Food is an integral part of Chinese culture. It is the centerpiece of every important milestone among families and friends.
Aside from sustenance, the Chinese attach symbolism to certain food and produce, mostly symbolizing harmony, prosperity, and good fortune.
Find your way to five-star Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, and Hainanese cuisines with our guide to the 7 best Chinese restaurants in Singapore.
Hai Tien Lo, which literally translates to “stairway to heaven”, elevates traditional Cantonese recipes to award-winning heights by infusing modern techniques.
Situated on Level 3 of the Pan Pacific Hotel, the palatial Hai Tien Lo has always ranked high on the list of must-go places for dim sum, soups, and favorite Chinese classics.
MENU: Hai Tien Lo’s well-curated menu of
is a collection of traditional and modern Chinese culinary gems. Broken down into set menus, ala carte, and buffet menus, a perfect meal awaits diners with even the most hard-to-please taste buds.
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LOOK & FEEL: The complementing palatial structure, majestic interiors, and dainty cutlery are a perfect way to welcome patrons like royalty.
NOTE: Reservation required for groups of 6+
GETTING THERE
True to Chinese tradition, Cherry Garden’s design was conceived following the sacred practices of Feng Shui. Regarded as one of Singapore’s most beautiful Chinese restaurants, dining at Cherry Garden is akin to dining at your wealthy relative’s house – illustrious, cozy, and truly satiating.
The restaurant operates around the philosophy that the most delightful Cantonese dishes can only come from fresh produce.
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Cherry Garden offers an eclectic menu of Cantonese cuisine, presented with artistic modern flair. Entering via a striking antique doorway, the restaurant has been designed according to Feng Shui.
Using fresh, seasonal produce, the menu features authentic Cantonese dishes. A varied wine list features a balanced selection of old and new world wines specially selected to match the menu. A wide selection of Chinese teas is also available.
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AMBIENCE:
Cherry Garden is one of the most beautiful Chinese restaurants in Singapore. An elegant dining room, exuding an old Chinese atmosphere and surrounded by lush greenery, is what will make your gastronomic journey there pleasurable and memorable.
In addition to the main dining room, Cherry Garden has four elegant private dining rooms, including Bamboo, the largest of which can accommodate up to 24 guests, perfect for business or social gatherings.
NOTE: Strict with brunch and lunch schedules especially during busy days
GETTING THERE:
Nestled in the NCO Club, Madame Fan offers a contemporary, luxurious fine-dining experience with a Cantonese base. This masterfully modern take on Chinese classics is worth the visit, whatever the occasion.
MENU: The perfectly finessed menu is split up into meats and courses, featuring everything from traditional Dim Sum dishes to Crispy duck and deep-fried prawns. Finish off with a zesty tart or a shaken-up cocktail classic at the bar.
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LOOK & FEEL: The ambiance at Madame Fan is classy, elegant, and modern chic with a house DJ that spins different genres to complement your experience.
NOTE: Reservation is recommended
A Michelin star is possibly the highest recognition that a restaurant can earn, a symbol that something is being done exceptionally well. In the case of Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the perfect execution of Teochew recipes along with the easily loveable contemporary creations placed them in the ranks of highly esteemed restaurants in Singapore.
MENU: Crystal Jade has both a la carte and set menus that offer hot and cold appetizers, Teochew braised dishes, Cantonese barbecue, shark’s fin, bird’s nest, abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, live seafood, soups, Teochew and Cantonese classics, meat, vegetable and bean curd, and traditional Chinese desserts.
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LOOK & FEEL: Crystal Jade Golden Palace merges Chinese traditions with modern design. The main dining area features big circular tables, thick carpeting with gorgeous prints, and high ceilings embellished with sophisticated chandeliers. The pop of berry accents amidst black fixtures give the place a movie-set feel, an air of intrigue.
NOTE: Big groups are highly recommended to make reservations for the private dining room.
Taking over Singapore’s Intercontinental Hotel, Man Fu Yuan is an elegantly traditional fine-dining establishment that has left a mark on contemporary Chinese cuisine.
Serving delicious meals in an elegant ambiance, Man Fu Yuan is the perfect spot for a sophisticated and refined outing with the food to match.
MENU: The menu is crafted for sharing- mimicking a traditional Chinese experience of round-the-table cozy dining. With 13 newly curated dishes handmade by chefs with decades of expertise, you will be wowed from the first sight – and first bite. The menu features a balanced selection of indulgent (and pricey) dishes and reasonably priced plates to suit your occasion and budget.
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LOOK & FEEL: With warm ambient lighting, elegantly decorated round tables, and slow Chinese tunes to set the mood, Man Fu Yuan has nailed the atmosphere to match the authentic menu on offer.
NOTE: Reservation is recommended
There are so many things to love about Wah Lok, which has established itself as an institution in Singapore’s restaurant scene. It has been operating for about three decades and has recently received acclaim from the Michelin Guide Singapore.
Its claim to success is being meticulous about sourcing world-class produce from different parts of the globe to befit its brilliant Cantonese menu.
MENU: Wah Lok’s menu is, understandably, predominantly Cantonese. The menu brandishes scrumptious
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AMBIENCE: Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel is a spacious, modern, and stylish restaurant, accommodating up to 280 guests in its main dining room and 8 private rooms. Its posh interior and pleasant atmosphere make the restaurant an ideal place for any
PLUS POINT: No corkage charge
GETTING THERE:
The temerity to put “Super Peking Duck” in the restaurant’s name stems from legitimate confidence in being able to present patrons with the highest quality Peking Duck in Singapore.
Imperial Treasure has earned a reputation for its impeccable Peking duck but their other signature dishes are worthy of accolades as well.
MENU: Imperial Treasure may not have a voluminous menu as those found in typical Chinese restaurants but the brilliance of each dish more than makes up for the short stack of choices. Aside from its world-class Peking duck, the menu is a collection of exquisite appetizers, crustaceans, soup, vegetables, roasts, barbecue, meat, seafood, and dessert.
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LOOK & FEEL: Imperial Treasure has an understated elegance with interiors showcasing an aesthetic of lines and borders amidst traditional circular tables. The simple decors allow food to take the spotlight in every Imperial Treasure culinary experience.
NOTE: Most of Imperial Treasure’s signature dishes, especially their roasts, require to be ordered in advance.
