Best Chinese Restaurants in Singapore

How to choose Chinese restaurants in Singapore

Chinese food is part of daily life in Singapore, from hawker stalls to hotel dining rooms. The Chinese restaurants in Singapore on this list are mostly sit-down places, made for long, shared meals. Start by picking a regional style. Then choose between a relaxed dim sum lunch and a full dinner.

Regional styles to know

Cantonese

Cantonese food comes from southern China, around Guangzhou and Hong Kong. It focuses on fresh ingredients and clean flavours. Think steamed fish, roast meats, double-boiled soups and dim sum.

Summer Pavilion, Hai Tien Lo and Jade are Cantonese restaurants in the Marina Bay and CBD area. Wah Lok Cantonese and Man Fu Yuan are in the Bugis area. In Tanglin, try Shang Palace, Summer Palace or Jiang-Nan Chun. More are on the Cantonese page.

Teochew

Teochew cooking comes from the Chaozhou area of eastern Guangdong. It is light and gentle, with braised duck, steamed fish and plain rice porridge. Try Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine or Paradise Teochew in Orchard. Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine is in Newton. See Teochew for more.

Sichuan

Sichuan food, from south-west China, is known for chilli and Sichuan pepper. The pepper leaves a tingling, numbing feeling on the tongue. This mix is called mala, which means numbing and spicy. Birds of a Feather and Si Chuan Dou Hua both serve Sichuan food in the Marina Bay and CBD area. Min Jiang in Orchard cooks both Cantonese and Sichuan dishes.

Peking duck and modern Chinese

Peking duck is roast duck with crisp skin, often carved at the table. You wrap slices in thin pancakes with cucumber, spring onion and a sweet sauce. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck is named after the dish. Mott 32 and Peach Blossoms serve Chinese food in Marina Bay. Born offers contemporary fine dining in Chinatown. For Taiwanese food, try Din Tai Fung (Paragon).

Dim sum: what to order

Dim sum are small bites, steamed or fried, served with Chinese tea. Many restaurants in Singapore serve them mainly at lunch. Order a few plates to share, then add more.

• Har gow: prawn dumplings in a thin, clear wrapper.
• Siu mai: open-topped pork and prawn dumplings.
• Char siu bao: soft buns filled with sweet barbecued pork.
• Cheong fun: silky rice noodle rolls with prawn or pork in sweet soy sauce.
• Liu sha bao: buns with a runny salted egg yolk custard.

Swee Choon Tim Sum is a casual dim sum spot in the Jalan Besar area. See Dim Sum for more places.

Etiquette and booking tips

• Share everything. Dishes go in the middle of the table. Use the serving spoons to take food.
• Pour tea for others. Fill other cups before your own. Some diners tap two fingers on the table to say thanks.
• Mind your chopsticks. Do not stand them upright in a bowl of rice. It looks like incense sticks offered at funerals.
• Expect small charges. Many Chinese restaurants charge per person for tea and small starters. This is normal.
• Book festive meals early. Chinese New Year meals fill restaurants weeks ahead. Many serve yu sheng, a raw fish salad that everyone tosses together for good luck.
• Know rough costs. A dim sum lunch in a hotel restaurant may cost around S$30 to S$60 per person. A banquet dinner costs much more. Prices change, so check menus first.

Visiting during the festival? Read What's Open During Chinese New Year in Singapore? before you plan your meals.

FAQs about Chinese restaurants in Singapore

When is the best time to eat dim sum in Singapore?

Lunch is best. Many Chinese restaurants serve dim sum only at lunch, and weekends are the busiest. Book ahead for a weekend table.

What is the difference between Cantonese and Teochew food?

Both come from southern China. Cantonese food includes dim sum, roast meats and slow-cooked soups. Teochew food is lighter, with braised duck, steamed fish and rice porridge.

Can vegetarians eat at Chinese restaurants in Singapore?

Most restaurants can make vegetable and tofu dishes. Some stocks and sauces use meat or seafood, so tell staff clearly when you book.

What is yu sheng?

Yu sheng is a salad of raw fish, shredded vegetables and sauces, served at Chinese New Year. Everyone at the table tosses it high with chopsticks while saying good wishes.

Is Chinatown the best area for Chinese food?

Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar has many hawker stalls and casual places. Many of the top Chinese restaurants, though, are in hotels around Marina Bay, Orchard Road and Tanglin.