San Shu Gong

San Shu Gong is a Teochew and Cantonese restaurant at New Bahru, on Kim Yam Road in River Valley. It is best known for seafood. Teochew cooking tends to be light and clean, so it depends on very fresh fish and shellfish.

According to the Michelin Guide, the owner named the restaurant after her late father, and these two cuisines were his favourites. The guide notes that its two chefs each have more than 30 years of experience. San Shu Gong first made its name on Geylang Road. At New Bahru, the kitchen has added a wood-fired charcoal grill.

What to order

The menu mixes classic Teochew dishes with Cantonese favourites, and most plates are made for sharing. Some of the best-known dishes must be ordered ahead, so ask about them when you book.

• Salted yellow roe crab: a cold Teochew crab dish served with white vinegar and garlic chilli. It needs to be pre-ordered.
• Steamed and chilled fourfinger threadfin: the Michelin Guide singles out its tender flesh. This is also a pre-order dish.
• Fried sea cucumber and oyster omelette: two long-standing signatures.
• Claypot rice: slow-cooked over charcoal, such as the double sausage version.

Save room for Teochew desserts. Look for steamed yam paste with gingko nuts and pumpkin, or tau suan, a warm mung bean dessert with dough fritters.

The setting

New Bahru is a lifestyle hub in the old Nan Chiau High School buildings. It now holds places to eat and shop, plus wellness, arts and learning spaces. San Shu Gong says the reworked school hall and lawn make the place feel both old-fashioned and new.

The restaurant has several private rooms for parties, including rooms for about 8 to 12 guests. These need a minimum spend, so check the terms when you book.

Good to know before you go

• Book ahead: reservations are strongly advised. Dinner has been served in set seatings with a fixed end time, so arrive on time.
• Pre-orders: the cold crab and chilled threadfin take time to prepare. Order them when you reserve.
• Group size: Teochew food is best shared, so it works well for four or more people.
• Contact: you can book online or send a message on WhatsApp.

Menus and booking are on the San Shu Gong website.

Nearby

New Bahru sits in the quieter streets of River Valley. If Teochew food is new to you, our guide to Teochew braised duck rice is an easy introduction. For more ideas, browse our Chinese and dim sum restaurants or the chilli crab and seafood list.

You can also see other restaurants in Orchard and River Valley, or plan some shopping on Orchard Road before dinner.