Spring Court: Nostalgia in Every Bite
Location: 52-56 Upper Cross Street
Cuisine: Traditional Cantonese
Contact: 6449-5030 / WhatsApp 9461-5828
Website: springcourt.com.sg
Overview
Spring Court stands as a beacon of nostalgic dining, specializing in the kind of comfort food that evokes memories of family gatherings and simpler times. This establishment has carved out its reputation by perfecting dishes that transport diners back to their childhood, with an emphasis on quintessential Cantonese comfort cuisine.
Signature Dishes
Yam Ring (S$38)
The pièce de résistance of Spring Court’s menu, this dish is a masterclass in texture and flavor contrast. Deep fried mashed yam forms a golden, crispy exterior that envelops a luxurious filling of plump, glossy prawns combined with canned mushrooms, celery, and red peppers. The filling maintains a nostalgic aesthetic with its simple yet satisfying composition. When ordering for delivery, the yam ring arrives separated from its filling to maintain crispness—a thoughtful touch that shows consideration for the takeaway experience.
Roast Crispy Whole Chicken (S$32)
This classic dish presents a challenge for takeaway orders due to its delicate nature. Pre-chopped upon delivery, the chicken’s crispness can become compromised during transit. The thigh and drumstick prove more resilient than the breast meat, which tends toward dryness. For optimal results, requesting the bird whole for carving at home is advisable.
Recommendations
Spring Court’s signature pork ribs and lamb brisket are notably safer choices for delivery than the roast chicken. Additionally, their soups and tofu dishes travel exceptionally well, maintaining quality and flavor integrity throughout the delivery process.
Delivery Details
- Minimum order: None specified
- Delivery fee: S$20
- Free delivery: Above S$200
- Multiple ordering channels available
Verdict
Spring Court excels at delivering comfort through food, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to relive cherished culinary memories or experience traditional Cantonese cuisine done right. However, for delivery orders, choose dishes that withstand the journey better rather than delicate fried items.
Famous Treasure: Modern Zi-Char with Eclectic Flair
Location: #02-28 Capitol Piazza
Cuisine: Upgraded Zi-Char with International Influences
Contact: 68816668
Website: famoustreasure.getz.co / famoustreasure.oddle.me
Overview
Despite being younger than its competitors, Famous Treasure possesses an old soul, reimagining traditional zi-char cooking with creative upgrades and a surprisingly eclectic menu. This restaurant represents a modern approach to casual Chinese dining, where unconventional pairings sit comfortably alongside time-honored favorites.
Signature Dishes
Signature Char Kway Teow (S$18)
Remarkably impressive for its price point, this dish retains a faint whisper of wok hei—the coveted breath of the wok—despite the rigors of delivery. The noodles separate beautifully despite initial clumping, and the preserved radish and beansprouts provide textural contrast. A subtly sweet seasoning ties the dish together without overwhelming the palate, making it remarkably easy to finish.
Deep Fried Pork Belly (S$20)
Marinated in fermented beancurd and pre-sliced for convenience, this dish boasts excellent umami despite being slightly on the salty side. Most impressively, the batter remains crunchy even after delivery, demonstrating the care taken in preparation and packaging. The fermented beancurd marinade elevates this from a simple fried dish to something with genuine depth.
Braised Beef Brisket (S$28)
An unassuming-looking dish that delivers exceptional value in terms of preparation and execution. The beef brisket is fork-tender with an ideal balance of meat and chewy tendons, prepared in the familiar Cantonese ngau lam style. While the portion-to-price ratio is generous, the quality justifies the premium pricing.
Baked Flower Crab in Rock Salt (S$49)
Two petite specimens (totaling 700gm) arrive baked in fragrant rock salt. However, the premium pricing is somewhat questionable given that much of the weight comes from shell rather than flesh. The sweet morsels of meat, while pleasant, don’t quite justify the cost. Alternative options like assam or curry fish head offer better value for money.
Menu Highlights
Famous Treasure’s eclectic approach means diners can enjoy assam fish head alongside roasted Irish duck and Malay-style mee goreng—a rare fusion of cuisines that somehow works coherently under one roof.
Delivery Details
- Minimum order: S$50
- Delivery fee: S$20 through famoustreasure.oddle.me
- Free delivery: Above S$80 through famoustreasure.getz.co
- Most organized delivery menu among the three restaurants
Verdict
Famous Treasure offers the most user-friendly delivery experience with competitive pricing and a well-curated menu that excels at travel-friendly dishes. The upgraded zi-char approach attracts both traditionalists and adventurous diners seeking something slightly different. Highly recommended for consistent quality and better value.
Huat Kee Teochew Restaurant: Old School Excellence
Location: #02-01 RELC Building
Cuisine: Traditional Teochew
Contact: 6423-4747 / 8869-2888
Website: teochewrestaurant.com
Overview
Huat Kee represents old school dining at its finest, embodying the authentic essence of Teochew cuisine with an unwavering commitment to traditional preparation methods and ingredients. This establishment has perfected dishes that have stood the test of time, from liver rolls to jellied pig’s trotters.
Signature Dishes
Fish Soup with Fish Maw and Yam (S$48)
A luxurious offering that easily serves five people, this soup exemplifies the depth achievable through slow simmering. The broth is intensely thick and collagen-rich, brimming with evenly-shaped pieces of slippery fish maw and soft, yielding cubes of yam. The soup demands to be served piping hot to prevent the richness from becoming overwhelming. A splash of whisky or brandy can help balance the fishiness if needed. The nourishment derived from bones slowly simmered into the broth makes this a particularly rewarding dish for health-conscious diners—a little truly goes a long way.
Fried Kway Teow with Preserved Radish (S$TBD)
Huat Kee’s version features notably thinner noodles than Famous Treasure’s, resulting in a drier texture that remains impressively decent. The dish comes loaded with a veritable motherlode of shredded vegetables and add-ons, providing substantial flavor complexity and textural variety.
Braised Abalone Rice (S$12.80)
An intriguingly priced dish that offers a glimpse into Huat Kee’s ability to deliver luxury at accessible price points. The braised abalone adds umami-rich depth to the rice preparation.
Traditional Offerings
Beyond the standout dishes, Huat Kee’s menu features time-tested Teochew staples that excel during delivery: liver rolls, jellied pig’s trotters, braised duck, and various braised preparations. These dishes’ robust, deeply developed flavors and sturdy compositions make them ideal for takeaway orders.
Delivery Details
- Minimum order: None
- Delivery fee: S$25
- Free delivery: Above S$200
- Limited but efficient ordering system
Verdict
Huat Kee is the ideal choice for those seeking authentic, traditional Teochew cuisine that has been perfected over years of dedicated practice. Every dish demonstrates a respect for ingredients and classical technique. For takeaway, Huat Kee excels due to the inherent travel-friendliness of braised and simmered Teochew preparations.
Comparative Analysis and Recommendations
Best for Different Occasions
Nostalgia and Comfort: Spring Court remains unmatched for those seeking to reconnect with cherished childhood memories through food. The emotional resonance of their dishes transcends mere sustenance.
Organized Delivery and Value: Famous Treasure offers the most convenient delivery experience with transparent pricing and a well-curated menu that consistently maintains quality during transit. Best for regular, reliable takeaway orders.
Authentic Traditional Cuisine: Huat Kee is the definitive choice for those serious about experiencing genuine Teochew cooking. Every dish demonstrates mastery of traditional techniques and respect for classical preparation methods.
Delivery Considerations
When ordering Chinese food for delivery, remember that cuisines built around wok hei and à la minute techniques face inherent challenges. Success depends on smart dish selection: braised and simmered preparations travel far better than delicate steamed fish or crispy fried items.
Among these three establishments, Famous Treasure offers the most optimized delivery experience through thoughtful dish selection and packaging. Spring Court and Huat Kee, while exceptional restaurants, require more careful menu navigation for takeaway success.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s Chinese dining scene is enriched by these three distinct establishments, each bringing their own philosophy and expertise to the table. Whether you seek nostalgia, modern innovation, or traditional excellence, these restaurants deliver experiences that extend well beyond simple sustenance. The variety ensures that diners of all preferences and occasions can find exactly what they’re looking for.
- 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:
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