Singapore’s culinary landscape is nothing short of exceptional, and when it comes to Chinese cuisine, the city-state truly excels. With a significant proportion of its population being of Chinese descent, it’s no surprise that Singapore boasts an impressive spectrum of Chinese restaurants—from humble hawker stalls serving heart-warming classics to fine dining establishments reimagining traditional recipes with modern finesse.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore, each offering its own interpretation of authenticity, innovation, and flavour. Whether you’re in search of Cantonese dim sum, fiery Sichuan fare, or delicate Teochew dishes, these establishments represent the pinnacle of Chinese gastronomy in the Lion City.
1. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
Cuisine: Beijing
Location: Paragon, Orchard Road
Signature Dish: Peking Duck carved tableside
For those seeking a sublime rendition of Beijing’s most iconic dish, Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck is a must-visit. The restaurant specialises in the art of roasting Peking duck to crispy perfection, with the skin served separately for maximum textural contrast. Each duck is meticulously prepared and roasted in a wood-fired oven, offering diners a luxurious experience with theatrical tableside carving.
Beyond the duck, the restaurant delivers an expansive menu featuring refined Cantonese dishes—think braised sea cucumber, double-boiled soups, and delicate dim sum. The ambiance is understated yet elegant, perfect for family celebrations or business lunches.
2. Summer Pavilion – The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Cuisine: Cantonese
Location: Marina Bay
Award: Michelin-starred
Tucked within the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Summer Pavilion is a sanctuary of quiet sophistication. Helmed by Executive Chef Cheung Siu Kong, the Michelin-starred establishment is renowned for its precise Cantonese dishes prepared with premium ingredients. The menu leans heavily on tradition while embracing modernity in presentation and plating.
Signature offerings include the double-boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw and chicken, as well as the wok-fried Boston lobster with black bean sauce. The tea selection here is also impeccable, curated to complement the nuanced flavours of each dish. It’s an oasis for discerning gourmets who value subtlety and depth.
3. Din Tai Fung
Cuisine: Taiwanese-Chinese
Location: Multiple outlets island-wide
Signature Dish: Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
While it may be a global name today, Din Tai Fung has retained its charm and consistency in Singapore. Best known for its xiao long bao—meticulously hand-folded soup dumplings that burst with flavour—it continues to be a crowd-pleaser across generations.
The menu is accessible yet refined, offering dishes like fried rice with pork chop, truffle dumplings, and spicy wontons. Service is prompt and the kitchens immaculately clean, often visible through glass walls. It’s an ideal spot for casual meals that don’t compromise on taste or technique.
4. PUTIEN
Cuisine: Heng Hwa (Fujian)
Location: Kitchener Road & various outlets
Award: One Michelin Star
Originating from a modest coffee shop, PUTIEN has evolved into a critically acclaimed restaurant celebrating the food of Fujian’s Putian region. It received a Michelin star for its flagship outlet at Kitchener Road, thanks to its focus on fresh ingredients and home-style cooking.
Favourites include the stir-fried yam, Putien-style bee hoon made with handmade vermicelli, and the braised pig intestines—a dish that surprises with its finesse and flavour. This is comfort food elevated to an art form, served in a clean, contemporary setting.
5. Jade – The Fullerton Hotel
Cuisine: Cantonese with modern influences
Location: Fullerton Hotel, Raffles Place
Ambience: Colonial charm meets contemporary chic
Jade is one of Singapore’s most elegant Chinese dining destinations. With its soft pastel tones and tasteful interiors, the restaurant balances heritage with sophistication. Chef Leong Chee Yeng, an artist in both cuisine and ceramic-making, leads the kitchen with a flair for refinement.
Signature dishes such as the wok-fried wagyu beef with black pepper, and braised bird’s nest with crab meat in superior broth, highlight Jade’s dedication to quality and presentation. The weekend dim sum brunch is another highlight, offering an indulgent variety that’s both artful and hearty.
6. Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Cuisine: Teochew-Cantonese
Location: Paragon, Orchard Road
Award: One Michelin Star
A household name in Singapore, Crystal Jade has many offshoots, but Golden Palace is its crown jewel. Melding Teochew and Cantonese traditions, the menu is an expansive and exciting one, featuring everything from Teochew-style chilled crab to roasted meats and double-boiled herbal soups.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list—unusual for a Chinese restaurant—making it a great option for pairing East Asian cuisine with fine vintages. The setting is plush but inviting, suitable for both formal and intimate occasions.
7. Si Chuan Dou Hua
Cuisine: Sichuan
Location: PARKROYAL on Beach Road, TOP of UOB Plaza
Signature Dish: Mala hotpot, mapo tofu, tea-smoked duck
If you crave bold, spicy flavours, Si Chuan Dou Hua is an unmissable institution. It serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, characterised by the iconic mala (numbing-spicy) profile. From the tea-smoked duck to dandan noodles and sliced fish in chilli oil, each dish is a carefully balanced act of heat and harmony.
The restaurant’s décor pays homage to Chinese heritage, and the dramatic city views from its UOB Plaza outlet elevate the experience further. It’s the go-to place when you seek a visceral, unapologetically fiery meal.
8. Min Jiang – Goodwood Park Hotel
Cuisine: Sichuan and Cantonese
Location: Goodwood Park Hotel, Orchard Road
Highlight: Wood-fired Beijing duck
Min Jiang is a venerable name in Singapore’s Chinese dining scene, and for good reason. This colonial-era establishment brings the charm of a bygone era with its old-world service and lush garden views. The menu features a refined selection of Sichuan and Cantonese specialities, with the wood-fired Beijing duck as a standout.
The dim sum offerings are equally exceptional, with creative renditions like squid-ink dumplings and truffle-infused siew mai. Perfect for high tea or a leisurely weekend lunch.
9. Mott 32 Singapore
Cuisine: Modern Chinese
Location: Marina Bay Sands
Origin: International brand with Hong Kong roots
For a modern take on Chinese dining in an opulent setting, Mott 32 at Marina Bay Sands fits the bill. It fuses traditional recipes with premium ingredients and cutting-edge culinary techniques. Think Iberico pork char siu, soft quail egg siu mai, and applewood-roasted Peking duck—all impeccably presented.
The interior design is moody and luxurious, making it ideal for special occasions and stylish gatherings. Mott 32 proves that Chinese food can be glamorous, theatrical, and entirely current.
10. Red House Seafood
Cuisine: Singaporean Chinese
Location: Clarke Quay, Grand Copthorne
Speciality: Chilli crab, lobster porridge
No list would be complete without a nod to Singaporean Chinese seafood. Red House Seafood has been around since 1976, making it one of the most enduring seafood restaurants in the city. It’s famous for its signature chilli crab, prepared with a piquant, tomato-based sauce that’s both spicy and sweet.
The restaurant also offers lobster porridge, cereal prawns, and bamboo clams—all quintessentially Singaporean dishes with Chinese roots. The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, ideal for casual feasts by the riverside.
Final Thoughts: A Diverse Feast of Chinese Flavours
Singapore’s Chinese culinary scene is not only rich and diverse—it’s a reflection of its multicultural heritage and appetite for innovation. From fine dining temples like Summer Pavilion and Jade, to regional treasures such as PUTIEN and Si Chuan Dou Hua, each restaurant offers a distinct story told through food.
Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a tourist on the hunt for authentic fare, the city presents endless opportunities to explore Chinese cuisine in its many guises—classic, regional, and modern. The best part? In Singapore, good food is never far from reach.
So the next time you’re craving dumplings, roast duck, or something fiery and bold, let this guide be your compass to the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore—each worth every bite, every moment, and every return visit.