Festive occasions are serious business for the Chinese, and food plays a huge role in the merrymaking. No need to crack your brains on where bring the whole family: here’s a list of our personal favourites – be it for Chinese New Year, grandma’s birthday, or your uncle that has just struck lottery. You’re welcome.
Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
The crown jewel of the Imperial Treasure group and one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 is worth the pilgrimage (and every penny). Must-tries here are, obviously, the Peking Duck – knife-wielding servers slice it up right in front of you – as well as the perfectly barbequed meats. Our only gripe: it’s almost always buzzing, so make those bookings way ahead.
Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, #05-42 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859, p. 6732 7838. Open Mon-Fri 1130am-3pm, Sat 11am-3pm, and Sun 1030am-3pm for lunch, and 6-10pm daily for dinner.
Yan Ting
Yan Ting
Chef Mak, who has headed two Michelin-starred establishments in Hong Kong, helms the kitchen at the reliable and luxurious Yan Ting. On top of the excellent weekend dim sum brunch, this classy stalwart does the mainstays of the cuisine – like crispy roast pork and steamed fish – well. They also get top marks for presentation (think European plating), and service.
Yan Ting, Level 1U The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911, p. 6506 6887. Open Mon-Fri 12-230pm and 630-1030pm, Sat-Sun 1030am-3pm and 630-1030pm.
Crystal Jade Golden Palace
One of the few upscale Chinese restaurants in Singapore that offer Teochew cuisine, Crystal Jade Golden Palace has a warm ambience for family reunions, despite the slightly over-imposing, ostentatious décor. Try the Pomfret with Leek and Radish Stew (you’ll mop up every bit of the stock) and the Appetiser Platter of Braised Duck, Octopus, Pork Belly, and Tofu. End the meal on a sweet note with the Yam Paste, a traditional Teochew dessert.
Crystal Jade Golden Palace, #05-22 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859, p. 6734 6866. Open Mon-Fri 1130am-230pm, Sat 11am-245pm and Sun 1030am-2.45pm for lunch, and 6-11pm daily for dinner.
Beng Hiang
Beng Hiang
No posh interiors or fancy tableware at this 36-year-old establishment, but the authentic Hokkien cuisine (that as elusive as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow these days) more than makes up for it. Proof of its popularity is their loyal regulars, who have been coming back for decades. Standout dishes include the Fish Maw Soup, Traditional Hokkien Noodles, and Kong Ba Bao (braised pork brisket with steamed buns). Most of their set menus offer good value, and great for a big group.
Beng Hiang, 112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932, p. 6221 6695. Open Mon-Sun 1130am-230pm and 6-930pm (last order).
Si Chuan Dou Hua
Elegant surrounds, authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, and really good tea (the Tea Master’s theatrics with a long sprout kettle should entertain the kids) – it’s no wonder Si Chuan Dou Hua has been a family favourite since its inception in 1996. Take things up a notch and snag a table at the UOB Plaza outlet for its spectacular view of the CBD and Marina Bay.
Si Chuan Dou Hua, UOB Plaza 1, 80 Raffles Place #60-01, Singapore 048624, p. 6535 6006. Open daily 1130am-230pm, 230-6pm (high tea), 630-1030pm.
Top Image: Si Chuan Dou Hua