The Best Chinese Restaurants in Singapore

7 of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Singapore

Food is a massive part of Singapore’s culture. To the point that a common greeting in Singapore is ‘have you eaten?’! Dining out is considered a national pastime and is an important part of the nation’s identity. With Singapore having such a culturally diverse history, it’s no surprise that the culinary heritage of the city is just as multifaceted, and since approximately three-quarters of Singapore’s population is of Chinese origin or descent, it also shouldn’t be a surprise that Chinese food in Singapore is huge!

A Bit of History

With many of the original Chinese immigrants being from Southern China, the restaurants in Singapore predominantly feature Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka and Hainanese cuisine respectively. Like so many others, many of the Chinese restaurants in Singapore started out in the famous hawker centres, before reaching a point where moving into buildings was essential. This point was where the real history of Chinese restaurants in Singapore began.

Modern Trends

In recent years, Singapore has welcomed many migrants from North China, which means so Szechuan dishes and hot pots have made their way into Singapore’s culinary identity. Like all things, Chinese food in Singapore evolved and adapted to its surroundings and even the most authentic restaurants will tell you that techniques that work for Chinese customers, don’t always suit the tastes of Singaporeans. But one thing is for sure, Chinese cuisine has earned its place in Singapore’s remarkable culinary history and is not to be missed.

Chinese Restaurants in Singapore – The List

As a result, we’ve put together a list of some of the best and most-loved Chinese restaurants in Singapore. So you can also expect to find famous names, as well as a few local secrets and hidden gems. Now without further ado and in no particular order: (except for the first one)

Summer Pavilion

Summer Pavilion is a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant located inside The Ritz-Carlton in Millenia Singapore that features a sublime combination of exceptional food, class and a beautiful location. Highly praised for the set menus, dim sum and a la carte options, executive chef Cheung Siu Kong has created something that is both modern and incredibly special, while retaining a distinctive Cantonese identity. Well deserving of a place on any fine dining list, Summer Pavilion is a must.

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Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant that specialises in classical Cantonese cuisine, with an interior inspired by the home of a Chinese scholar. Executive chef Brian Wong Shiuh Yean has created a restaurant that has made excellence the norm and continues to reach for new heights. Located inside the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, if you’re after excellent and traditional Cantonese cuisine, this is the place for you.

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Cherry Garden

One of the most beautiful restaurants in Singapore, Cherry Gardens’ decor is second-to-none, and features charcoal teak panels and slate flooring that perfectly depicts the magnificence of an oriental residence. Serving up authentic Cantonese dishes with a modern twist, alongside a carefully curated wine and tea menu, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular restaurants in Singapore.

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Mitzo

Taking the old, and making it new is at the core of Mitzo. Combining the spirit of Cantonese cuisine and modern cooking techniques, this beautiful restaurant offers a truly innovative dining experience. Also ensuring only the freshest, quality and seasonal ingredients are used, you should expect both the menu and experience to be different each time you visit. Located on the 4th floor of the Grand Park Orchard Hotel, Mitzo also transforms into a cocktail bar and nightclub later in the evening.

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Si Chuan Dou Hua

Taking its name from the Szechuan tradition of offering a bowl of dou hua (silken beancurd) as a welcome gift to guests, Si Chuan Dou Hua has been a pioneer in bringing Szechuan cuisine to Singapore. Alongside traditional Szechuan dishes, you’ll also find authentic Cantonese and exquisite handcrafted dim sum on offer. As if that wasn’t enough, Si Chuan Dou Hua is also connected to Tian Fu Tea Room, the first fully dedicated teahouse housed inside a restaurant in Singapore. This unique combination creates a fully immersive dining experience that we’re quite sure you’ll love.

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Mouth Restaurant – China Square

Praised for the fresh, handmade dim sum served daily for lunch and during the weekend, Mouth Restaurant at China Square has been a Singapore favourite since 1988. Although not as upmarket or fancy as some other entries on the list, this charming and affordable restaurant still offers delicious dishes and a tranquil ambience and is worth trying if you’re looking for a more down-to-earth experience.

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Old Cheng Du

When Old Cheng Du originally opened it was as a food stall in one of Singapore’s most famous food markets. But as its popularity grew so quickly, they soon moved into a space in Tanjong Pagar and haven’t looked back since. Szechuan cuisine dates back to the Qing Dynasty of the 17th century and Old Cheng Du Restaurant proudly represents this fantastic and distinctive cuisine by creating dishes so hot your head will literally go numb. It’s not to be missed.

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Before you go.

With so much variety it’s hard to really pin down the best Chinese restaurant in Singapore, but you can’t go wrong with any of the above spots. But what do you think? Which is your favourite Chinese restaurant in Singapore and why? Let us know in the comments below.