When it comes to Chinese food, every one of us has a soft spot for dim sum—or yum cha as it is commonly referred to in Hong Kong. A classic  Cantonese delight that is commonly enjoyed with hot tea—hence the term ‘yum cha’ which translates to ‘drinking tea’ in Cantonese—who can resist waking up to likes of steaming hot, meat and seafood-stuffed morsels of goodness.

Many folks may argue that the best (and most affordable) dim sum can only be found in Hong Kong or Guangzhou but we beg to differ. In fact, you can just as easily find some of the best and cheapest dim sum delights right here in Singapore.

As much as we love our cafe-style brunches, there is just something about dim sum that still makes it our ultimate go-to comfort food. Here is our list of 12 dim sum places in Singapore that will not hurt your wallet but will have you thoroughly satisfied nonetheless.

Photo Credit: charbao

JOHORE YE ZHI MEI HANDMADE BAO

Situated just a stone’s throw away from the esteemed Swee Choon Dim Sum is Johore Ye Zhi Mei Handmade Bao, which serves a wide array of tasty and affordably priced dim sum, 24 hours a day from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Besides their signature giant handmade bao, Ye Zhi Mei, that they are best known for, they also offer interesting spins on dim sum such as Bean Curd Dumpling, Salted Egg Siew Mai and Century Egg Siew Mai.

208 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208894
Tel: +65 6294 2210

Photo Credit: chillingsaint

LAI KEE

Lai Kee has 5 outlets in Singapore, and they are all traditional, old-school dim sum stalls located in nondescript coffee shops. They offer endless dim sum options, including your typical Siew Mai and Har Gow.

Though portions are relatively small, most items are affordably priced, so rest assured that you can feast on dim sum without burning a hole in your wallet at Lai Kee.

126 Lor 1 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310126

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Photo Credit: qqingg

SHI WEI XIAN HONG KONG DIM SUM

Shi Wei Xian Hong Kong Dim Sum is a place where east-siders flock to for unpretentious and delectable dim sum. Their traditional handmade dim sum is priced at an average of just S$3, and this includes the classics such as the humble char siew bao, chee cheong fun and siew mai.

Oddly, they are only open on weekends and they usually sell out pretty early so be sure to head over earlier to beat the crowd!

119 Aljunied Avenue 2, #01-06
Singapore 380119

YI DIAN XIN HONG KONG DIM SUM

If you ask a resident of Kovan where you should head to for excellent dim sum without burning a hole in your pocket, Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum is the place to go. You are very likely to find a basket of their signature Liu Sha Bao on every table because no one leaves without a taste of that buttery salted egg yolk goodness.

If you are looking for more items to share, the humble stall also has other classic dim sum dishes such as har gao, xiao long bao, char siew rice roll and siew mai.

1012 Upper Serangoon Road,
Teo Seng Eating House
Singapore 534750
Tel: +65 9168 5587

TIONG BAHRU PAU

Offering value-for-money dim sum across a few outlets in Singapore, Tiong Bahru Pau is where you can get Cantonese-style buns and other dim sum items that range from S$0.80 to S$2 per piece.

Be sure to get the crowd-favourite char siew bao which is filled with large chunks of tender pork and a rich barbecue sauce that makes every mouthful ever so flavourful.

32 New Market Road
01-1038 People’s Park Food Centre
Singapore 050032
Tel: +65 6222 7656

KOW LOON HONG KONG DIM SUM

What makes Kow Loon Hong Kong Dim Sum stand out from their competitors—apart from the cheap prices (less than S$4 per serving)—is the fact that they offer dim sum with a twist.

Get started on Spicy Sour White Chicken Feet as a cold appetiser and continue your feast with Steamed Cheong Fun that is filled with prawns, char siew, Enoki mushroom and many more.

151 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5
#01-3030
Singapore 560151
Tel: +65 9685 9371

Photo Credit: Mongkok Dim Sum

MONGKOK DIM SUM

At Mongkok Dim Sum, you can have dim sum for breakfast, tea and even supper! Open throughout the day, the dim sum joint has a plethora of choices that mostly fall below S$5.

The Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun, Pan-Fried Carrot Cake and Yam Pastry with Meat Filling come highly recommended. 

214 Geylang Road
Singapore 389274
Tel: +65 8484 8829

VICTOR’S KITCHEN

Victor’s Kitchen is best known for its classic Liu Sha Bao, which features molten, creamy salted egg yolk lava oozing out upon your first bite into their fluffy white buns.

While their custard buns are hands-down the crowd-favourite, make sure to try out some of the other offerings while you are there, such as the Tasty Queen-Sized Siew Mai and Golden “Bo Lo” Char Siew Butter Buns.

91 Bencoolen Street
Sunshine Plaza, #01-49
*Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9838 2851

(*Victor’s Kitchen has another outlet at Chinatown Point)

DIM SUM HAUS

This Dim Sum treasure place is located in the heart of the Jalan Besar neighbourhood. The unique dim sum served here is one of the reasons why customers keep coming back for more!

Their one-of-a-kind Charcoal Siew Mai, made fresh upon ordering, have already captured the attention of many. It comes in a set of 3, with each one encompassing a whole shrimp. Topped with prawn roe, the additional texture of the dish stands out from regular Siew Mai.

57 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208809
Tel: +65 6909 0777
Tues to Sun: 11.30am – 3 pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar

KUAI SAN DIAN XIN 

True to its name, every single dish here is priced at the unbelievable cost of S$1.30.

One of the cheapest dim sum places in Singapore, Kuai San Dian Xin is popular for their Custard Pau and Carrot Cake. The Custard Pau has a rich buttery filling and your teeth will literally sink into the soft skin of the pau. However, do not expect the custard to flow out of the bun like regular custard paus in the market, the filling is more solid than liquid.

However, the prices are consistent with the portion of the dishes and one can definitely eat up to seven or eight dishes alone! But considering that it will add up to only about S$10, it is still a great deal!

21 Woodlands Close, Level 1
Singapore 737854
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Woodlands

Photo Credit: Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum

HONG KONG ZHAI DIM SUM

Since Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum was founded in 1988, it has offered Singaporeans a taste of Hong Kong with its wide array of authentic and affordably priced dim sum choices. Many customers go back for their signature Lo Mai Kai, Chee Cheong Fun and Beancurd Skin Rolls.

Out of the different Chee Cheong Fun that they offer, the shrimp-filling one is by far the best of them all. Not only can one taste the freshness of the shrimps, but it is also impossible to resist the silky rice roll that neatly ties the dish together. Splashed with a generous serving of savoury sauce, the dish is complete.

3017 Bedok North Street 5
Singapore 486121
Tel: +65 6748 4893

LEGENDARY HONG KONG

This place is the perfect replica of Hong Kong itself. A lot of effort has been made to give off a ‘Mongkok vibe’. This place is a hit for those who not only want dim sum, but also a feel of Hong Kong. Every detail from the paintings on the walls to the tiled flooring plays a role in transporting you from Singapore to Hong Kong in a split second.

The price is a steal for the amount of food that is served with each portion. Their Milk Tea and Red Bean Ice has just the right amount of sweetness to brighten up your day, but at the same time not overpower you with too much sugar. These drinks pair well with the eatery’s Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce. The ribs are soaked with flavours of the sauce and are best eaten with steaming hot rice or congee.

63 Jurong West Central 3, #03-80
Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 6794 1335

Read our guide on the best dim sum restaurants in Singapore.

Jalan Besar is home to many eateries and Sum Dim Sum is one of the latest additions to the neighbourhood. Dim sum is a well-loved cuisine by most Singaporeans. Be it for breakfast or supper, we are always ready for some dim sum.

We had high expectations when we entered the Tiffany blue-themed restaurant and could not wait to satisfy our grumbling tummies. But is this new place an uprising competition to the ever-famous supper spot Swee Choon that is just down the road? Or just hype?

Let’s find out.

Their rendition of the Crispy Pork Bun (S$6) came in a green outer coating, unlike what we usually get from other dim sum restaurants. The buns are pandan-flavoured and pretty fragrant. When paired with the sweet honey pork filling, it was a pleasantly sweet concoction but we prefer the regular golden buns with no additional flavouring so as to fully savour the pork within.

The bun had a good texture, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. However, we thought that the filling could have been more generous as well.

The BBQ Pork Rice Roll (S$4.90) was served in a glistening light brown sauce that came piping hot. The rice rolls itself were a bit too thick and the pork was a tad too dry, but when dosed with the sauce, it made the overall taste slightly better.

A must-order at every dim sum restaurant, the Golden Custard Bun (S$4.50) came in a basket of three. The oozing lava got us salivating.

The bun itself was really soft and fluffy which was good but the lava was very diluted. Normally, you would expect a slightly powdery texture and saltiness from the runny lava because of salted egg bits inside but this version was sweeter and a little gooier in consistency.

It could have been more flavourful and we were frankly quite disappointed.

Sum Dim Sum’s egg tarts (S$4.60 for 3) were not as crumbly as we would have liked them to be, nor was there any buttery fragrance to it.

The tarts were thicker than the egg custard itself, and we could not taste the eggy flavours as they were not prominent, neither was it silky.

A good xiao long bao is when the skin is firm enough to hold the fragrant meat and flavourful soup inside without tearing apart when you pick it up. Their Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (S$5.50) had a thicker skin but was not overbearing, the meat’s seasoning was mediocre but the soup flow was present.

161 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208876
Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 1:30am
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2020/02/sum-dim-sum/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/03/red-star-restaurant-dim-sum/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/03/red-star-restaurant-dim-sum/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2019 01:00:11 +0000 Dick Tan https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=176709 Continue reading →]]>

A highly celebrated stalwart in the Chinese dim sum scene here in Singapore, Red Star Restaurant is one that needs no introduction.

Here is where one can relish in a large selection of dim sum goodies be it steamed or fried and have them served to you table-side via food trolleys—the traditional way. Standing as one of the few Chinese restaurants left in Singapore (or at least the only one we know about) that still serves dim sum this way, Red Star Restaurant is a gem that many loyal patrons, new and old, hold dear.

If you’d like to experience proper Cantonese dim sum dining the traditional way, then Red Star Restaurant is where it’s at.

No dim sum meal is complete without a basket full of steaming hot char siew bao, and while the ones served here are slightly bigger than the average bao, we were a tad disappointed with how it turned out.

Their char siew bao is nice and soft with a sweet, doughy aroma, however, the filling—an amalgamation of both lean and fatty components of pork—was very little and we found ourselves loading up on more bao than actual filling.

Flaky on the outside with an outer crust that’s buttery but not too thick, the BBQ Pork Pie—otherwise referred to as Char Siew Soh—is one item that we got as well.

The pork filling was sweet and meaty, bearing a milder flavour in comparison to its stickier, diabetes-inducing cousins.

When dining at Red Star Restaurant, the Ha-Kau is a popular pick among the crowd, however, we were not really impressed seeing as to how it arrived at our table, overturned and in a mess. The skins were all punctured and the dumplings all stuck to the basket—probably a result of oversteaming.

A hit among the crowd, their Egg Tart  is one of the fastest items to go. The egg custard is velvety and boasts a sweet, fragrant vanilla note and the crust that holds it all together is a delicate pastry that flakes upon the lightest touch.

A simple porridge dish, their Century Egg Porridge comes with a decent portion of pork slices and bits of century egg.

A rather unusual item yet one that the ladies persistently told us to try was the Jin Long Ji. What it is is essentially chicken skin that’s stuffed with a prawn paste and deep-fried. Satisfyingly crispy, the dish had a mild prawn flavour but other than that it didn’t really impress us.

Chee Cheong Fun is one item you’re most likely to see taking up residence on most of the tables around you. Available fillings include prawn, scallop and char siew—all of which are just as good.

All in all, Red Star Restaurant is a place that we highly recommend if you’re keen on having an all-rounded, authentic traditional dim sum eating experience but where price and quality of their dishes is concerned, you could probably do better at many other dim sum restaurants in Singapore.

Red Star Restaurant
Chin Swee Road,
#07-23 Block 54,
Singapore 160054
Tel: +65 6532 5266
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 7am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

One thing that Singaporeans can’t get enough of is dim sum. There is just something so comforting about these small bamboo baskets of steamy goodness that make our mouths water.

Dim sum also comes in all shapes, sizes and flavours. So, whether you’re a sweet tooth, someone who prefers something savoury or someone who is picky about textures and flavours, there will definitely be some kind of dim sum out there that will suit your palates.

However, a solid dim sum meal does not always come cheap. Most of the time, you can only find the good ones at restaurants, which can be a tad harsh on your wallet if you’re running on a tight budget. However, fret not because we have here, a list of 10 great dim sum places that serve quality dim sum at reasonable prices.

126 WEN DAO SHI 

Geylang is a well-known food haven, so it is no surprise that they have a place there that sells really affordable yet solid dim sum. 126 Wen Dao Shi may not be the most polished of places, but they compensate for this with their delicious, fresh dim sum. Some must-try items include their Liu Sha Bao, Har Gao and Man Tou with Chilli Crab Sauce.

126 Sims Avenue
Singapore 387449
Tel: +65 6746 4757
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Aljunied

DIM SUM HAUS 

Tucked away a few streets down from the famous Swee Choon is Dim Sum Haus, a small dim sum shop that serves up affordable yet amazing dim sum. We feel that this place is a strong rival to Swee Choon as their dim sum is really good and affordable at the same time. Our favourite is their Baked Salted Egg Custard Buns and their Charcoal Siew Mai.

57 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208809
Tel: +65 6909 0777
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar

Photo Credit: Hong Kong Zhai 

HONG KONG ZHAI HOUSE OF DIM SUM 

Tucked away in a corner of Ang Mo Kio is Hong Kong Zhai. Here, they sell fresh, hand-made dim sum that will not cost you more than S$10 for a substantial (and beyond satisfying) portion. One of their most popular items here is their velvety Beancurd Skin Rolls that is a must-try for anyone who loves beancurd rolls.

Block 107 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, #01-138
Singapore 560107
Tel: +65 6748 4893
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Yio Chu Kang

JOHOR BAHRU PAU/TIM SUM 

No, Johor Bahru Pau/Tim Sum is not in Johor. In fact, it isn’t anywhere near Johor at all. Instead, this small dim sum place is hidden away in a crevice of Changi Village. They have a wide range of handmade paus and dim sum classics such as har gao, siew mai, char siew baos and chee cheong fan.

4 Changi Village Road, #01-2082
Singapore 500001
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Tel: +65 6542 2311
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

KUAI SAN DIAN XIN 

Kuai San Dian XIn is one of the rare places that sell all their dim sum for the same price, which is a shockingly affordable S$1.30! Imagine the amount of food that you can get for S$20 when everything is priced so low. Definitely a great place to pig out on dim sum to your heart’s content.

Blk 346A Kang Ching Road, #01-01
Singapore 611346
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lakeside

LAI KEE DIM SUM 

Lai Kee is another great place that serves affordable and delicious dim sum that is great for when the dim sum cravings hit you hard. Besides the usual array of classics such as har gao and siew mai, they also sell unusual creations such as Century Egg Dumplings, Ji Guo Pau and Emerald Prawn Dumplings.

190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh Central, #01-528
Singapore 310190
Tel: +65 8128 9970
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

Photo Credit: v99tz

SHI WEI XIAN HONG KONG DIM SUM 

Shi Wei Xian sells a spread of the usual dim sum classics such as har gao and siew mai. Besides that, they have some menu items that are not on the list such as their popular Prawn Paste Fish Maw in Egg White, Scallop Dumplings and Prawn Paste Beancurd Rolls.

Blk 119 Aljunied Crescent, #01-06
Singapore 380119
Fri to Sun: 7am – 5pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Nearest Station: Aljunied

SWEE CHOON TIM SUM RESTAURANT

If you haven’t heard of Swee Choon, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Swee Choon is a well-loved supper spot that people head to whenever the dim sum cravings strike. This place is open till the wee hours of the morning which is great for satisfying those late-night hunger pangs. However, the downside of this Swee Choon is the never-ending, snaking queues.

Jalan Besar, 183-191
Singapore 208882
Tel: +65 6225 7788
Mon to Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 6am
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 6am
Nearest Station: Jalan Besar, Farrer Park & Bendemeer

WONG CHIEW EATING HOUSE

At the mere mention of dim sum for supper, most, if not all minds, would naturally gravitate towards popular Swee Choon if not its more rustic counterpart, 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi over in Geylang. If you’d rather do without the queues and the crowd, consider Wong Chiew Eating House located along Upper Thomson Road.

Despite being around for over a decade now, this humble corner coffee shop hasn’t gotten much limelight, but trust us when we say that these folks are worth a visit. Opened 24-hours a day, they dish out anything from roast meat, various rice and noodle dishes, dim sum as well as their signature Kampung Chicken.

19 Sembawang Road
Singapore 779075
Tel: +65  6456 6838
Nearest Station: Khatib/ Yio Chu Kang

YI DIAN XIN 

This hidden gem tucked away in Kovan serves darn good dim sum that we feel is on par with many restaurants. Despite that, the prices here are cheap and affordable, so you can eat as much of you want without feeling a hole in your pocket. Try their famous Steamed Carrot Cake, it’s worth the calories!

1012 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534750
Tel: +65 9168 5587
Wed to Mon: 7am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

ZI YEAN BISTRO 

If you’re looking for a dim sum place that sells something more exciting than your usual dim sum, then Zi Yean Bistro is the place you should be at. Here, you can get your hands on interesting creations such as their Cream Of Yam In Watermelon Bun as well as their Steamed Black Truffle Mushroom Bun.

56 Lengkok Bahru, #01-443
Singapore 150056
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Redhill

Dim sum normally refers to little steamer baskets with 3-4 bite-sized delicious morsels in it, but beyond the food itself, dim sum is also a culture in itself. Linked with yumcha, it’s normally the act of getting together with friends and family over breakfast or brunch.

Though it’s not so much a fine dining affair, here in Singapore dim sum has morphed into a casual, on-the-go munchie or a late-night supper option, so dining in a chalau might seem intimidating. Fear not, here are some basic dim sum etiquette to save you from receiving death stares from locals in Hong Kong.

CHOPSTICKS

Perhaps though this seems like common sense, accidental faux pass still happens. From basic things to not leaving your chopsticks sticking out of your bowl, to leaving little bits of food stuck to your chopsticks before taking food from the general plate, these are all considered extremely impolite.

As much as possible, using serving chopsticks and spoons is preferred. Should chopsticks prove to be a hassle to use, it’s perfectly alright to request for a fork, rather than to spear your food with a chopstick.

DON’T OVER ORDER

As tempting as it is to order a lot of food, the name “dim sum” means to touch the heart, therefore portion sizes are small to better appreciate the flavour, rather than to spoil the appetite. It’s also much better to enjoy the food while it’s still hot, and rest assured should you still feel hungry, chances are there’s a dim sum trolley nearby.

HIERARCHY

Like any other Chinese setting, the elders take priority. When it comes to serving tea, it’s done so in the order of age before finally helping yourself to it, whereas when it comes to food, allow the turntable to turn towards the eldest first, before it rotates back to you.

HOARDING

As it’s considered impolite to hoard a dish to yourself, do make sure to ask everyone else if they’d like the last piece. Chances are no one would refuse you if you ask.

MANAGE EXPECTATIONS

When it comes to dim sum, there are many variations and whether you do it traditionally or with a little twist, no one can truly fault you. The Cantonese version focuses more on the freshness of the ingredients used, and how best to bring out the natural flavours.

Do try to reserve the need to add chilli and appreciate the flavour as the chef intended it to be. Only should you really need a kick, ask for their XO chilli instead of the regular sweet chilli.

SHOWING APPRECIATION

Instead of verbally thanking your fellow diners, you can show your appreciation by tapping the table with two slightly bent fingers. It’s not a sign to tell the pourer to hurry up, but rather represents the bent knees of a kowtow, and this practice dates back to olden Chinese dynasties.

TEA

If you’re out of tea, signal to the waters to top up on water by placing the lid on the handle and the side of the teapot. Should you find it difficult to balance the lid, feel free to place it on the plate the teapot is served on.

WAITERS

In certain places, orders are taken through dim sum trolleys, but in others, they’re very much like western restaurants where a server attends to your table. What’s different is that every table has their assigned waiter, and it’s best to keep track of who they are so you know who to turn to, rather than to call the manager over for a simple request of ice water.

WASHING UTENSILS

Though less so in Singapore, it’s very much prominent in Hong Kong to wash your utensils before you begin your meal. Cheap tea is provided for you to rinse and scrub your utensils with.

You do so by pouring a bit of tea over your chopsticks and spoon into your bowl and rubbing them a little, followed by turning your teacup on its side and scrubbing it in the bowl. A shared basin is provided to discard the used tea in.

The term “dim sum” has a literal translation of “touching the heart”, and this double entendre truly reflects the effect of savouring these bite-sized creations. Served in traditional bamboo baskets, there is a myriad of choices from vegetarian fillings to juicy meat ones.

The best part about dim sum is the fact that it can be eaten at any time of the day. In Singapore, there has been a significant rise in halal-certified dim sum eateries that cater to the expansive Muslim market. Our Muslim friends need not miss out on the good stuff now.

Here are 4 Halal Dim Sum Eateries in Singapore For A Scrumptious Feast. 

#1 ENAK ENAK HONGKONG TEA HOUSE

This halal dim sum eatery hosts a wide selection of tasty Cantonese tea snacks that will delight the inner foodie in you.

Opt to dine outdoors and soak in the oceanfront panorama while you savour delicious Siew Mai (S$3.50/3 pieces), Law Mai Kai (S$2.30), Har Gow (S$3.90/3 pieces) and Shanghai Steamed Dumpling with Chilli Crab (S$5.40/4 pieces) for starters.

1202 East Coast Parkway, #01-01
Singapore 449881
Tel: +65 6876 5911
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Bedok
(Multiple outlets islandwide)

Photo Credit: Streats Hong Kong Café

#2 STREATS HONG KONG CAFÉ

With a whopping ten outlets scattered around the island, halal-certified Streats Hong Kong Café is a convenient spot to indulge in a dazzling array of dim sum classics.

The highlight of their dim sum—the dumpling’s crystal skin that is translucent yet sturdy. This intricate balance makes each bite even more satisfying than the previous one.

Opt to pair your dim sum treats with their Salted Egg Yolk Pumpkin Fries (S$7.80) or the all-time favourite HK Carrot Cake with XO Sauce (S$7.50).

23 Serangoon Central
#03-08/09, NEX
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6509 1966
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon
(Multiple outlets islandwide)

Photo Credit: Tang Tea House

#3 TANG TEA HOUSE

At Tang Tea House, expect to find an exhaustive menu that features noodle delights, rice options, tasty snacks, comforting porridges and even refreshing desserts.

The dim sum selection here is pretty vast too but the specialities are the Lobster Mai ($5.60/3 pieces), BBQ Chicken Pau ($3.80/3 pieces) and the Soup Shrimp Ball (S$7.30/2 pieces).

If you wish to advance from the dim sum newbie phase, go for the Chicken Feet (S$3.90/plate), otherwise known as “Phoenix Claws”.

242 Jalan Kayu
Singapore 799466
Tel: +65 6483 2298
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Thanggam (Sengkang West LRT)
(Multiple outlets islandwide)

#4 THE DIM SUM PLACE

The raison d’être of this establishment is none other than its gorgeous dim sum, all served beautifully in oriental baskets, unique trays and fancy plates.

The selection of dim sum here comes with a unique twist to suit the local palate, as you would notice from the crisp Fried Siew Mai which is usually served steamed. Go on and savour unique items such as Braised Duck Cha Shu Bun and Pan Fried Taro Cake (S$2.90/ 3 pieces) before tackling the mains.

If you are feeling adventurous, go for unconventional dishes such as Original Rice in Superior Soup—with dreamy abalone or the collagen-rich Beef Brisket Noodles (S$12.90).

791 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198759
Tel: +65 6655 8787
Mon to Thu & Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm –5.30am
Nearest Station: Bugis

For more recommendations, read our guide on halal and muslim-owned cafes in Singapore.

Words by: Nur Sofia
Edited by: Julee Ooi

Dim Sum – or what we know as little parcels of happiness – is essentially steamed Chinese-style tapas that are usually served in bamboo baskets. The consumption of dim sum started from the Cantonese community and is now a favourite afternoon past-time amongst Singaporeans too.

As dim sum is usually eaten during the day, most Chinese restaurants only serve these dainty dishes until late afternoon (only a few restaurants serve dim sum until ate night). The variety of dim sum is exhaustive—baked egg tarts, steamed shrimp dumplings, salted egg yolk buns, fried radish cake, barbecue pork buns… and the list goes on.

Here is our guide to The Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Singapore.

ASIA GRAND

Long-standing Chinese restaurant Asia Grand is located on the ground floor of Odeon Towers, and is famous for not just their dim sum but also their Peking Duck and Suckling Pig.

Start your day with some delectable dim sum such as Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (S$5.20++) and Steamed Cheong-Fun with Dough Fritter (S$8++).

331 N Bridge Road
#01-02 Odeon Towers, Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6887 0010
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Cityhall

BAN HENG

Ban Heng has a dim sum buffet with more than 30 dim sum items at just S$17.60++ per pax.

There is no doubt that Singaporeans take their dim sum seriously—we would source high and low for the best dim sum places in Singapore. What we love even more though, is a great deal that is easy on our pockets without compromising on the quality of the dim sum.

Originally at S$22.80++ per pax (inclusive of S$2 charge for Chinese tea, pickles & towels), Ban Heng has a current promotion of one dines free with every three paying adults. This works out to be only S$17.60++ per person! Yes, you can go for this awesome deal when you visit any of the five Ban Heng restaurants in Singapore during weekday lunch hours.

1 Maritime Square
#04-01, HarbourFront Centre
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 6278 0288 / +65 6278 1354
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

CHERRY GARDEN

Housed in Mandarin Oriental Singapore Hotel, Fengshui-designed Cherry Garden is one of the upscale dim sum restaurants in Singapore. The seasonal menu changes regularly but be rest assured that the quality of the dishes remains consistent throughout.

Some crowd-pleasers include Steamed Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao (S$7++) and Steamed Kurobuta Char Siew in Fluffy Bao (S$7++).

5 Raffles Ave
Singapore 039801
Tel: +65 6885 3538
Daily: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade / Promenade / Raffles Place

CRYSTAL JADE PALACE RESTAURANT

Award-winning restaurant group Crystal Jade has 110 outlets across the region.

Their flagship restaurant – Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant at Ngee Ann City – still dazzles like a shining star and remains the go-to place for loyal fans. Reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

391 Orchard Road
Takashimaya S.C. #04-19
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6735 2388
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

EAST OCEAN

Established in 1992, East Ocean Teochew Restaurant is known for serving traditional Teochew favourites such as steamed pomfret and its Hong Kong-style Teochew cuisine. It is one of the few Chinese restaurants in Singapore that still serve dim sum the traditional way using dim sum trays.

You can get the usual range of dim sum such as Baked BBQ Pork Bun, Pan Fried Carrot Cake and Steamed Siew Mai, but the standout item is definitely the Steamed Custard Bun.

391 Orchard Road, #05-08/09 Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 9088
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GOLDEN PEONY

Golden Peony is an upscale Chinese restaurant located on the third level of the Conrad Centennial Hotel. The fancy establishment is fronted by celebrated Hong Kong native Chef Ku Keung, who possesses a wealth of culinary experience and customers can expect an impressive selection of delectable Cantonese delicacies executed with adroitness.

There is a Weekend Dim Sum Experience where diners get to select four choices of dim sums and four specialty dishes per table and a choice of soup from the extensive menu, and you end your meal on a sweet note with your favourite dessert choice.

2 Temasek Blvd, Level 3
Conrad Centennial Hotel
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6432 7482
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

HAI TIEN LO

Siting within Pan Pacific Hotel is Hai Tien Lo, a Cantonese restaurant that has successfully created an extensive menu of age-old recipe classics and contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine.

Dim sum set meals start from S$48++ per pax and best selling a la carte items include Roasted Barbecued Suckling Pig and Braised Classic Whole Abalone with Pan-fried Foie Gras in Abalone Sauce.

L3 Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6826 8240
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

HUA TING

One of the most reliable tables in town, Hua Ting at Orchard Hotel Singapore has been serving Cantonese delicacies for years and you can always be assured of a good dim sum meal here.

On its dim sum menu, you can find dishes such as Double-Boiled Soup with Shark’s Fin Dumpling (S$12.80 for one), Crispy Pastry Rolls with Scallop and Garlic (S$6.30), as well as Hua Ting’s well-loved Baked Chicken Tartlets with Mango (S$5.70).

Level 2, Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6739 6666
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

IMPERIAL TREASURE FINE CHINESE CUISINE

Restaurant group Imperial Treasure started its first establishment in 2004. Today, with over 23 restaurants under its brand name, Imperial Treasure is a household name amongst Singaporeans.

They have a team of talented culinary chefs over at Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine who skilfully handcrafts an exquisite selection of dim sum daily.

#L2-04, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 7788
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

MAN FU YUAN

Contemporary Chinese restaurant Man Fu Yuan can be found on the 2nd storey of Intercontinental Hotel. Indulge in their steamed baskets of artisanal dim sum such as Man Fu Yuan’s delicate prawn dumplings (S$6.80++), deep fried taro cake (S$6.80++) and siew mais (S$6.80++).

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062
Daily: 11am – 2.15pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

MIN JIANG

Located in the elegant Goodwood Park Hotel, Min Jiang is a fine dim sum restaurant perfect for small weddings, business meeting and other social events. The menu comprises a myriad of Cantonese and Si Chuan cuisine, and they are especially popular for weekend dim sum too.

22 Scotts Road
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1704
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MITZO

Do not let its sleek modern interiors fool you. Mitzo is the sexiest Chinese restaurant in town, and sitting along Orchard Road means it is absolutely accessible. Their dim sum is amazing to say the least.

Everything is exquisitely handcrafted with premium ingredients, and there is a very value-for-money weekend dim sum brunch buffet. While you are at it, don’t forget to order the house signatures Mitzo Special Barbeque Pork (S$18++) and Black Truffle Crispy Roast Duck (S$38++). You will only regret not knowing about these delicious dishes earlier.

Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am last order
Fri to Sun, Public Holiday and Eve of Public Holidays: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am last order
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

PEACH GARDEN

Peach Garden focuses on bringing to diners impeccable Chinese cuisine with the freshest premium ingredients.

The view from its outlet at level 33 of OCBC Building is as impressive as their dim sum menu. Dig into tasty Baked Egg Tarts (S$4.80++) and Steamed Shanghai Xiao Long Baos (S$5.20++).

65 Chulia Street
#33-01 OCBC Centre
Singapore
Tel: +65 6535 7833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

ROYAL CHINA

Royal China’s elegant interiors are characterised by their mesmerising tiffany blue walls and pillars. The culinary gem in the 3rd storey of Raffles Hotel is a popular dim sum destination. The Chinese food is simple but delicious and diners should not miss out on their Royal China Special Chee Cheung Fun ($5.60++) and the all time favourite Liu Shao Bao (S$4.80++).

1 Beach Road
#03-09 Raffles Hotel
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 6338 3363
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Cityhall

SHIN YEH

Authentic, well-cooked and delicious Taiwanese food is hard to come by in our tiny nation. But thankfully, we have restaurants such as Shin Yeh to fill the void and to satisfy our cravings.

Other than the classic dim sum such as classic Steamed Chive Dumpling (S$4.20++ for 3) and Steamed Shrimp Dumpling ($4.80++ for 4), Shin Yeh also has an “Eight Immortals” Dim Sum platter (S$12++) which is extremely value-for-money and good for sharing.

It comes with Steamed Chives Dumpling with Pork, Crystal Mixed Vegetables Dumpling, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, and Steamed Chicken Dumpling with Egg Plant, Turnip and Dried Shrimps.

177 River Valley Road
Liang Court Shopping Centre, #02-19
Tel: +65 6338 7337
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun & Public Holidays: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SONG GARDEN

Cantonese cuisine, more specifically dim sum, often brings to mind the usual suspects such as comforting porridge, bao, and dumplings of sorts, but over at Song Garden, there is much more than meets the eye than the conventional mix of dim sum treats.

Located on the second level of Mercure Singapore Bugis, this contemporary Cantonese restaurant astounds with its array of elaborate and mouth-watering dishes. Your taste buds are in for a tantalising treat of innovative creations such as Pan-seared ‘Otak’ Seafood Dumpling on Skewer, Baked Abalone Pastry and Deep-Fried Charcoal Chili Crab Meat Ball.

122 Middle Road
Mercure Singapore Bugis
Singapore 188973
Nearest Station: Bugis

Weekdays
Lunch: 11.30am to 2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm to 10pm
Weekends/ Public Holiday
Lunch: 11am to 3pm
Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

SWATOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

That sense of familiarity when stepping into the huge space at Toa Payoh where Swatow Seafood Restaurant is one that we can always resonate with.

Swatow has a dim sum afternoon tea buffet that is very popular among locals (S$19.80 on weekdays and S$22.80 on weekends). It features a huge variety of dim sum, including perennial favourites such as Rice Rolls, Prawn Dumpling, and Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce.

181 Toa Payoh Lorong 4
#02-602
Singapore 310181
Tel: +65 6363 1717
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

TASTE PARADISE

Hailed as one of Singapore’s best Chinese restaurants, Taste Paradise is a favourite establishment amongst discerning diners. Long queues are often formed outside the opulent restaurant and prices remain reasonable despite the soaring demands.

Treat yourselves to Taste Paradise’s sumptuous dim sum and do make it a point to allocate stomach capacity for their best-selling Classic Shark’s Fin in Supreme Broth accompanied with a Crispy Spring Roll served in Japanese Stone Pot.

2 Orchard Turn
#04-07 Ion Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9660
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PARADISE TEOCHEW

196-seater Paradise Teochew Restaurant serves authentic Teochew-style delicacies that many Singaporeans are more than familiar with. The establishment’s impressive culinary team is helmed by Hong Kong-born Executive Chef Cheng Fa Kwan.

Raised in a family of Teochew chefs, Chef Cheng’s love for food is unmistakable; he has been exposed to and cooking Teochew cuisine for the past 34 years!

21 Amber Road, #03-01
Chinese Swimming Club (Arrival Pavilion)
Singapore 439870
Tel: +65 6348 7298
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10.30am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

TIM HO WAN

One-Michelin-star eatery Tim Ho Wan needs no further introduction. The famous Hong Kong restaurant has been making endless waves in the food scene with their signature Baked Bun with BBQ Pork ($4.50).

The brand has expanded quickly, but the good news is, the queues are also much shorter these days.

68 Orchard Rd, #01-29A, Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TUNGLOK TEA HOUSE

TungLok Teahouse serves gourmet dim sum at extremely affordable prices throughout the day. We always return for their Black Truffle Baos (S$4.80++) and Traditional Sponge Cake (S$3.80++) aka Ma Lai Gao.

Each dish at Tunglok Teahouse is made fresh in-house and steamed to order. And there is a menu of a la carte dishes. You bet it is going to be an exhilarating feast at TungLok Teahouse.

#01-73/79 Square 2
10 Sinaran Drive
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6893 1123
Nearest Station: Novena

#01-01 Far East Square
7-13 Amoy Street
Singapore 049949
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

WAH LOK

Located on the second level of Carlton Hotel, Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant might come across as pretentious with its glitzy entrance and shimmering chandelier. But do not let its grandeur put you off!

The delicious Chinese dim sum, especially their Baked Barbecue Pork Buns (S$4.40++) and Steamed Crab Meat & Egg White Dumplings (S$6++), are actually worth making a special trip for.

76 Bras Basah road
2F Carlton Hotel
Tel: +65 6311 8188
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

WAN HAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

The dim sum at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant—within Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel—deserves not just a visit but also an encore.

Each dish is a representation of the chefs’ masterly finesse and satisfaction-guaranteed items include the Steamed Diced Prawn and Squid Wrap with Squid Ink Skin (S$4.50/pc) and Deep-fried Crispy Bun with Chilli Crab Fillings (S$5.00/pc).

320 Orchard Road
3F Marriott Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 4615
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

XIN CUISINE

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel’s Chinese restaurant Xin Cuisine remains relatively under the radar and is a great place to have dim sum in peace without breaking the bank.

Most steamed baskets of dim sum start at a budget-friendly price of S$4.50, i.e. Pork Paste in Abalone Sauce (S$4.50 for 3 pcs) and Steamed Cuttlefish with Spicy Sauce (S$4.50).

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

YÀN

Yàn is a sophisticated Cantonese restaurant that sits on the fifth floor of the stunning National Gallery Singapore, and we are completely in love with the restaurant’s chinoiserie-chic vibes and menu of elegant Cantonese cuisine.

Yàn does an excellent job in injecting new elements of surprises in its presentation of dishes, but without compromising on the key essences of authentic Cantonese recipes. The Dim Sum Combination Platter (S$18++) features six delicate bite-size treats, and is a great sampler if you cannot decide on which dim sum dish to order!

1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 63845585
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

YAN TING

This Chinese restaurant at The St. Regis Singapore is classy and exudes a note of understated elegance. Prices are slightly steeper, but for its fine food, it has won fans from all over the region. If you are planning to have a dim sum brunch at Yan Ting on the weekends, reservations are highly recommended.

29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6887
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Dim sum is a vital part of Cantonese culture.

Over at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant At PARKROYAL On Kitchener Road, the exquisite array of authentic steamed, deep-fried and pan-fried dim sums served are inspired by Si Chuan and Cantonese cuisines and are meticulously handcrafted.

And there is an ongoing buffet that features 50 types of authentic dim sum – you’ve got that. All free-flow! From 15 September to 31 December 2016, head to Si Chuan Dou Hua for the ‘Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast’. There are two seatings on weekends, where the timings are split to 11.30am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 3pm (S$38++ per adult, S$22.80++ per child).

Listen up, here is the best deal – every two adults only have to pay a total of S$50++ (valid daily, minimum 4 to dine). What a fantastic deal we have here!

COLD APPETIZER

Appetisers are so important because it either makes or breaks the mood when you begin your meal.

A rice noodle roll is usually served as a snack or appetiser in Hong Kong and such is the case at Si Chuan Dou Hua too. We are glad to say that the chefs who prepared the Marinated Rice Noodles Roll with Shredded Duck have done a great job in stimulating our appetiters with this teaser!

Other appetisers on the menu include Sliced Pork in Garlic and Chilli Sauce, Marinated Black Fungus and Turnip with Preserved Chilli and Seaweed with Shredded Carrot and Radish in Chilli Oil.

DOUBLE-BOILED SOUP

A buffet at Si Chuan Dou Hua is not complete without a serving of the signature Double-boiled Cartilage Soup, which we fell in love with immediately upon the first sip.

In the process of double boiling, the ingredients are steamed for a couple of hours and all the flavours are locked in, leaving you with nothing but an honest and concentrated bowl of soup. This is a prized dish and every diner is entitled to a portion.

BARBECUED MEATS

The Crispy Roasted Pork from the barbequed meats section left a deep impression on us. Crispy skin that sits atop the succulent meat, so well roasted in a lovely reddish brown colour. Beneath the crackling skin, the meat remained juicy with an addictive hint of saltiness.

The Roasted Duck is also worth your calories with its thin crisp skin and tender meat. There is a good ratio of fats to lean meat, and is a great choice for those who do not like the generous fatty bits in the roast pork!

Barbequed items are limited to only one serving, but rest assured that the chefs will ensure that the quantity is good for the respective number of diners.

STEAMED DIM SUM

A unanimous favourite on the table was the Steamed Yam Bun with Custard. As we pulled apart the piping hot purple bun, the overflowing custard dripped all over our fingers and we had an enjoyable time licking them up!

This has got to be one of the best ‘liu sha bao’ we have ever tried. Two thumbs up for the chefs at Si Chuan Dou Hua!

An interesting dish you need to order is the Steamed Chicken and Mushroom with Soya Bean. We initially did not have high expectations of this unassuming dish but its sweet aroma caught our attention. The dish is a mix of salty and sweet; the saltiness came from the diced chicken and sliced mushrooms, and the sweetness from the soya bean.

The steamed dim sum menu also features “Hakka” Dumpling with Turnip; Char Siew Bun with Preserved Vegetables; Prawn Dumpling with Coriander and a vegetarian option of Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Black Truffle.

PAN-FRIED AND DEEP-FRIED DIM SUM

Yes, more dim sum.

We had a good opinion of the Fragrant Yam Cake with Waxed Meat, which is a brilliant combination of delicate yam and waxed meat glutinous rice served in tiny cuboids. The Pan-fried Duck Meat Buns are interestingly stuffed with aromatic Goose Liver Sauce and are served piping hot.

Other items to try from this section include Hong-Kong Style Baked Pork Belly Bun with Taro and Macau Deep-fried Bun with Pork Chop.

CHEF’S SELECTION

The Stir-fried Beancurd with Leek and Spicy Sauce and Stir-fried Sliced Beef with “Si Chuan” Spicy Sauce may look like the average side dishes but you should not neglect them.

And the house’s star dish is undisputedly The Braised Pig Shank and Quail Egg in Vinegar and Ginger. Typically known as a “confinement dish” for post-natal diets, this dish is a unique blend of sour and savoury. It is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are up for a good rendition of pig’s trotters in vinegar, Si Chuan Dou Hua at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is where you should head to.

DESSERT BAR

Of course, no dining experience is complete at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant until you have sampled their renowned bestseller, the famous Homemade Beancurd with Wolf Berries. The smooth beancurd (dou hua) – characterised by its velvety silkiness – is complemented with healthy goji berries.

There are several other desserts items like the Sponge Cake and Honey Comb Cake as well as the classic cream of fresh mango pomelo available on the buffet line  too, but we say go for seconds and thirds of the beancurd.

Nostalgic Dim Sum Buffet Feast at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm
S$32++ (adult), S$20.80++ (child)
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 3pm
S$38++ (adult), S$22.80++ (child)
Minimum 4 to dine
*Tea and pickle are chargeable at S$5++ per person

Si Chuan Dou Hua
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3170
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

For reservations, call +65 6428 3170 or make your booking online here.

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

TungLok Teahouse’s roaring success at its Far East Square outlet sees the reputable brand opening another similar concept at Novena’s Square 2 – and we are definitely loving this new outlet!

For those do not know, TungLok Teahouse serves a variety of delectable dim sum throughout the day and night at an affordable price. Tunglok Teahouse understands that not everyone has the luxury of time to do a leisurely dim sum lunch in the afternoon – hence making it a point to serve dim sum even during dinnertime. Such great news, and all we can think of is dim sum all day, every day! *inserts hands-up emoji*

TungLok Teahouse is introducing a new menu of 12 exquisite dishes, including the never seen before Wild Mushroom Baos that look exactly like the fungi itself. WE LOVE IT!

[ GIVEAWAY ] We are giving away S$250 TungLok Teahouse’s 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.

Upon entrance, one will not miss TungLok Teahouse’s retro décor of 1960s old-school Chinese wording posters pinned up on the colourful tiled walls. The restaurant seeks to bring the traditional dishes and yesteryears ambience back to life without compromising on comfort. Don’t we all love such retro vibes?

With so many items to choose from, diners will find themselves spoilt rotten for choice. Well, we were! And you wouldn’t believe the feast we had.

Each dim sum is freshly handmade on the spot and steamed to order – we found ourselves hopelessly drooling over the selections of sweets and savouries! The talented culinary team has introduced a few new additions to the menu and each mouthwatering dish is created with masterly finesse.

The dim sum that unquestionably stole the limelight was the Wild Mushroom with Black Truffle Baos (S$4.80++) which has an uncanny resemblance to the fungi itself. The fluffy buns looked so real that we were fooled for a while and thought they were actual mushrooms! The robust fillings are a mixture of Morel Fungus, Tea Tree Mushroom, Japanese Shiitake, King Oyster Mushrooms and Black Truffle Oil. We were blown away by how amazingly delicious they are, and as we are typing this now, we are salivating and already planning a next trip back.

Due to its overwhelming popularity and complex preparation methods, only 50 baskets of these cutesy buns are available on a daily basis, so if you snooze, you lose!

Fans of the Black Truffle are in for a treat. Besides the Mushroom Bun, they can be found in two other items - namely Wantons with Black Truffle (S$6.80++) and Deep-fried Yam Puff with Black Truffle (S$4.80++). The former is a superior soup dish with silk-like wantons filled with black truffle, while the latter is a flaky sweet pastry stuffed with yam and black truffle. We think the latter is the bomb. What say you?

Another new divine creation is the Steamed Bird’s Nest Buns (S$8.80++). The pretty orangey-coloured soft buns, filled with nourishing bird’s nest and egg white, have a nectarous aftertaste. Despite the expensive ingredients, the buns remain an affordable luxury.

We were equally in awe upon tasting the delicate Steamed Crystal Dumplings (S$4.80++) and Steamed Glutinous Rice with Diced Chicken wrapped in Lotus Leaf (S$4.80)++. We really appreciate how we are able to indulge in dim sum made with top-notch ingredients at wallet-friendly prices.

TungLok Teahouse’s Crispy Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun (S$4.80++) are fried to a golden brown hue. The custard filling is less “flowy” in this version but its taste remains absolutely intact.

Other new impressive treats include the Fried Potato, Red Beetroot and Pumpkin Dumpling (S$5.30) and Crispy Golden Lotus Root Pastry (S$5.30++). Now, this ultra cute lotus root pastry was more than impressive! The skin was fragrant and buttery, and the lotus root was soft yet crispy; deep-fried to perfection, this is one dish that combines different textures into one brilliant creation.

If it is your first time to TungLok Teahouse, the signature Baked Barbecued Pork Bun (S$5.30++) is a must try. The baked buns filled with tepid sweet pork and BBQ sauce are undoubtedly one of the best in town.

The Traditional Sponge Cake (S$3.80++) aka Ma Lai Gao is also a must-order. The moist brown sugar sponge cake was incredibly tender and tasted heavenly, and one that our folks enjoyed.

Steamed Truffle Dumplings with Wild Fungus (S$5.30++) and ‘Cheong Fun’ Rice Rolls (S$8.50++), two of Tunglok Teahouse’s hot favourites, also made us really happy.

The steamed artisanal dumplings with everyone’s favourite element – truffle – were unbelievably succulent. The ‘Cheong Fun’ Rice Rolls is an authentic Cantonese dish of fried dough wrapped in rice noodle rolls, best served with drizzled soya sauce.

Besides Dim Sum, TungLok Teahouse also dishes out a menu of incredibly wholesome, home-style favourites. Do try their nutritious Double-Boiled Soup with Sea Whelk and Chinese Tonics (S$32++) that has been painstakingly boiled for five hours to achieve the well-balanced broth.

The aromatic Sweet and Sour Chrysanthemum Fish (S$26++) is deep-fried and boasts a crispy outer skin with flaky, fresh flesh, and served with diced capsicums.

The Fried Rice with Crab Meat and Egg White (S$22++) was also a stunner. The generous accompaniments of premium fresh crabmeat and egg white resulted in a smooth, velvety textured ambrosial dish. Who would have thought that fried rice could be so glorious?! We had no problems helping ourselves to seconds.

Remember, when your Dim Sum cravings hit you, and you’re yearning for a fuss-free, good-old home-cooked meal, just head to TungLok Teahouse.

TUNGLOK TEAHOUSE DINING VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY

1. TungLok Teahouse is giving away 5 x S$50 TungLok Teahouse dining vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which dish you would like to try from 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 20 August 2015, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

TungLok Teahouse
#01-73/79 Square 2
10 Sinaran Drive
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6893 1123
Nearest Station: Novena

#01-01 Far East Square
7-13 Amoy Street
Singapore 049949
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.

Ever get confused with the different dumpling names as they are all either in Mandarin Chinese or in a Chinese dialect? We know, it can be pretty frustrating – especially when you are in-charge of ordering. We thought this beginner’s guide to the most commonly consumed dim sum in Asia will do you some good, and they include many of the more popular ones Hong Kong egg tarts to the well-loved Shanghai Xiao Long Baos.

It is actually pretty fun to dissect your dim sum (mentally, of course) and to know what each piece is made of, right? They may be of the simplest ingredients, but these exquisite bite-size delicacies are ever popular with the world for many reasons. We had so much fun understanding more about them as we put this guide together for you.

Feel at ease the next time you visit a dim sum restaurant with our Beginner’s Dim Sum Guide to 15 Essential Dim Sum You Must Try.

#1 SIEW MAI

A siew mai is essentially minced pork and/or prawn wrapped up in a thin sheet of lye water dough, only exposing the top side of the filling, and steamed until cooked before serving. The filling of this dumpling is traditionally mixed in with herbs and seasonings such as chives, soy sauce and sesame oil.

#2 HAR GAO

First introduced and created in Guangzhou, China, the Har Gao is a traditional Chinese steamed shrimp dumpling that features a translucent layer on the outer side to hold the inner filling of minced shrimp. This dim sum staple is usually served alongside the siew mai.

From traditional dim sum teahouses, to the cheapest Michelin Starred dim sum restaurants – here is our guide to Hong Kong’s Top 12 Dim Sum Restaurants.

#3 CHAR SIU BAO

The char siu bao is a freshly steamed bun that contains barbecued pork. The bun is traditionally made in two ways – steamed or baked. In Hong Kong, they created the char siu bo lo where the exterior is made with a crunchy pastry exterior instead of a bread bun. Either way, we love a good BBQ pork bun.

#4 EGG TART

Primarily served as the Hong Kong version in dim sum eateries, the Egg Tart is a popular choice as a dessert or snack around the world. This tart consists of egg custard cupped with a flaky pastry layer. In some instances, the custard is flavoured such as Pandan Egg Tarts or Bird’s Nest Egg Tarts.

#5 BAKED CHAR SIU SOU

Similar to the Char Siu Bo Lo buns but instead, wrapped up in a puff pastry exterior that is made with lard or shortening. The Char Siu inside may be cooked with extra flavours from shallots or various sauces for an enhanced taste.

#6 STEAMED GLUTINOUS RICE WRAPPED WITH LOTUS LEAF

Wrapped up in lotus leaf before steaming, the inside of this popular dim sum dish generally contains sticky rice, chicken, shiitake mushrooms and salted egg yolk. There are different variations of it around the world but this is the basic and most commonly used one.

#7 STEAMED CHICKEN FEET

Chicken feet are fried, the braised before steaming with black bean sauce to extract all the flavour into the skin surrounding the bones in the feet. The process is long, but the end result is a dim sum dish so flavourful that it is a crowd’s favourite in many Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

#8 STEAMED PORK RIBS

This dish is also made by steaming marinated small cubed pork ribs and steaming them with fermented black beans, chinese rice wine and a variety of other spices and ingredients. In some traditions, they are consumed alongside white rice and the pork ribs are saturated with juicy flavours after steaming for hours.

#9 GUO TIE

The guo tie or pot stickers are essentially pan-fried pork and chive dumplings. These dumplings are cooked by steaming first, then fried on only one-side to bring out the flavours of the fillings. Pot Stickers are traditionally eaten with ginger in vinegar sauce.

#10 FRIED CARROT/RADISH CAKE

Served in most dim sum restaurants, these cakes are made mainly with radish or carrot and steamed before pan frying for a crispy outer layer.

#11 BEANCURD ROLL

The inner pork filling is wrapped up in a layer of beancurd or tofu skin before either deep-frying or steaming it. In some variations, the beancurd roll can be filled with different ingredients such as fish paste or chicken instead.

#12 CHEONG FUN

Cheong Fun is a rice noodle roll originating from Hong Kong. There are various ways of serving this roll. In Singapore, it’s served simply with sweet sauce and chilli. The Hong Kong-style Cheong Fun is sometimes stuffed with minced barbecued pork or shrimp, and drenched in light soy sauce.

#13 SALTED EGG YOLK CUSTARD BUN

Runny salted egg yolk custard is housed inside a warm fluffy bun. There are also a few variations of this crowd-favourite bun – some use duck eggs and some use coconut milk inside the custard to enhance the overall flavour. The molten custard should flow out when you break the bun open, if served freshly steamed.

If we could only pick a kind of dim sum to live on, it would most definitely be the Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun. Here is our guide to 13 Unbelievable Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns (Liu Sha Bao) in Singapore.

#14 PRAWN ROLL

The prawn roll is usually served as a dim sum this way – prawn diced up and marinated before wrapping in tofu skin then deep-fried to a golden brown. More often than not, this crispy prawn roll is served with a mayonnaise dip.

#15 XIAO LONG BAO

As one of the most popular dim sum dumplings ever, this Shanghai-originated dish consists of a thin flour skin wrapping up minced pork with a rich pork broth. One bit into, the warm broth will rush out and you will have to sip it in quickly. The Xiao Long Bao is usually served with a side of sliced ginger and vinegar.

The next time your boss wants you to plan a corporate lunch, or you need an outlet to celebrate your Granny’s birthday, here are 31 of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore.