Established in 1989, Jing Hua Xiao Chi started in a shophouse along Neil Road and has garnered a strong following over the years for their delicious dumplings and other authentic Chinese dishes.

Its newest outlet at Palais Renaissance is a casual chic Chinese restaurant that serves a concise and inexpensive menu, making it a good place for an intimate business lunch or a casual dinner date.

The must-order dish here is definitely the Little Juicy Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$5 for 4pcs, and S$8.80 for 8pcs) which are always served piping hot with a rich soup that bursts with flavours as you bite into them.

We have had many good red bean pancakes but the restaurants version – Crispy Red Bean Pancake (S$10.50), is a golden deep-friend masterpiece that was fragrant, crisp and just overall delightful. The pretty huge portion is also good to share between two people or in a group.

Another exciting must-try dish here is the Chinese Pizza (S$10.80), and it is aptly named so. This spin on a traditional Italian delicacy could not be more different than what it was named after. The ‘pizza’ is a flaky crust stuffed with generous fillings of meat and vegetables.

You can also dig into the best-selling Noodle with Minced Pork & Soya Bean Sauce (S$6.80). This bowl is portioned in a way that you still can have some sides here without over-stuffing yourself.

Jing Hua Xiao Chi
390 Orchard Road
#B1-04/05 Palais Renaissance
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 6733 8231
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Xiao Long Baos are essentially mini soup dumplings originated from Jiang Nan China and served in bamboo baskets; in our words, little dumplings of happiness. It is a widely coveted dim sum dish in many Chinese restaurants and has won countless hearts with its hearty soup base tucked within the confines of a thin skin. A pretty Xiao Long Bao, thereafter known as XLB, is one that is sealed with multiple exquisite folds around its crown.

Many restaurants have since tried to perfect their own version of XLB, with a varying use of ingredients and preparation methods. Most of them have since started to use alternative ingredients to fluff up their XLBs up to stand out from the crowd.

In this guide, we share 8 Xiao Long Baos in Singapore that we love, and we hope you love them too!

#1 CRYSTAL JADE KITCHEN

Crystal Jade is a household name and is no stranger to any Singaporean. Their motto of serving food with exceptional qualities and offering excellent customer service has garnered the love of many, even extending to the younger crowd. The signature XLB is consistently wrapped in a neat manner, and in it encompasses pork filling and an exceptional broth. Savour the every burst of delight with shredded ginger and vinegar.

Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6238 1411
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Orchard

#2 DIN TAI FUNG

Located at most shopping malls with snaking queues during the lunch and dinner hours, Din Tai Fung has made its name known as the restaurant serving the best Xiao Long Baos. This Michelin-star awarded restaurant is all about serving authentic Chinese cuisine, with an open kitchen showcasing the chefs perfecting every edible masterpiece. Their coveted Xiao Long Bao (S$9.80 for 10 pieces) comes with steamed chicken broth, and you might have noticed that every table of diners will definitely order a basket or two.

Serangoon Nex
23 Serangoon Central, #B1-10/11/12
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 7787
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Serangoon

#3 IMPERIAL TREASURE 

Imperial Treasure prides themselves in serving Chinese food of fine standards, and it is our all-time favourite. The restaurant has a modern and elegant look to it, offering an extravagant dining experience to the crowd at reasonable fine dining prices.

Their Xiao Long Bao (S$7.80 for 6 pieces) is finely crafted by their master chefs, retaining the rich and authentic flavours of the broth beneath the thinly rolled xiao long bao skin.

Marina Bay Sands, The Shoppes Atrium 2
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 7788
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Sun: 11am – 10:30pm
Nearest MRT: Bayfront

#4 JING HUA XIAO CHI

This restaurant is not only popular with Singaporeans but has also established itself in Japan and Italy. With three outlets in Singapore, the Chinese dishes at Jing Hua Xiao Chi are lovingly prepared with ingredients sourced from Chinatown wet market, and curates their menu to suit the local taste buds.

Their famed Little Juicy Steamed Meat Dumplings are affordably priced at S$5++ for 4 pieces, perfecting the little goodness with equal proportions of pork, soup and skin that is set to wow the crowd.

390 Orchard Road
#B1-04/05 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6733 8231
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 PARADISE DYNASTY

You would have seen so many photos of this 8-coloured Xiao Long Bao (S$14.80) by now. Paradise Dynasty plays their XLBs up with a plump parcel of meat and soup fillings – Cheese, Crab, Ginseng, Sze Chuan, Foie Gras, Black Truffle, Garlic and Original – that melts away in the mouth.

1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-08A Vivocity
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6378 8103
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Habourfront

#6 SHANGHAI REN JIA 

Tucked at the foot of an HDB flat at Ang Mo Kio, Shanghai Ren Jia has a menu of dim sum dishes, and has perfected its Xiao Long Baos (S$6 for 5 pieces) so much so that they do not serve vinegar or ginger slices with it. They believe that with their dumplings made only with the freshest ingredients and with a soup filling infused with ginger, any condiment is unnecessary. Indeed, the full burst of flavours suffice to make us happy.

BLK 151, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5
Singapore 560151
Tel: +65 6368 6927
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio

#7 SHIN YEH

Shin Yeh is home to authentic and well-cooked Taiwanese dishes with its intricacies of preparation that focuses on the most minute of details. Its restaurant is furnished with a huge space that is ideal for hosting family gatherings, events and parties with a wholesome dining experience that is sought after by many.

Their Xiao Long Bao (S$4.80++) brought about a taste of Taiwan and wowed us with its almost translucent skin and very rich broth, best eaten with sliced ginger and vinegar.

Liang Court
177 River Valley Road, #02-19
Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6338 7337
Daily: 11:30am – 4:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay

#8 YE CHUN XIAO JIANG NAN

Ye Chun Xiao Jiang Nan specialises in Jiang Nan cuisine as well as its hand-pulled noodles. The restaurant stands firm on its beliefs in serving traditional cuisines, and the menu is relatively well-priced.

Their Xiao Long Bao (S$4.80 for 4 pieces) stood out from the crowd with silk-like skin and pork filling marinated with an array of herbs and spices.

Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-181/182
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6333 4038
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Promenade

We love a good meal at Palais Renaissance on days when we just want to get away from all the crazy crowd, and Palais Renaissance being so accessible from the main area makes it an ideal location for some quietness in the middle of the hubbubs of Orchard Road. The bonus? Free valet parking from 12pm – 4pm from Sunday till Thursday and 12pm – 11pm on Fri, Sat and Public Holidays. Car park charges are really reasonable, too.

But more than these, do you know why else we love Palais Renaissance? It may not have the longest list when it comes to F&B tenants, but what it has to offer is a unique experience at each of its tenant – nothing mainstream, nothing too predictable, and with surprisingly affordable price tags.

Yes, Palais Renaissance is not all about expensive shopping for the high net-worth. While it is a destination shopping mall, it also has some very impressive dining outlets to boast. And you need not pay an arm and a leg for a meal here.

We are giving away 5 X S$20 dining vouchers from P. Bistro, as well as 10 sets of Bara Chirashi Set Lunches from Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar. More details of the giveaway at the end of this post.

Here is our guide to Palais Renaissance where you can find 4 affordable dining destinations in the heart of Orchard Road.

JING HUA XIAO CHI

Jing Hua impresses us with their very humble beginnings. What used to be just a small eatery along Neil Road and Rochor Road has now made their third expansion to a modern and atmospheric restaurant that also sits at the basement of Palais Renaissance. Jing Hua Xiao Chi is a casual chic Chinese restaurant that serves a concise and inexpensive menu, making it a good place for an intimate business lunch or a casual dinner date.

On its all-day menu, you have to zoom straight in to the Jing Hua Signatures. The Chinese Pizza (S$10.80) is flaky, savoury pastry with generous fillings of meat and vegetables, and the Little Juicy Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$5 for 4pcs, and S$8.80 for 8pcs) are served piping hot with a rich soup that bursts with flavours as you bite into them.

The best-seller is the Noodle with Minced Pork & Soya Bean Sauce (S$6.80). The portion is just perfect for lunch, so you can spare yourself that post-lunch lethargy from overstuffing.

And we love their desserts. Crispy Red Bean Pancake for you? At S$10.50 per serving, this pan-fried golden goodness with fragrant red bean filling is good to share. We also dig the steamed version – Green Tea Red Bean Steamed Dumplings (S$4.50 for 4pcs). With a thin layer of green tea crystal skin, this bite-sized goodie is light in taste and easy on texture.

Jing Hua Xiao Chi also has an extensive drinks menu. Pick from the Chinese wines and spirits, beers, and elegant Chinese teas.

390 Orchard Road
#B1-04/05 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6733 8231
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

ISHINOMAKI GRILL & SAKE BAR

This Japanese restaurant is truly an undiscovered gem. Opening its door to public since September 2014, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar is a welcoming diner helmed by Chef Chi – a well-experienced chef who has been in the industry for 25 years and had a stint as executive chef at Pan Pacific. His keen passion on Japanese food has seen him traveling to different parts of Japan and building relationships with the best suppliers, so expect nothing less than the freshest catches when you dine at Ishinomaki.

Any day is a good day for a hearty Japanese lunch, and over at Ishinomaki, the set lunches are so affordable, we will soon become regulars. Tenju – a tempura rice box set – is only S$17, and the Bara Chirashi Set – beautifully sliced sashimi atop Japanese rice, served with chawan mushi and miso soup – is S$23. Unbeatable priced for so many slices of fish in a variety! Chef, you’ve got our hearts here. Other affordable set lunches include Grilled Mackerel with Salt (S$17) and Grilled Salmon in Teriyaki Sauce (S$18).

For dinner, go for the robatayaki. They use traditional grills and methods to bring out the best flavours of every ingredient. Minimum seasoning, no frills, just the essence that you are going to savour.

If you prefer to leave it in the good hands of the chefs, go for the super affordable 7-course Omakase dinner (S$50/pax). We guarantee you that there will be definitely more than enough food.

390 Orchard Road
#B1-02/02A/03 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6737 1065
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

P. BISTRO

P. Bistro started out in a shophouse along Owen Road and it has since opened a second outlet at Palais Renaissance. While the new outlet is a lot more upmarket and classier, the menu remains the same – healthy and well-cooked comfort bistro fare served at reasonable prices that will not burn a hole in your pocket.

P. Bistro Beef Burger (S$22) – with a juicy patty, melted cheese, pickles and tomatoes – is a substantial main that the gentlemen will love for both lunch and dinner. And our favourite is the P. Bistro Special Duck Leg Stew (S$28); think of it as a Duck Confit with an Asian twist – a whole duck leg submerged in a hearty stew of cherry tomatoes and mushrooms

P. Bistro at Palais Renaissance also has an all-day brunch menu, with the popular Classic Big Breakfast at only S$18 – comes with two eggs done in your choice, bacon, spicy Italian sausages, grilled tomato, salad and toast.

What will make us come back again and again for is the Nonya Dory (S$18). It may be strange to order a Peranakan dish in a modern Western bistro, but trust us on this, P. Bistro’s Nonya Dory – cooked on banana leaf with super addictive chilli – made a really memorable lunch for us.

Min Yee – P. Bistro’s pastry chef and co-owner – bakes the desserts and pastries personally. Try the Salted Caramel Cheesecake (S$7.80), Passionfruit Tart (S$4) and Chocolate Praline Tart (S$4).

390 Orchard Road
#B1-06 Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6734 9268
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PS.CAFE

Everyone knows PS.Cafe, and it is almost synonymous with Palais Renaissance. This outlet is ever popular, and you can always count on these folks to whip up scrumptious dishes to put on the table. It also makes a perfect pit stop in between shopping, and a quaint afternoon with the girlfriends over some cakes and coffee sounds like a splendid idea, yes?

Every PS.Cafe has its own menu with their respective signatures. Whenever we dine at PS.Cafe, we are always lost. Too many choices to pick from, and deciding on what to eat is as hard as making life decisions. Over at Palais Renaissance, the bestseller is it’s PS. Crispy Onion Burger (S$29) that is good for both lunch and dinner.

The eggs dishes are evergreen – Eggs Benedict (S$26), Eggs Florentine (S$25) and Eggs Royale (S$32). Then, there is the Blueberry & Banana Pancakes (S$24) that is so photo-worthy. The health-conscious ones can order an Egg White Omelette (S$26), but we’d do the Brunch Burger (S$30) and PS. Big Breakfast (S$26) any time.

For something more substantial for dinner, there’s the Miso Cod (S$32) with eggplant and roasted pumpkin, and a section of pasta awaits your indulgence.

But when at PS.Cafe, what you must not miss for the world is its desserts. The choices will spoil you rotten, but we will save you from deciding. The outstanding ones are its Florida Key Lime Pie (S$13), Double Chocolate Blackout Cake (S$16) and Sticky Date Pudding (S$15).

390 Orchard Road
Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 9834 8232
Mon to Thu: 9.30am – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Orchard

PALAIS RENAISSANCE GIVEAWAY

1. Palais Renaissance is giving away 5 X S$20 dining vouchers from P. Bistro, as well as 10 sets of Bara Chirashi Set Lunches from Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar.
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us which restaurant at Palais Renaissance you would like to dine at.
3. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
4. The contest runs from 14 Mar to 28 Mar 2015.
5. Winners will be notified by email.

GIVEAWAY WINNERS: Gabriel Ng, Zan Phua, Lydia Tan, Joleen Goh, Ng Qi Yan, Natika, Claricia, Yue Sheng, Kenneth Chan, Evaleen Tan, Lim Min, Wendy Tay, Jannefer, Eng Keat, and Dion.

For more information, go to www.palais.sg or contact Palais’s concierge number at +65 6737 6992.

This post is brought to you by Palais Renaissance.