Kwong and Chef de Cuisine Yip Cheung Shui have been dishing out fine Cantonese cuisine to its regulars which include businessmen, casino members, as well as families.
Prices are certainly not cheap, and it is not a place for every day dining. However, for times when you are celebrating an important occasion with your family, Feng Shui Inn is worth the treat.
Level G2, Crockfords Tower
39 Artillery Avenue
Tel: +65 6577 8888
Daily: 11.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
FOREST
One of the most famous local chefs in Singapore, Chef Sam Leong needs no further introduction. He is currently the consultant of Forest at Resorts World Sentosa, which serves Chinese cuisine with a Western approach (in terms of food presentation). The restaurant’s interior design, inspired by the lush tropical rain forests, is modern and classy, making it a suitable restaurant for all occasions.
8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 11.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront
IMPERIAL TREASURE FINE CHINESE CUISINE
The Imperial Treasure name is synonymous with good quality and consistently good Chinese food. The prices may be steep, but the high standard food, the friendly service make a meal at Imperial Treasure’s flagship outlet in Marina Bay Sands so reasonable.
Our favourite dishes here include the Steamed Bamboo Clams, Peking Duck, and its range of Chinese boiled soups. The Sweet & Sour Pork is also one of the best we have had in Singapore.
#L2-04, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 7788
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront
HAI TIAN LO
Even though Hai Tien Lo no longer commands a good view of Singapore’s skyline from its former location on the level 37 of Pan Pacific, regulars still flock here for the exquisite Cantonese food prepared by Master Chef Lai Tong Ping.
L3 Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade
HUA TING
One of the most reliable tables in town. Hua Ting at Orchard Hotel has been serving Cantonese delicacies for years and you can always be assured of a good meal here. The interior is not fancy, nor is the food particularly sophisticated. What it is, however, is simple and well-executed Chinese food.
Level 2, Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6739 6666
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
JADE PALACE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
From the outside, Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant at Forum the Shopping Mall does not look like much. In fact, you will probably miss it unless you are familiar with the restaurant. However, Jade Palace is a popular spot for those in-the-know because the food here is always consistent and delicious. The claypot rice, in particular, is one of the best around, and you must try it when you are dining there.
Jade Palace also has one of the most impressive selection of wines among the Chinese restaurants in town. And oh, there is free corkage if you prefer to BYOB.
#B1-12, Forum The Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6732 6628
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
JADE RESTAURANT
Not to be mistaken with the aforementioned Jade Palace, Jade Restaurant is located at The Fullerton Hotel and it is one of the better Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Think modern splendour with a touch of elegance, complemented by fine Chinese cuisine that will delight your Asian palate.
On weekends, Jade serves its Dim Sum Gourmet Brunch (S$38++/adult, S$19++/child) which features 55 dishes, including a comprehensive selection of dim sum, soup, appetisers, main courses and desserts.
Ground Floor, Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
Tel: +65 6877 8188
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
JIANG-NAN CHUN
The showpiece of the luxurious Four Seasons Singapore, Jiang-Nan Chun presents well-executed Cantonese fare – using traditional cooking techniques, with a slightly modern twist - in a refined setting.
On weekdays, the restaurant has two five-course set lunch menus (S$48/pax) which are perfect for a business luncheon. On weekends, indulge in Jiang-Nan Chun’s Oriental Weekend Brunch (S$68++/pax, S$176++ with free flow of Veuve Clicquot champagne) which features an impressive selection of dim sum and the restaurant’s signature dishes.
190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 7220
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun (Dim Sum Brunch): 11am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 3pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
LEI GARDEN
This popular restaurant from Hong Kong has branches in Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and China. There is a reason why it has a legion of loyal customers who dine at Lei Garden regularly. It is not the fanciest Chinese restaurant in town, nor does it have the most creative menu, but they do very well at the classic Cantonese dishes.
#01-24 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street
Tel: +65 6339 3822
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
LI BAI CANTONESE RESTAURANT
Named after the famous Tang Dynasty Poet, Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant at Sheraton Towers is known for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine. It is a classic establishment turning out good quality, consistent meals.
39 Scotts Road
GF Sheraton Towers
Tel: +65 6839 5623
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Newton
MAN FU YUAN
With Executive Chef Kwan Yiu Kan helming the kitchen and General Manager Patrick managing the frontline, you will always have a great meal at Man Fu Yuan. The restaurant places a strong emphasis on tea, and besides having tea-infused specialities on the menu, it also has a unique tea-pairing service to recommend the right tea to go with the dishes.
80 Middle Road
2F InterContinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062
Daily: 11am – 2.15pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
MAJESTIC RESTAURANT
Majestic Restaurant is known for their Cantonese cuisine and it has been around since 2006. Owner-chef Yong Bing Ngen (who also runs Jing Restaurant and Majestic Seafood Restaurant) is no stranger in the local food scene. Previously from Doc Cheng’s and Hai Tien Lo, he led Majestic Restaurant to clinch the Asian Restaurant of the Year title during the WGS 2010.
31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road
New Majestic Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6511 4718
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram
MOI LUM RESTAURANT
Moi Lum is one of those under-the-radar restaurants that you will never notice unless someone recommends it to you. It offers excellent timeless Chinese dishes, including the signature crispy fried chicken — a must-order when dining at the restaurant. There are various set menus, starting from S$35 which can feed two persons.
#01-01, Airview Building, 38 Maxwell Road
Tel: +65 6226 2283
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar
MIN JIANG
It is difficult to recommend just one dish at Min Jiang as there are many signature dishes that you have to try. That said, Min Jiang is perhaps most well known for its Beijing Duck roasted in wood fire oven.
Head to Min Jiang @ One North, which is housed in a beautiful colonial building in Rochester Park. The other restaurant is located right beside the pool in Goodwood Park Hotel.
Rochester Park, 5 Rochester Park
Tel: +65 6774 0122
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista/One-North
PARADISE PAVILION
Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre is not only one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in town, it also serves Chinese food of unimpeachable quality. Besides having a wide range of traditional dim sum, Paradise Pavilion also has new innovative creations.
The highlight at Paradise Pavilion is surely the Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck ($88 for whole duck) which is prepared by chefs formerly from Quan Ju De, Beijing’s famous Peking Duck Restaurant.
8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6509 9308
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Marina Bay/Raffles Place
PEACH GARDEN
The splendid view from level 33 of OCBC Centre makes Peach Garden an excellent choice to host your clients for a business luncheon. What makes Peach Garden a place you can return to again and again is that it serves consistently good Chinese food that is hard to not love.
Must-try dishes include wasabi salad cream prawn, golden salted yolk prawn, braised ee fu noodle with baby lobster, and our favourite custard buns.
65 Chulia Street
#33-01 OCBC Centre, Singapore
Tel: +65 6535 7833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
ROLAND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
On paper, there is nothing special about Roland Seafood Restaurant. It is located in a car park in Marine Parade, not a place where you would associate with a good restaurant, There is no nice interior to speak of – the place is like a typical Chinese restaurant with no decor. However, Roland Seafood Restaurant remains highly popular not only because it is known as the creator of chilli crab, Singapore’s National dish, but also because the food is good and reasonably-priced.
#06-750, 89 Marina Parade Central
Tel: +65 6440 8205
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Dakota
ROYAL CHINA
Royal China is a well-established Chinese restaurant group in London, and its outpost in Singapore at Raffles Hotel is a stunning restaurant with tiffany-blue decor that serves excellent Chinese food.
Come here for dim sum during lunch. You cannot go wrong with any dish, but in particular, you have to try their Char Siew Sou, Custard Bun, and Har Gau. The restaurant’s speciality, Lobster Noodle is also a worthy mention.
1 Beach Road
#03-09 Raffles Hotel
Tel: +65 6338 3363
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
SI CHUAN DOU HUA
Si Chuan Dou Hua is one of the most well-known restaurants for serving Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, with three branches at Parkroyal on Beach Road, UOB Plaza, and Parkroyal on Kitchener Road. It has an ala carte buffet (Mon to Thu Dinner S$40++/pax, Fri to Sun Dinner S$45++/pax) which features 60 tantalising dishes that will satisfy everyone.
PARKROYAL on Beach Road, 7500 Beach Road
Tel: +65 6505 5722
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
SUMMER PAVILION
This Chinese restaurant at Ritz-Carlton Singapore seems to have the right formula – refined Cantonese cuisine served in a classy interior. If you are working in the area, it is a great place to go for dim sum during lunch. Beyond the dim sum menu is a comprehensive list of chef’s specialities on the ala carte menu, with many dishes listed under each category.
7 Raffles Avenue
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
Tel: +65 6337 8888
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promemade
SZECHUAN COURT RESTAURANT
Szechuan Court specialises in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. The location at level two of Fairmont Singapore makes it the perfect place to have a nice meal with family and friends, or to host a business luncheon in an elegant and upmarket setting.
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 3 Fairmont Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
TUNG LOK SEAFOOD
Seafood restaurants are aplenty in Singapore, but it is considerably harder to find one that serves consistently good seafood at affordable prices. Tung Lok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the quality and standards synonymous with the Tung Lok brand.
Tung Lok Seafood is listed in our guide to Singapore’s Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants.
181 Orchard Road
#11-05 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
WAH LOH CANTONESE RESTAURANT
A stalwart of the Chinese dining scene, Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel had a complete renovation last year, and the new Wah Lok is well-furnished and very classy, which makes it suitable for all occasions. It is one of the places where businessmen entertain their clients over lunch, and families go for dim sum on the weekends. It
The Baked BBQ Pork Buns are very good, and something that we will go back again and again. With a new rejuvenated menu and a sparking new interior, they alone are reason enough to head back to Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant.
Level 2 Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Tel: +65 6311 8188
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall
XIN CUISINE
While Xin Cuisine may not be as stylish as the other Chinese restaurants, we like coming here because it is relatively quiet and it is one of those places where you cannot go wrong. It is a pretty decent restaurant to have a good meal if you are not looking for something that is too fancy.
#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram
YAN TING
The luxurious St Regis Singapore has no lack of good restaurants. Our favourite, however, is Yan Ting. The restaurant is classy and exudes an air of understated elegance. We have been going to Yan Ting for the past few years, and it has never failed us.
29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6887
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s top 10 Chinese seafood restaurants