The restaurant scene in Singapore is among the world’s most distinct and innovative, and it caters to all budgets. Discover some very famous Michelin starred restaurants which spread out in several places across the city.
- Candlenut
The 2016 move to Dempsey Hill may have left it a little further from the city centre but these comfortable and spacious surroundings provide a warm and pleasant backdrop to the accomplished Peranakan cuisine. The kitchen successfully balances the modern with the traditional; lunch is à la carte, while dinner offers a set menu of little dishes and is a great way of experiencing the various tastes and textures of the skilfully prepared cuisine.
- Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Opened in 2002, this is the most comfortable branch of this restaurant group and the only one which specialises in Teochew dishes, like cold crab and sugar-coated yam. Look out too for the Cantonese barbecue meat and assorted seafood dishes; more contemporary offerings include chilled foie gras with sake and roasted suckling pig with black truffle. Their wine cellar includes a good international selection.
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Opened in the 1930s, it moved to its current location in 2005 and is now run by the 2nd generation of the family.
- Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine
It may have moved to new premises in a large shopping mall at the end of 2016, but this pleasantly dressed Teochew restaurant is bright and relaxing, thanks to its large windows. It offers various traditional Teochew dishes, including some which are not so easy to find these days, like pan-fried taro with prawns or steamed cold mud crabs. With some dishes, you have the option of ordering a smaller portion.
- Lei Garden
Unlike the other restaurants in the group, this one comes with a more European feel to its decoration, in keeping with the colonial style of the building which hosts it. What isn't different from the other branches is the menu content - so expect authentic Cantonese dishes prepared with care and good quality dim sum at lunch. It's certainly worth ordering the roasted meats and the double-boiled soups in advance.
- Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Built in 1983 and upgraded in 2008 under the HUP project, this is the biggest centre in Singapore, with over 700 stalls, including 226 cooked food stalls, and comes with an authentic Chinese atmosphere. Always a queue. Offers Cantonese soy sauce chicken and BBQ pork.
- Putien (Kitchener Road)
Putian people are known for putting their guests before themselves - and service is certainly friendlier here than in many similarly simple restaurants. Opened in 2000, this was the first branch of this small chain which has another 8 or so shops in Singapore. Dishes may not always resemble their pictures on the menu but are fresh and tasty. Signature dishes include seaweed with mini shrimps, braised pig intestine and stewed yellow croaker.
- Summer Palace
The Regent Singapore hotel's flagship restaurant is this authentic Cantonese restaurant which exudes a sense of calm and serenity. The signature dishes of the experienced head chef and his well-drilled kitchen include Five Spice deep-fried frog's legs; crispy roast pork; braised minced crabmeat in spinach soup; and fried chicken with almond flakes. The personable and professional service adds to the overall experience.
- The Song of India
You'll soon forget the less-than-convenient location as you climb the few steps of this period bungalow and get your first glimpse of the restaurant. The stylish interior and Indian artwork add to its appealing feel. The menu features delicacies from across India and the kitchen uses traditional methods of preparation alongside more modern cooking styles. The 'Song's Art Palette' allows you to try a number of dishes on a single platter.
Source: Michelin Guide