16 Best Chinese Restaurants in Singapore – Most Foodies Will Agree

Singapore has pretty high standards when it comes to Chinese cuisine and it is the most frequently patronized cuisine in the Lion City. This is no surprise as roughly 3/4 of the population here have Chinese ancestry. Chinese cuisine is also quite diverse – with regional subspecialties such as Teochew, Cantonese, Shanghainese and in the local context, even the Singaporean Chinese culinary style. 

Chinese food is so much more than your sweet and sour pork, dimsum or Peking duck. Thus, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which is the best Chinese restaurant in Singapore. That being said, if you expand it to a list of about a dozen or so establishments – you will find some commonly cited names and that is what I aim to show here. This list is not ranked in order but you will find establishments which are usually regarded as among the outstanding Chinese restaurants in Singapore, catering to all sorts of budgets. This will also be a dynamic list – with restaurants added and even removed, depending on ever-changing menus as well as other deserving establishments that pop up in the scene.

Man Fu Yuan

The place: The look of an upscale Chinese restaurant can’t get any more conventional than what you see at Man Fu Yuan. If you look at the InterContinental Singapore as a whole with its bright modern Peranakan motifs or even the snazzy Ash & Elm which can be directly viewed from the 2nd floor Chinese restaurant, the rather modest and homely interiors of Man Fu Yuan brings to mind a simpler time.

Best dishes to order: Suckling Pig, Deep-fried Lobster, Slow-braised Pork Ribs

Pros:

• Extensive tea selection.
• If you love pork, you’d find this to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore for suckling pig.
• Conveniently located – you’ll be in airconditioned comfort all the way from Bugis MRT which is only about 200 meters away from the restaurant.

Cons:

• The presentation here can get a bit too theatrical for some dishes. It could wow some but may also turn down others just looking to have great food and nothing more.
• Food portions are on the smaller side.
• Can be understaffed during busy periods (i.e. weekends)

80 Middle Road
InterContinental Singapore
Singapore 188966

+65 6825 2062

Opening Hours: Daily, 12PM to 3PM & 6 to 10PM (opens at 11:30AM on Saturdays and Sundays)

Get discounted dining vouchers for Man Fu Yuan here

Yan

The place: Located at Level 5 of the National Gallery, some of the artistic vibe seemed to have latched on the designer’s mind when he/she envisioned the one for Yan. The interiors are sleek without looking too upscale. The crescent-shaped booth seating here is particularly cozy, with the strings separating each booth inspired by the art of silkweaving. This is a place to impress.

Highlights: Roast Suckling Pig, Peking Duck, Baked Pork Ribs

Pros:

• The space here is beautiful, coupled with the fact that it’s located in one of the artsy-est spaces in Singapore.
• Yan is affiliated with the Park Hotel Group so you can redeem your Park Hotel points for Yan vouchers.
• Discounted vouchers are available year-round. You can purchase them here

Cons:

• Having to go thru the National Gallery to get here could mean you should allocate an extra 5 to 10 minutes or so on top of your projected travel time, even if you are driving.
• You might be disappointed if you are expecting to dine with a view similar to other dining/drinking venues in the National Gallery like Aura or Smoke & Mirrors.

1 St. Andrew’s Road
National Gallery #05-02
Singapore 178957

+65 6384 5585

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 2:30PM & 6 to 10:30PM

Get discounted dining vouchers for Yan here

Jade

The place: Bright and uplifting no matter what time of day you visit, Jade’s color scheme is – you guessed it- an inviting blue-green with floral touches. To complete the ambiance, plates come with bird designs – a nod to the Executive Chef’s interest in making bird sculptures.

Best dishes to order: Dimsum, Boston Lobster with Egg Noodles and XO Sauce, Peking Duck

Pros:

• Gorgeous space with equally gorgeous plates and cutlery.
• With the right credit cards, you can score a good discount while dining here.
• The weekend yum cha here is among the better value dimsum brunches in a hotel in Singapore.

Cons:

• Service can be quite lacking during busy periods. I have dined here during both peak and non-peak periods and the service was great during the non-peak period and not so good during peak period – and this is from the same staff members.
• While the location is convenient, Jade is more of a destination by itself especially if you are coming here over the weekend while the rest of Raffles Place lay quiet.

1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178

+65 6877 8188

Opening Hours: Daily except Mondays, 11:30AM to 3:00PM & 6:30PM to 10:30PM

More information here

Chui Huay Lim

The place: Popular with families and for business gatherings, Chui Huay Lim looks just like any other Chinese restaurant except that this one is housed inside one of Singapore’s most prosperous clan associations.

Best dishes to order: Suckling Pig, Crispy Sea Cucumber, Teochew Steamed Pomfret

Pros:

• One of Singapore’s go-to places for Teochew cuisine, this restaurant has a number of dishes unique to them. The thought of their Crispy Sea Cucumber is enough for me to make a reservation.
• If you are driving, you’ll probably appreciate the ample parking spaces here which the restaurant shares with the clan association.

Cons:

• Difficult to come here if you are relying entirely on public transport. If you are coming from Newton MRT, you still have to negotiate the busy roundabout to get here.
• Food may take a bit of time to arrive during peak periods. Same goes for the staff who seem perpetually swamped.
• You need to reserve well in advance if you intend to come during weekends, and definitely during CNY period. Do note that priority is given to clan association members.

190 Keng Lee Road
#01-02
Singapore 308409

+65 6732 3637

Opening hours: Daily, 11:00AM to 2:30PM & 5:30PM to 10:00PM

Get discounted vouchers for Chui Huay Lim here

Spring Court

The place: Spring Court plays up its reputation as one of the oldest restaurants in Singapore with a nostalgic vibe. Inside the main dining hall, you will find grayish tiled flooring and pictures depicting the restaurant’s history including some black and white photos of people who have dined in the past. 

Best dishes to order: Roast Chicken, Yam Ring, Crisp Fried Cod Fillet

Pros:

• The oldest surviving traditional Singapore family run Chinese restaurants – not a whole lot of them remain outside of the zi char stalls.
• Location is very convenient, just steps away from Chinatown MRT.
• You know you have chosen the right place to dine when you see a lot of returning customers / regulars seated at the tables next to you. If it’s your first time there, chances are you won’t mind returning.

Cons:

• For the location and rather run-of-the-mill setting, prices are on the high side. Consider getting a discounted voucher when dining here.
• It can get quite noisy here especially during weekends. 
• Price supplement during CNY is higher proportionally than other Chinese restaurants.

52-56 Upper Cross Street
Singapore 058348

+65 6449 5030

Opening Hours: Daily, 11AM to 3PM & 6PM to 10.30PM

Get discounted vouchers for Spring Court here

Tong Le Private Dining

The place: This is a place to impress. The views are outstanding and the folks behind the restaurant have made sure that most tables are by the window so there aren’t really any bad seats here. Tong Le Private Dining also has quite a number of dining rooms for you and your business partners / family to dine in relative privacy – in keeping with their concept.

Best dishes to order: Roasted Irish Duck, Prosperity Pot, 48-Hours Slow Cooked Pork Belly 

Pros:

• Probably the best view that one can have from a Chinese restaurant in Singapore.
• The private dining rooms and cozy dining areas allow guests to dine in relative privacy.
• The private dining halls come with KTV facilities with up to 60,000 songs. I was impressed by the variety, including a good selection of both Chinese and English songs.

Cons:

• Popular wedding venue so may be difficult to get last-minute seats during weekends
• Some may find entering this restaurant to be a bit of a hassle, as you have to go thru an office building’s reception.
• If you happen to sit next to a boisterous karaoke party, the noise may be bothersome even though there’s a of a sound barrier.

60 Collyer Quay
Level 8 & 10
Singapore 049322

+65 6634 3233

Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays, 11:30AM to 3PM, 6PM to 11PM

Get discounted vouchers for Tong Le Private Dining here

yi by Jereme Leung

The place: The floral paper cutouts by the foyer as you enter yi by Jereme Leung immediately suggests something more than the usual Chinese restaurant. The dining hall is decked in light colors and warm tones – probably what you might see if you put in Chinese elements in a Muji design.

Best dishes to order: Hundred Ring Cucumber, Plum Pickled Tomatoes, Beef Cheeks with Tendon and Oxtail

Pros:

• For the ambiance and considering it’s in Raffles Hotel Singapore, the pricing is a tad lower than what you’d expect for Chinese fine dining.
• Very centrally located, just steps away from City Hall MRT
• The emphasis on provincial Chinese cuisine means you’ll find a number of dishes here you won’t find elsewhere.

Cons:

• Similarly, the provincial Chinese cuisine may not suit those looking for the typical Chinese fare.
• Its central location may mean you’ll encounter slightly more traffic jams coming here.
• A couple of diners have lamented about the service quality here which can drop during peak hours.

328 North Bridge Road
#03-02 Raffles Arcade
Singapore 188719

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 2:15PM & 6:00PM to 9:30PM

More information and menu here

Lokkee

The place: Lokkee is not the very formal kind of Chinese restaurant and it shows from the decor and theme. You will find artworks imbibing a bit of humor and even certain elements like the wet tissue which is made to look like a condom’s packaging. 

Best dishes to order: Flaming Pineapple Beef, Mapo Tofu, Mongolian Beef

Pros:

• Dishes are as photogenic as they are delicious (case in point: mushroom custard buns and bak kwa bacon salad)
• One-of-a-kind Chinese restaurant with a palpable American-Chinese influence.
• The cheeky vibe also lends a refreshing air to those tired of the usual Chinese restaurant formula.

Cons:

• Those looking for the most traditional kind of Chinese restaurant won’t find it here. This restaurant is akin to the American Chinese dining venues. Receiving fortune cookies at the end of your meal gives a rough idea of what to expect.
• The location inside a shopping mall may be a turn-off for some people.

68 Orchard Road
Plaza Singapura 
#03-01
Singapore 238839

+65 6884 4566

Opening Hours: Daily, 11AM to 3PM, 5:30PM to 10PM

Get discounted vouchers for Lokkee here

The Dragon Chamber

The place: An unassuming coffee shop stall by day with a secret entrance – The Dragon Chamber is akin to an underground club complete with vintage signboards that bring to mind a gangster’s hideout.

Best dishes to order: Dick Soup (yup, you read that right), Dragon’s Claw, Wagyu Truffle Hor Fun

Pros:

• Secret entrance creates something of an underground feel.
• Despite the gimmicky setting, food here is good with a few unique dishes as well.
• Location is at the western edge of Boat Quay, rendering it accessible both to office folks as well as millennials. 

Cons:

• Some diners have commented that certain staff members here seem to be inexperienced.
• May not be that suitable for those looking for a traditional Chinese restaurant.
• Chairs are the wooden type without any cushions. Not a major disadvantage but something to consider if you are bringing older folks.

2 Circular Road
Singapore 049358

+65 6805 8181

Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays, 11:00AM to 2:30PM & 5:00PM to 10:30PM

Get discounted vouchers for The Dragon Chamber here

Madame Fan

The place: Located at the 2nd floor of the NCO Club, Madame Fan plays it up dark and mysterious, with a palpable 1930’s Shanghai vibe. If you are up for drinks, the venue also has a separate bar area.

Best dishes to order: Braised Taiwan La-la Noodle, Home Style Crispy Pork with Bitter Melon, Four Treasures Soup

Pros:

• Extremely near the MRT (only a few steps from the exit of Esplanade Station).
• Great moody ambiance.
• Wide drinks selection. Check out one of their signature cocktails. 

Cons:

• Lighting may be too dim for some.
• The small step leading in/out of the private dining rooms can be a potential hazard for those who are not careful. 
• Great food but the menu is not as extensive as one would expect from a Chinese restaurant of this standing.

32 Beach Road
The NCO Club
Singapore 189764

+65 6818 1921

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 2:30PM & 6:00PM to 10:30PM (starts at 11AM and ends at 3:30PM for lunch service on Saturdays and Sundays)

More information and menu here

Summer Pavilion

The place: The Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion was renovated only a few years back and now sports some seriously luxurious furnishings, including a couch worth over S$20,000! The ambiance here is topnotch with art pieces on the walls adding a bit of a design element as well.

Best dishes to order: Lobster Poached Rice, Dimsum, Monk Jump Over the Wall

Pros:

• Plush interiors coupled with Michelin-quality food means this is a place to impress.
• Conveniently located with at least two shopping malls – Marina Square and Millenia Walk – located near it.
• Great service – I have only visited a couple of times but the restaurant manager even bothered to remember my favorite table.

Cons:

• Of the Chinese restaurants on this list, Summer Pavilion is the most expensive and a meal here can easily set you back by S$100+ per person even without ordering the lavish items.
• Portions in the ala carte menu are larger than average so if you are dining alone or as a couple with a small appetite, you might not be able to try a good variety of dishes.

7 Raffles Avenue
Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Singapore 039799

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 2:30PM & 6:30PM to 10:30PM

More information and menu here

Summer Palace

The place: It looks like a conventional Chinese restaurant when you first enter – complete with red carpets, antique vases and elaborate paintings –  but I’d recommend sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows for a better dining experience. The trees outside coupled with the criss-cross windowpanes create a somewhat zen effect.

Best dishes to order: Wok-fried Crocodile, Beggar’s Chicken, Steamed Glutinous Rice with Crab

Pros:

• Despite the traditional looking interiors, dishes available here include “wok-fried crocodile” which can suit those with more adventurous palates.
• Michelin-starred restaurant 

Cons:

• Portions are on the smaller side.
• Some diners have remarked that the location of the parking area is a tad inconvenient.
• Those commuting will find Regent Singapore a long walk from the nearest MRT station. There is a bus stop just outside the hotel with limited bus services.

1 Cuscaden Road
Regent Singapore
Singapore 249715

+65 6725 3288

Opening hours: Daily, 12PM to 2:30PM & 6:30PM to 10:30PM (starts at 11:30AM on Saturdays and Sundays)

More information here

Wan Hao

The place: Tucked away on the third floor of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Wan Hao’s interiors are dominated by wooden panels which create three distinct spaces within the restaurant – 2 dining halls and the private dining area. The entrance is also rather grand with some rare wines and Chinese ornaments on display against a giant piece of calligraphy by the reception.

Best dishes to order: Fried Chicken, Garoupa Longevity Noodles in Superior Stock, Yin and Yang Dessert (off-menu item)

Pros:

• Good deals can easily be found as this restaurant participates in a lot of discounted deals such as The Entertainer, Love Dining from AMEX, etc
• Probably the most conveniently located restaurant in this list – just above Orchard MRT station. You can go for a bit of shopping before/after your meal.
• Their takeaway sets are of relatively good value – starting at S$15 for a bento.

Cons:

• Can be expensive if you are paying the full price and not using any of their discount partners.
• Driving and parking here might be a bit of a hassle – after all, it’s located in one of Singapore’s busiest intersections.

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza
Singapore 238865

+65 6831 4605

Opening Hours: Daily, 12PM to 3:30PM & 6:30PM to 10:30PM (starts at 11:30AM on Saturdays and Sundays)

Get discounted vouchers for dining in Wan Hao here

Golden Peony

The place: Classy decor with warm tones and subtle accents makes Golden Peony a safe place to bring your in-laws or business partners for a quiet but delicious meal. Dining here does not entail a lot of fanfare but staff are attentive and it does not seem to get too crowded no matter what time of day you come.

Best dishes to order: London Duck, Double Boiled Soup in Pumpkin, Avocado Cream

Pros:

• For a Chinese restaurant located in a 5-star hotel, the price is relatively reasonable especially when combined with the right credit cards.
• Golden Peony offers a Discovery set menu that allows for much customization, a rarity in Chinese cuisine where set menus are usually fixed.
• Extensive tea selection

Cons:

• Prices are on the higher side if you do not use the right credit cards or avail of their promotions.
• As of this writing, entrance to Golden Peony is blocked off from the rest of the hotel.

2 Temasek Boulevard
Conrad Centennial Singapore
Singapore 038983

+65 65 6432 7482

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 2:30PM & 6:30PM to 10:30PM (Starts from 10:30AM on Sundays)

More information here

Wah Lok

The place: Widely considered to be one of Singapore’s best restaurants for Cantonese cuisine, Wah Lok has been around since 1988. The venue features an elegant entrance, modern interiors filled with Oriental accents and a rotunda illuminated by a cascading chandelier.

Best dishes to order: Dimsum, Lobster Mee Sua, Beggar’s Chicken, Ice Cream with Avocado Cream

Pros:

• A separate list featuring the best dimsum restaurants in Singapore probably is not complete without mentioning Wah Lok as well. This is one of the established places for yum cha.
• Conveniently located just steps away from City Hall MRT and Raffles City.
• Among the dozen or so Chinese restaurants I personally try during Chinese New Year, Wah Lok usually ranks as one of the best for reunion dinner menus.

Cons:

• Pricing is on the high side. This can potentially be countered with their occasional tie-ups with credit card companies for discounts.
• Some have commented that service quality can be erratic, especially during the usually busy yum cha sessions.
• Although they do have new and seasonal items from time to time, their food menu as a whole remains relatively constant over the years (for regulars, this may be seen as a PRO)

76 Bras Basah Road
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Singapore 189558

+65 6311 8188

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 3:00PM & 6:30PM to 10:00PM (Starts from 11:00AM on Sundays)

More information here

New Ubin Seafood

The place: Despite the swankier location in CHIMJES, New Ubin Seafood still retains a bit of the local Singapore zi char ambiance. Tiled flooring and the lack of table cloths bring to mind a rather easygoing setup. New Ubin Seafood has come a long way since its original location in Pulau Ubin back in the 1970s but its signature dishes are just as popular with regulars frequenting one of its 3 outlets, with this outlet in Chijmes being the most accessible.

Best dishes to order: Black Angus Rib Eye, Boss Bee Hoon, Crispy Pork Jowl

Pros:

• One of the more affordable places for Chinese food in the city area.
• Quite a variety in terms of wine selection, considering the establishment’s zi char origins.
• A number of unique dishes where Chinese restaurants are concerned – i.e. foie gras with egg, Tequila infused chicken in claypot, etc

Cons:

• Prices at this outlet are slightly higher than other outlets of New Ubin Seafood. They also have outlets in Balestier Road and Tampines, other than the one in Chijmes.
• Ambiance could be better considering the location

30 Victoria St
#02-01B/C
Singapore 187996

+65 9740 6870

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30AM to 3:00PM & 5:30PM to 10:00PM

Get discounted vouchers for New Ubin Seafood here