The number of Chinese restaurants in Singapore is more than the number of times we crave dim sum, but the good news is we get to compile a list of our favourites – places that do not go wrong, with an incredible array of options so that we never get sick of dining there, and have price tags that do not scare us away.
A recent addition to our list of go-to places for a hearty Chinese meal is TungLok Teahouse at Far East Square that serves all day dim sum during lunch and dinner. Yes, all day dim sum. You can snooze your alarms a hundred times and you still won’t miss the dim sum hour. Oh, we could do egg tarts and siew mai for dinner too!
TungLok Teahouse is one under-the-radar outlet, and if you haven’t been, it is high time to make plans, because it really is one place that is for everyone. We are looking at about S$3.80 to S$5.80 for dim sum, and what you get is very piquant food and a wide selection of quality teas in a cosy teahouse setting – complete with paintings from the 60’s and Peranakan-inspired décor.
From now till 30 September 2014, TungLok Teahouse is offering different dishes – Chilli Crab (S$19++), Flaming Drunken Prawns (S$14++), and Teochew-styled Combination Platter (S$16++) – at 50% promotion for dinner every night.
[ Giveaway ] We are also giving away S$400 worth of TungLok Teahouse dining vouchers. Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.
There are so many things on the menu that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to choose one. But if there was a dish that we would not leave without having, it would be the Baked Barbecued Pork Buns (S$4.50 for 3 pcs). Sweet and juicy chunks of barbecued pork encrusted within soft and crumbly baked buns – we could gobble down three at a go.
First-timers here must order the four Royal Trumps – TungLok Teahouse’s signature dim sum, or what we prefer to call ‘the best of the best’. Besides the Baked Barbecued Pork Buns, the other three highlights are the Traditional Sponge Cake (S$3.80) – also known as Ma Lai Gao – Steamed Truffle Dumplings with Wild Fungus (S$4.80 for 3 pcs), and Signature Rice Roll Cheong Fun (S$8).
On a lighter note, the Ma Lai Gao speaks of fluffy and moist brown sugar cake that is perfectly steamed with passion, and before having this, we never knew Ma Lai Gao could be so addictive.
Another dim sum that caught our attention was the Steamed Custard Bun with Lotus Seed Paste (S$4.80 for 3 pcs). Before you get too excited, TungLok Teahouse’s rendition is slightly different from the usual custard buns, and it does not have a molten center.
Instead of salted egg yolk, it comes with a decadent lotus seed paste. Our first reaction upon sinking our teeth in to the piping hot buns was “mooncake buns!” We really love how it reminds us of the Mid-autumn festival delicacy, and now, we need not countdown to that one month a year to savour lotus paste baked goodies. TungLok Teahouse, you win our loyalty for this creation.
And you need to have your usual suspects like Siew Mai (S$4.80 for 4 pcs), Xiaolongbao (S$4.80 for 4 pcs), Steamed BBQ Pork Bun (S$3.80 for 3 pcs), and Pan-fried Turnip Cake (S$4.50), be happy to know that these freshly prepared dim sum are always on the menu to satisfying those cravings of yours.
If you are feeling adventurous, check out the interesting alternative dim sum like Baked Winter Melon Pastry (S$4.80), Red Dates Cake (S$5.20), Steamed Glutinous Rice Roll (S$4.50 for 3 pcs),
Dim sum aside, TungLok Teahouse has a lineup of Chinese favourites and Teochew cuisine. Highlights include appetisers like Deep-fried Ngoh Hiang (S$8) and Crisp-fried Eggplant with chicken floss (S$7); nourishing soups that are boiled for many hours; seafood dishes like Deep-fried Prawns with Wasabi-Mayo Sauce (S$24) and Steamed Pomfret (S$18/100g); as well as meat dishes like Stewed Pork Shank (S$26) and Stewed Chicken in Red Fermented Wine (S$16).
And we do not forget desserts. Sweet pleasures at TungLok Teahouse include the highly popular Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream (S$8.00) that is served in a young coconut. So divine, we were tempted to order a second portion, and it is exceptionally perfect for the hot weather in Singapore!
Another dessert that deserves a worthy mention is the Yam Paste in Pumpkin (S$8.00). Apart from the very smooth yam paste that is moderately sweet, we love how it comes in a cute little pumpkin that is personalized by TungLok – with a classy engraving, no less.
As mentioned earlier, TungLok Teahouse has special star dishes during dinner at 50% off every day from now till 30 September 2014. On Mondays, 300g Flaming Drunken Prawns are only S$14++. On Tuesdays, a 600g Soon Hock with roast pork and garlic is priced at S$16++. Our favourite is definitely the promotion on Wednesdays. Read: Chilli Crab at only S$19++. SCORE!
Equally irresistible is the special dish on Thursdays – Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whalk and Chinese Tonics (S$16++, serves 2-3 pax) which is boiled for five hours.
Fridays’ Teochew-styled Combination Platter (S$16++) is also a good deal. It comes with four classic Teochew dishes and is ideal for sharing.
On Saturdays, look forward to the restaurant’s signature Spicy Chicken and Fish Maw in Claypot (S$14++), as well as the tantalising Deep-fried Crispy Boneless Duck (S$14++ for half duck) on Sundays.
And if you are always on the lookout for Chinese restaurants for private dining and parties, the good news is that at TungLok Teahouse, there is no additional charge for booking of the private room. The only condition is to fulfill the minimum number of 10 people, and the space is all yours! Don’t we all love such fuss-free arrangements?
TUNGLOK TEAHOUSE S$50 X 8 DINING VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY
1. TungLok Teahouse is giving away S$50 X 8 dining vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which dishes you want to try at TungLok Teahouse.
3. ‘Like’ TungLok Group on Facebook.
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 14 August 2014, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.
Updated on 19 August: The 8 winners are Beatrice Wong, Michelle W, Charlene, Sandra Sia, Xiuyun, Yvette Lee, Quaffle and Xue Wei.
TungLok Teahouse
Far East Square
9-13 Amoy Street, #01-01
Tel: +65 6877 1123
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place/Telok Ayer
This post is brought to you by TungLok Group.
I would like to try TungLok Teahouse’s signature dim sum, the 4 Royal Trumps. Yummy…..
My vote goes to the Liu Shao Bao. Tung lok dim sum has a superb reputation but I’ve not had the chance to sample their ??? yet. Hope the skin is soft and thin and the inside contains the piping hot custard salted egg sauce.
I would like to try their liu sha bao and egg tart. Tung lok dim sum has never failed me. Thumbs up!!
I want to try Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream
Definitely wanna try out Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream!
It would be my first time to TungLok, would love to try the four Royal Trumps! Thanks thanks!!!
I would love to try the four royal trumps with my family! The dim sum at Tung Lok tea house looks delectable! For my son, he would definitely order his favorite Siew Mai without fail! Hope to win the vouchers and bring my family and friends along to have a hearty delicious meal!
I wanna try the dim sum, particularly siew mai, barbecue pork bun and Xiao Long Bao! Yummy!
A great place for me to have gatherings with my parents..eyeing for the chilli crab and Soon Hock with roast pork and garlic..hawaiting!!
I would like to try Yam Paste in Pumpkin as it looks so smooth and cute.
I want to try TungLok Teahouse popular Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream. Looks so heavenly!
I’d love to try the Deep-fried Crispy Boneless Duck!
TungLok = satisfaction guaranteed! Every dish is worth a try. Flaming Drunken Prawns is especially calling out to me…nomnomnom
Yum paste!
I would love to try the Baked Barbacue Pork Buns!
I want to try Barbecued pork buns, chilli crabs and flaming drunken prawns! I hope to take this opportunity to bring my family to Tunglok Teahouse for a new experience.
The BBQ pork bun looks yummy…can’t wait to sink my teeth into it! Looks like a Great place for yum cha and family bonding over dim sum.
I would like to try Steamed Custard Bun with Lotus Seed Paste!! Custard bun cravings!
Too many dishes I have wanted! First will order the siewkien Mai & char siew GAO..
My take would be the egg tarts and the desserts
I want to try their Chilli Crab, Flaming Drunken Prawns, Teochew-styled Combination Platter (this seems interesting), siew mai and xiao long bao.
chilli crab
I love their Liu sha bao, Siew Mai , hak kao. Tunglok dim sum is the best that I have eaten! ^^, keep it up the good work chef! =)
Whenever I go for dim sum, I’d definitely go straight for the classics/usuals: Har gao (prawn dumplings), custard egg yolk buns (liu sha bao) and the chee cheong fun. And yes, I want to try all of them plus the Steamed Truffle Dumplings with Wild Fungus, Chilli Crab, Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream and Deep-fried Prawns with Wasabi-Mayo Sauce!
Double-boiled Soup with Sea Whalk and Chinese Tonics
i would like to eat Teochew-styled Combination Platter again it taste delicious
Would like to try their flaming drunken prawn
Barbecued pork buns and chilli crabs . Love to try it. Liked n shared
Barbecued pork buns
Would like to try the yam paste.
I love to try all foody items posted. Always have a soft spot for dimsum. Am also glad to know they serve dimsum all day and night.
Signature Rice Roll “Cheong Fun” as i love chee cheong fun…
Everything!! All looks so good!
Siew Mai, Har Gao and Steamed BBQ Pork Bun is never missed out whenever I go for Dim Sum. Only good Dim sum Sifu can produce the ideal filling in siew mai and har gao that are not too hard but chewy. The BBQ Pork bun skin should be fluffy but not sticky to the teeth. So can Tung Lok dim sum meet my expectation?
I love to try the chilli crabs & deep fried crispy duck with my family!!! ? liked & Shared!!
Wah! Would love to try the Stewed Pork Shank, Barbecued pork buns, chilli crabs and flaming drunken prawns!!! We love delicacy!!! Hope we can win and have the chance to try out at Tunglok Teahouse for a great new experience.
Please pick me! Personally I would love to try the chilled snow lotus pudding with ice cream as it really sounds enticing! But hope to win this voucher to bring my aunt for some good food as she always does not bear to eat better and more expensive food!
Satisfaction guaranteed! I would love to try the Yam Paste in Pumpkin with my family!
i would love to try Steamed Custard Bun with Lotus Seed Paste, unique flavor that i have never heard or try before =D
I want to try the lotus leave glutinous rice! Really difficult to find good ones nowadays!
I would love to try the Steamed Custard Bun with Lotus Seed Paste! I’m a big fan of custard bun, and i usually can’t resist it! I also want to try the Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream, it’s fits the hot weather here in Singapore and it seems to be an awesome combination!
I would love to try out the Baked Barbecued Pork Buns, Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream and Chilli Crab!
I would like to try sample their 4 kings dishes and yam paste dessert as they are my parents’ favourite dishes. I’ve been looking for a dim sum restaurant to bring them for a decent and affordable meal.
I would love to try the Royal Trump and the Baked Winter Melon Pastry with my family, hopefully can win the vouchers and bring along in-laws and parents to enjoy the yummy dim sum
I am attracted by the cute Yam Paste in Pumpkin , hope that I can taste it….yummy!
Definitely want to try the Double Boiled Soup with Sea Whelk & Chinese Tonic!
Can’t wait to try the Baked Barbecued Pork Buns, Steamed Custard Bun with Lotus Seed Paste, Ma Lai Gao, Steamed Truffle Dumplings with Wild Fungus, Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream and the Chilli Crab. The food looks simply delicious!
I would love to try the Deep-fried Crispy Boneless Duck, Chilled Snow Lotus Pudding with Ice-cream and Red Dates Cake.
I love to try TungLok Teahouse popular dim sum Xiaolongbao, Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Siew Mai, Har Gao and many more.
I wish to try the Soon Hock with Roast Pork and Garlic in Casserole.