A culinary journey through Singapore’s most exciting new Chinese restaurants, where authentic regional flavors are redefining the local dining scene
Singapore’s Chinese food scene is waking up. It’s not just about spicy mala or smoky hotpot anymore. Something fresh is happening.
A new wave of chefs and dreamers are bringing China’s hidden flavors to light. Step into these places and you’ll taste the sea in a bowl of Hainanese fish soup, or the quiet pride of Beijing in a golden roast duck. Each dish tells a story, rich with color and memory.
These restaurants go beyond what you know. Forget just Cantonese dim sum or fiery Sichuan peppercorns. Here, every meal is an adventure — one that sweeps you from village kitchens to imperial banquets.
It’s time to explore. Let your palate travel. Discover a world of flavors, right here at home. The old favorites will always be there, but tonight, why not try something extraordinary?
Mr Hainan: Coastal Heritage in the Heart of VivoCity
Address: 02-116 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk
Operating Hours: 11:30am to 9:30pm daily
Contact: 8060-7116 | @mrhainan (Instagram)
Delivery: Available via major platforms
Stepping into Mr Hainan feels like entering a coastal Chinese home rather than a mall restaurant. The 60-seat establishment eschews flashy décor for understated elegance—whitewashed walls adorned with subtle maritime motifs, natural wood furnishings, and soft lighting that evokes the gentle glow of a seaside sunset. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the careful preparation of dishes that honor Hainan’s authentic culinary traditions.
Owner Dong Haideng, a 50-year-old Hainan native who previously managed the Yan Jiang Hainan Cuisine restaurant group, brings an evangelist’s passion to introducing Singaporeans to true Hainanese cuisine. “The Hainanese dishes Singaporeans know—chicken rice, pork chop, curry rice—these are actually British-influenced adaptations created when Hainanese men worked as cooks and stewards,” he explains. “Authentic Hainanese cuisine has a milder profile that highlights fresh ingredients, natural sweetness, and subtle seasoning.”
Signature Dishes: A Taste of the South China Sea
Hainan Wenchang Chicken ($28.80 for half)
The restaurant’s crown jewel arrives as a revelation to those accustomed to local chicken rice. The free-range Malaysian chickens, specially bred for Mr Hainan and fed an antibiotic-free diet for 180 days, possess a firm texture and concentrated flavor that mass-produced poultry simply cannot match. Served at room temperature with a trio of condiments—ginger-scallion oil, dark soy with chili, and fermented soybean paste—each bite delivers layers of umami complexity.
Wenchang Chicken Rice ($1.60)
Prepared with old crop rice that more fully absorbs the rich chicken broth, this isn’t your hawker center version. Each grain glistens with rendered chicken fat and carries the essence of superior stock, creating a foundation worthy of the premium poultry it accompanies.
Threadfin with Black Bean Sauce ($29.90)
Fresh threadfin, imported from Hainan waters, is wok-fried with fermented black beans to create a dish that exemplifies the cuisine’s emphasis on ingredient quality. The fish’s delicate sweetness plays against the earthy, salty depth of the beans, while precise cooking ensures the flesh remains silky and intact.
Braised Hainan Jiaji Duck ($25.80)
This regional specialty showcases the Hainanese mastery of braising. The duck, slow-cooked in a aromatic blend of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, achieves a glossy mahogany exterior while maintaining succulent meat that falls off the bone. The braising liquid, reduced to a syrupy consistency, provides an intensely flavorful glaze.
Luffa and Glass Noodle in Chicken Broth ($18.80)
A comfort dish that embodies Hainanese philosophy of letting ingredients shine. The clear, golden broth—simmered from the same premium chickens—provides a clean canvas for tender luffa and slippery glass noodles. It’s restorative cooking at its finest, the kind of dish that nourishes both body and soul.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends to its imported ingredients: black soybeans, tamarind, and even fish arrive directly from Hainan, ensuring flavors remain true to their origins. This dedication to sourcing, combined with Dong’s expertise, creates an dining experience that transports guests to China’s southernmost province.
Peking Chamber: Imperial Grandeur at Resorts World Sentosa
Address: 01-212/213/214 Weave at Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway
Operating Hours: 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm daily
Contact: 6993-1600 | www.pekingchamber.com.sg
Delivery: Limited menu available
The moment you enter Peking Chamber’s 116-seat dining room, the restaurant’s imperial aspirations become clear. Rich burgundy and gold dominate the color palette, while traditional Chinese screens partition the space into intimate sections. Ornate lanterns cast warm light over dark wood tables, and the restaurant’s centerpiece—a magnificent roasting oven visible through glass panels—hints at the theatrical culinary performances to come.
This Beijing institution, established in 2008 with 24 locations across Beijing and Shanghai, brings authentic northern Chinese cuisine to Southeast Asia. The restaurant’s design philosophy mirrors Beijing’s architectural grandeur: formal yet welcoming, traditional yet refined.
Signature Dishes: Northern Chinese Mastery
Roasted Tender Duck (from $68 for half)
Peking Chamber’s signature dish transcends the typical Peking duck experience through meticulous technique and theatrical presentation. The ducks, hung vertically in custom ovens and roasted over fruit wood, develop a mahogany skin with an audible crackle. The tableside carving ceremony unfolds like performance art—skilled chefs slice paper-thin skin and succulent meat with surgical precision.
The three-way serving method elevates the experience: first, diners taste the crackling skin dipped in sugar alongside naked duck meat with mashed garlic, appreciating the pure flavors. Second comes the classic presentation with begonia plum sauce, Hami melon, and cucumber wrapped in gossamer pancakes. Finally, the duck is served with sweet bean sauce, pickled cabbage, and scallions—a combination that showcases the cuisine’s love of contrasting textures and temperatures.
Selected Grilled Lamb with Scallion ($45)
This dish exemplifies Beijing’s Mongolian influences and halal culinary traditions. Prime cuts from the hind leg are grilled over high heat and presented in a gleaming copper pot that retains heat throughout the meal. The lamb’s natural sweetness intensifies through precise grilling, while fresh scallions provide aromatic brightness. Each bite delivers the smoky char and tender interior that define masterful Chinese grilling.
Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion ($78 per person)
A luxury ingredient treatment that demonstrates imperial court cuisine’s sophistication. Dalian sea cucumbers, prized for their thick walls and springy texture, undergo hours of preparation before braising in superior stock. The result is a dish of extraordinary umami depth—the sea cucumber absorbs the rich braising liquid while maintaining its distinctive gelatinous bite.
Sweet and Sour Deep-fried Yellow Croaker with Garlic ($109 whole fish)
East China Sea yellow croaker receives royal treatment in this preparation that showcases Beijing cuisine’s technical prowess. The fish is deep-fried without batter, creating an impossibly crispy exterior that shatters to reveal flaky, moist flesh. The sweet and tangy sauce, brightened with fresh garlic, provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, oily fish.
The restaurant’s wine program features selections that complement the robust flavors of northern Chinese cuisine, while tea service includes premium varieties from across China’s growing regions.
Longjing: Zhejiang Sophistication at Suntec City
Address: 01-384 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard
Operating Hours: 11:30am to 10pm daily
Contact: 6348-6523 | en.china-greentea.com.cn
Delivery: Available through major platforms
Longjing’s interior design philosophy centers on transporting diners to Hangzhou’s legendary West Lake. Soft blues and greens dominate the color scheme, while stylized wave patterns and lotus motifs adorn walls and screens. Natural materials—bamboo, stone, unfinished wood—create an organic atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless. The restaurant’s centerpiece, a stunning digital art installation depicting West Lake’s seasonal changes, adds modern flair to the traditional aesthetic.
As the international flagship of the Green Tea Restaurant group (500+ locations in China), Longjing carries the weight of introducing Zhejiang cuisine to Southeast Asian palates. The brand’s Singapore debut represents the first step in ambitious regional expansion plans that include Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and eventually Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Signature Dishes: Four Styles, One Province
Longjing Roast Chicken ($23.80 whole chicken)
This signature preparation demonstrates Hangzhou cuisine’s emphasis on precise knife skills and heat control. The chicken, marinated in Shaoxing wine and local spices, roasts to golden perfection while remaining incredibly moist. The final flourish—a drizzle of premium Longjing tea oil—adds floral notes that complement the bird’s natural sweetness. It’s a dish that embodies the region’s tea culture and culinary finesse.
Dongpo Ribs ($20.80)
Named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, these wine-braised pork ribs represent Hangzhou cuisine at its most sophisticated. The ribs slow-cook in Shaoxing wine until the meat falls off the bone, developing a lustrous, caramelized exterior. Each piece delivers intense pork flavor balanced by the wine’s subtle sweetness and complexity.
Shaoxing Pork Buns ($6.80)
These delicate steamed buns showcase the region’s mastery of bread-making techniques. The dough, impossibly soft and slightly sweet, encases seasoned pork filling enhanced with Shaoxing wine. The contrast between the pillowy exterior and savory interior creates textural harmony that defines great dim sum.
Steamed Yellow Croaker ($29.80)
Representing Ningbo’s seafood expertise, this preparation celebrates the yellow croaker’s delicate flavor through minimal intervention. The fish steams over scallions and ginger, finished with premium soy sauce and oil heated until smoking. The result preserves the fish’s natural sweetness while adding aromatic complexity.
Clams and Loofah ($14.80)
This humble dish exemplifies Zhejiang cuisine’s ability to elevate simple ingredients. Fresh clams release their briny liquor to create a natural sauce for tender loofah, while garlic and ginger provide aromatic support without overwhelming the primary flavors.
Sweet Conclusions
Ice Cream Leifeng Pagoda ($4.80)
This whimsical dessert transforms the famous Hangzhou landmark into an edible sculpture. Layers of green tea ice cream stack to recreate the pagoda’s distinctive silhouette, while crispy wafer elements add textural interest. It’s Instagram-worthy presentation with genuine flavor sophistication.
West Lake Lotus Flower Pudding ($5.80)
Inspired by West Lake’s iconic lotus blossoms, this delicate pudding captures the flower’s subtle fragrance through careful infusion techniques. The silky texture and gentle sweetness provide a perfect conclusion to the Zhejiang culinary journey.
The Soup Expert: Shanghai’s Wellness Philosophy
Address: 03-316 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard
Opening: October 2025, 11am to 9:30pm daily
Contact: @thesoupexpert (Instagram)
Delivery: Expected to be available post-opening
Shanghai entrepreneur David Chen’s first international venture brings his soup-centric philosophy to Singapore’s wellness-conscious dining scene. The 54-year-old restaurateur, who established The Soup Expert brand in 2007, operates three successful locations in Shanghai before selecting Singapore as his international debut market.
The restaurant’s design reflects Chen’s belief in soup’s therapeutic properties. Clean lines, natural materials, and a soothing earth-tone palette create a space that feels more like a modern apothecary than a traditional restaurant. The centerpiece—custom soup steamers imported directly from Shanghai—demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to authentic preparation methods.
Signature Soups: Wellness in a Bowl
Abalone Ginseng Soup ($14.90)
This luxury preparation combines Dalian abalone with farmed ginseng, creating a soup that embodies traditional Chinese medicine principles. The four-hour double-boiling process extracts maximum nutrients while maintaining each ingredient’s distinct character. Old hens provide rich foundation, while bamboo fungus adds textural complexity and pork contributes depth.
Wild Mushroom Bamboo Fungus Soup ($12.90)
Representing Chen’s commitment to accessible wellness, this vegetarian option showcases mountain mushrooms and bamboo fungus in perfect harmony. The extended cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a broth of extraordinary complexity and supposed immune-boosting properties.
Beyond Soup: Complementary Offerings
Cooker-Baked Dang Gui Chicken ($18.90 half)
Angelica root, astragalus, red dates, and goji berries infuse this chicken dish with traditional medicinal properties. The specialized cooking method ensures the herbs’ essences penetrate the meat while maintaining the chicken’s natural texture and flavor.
Five Harmony Prawn Cake ($18.90 for three)
These delicate prawn cakes combine whole prawns with prawn paste, creating textural contrast and concentrated seafood flavor. The preparation technique, refined over Chen’s 18-year career, results in impossibly light yet satisfying cakes.
Chen’s expansion plans include five Singapore locations, with Malaysia targeted for subsequent growth. His confidence stems from Singapore diners’ familiarity with double-boiled soups and growing interest in functional cuisine that prioritizes wellness alongside flavor.
Xing Yue Xuan: Jumbo Group’s Cantonese Ambitions
Address: B1-201 Weave at Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway
Operating Hours: 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-10:30pm (weekdays); 11:30am-3:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm (weekends)
Contact: 8031-0096 | @jumbogroup.singapore (Instagram)
Delivery: Limited selection available
The Jumbo Group’s foray into premium Cantonese cuisine represents a significant evolution for the seafood-focused restaurant empire. Xing Yue Xuan’s 66-seat dining room, with half the seats in private rooms, recreates the intimate atmosphere of a Chao Shan courtyard. Warm timber surfaces, traditional lanterns, and stained-glass windows create an environment that balances formality with comfort.
Executive Chef Khor Joo Wah, a 54-year-old Singaporean with over two decades of Chinese culinary experience (including time with the TungLok Group), brings technical expertise and local understanding to traditional Cantonese preparations.
Signature Dishes: Cantonese Refinement
Double-boiled Fish Maw Kampung Chicken Soup ($38 per person)
This luxury soup exemplifies Cantonese cuisine’s pursuit of perfect texture and pure flavor. Old hens simmer with premium fish maw, scallops, and morel mushrooms for hours, creating a crystal-clear broth of extraordinary depth. Each spoonful delivers layers of umami complexity while maintaining the delicate, clean finish that defines superior Cantonese soup-making.
Dong Po Pork Belly in Hakka Style ($38 per person)
Chef Khor’s interpretation of this classic requires six hours of careful braising to achieve the perfect balance of fat and lean meat. The pork belly, wine-braised until fork-tender, develops a mahogany glaze while maintaining its structural integrity. Each portion provides the rich, unctuous texture that makes this dish a Cantonese celebration staple.
Xing Yue Xuan Fuss-Free Crab ($78 per person for half crab)
This innovative presentation removes the work from crab eating while preserving the interactive dining experience. Pre-shelled crab meat and intact claws can be prepared in three styles: Jumbo’s signature chili crab preparation, black pepper treatment, or steamed with egg custard and topped with caviar. The latter option transforms humble crab into luxury dining through technical precision and premium garnishing.
Signature Live Australian Half Lobster Poached Rice in Seafood Broth
This theatrical dish combines live lobster with premium rice in a technique that maximizes both visual impact and flavor development. The lobster cooks gently in aromatic seafood broth while the rice absorbs the concentrated essence, creating a dish that’s part risotto, part seafood showcase.
Traditional Elements
Duo Dim Sum Platter ($15 per person)
Chef Khor’s rotating selection demonstrates classical Cantonese dim sum techniques while incorporating seasonal ingredients. Each item showcases different preparation methods—steaming, frying, baking—ensuring textural variety within the composed platter.
The restaurant’s amuse bouche service, featuring scallop and prawn salad in housemade kueh pie tee shells plus pickled cherry tomatoes, immediately establishes the kitchen’s technical capabilities and creative vision.
Canton Paradise+: Instagram Meets Tradition
Address: B2-37 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Contact: @paradisegrpsg (Instagram)
Delivery: Full menu available via major platforms
The Paradise Group’s latest concept acknowledges the social media age while maintaining respect for traditional Cantonese flavors. The 76-seat restaurant’s design philosophy embraces maximalist Instagram aesthetics—bright colors, playful patterns, and photo-friendly lighting create an environment optimized for social sharing.
Marketing Director Lin Sifang describes the concept as “flavourful morsels in a stylish setting,” positioning Canton Paradise+ as accessible luxury for the smartphone generation. The restaurant’s aggressive pricing strategy encourages frequent visits while maintaining ingredient quality standards.
Signature Dishes: Tradition Meets Novelty
Sugar Shell Turtle Bolo Bun ($4.90)
This whimsical interpretation of the classic Hong Kong pineapple bun transforms familiar flavors into Instagram gold. The turtle-shaped bun maintains the traditional crispy, sweet exterior while adding visual appeal that drives social media engagement. Despite the playful presentation, the bun delivers authentic buttery richness and textural contrast.
Trio Lava Bun ($7.90)
Pig and chick-shaped buns filled with flowing custard demonstrate the kitchen’s technical skills within a playful framework. The timing required to achieve proper lava flow while maintaining structural integrity showcases serious dim sum expertise disguised as novelty.
Lazy Bear Mango Pudding
The restaurant’s signature dessert exemplifies the brand’s ability to balance tradition with innovation. The mango pudding maintains authentic Hong Kong dessert flavors while the adorable bear presentation creates share-worthy moments. The pudding’s signature wobble adds kinetic appeal perfect for video content.
Signature Canton Jumbo Prawn Wanton Noodle ($8.90)
Despite the restaurant’s emphasis on visual appeal, this dish proves that substance matches style. Jumbo prawns fill delicate wanton wrappers, while premium noodles and rich broth provide the foundation for a satisfying meal that happens to photograph beautifully.
Steamed Rice Roll with Curry Pig’s Skin and Fish Ball ($7.50)
This creative preparation demonstrates how traditional techniques can accommodate modern flavor combinations. Silky rice noodle sheets encase curry-spiced pig skin and bouncy fish balls, creating textural variety within familiar presentation formats.
The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and friendly pricing make it an attractive option during economic uncertainty, while the Instagram-optimized presentations ensure social media visibility that traditional establishments struggle to achieve.
The Regional Revolution: What It Means for Singapore Dining
This wave of regional Chinese restaurants represents more than culinary novelty—it signals Singapore’s evolution into a sophisticated food destination capable of supporting authentic, specialized cuisines. These establishments succeed because they combine genuine cultural knowledge with business acumen suited to local market conditions.
Each restaurant addresses different market segments: Mr Hainan serves authenticity seekers, Peking Chamber targets luxury diners, Longjing appeals to adventurous eaters, The Soup Expert attracts wellness-conscious consumers, Xing Yue Xuan provides premium experiences, and Canton Paradise+ captures the social media generation.
The success of these ventures suggests Singapore diners are ready to move beyond familiar preparations and explore China’s vast culinary landscape. As these restaurants establish themselves and expand, they’re likely to inspire additional regional specialists, further diversifying the local Chinese dining scene.
For food enthusiasts, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to explore authentic Chinese regional cuisines without leaving Singapore. For the restaurants themselves, success here opens doors to regional expansion, positioning Singapore as a launching pad for Chinese culinary cultural diplomacy throughout Southeast Asia.
The mala wave may continue, but Singapore’s Chinese restaurant scene is finally revealing the depth and diversity that China’s vast culinary traditions truly deserve.
For the most current information on operating hours, menu availability, and reservations, contact restaurants directly or check their social media accounts. Delivery options and pricing may vary by platform and location.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritizing individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialized mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritized every step of the way.