Best 15 Chinese Restaurants in Singapore [2022] 

Chinese food has always been in many people’s favourite. Who could really blame them? First, it is because of the aromatic flavour, wonderful textures, amazing colour, and not to mention, the rich history of Chinese food. Second, Chinese food separates itself with its wild and exotic flavour which is a different take altogether from the known delicate taste of European flavour. Let’s face it- who doesn’t want a classic Chinese stir-fried rice or the perfect dumplings on any given night? With all that said, it’s no surprise why Singaporeans have all the craze with getting their Chinese food fix. Nowadays, there is a saturation of Chinese restaurants here that all claim they’re the best. Finding out which one is truly the best Chinese restaurant is what we are here for. Allow us to introduce you to Singapore’s finest – a list of the Best Chinese Restaurants here in Singapore. 

1. Summer Pavilion

Highlights:

• Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free menu options. 
• Private Dining Setting option
• One Michelin Star restaurant

As promised, we open this list with only the best of the best. Looking for the best dim sum selection? We have you covered. The Summer Pavilion is every Singaporean’s dream for the best Chinese food experience. It’s located at the Ritz Carlton hotel and is a staple restaurant across different restaurant review sites- but hey, you heard this one from us! 

In this One Michelin Star restaurant, you have a wide variety of menu options ranging from Lunch sets, tea sets, takeaway sets, a la carte sets, and more. You don’t have to worry about missing out on all the good flavors, because Summer Pavilion will take care of your dining experience for you. Now, who doesn’t love a customer-centric restaurant?

We recommend you to reserve at Summer Pavilion in advance. Definitely not an easy destination for impromptu lunch or dinner settings- that’s how wanted they are! Hands down deserving of topping our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customers who’ve dined in the Summer Pavilion enjoyed the dim sum selections of the restaurant and notably saying that they are the ones who offer one of the best. One customer emphasized how he loves the service at the restaurant on top of their already incredible menu. He notes how the staff are so professional and observant without being intrusive. This allowed them to have less time explaining what they wanted to the staff because they are already so well taken care of.

2. Yan Ting

Highlights:

• Weekend Dim Sum Brunch
• Attentive services
• Menu flexibility

We are not letting you down with our second selection for this list. We’re keeping it strong with another Michelin star restaurant, Yan Ting. Over the years, this restaurant has managed to make a reputable name for itself, especially among respected businessmen elites who long for long meetings over delicious food. Who doesn’t want that? But apart from the elite, Yan Ting is just one of those places that wash us with nostalgic memories, whether it be birthday celebrations or other joyous moments we’ve spent with our family and friends here. 

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

One customer strongly recommends one of Yan Ting’s signature dishes- the Crispy Rice with Alaskan Crab Meat in Lobster Broth. The customer notes that this dish, along with the other menu, is a trailblazer when it comes to traditional Cantonese cooking, delicately infused with new styles and flavors. Dining in Yan Ting, customers mostly loved the tranquil ambiance that Yan Ting was able to add to their food experience.

3. Din Tai Fung

Highlights:

• Vegetarian and Vegan options. 
• Credit card payments
• One Michelin Star restaurant

One Michelin Star restaurant, coming right up! We told you there is no disappointment here. Next up, the ever-famous, Din Tai Fung. Din Tai Funghas been hailed as the Top Ten Best Restaurants back in 1993. Since then, Din Tai Fung has only become stronger with their flavour worldwide. Even outside Singapore, Din Tai Fung is a go-to for the best Chinese dishes in multiple places across Asia. 

What we most love about Din Tai Fung is their open kitchen set-up. Din Tai Fung provides an unobstructed view of the chefs with their steaming hot woks, cooking up your food for you straight to your plate. Yes, their food is that good! Indeed one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

The egg fried rice, as simple as it looks, is lauded by one customer as the best he had ever tasted. The glutinous rice mixed with creamy egg and fresh scallions was an amazing concoction, he notes. Of course, for a majority of customers, the star really is the Xiao Long Bao selections. They liked the perfect proportion of the dumpling wrapper and the meat inside, emphasizing how the broth and meaty soup base is just the right amount that gets even better with each bite. 

4. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

Highlights:

• Fast service
• Good for kids
• Offers takeout

Bak Kut Teh is a dish that needs no further introduction. Here in Singapore, it’s basically a household name that every Singaporean craves from time to time. What better place to get quality and authentic Bak Kut Teh than Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, located right at The Centrepoint. 

Straying away from the usual Bak Kut Teh, this restaurant has also incorporated more food items like pig trotters and ngoh hiang that makes it a full meal. From the me sua, ngoh hiang, to the pork ribs soup and fish slice soup- what’s clear is that their menu is truly a collection of dishes fit for casual dining or group dine-outs at any given time. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly unassuming and simple look of their dishes- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh certainly caters to a lot of people’s tastes. You won’t know the rave until you try it yourself. So worth it!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customers rave constantly about the pork rib soup. The peppery broth is a perfect balance, coupled with the fall-of-the-bone tenderness of the pork itself. One customer also applauded how the portion size is very generous and is enough to fill multiple people.

5. Colony

Highlights:

• Vintage champagne brunch on Sundays
• Champagne afternoon tea
• Wide selection

One of the prides of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, the Colony is another sophisticated buffet restaurant that reflects the culture and taste of Singapore. Colony boasts a Michelin-starred menu featuring Cantonese dishes that are nothing but of the highest standards for its customers. If you’re more of the buffet type of foodie, you’ll find the Colony to fit right up your alley with its finest selections of breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner buffets. Oh and, have we mentioned they also offer an extra special weekend buffet option?

In total, there are 8 conservatory kitchens spread out across the Colony, namely: The Ice Bar, The Grill & Rotisserie, The Steam Basket, The Wok, The Tandoor, The Patisserie, The Bakery, and The Fruit Stall. What’s great about all these is they all come together to stay true to the heart of Colony- that is, to have the best selections from traditional to modern cuisines. Worthy of being on our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

Customers regard the Colony to be a mainstay when it comes to the buffet restaurant’s competition. They love how easy it is to accommodate celebrations here and make great memories along with the best food. On top of that, customers praise the selections in Colony, especially the fresh seafood options, the champagne and cheese inclusions, and even the high tea and dessert buffet.

6. Cherry Garden

Highlights:

• Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free options
• Large and elegant dining rooms 
• Great ambiance

Cherry Garden is regarded as one of the most beautiful and picturesque restaurants in the whole of Singapore, and we don’t really argue with that. What we love most is that they are very versatile when it comes to changing menu offerings, but also remains consistent in serving authentic Cantonese dishes all year round. They know best how to make customers crave for their menu again and again, and for those who know best- a staple order here would always request for the steamed prawn dumpling served with black garlic or the huge crunchy prawns with wasabi aioli. It’s not too bad too that on weekends, they offer an unlimited serving of their ever-famous dim sum.  

Pro tip: You’re best to be seated near the windows for that lighting!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

Customers prefer the Cherry Garden for large-gathering celebrations due to the well-spaced and elegant dining rooms that can house a large number of people. Customers liked how each dish is so wonderfully presented, while some are unusual yet surprisingly mind-blowing in taste. The Peking duck and fried rice with Cantonese sausage and vegetables were a definite must-tries for them. 

7. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant

Highlights:

• Casual ambience
• Offers take-out
• Wide selection
• Good for friends and family

Come on, who does not crave for a good old roasted Peking duck every once in a while, right? Luckily for every Singaporean, we are blessed to have been given this amazing restaurant that will satisfy our cravings. At the heart of Orchard Road lies the Imperial Treasure restaurant which puts their Peking duck at its forefront. You’ll find this in an exquisite banquet-style restaurant that will make you feel like you are dining with royalty.

While the Peking duck needs no further hype (if we do, it would be a whole new article altogether), it’s also great to note that the place itself offers a great ambiance in the finest sense of these words. Inside, you will be greeted by warm gold tones, with huge tables clothed in cream fabric and surrounded by contrasting dark wooden chairs. With that type of setting, the Imperial Treasure restaurant is surely a place you’d want to bring your family and friends in. One of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore as it will cater to everyone’s palettes!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

The Peking duck is truly the star of the show for customers! With its paper-thin skin and Chinese lacquered roast duck, customers swear that the Peking duck here is the real deal and is the absolute best of the best. To top off the cake, customers claim that Imperial Treasure backs up their reputation and fame with excellent customer service that knows how to take care of their needs at the perfect timing. 

8. Wing Seong Fatty’s (Albert) Restaurant

Highlights:

• Reasonable price 
• Wide menu
• Best value for money
• Casual ambiance for friends

We all love good food, but good food with a long and rich history to back it up? Sign us up! Wing Seong Fatty’s is absolutely all the craze for both old and young Singaporeans looking for that authentic and humble Cantonese cuisine. Taking a break from the usual posh and grand restos here in this list, we take a good refresher with this laidback pick.

Be prepared for a wide mix of locals and tourists when visiting Fatty’s, and isn’t that always a good sign of quality food? Our tip? Definitely order some cold beer, their jumbo spring rolls, seafood hor fun, and chicken with prawn paste for a quick but fun night-out.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:  

Customers are true loyal patrons of Wing Seong Fatty’s restaurant. What they love is how Fatty’s was able to feed their childhood cravings, while offering that homecooked feel that is consistent across their menu. Their main take-away is that Fatty’s is a no-frills, no-gimmick restaurant that just serves delicious food at an affordable price. 

9. Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

Highlights:

• Gluten-free options
• Value for money
• Playgrounds for kids
• Premium quality

Hai Di Lao is a popular steamboat restaurant chain in Singapore; notable for its top-notch service and prime food quality. You are in for a ride in this unusual but very exciting, steamboat restaurant in Clarke Quay.

Up to date, Hai Di Lao is a popular restaurant here in Singapore that makes it super crowded but worth it to get into. What we love about this place is they offer fresh ingredients with their a la carte menu. No need to worry about food covered with ice shavings to retain freshness- at Hai Di Lao, the premium food is their pride. My personal favourite, and truly one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore in my book.

Pro tip: Book months ahead to ensure you have a spot here. They’re very popular!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

What customers mostly like here is the excellent service on top of the good food. They like that the staff is very accommodating but not too bothersome. Customers would recommend Hai Di Lao for birthday celebrations or simple get-togethers with family and friends. A must-try.

10. Lokkee

Highlights:

• Takeout options
• Gift cards available
• Chinese cuisine with a twist

Appealing more to posh and food-savvy millennials, Lokkee braves an interesting take on Chinese cuisine by marrying the American style with their dishes. Lokkee offers a more modern interior that will allude to the taste of young (or young at heart) foodies looking to get a fresher and more hip dining experience. Our personal pick is their Sichuan Mala Grilled Barramundi fish and of course, their super awesome Flaming Pineapple Beef which is served while it’s in flames! Then, the top portion of the pineapple will be removed, revealing the juicy and chunky beef nestled in the pineapple. Superb!

Truly on the gimmicky side of the food spectrum- Lokkee is still a great contender for people looking for a twist in the usual Chinese cuisine. If you like your food with an appealing display, Lokkee is the way to go. We approve! Definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

For customers, Lokkee is the perfect breather when a group of friends just want to hang out and have fun over great food. They like the presentation, the craftsmanship, and the showmanship provided with each food. 

11. Prive

Highlights:

• Extensive menu
• Local favourites
• Friendly service

The Privé Group is a multi-concept brand that prides itself in hospitality and its food and beverage offerings. The brand is committed to delivering a personable and friendly dining experience for every guest that walks through their doors.

Since it was established in 2007, The Privé Group has grown to become one of the leading players in Singapore’s ever-changing food and beverage scene.

From a single concept at Marina at Keppel Bay, The Privé Group now counts multiple brands under its growing portfolio, including Privé at Marina at Keppel Bay, Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), CHIJMES, Clarke Quay, Wheelock, Paragon, 313 Somerset, Jewel Changi Airport, Tiong Bahru and Robertson Quay; Privé Grill at The University Club, Empress at ACM as well as a casual seafood-centric restaurant, Bayswater Kitchen at Marina at Keppel Bay.

The modern restaurant serves up an extensive menu which includes favourites such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Seafood Laksa, as well as Chilli Crab Spaghetti. Local favourites such as Kopi and Teh can also be found here!

For Chinese cuisine with a unique twist, be sure to check out PRIVE!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

 First time in prive. A conducive environment and one of the better Chinese restaurants to spend the Saturday afternoon over a coffee with a friend. For a coffee lover, the coffee served was satisfying and to my liking. Strong and aromatic

12. Ma La Hui Cui Guan

Highlights:

• Muslim-owned Sichuan restaurant that is certified Halal
• Individual pots with dual soup bases
• A comprehensive menu of cooked food

Ma La Hui Cui Guan is a 3-minute walk away from Masjid Sultan. It is a Muslim-owned Sichuan restaurant with a contemporary oriental dining experience. As such, it features an exclusive Halal menu that respects the dietary needs of its neighborhood. Customers are entitled to an individual pot that contains up to two soup bases: the Sichuan spicy soup and the green chilli soup are crowd favorites.

In addition to hotpot, Ma La Hui Cui Guan has a comprehensive menu of cooked food that spotlights Sichuan cuisines. Get a taste of unique dishes such as Century Egg with Green Chilli and a variety of chicken noodles. There is also a range of Sichuan Duck Rice, which is braised through an authentic Sichuan method and caramelized with a special sauce.

So, if you are looking for Halal Chinese restaurants to head to, Ma La Hui Cui Guan is a great place to consider!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

Pleasantly surprised with the setup of having your own personal hot plate integrated with the table. Service was fast and we were well looked after by the husband and wife owners. We extremely enjoyed the food and hospitality. You get to concoct your own dip. The mix of clear soup for cooking and spicy one for a quick dip before tucking in.

13. Straits Chinese Nonya Restaurant   

Highlights:

• $8 delivery islandwide for an order of $60+
• Michelin approved
• Also offers vegan options with Impossible meat

Family-owned and operated, Straits Chinese is actually Singapore’s first Peranakan restaurant, having opened in 1953. It also has been featured in the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years; there’s a reason why customers keep coming back after all these years. With an extensive menu and even non-spicy options, this is a crowd-pleaser. The atmosphere pays respects to ancestry with a simple design of Chinese decor. Despite decades passing, the recipes remain authentic, using fresh and local ingredients, as well as Chinese cooking methods. Although the prices are very reasonable for the quality, Straits has also served celebrities and dignitaries. 

Straits Chinese Nonya is a go-to when it comes to Chinese cuisine. Therefore, if you are looking for the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore, be sure to check them out. In addition, their Ayam Buah Keluak, beef rendang, Ikan Assam nanas pedas, and chendol are considered to be a must when trying! Whether you choose to dine-in and enjoy the diverse buffet or you order takeout through one of many delivery services, you are sure to enjoy your meal. 

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

 We have visited the restaurant and ordered takeaways on many occasions. The food from the restaurant and the catering has always been great. Very customer-centric, helpful and good service. They do not mind going extra mile to provide a very homely and warm dinning experience.

14. Violet Oon

Highlights:

• High tea
• Gift shop available
• World famous and renowned

If you are Singaporean, you will probably be aware of the name Violet Oon and you know she is a national treasure. She has even been featured internationally on the Food Network, BBC, and CNN. An official food ambassador of Singapore since 1988, and Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, Oon is more than just a chef. She has cookbooks, food columns, and, of course, lots of restaurants. Her most popular include Violet Oon– it even has four locations! 

No matter the location, you are guaranteed a fine-dining experience at Violet Oon with elegantly decorated rooms filled with intoxicating aromas and a multitude of flavours. Apart from Chinese cuisine, the restaurant serves Nyonya, Malay, and Indian delicacies.

Customers recommend chicken Lemak, beef rendang stew, Ayam Buah keluak, dry laksa noodles, and kueh pie tee. You can make a reservation from any number of locations. Since it is very popular, you might want to plan a couple of weeks ahead of time. Believe me; the wait will be worth it! They also offer island-wide delivery and catering. If you pay any location for a visit, you’ll want to remember to stop by the gift shop. Violet Oon’s delectable selection of Chinese cuisine definitely makes it one of the best Chines restaurants in Singapore!

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

 The food was fantastic, every dish was very flavorful, well prepared and nicely plated. In addition to good food, the team provided exceptional services that made the whole dining experience very pleasant. Definitely be back for more good food, good service

15. Crab at Bay Seafood Restaurant

Highlights:

• Delicious signature dishes
• Prepared using unique style of Chinese cooking
• Premium ingredients used

Crab At Bay takes special pride in their signature dishes, Bee Hon Crab and Black pepper Crab. Both are prepared in a unique refined method of Chinese cooking. Bee Hoon Crab is a feast to the eyes and is stewed in celery and shitake mushroom, which brings a gentle bitterness and robust, earthiness to the crab and gives a comprehensive flavor which awakens your taste buds.

The Black Pepper Crab is another item that is a fan favorite. It is equally delightful and is infused with the aroma of black pepper, which gently caresses the olfactory senses of the one who enjoys it. Besides two of these dishes, they have the more classic chilli crab and butter garlic lobster. It isn’t hard to see why this restaurant is on our list of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS: 

Cheap and good! The best crabs are the black pepper and salted egg yolk. The prawn paste chicken and other dishes were also good.

To Conclude

Well, there you have it! Our best picks of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Singapore. It’s always our pleasure to do the hard and dirty stuff of filtering through countless options, just so we’d be able to provide you with the best. Let us know which ones of these you plan on trying, and may the food gods bless your food trips along the way. Happy eating!

If you are craving for some steamboat on top of looking for the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore, check out our article on the best Mala steamboats in Singapore here!