One of our ultimate guilty pleasures in life is Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns, or more commonly referred to as Liu Sha Bao. Mad props to whoever invented this decadent steamed delight because it is a work of pure genius and we are sure that many would agree.

The moment you burst open the Liu Sha Bao and molten salted egg yolk come oozing out; that is the epitome of bliss.

Here is our list of 13 Best Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns (Liu Sha Bao) in Singapore.

#1 ASIA GRAND CHINESE RESTAURANT

Despite the tough competition in Singapore’s food scene, Asia Grand at Odeon Towers remains one of the go-to places for businessmen to entertain their clients, as well as families to have their weekend yum cha. The place is not fancy, but the food is always of high standards.

And of course, how can you go to Asia Grand and not try their liu sha bao?

331 North Bridge Road
Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Tel: +65 6887 0010
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#2 CRYSTAL JADE GOLDEN PALACE

Crystal Jade Golden Palace at The Paragon is an all-time favourite dim sum place in Singapore. We love Crystal Jade’s steamy hot basket of custard bun. The ones here are orange in colour, because the skin is infused with carrot juice.

290 Orchard Road
#05-22 The Paragon
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6734 6866
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#3 IMPERIAL TREASURE FINE CHINESE CUISINE

The Imperial Treasure name is synonymous with high quality and exquisitely fine Chinese food. The prices may be hefty, but considering their use of premium ingredients and the impeccable service rendered to us each time we visit, there is zero reason for us to complain.

We really love it there, and of course, it is also because we are such huge fans of their custard buns. Honestly, we could easily finish a basket each.

#L2-04, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7788
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 MAN FU YUAN

Serving up a myriad of classic Cantonese dishes in a lavish setting, Man Fu Yuan never fails to leave an impression.

Their dim sum offerings are simply divine and we make it a point never to miss out on their Salted Egg Custard Bun. Here, you can opt to have these glorious buns steamed or deep-fried.

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#5 MIN JIANG AT DEMPSEY

Going against the norm, Min Jiang prides itself with its custard bun that exudes a charcoal-black hue.

Of course, the charcoal does not add much to the bun’s taste, but we can all agree that it looks a whole lot better especially after the golden salted egg yolk custard comes spilling out of it.

7A & 7B Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249684
Tel: +65 6774 0122
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth/Queenstown

#6 MITZO RESTAURANT & BAR

Mitzo Restaurant & Bar ranks pretty high on our list of top dim sum restaurants and it is only right that we make a special mention about their stellar charcoal custard buns. Decorated luxuriously with edible gold lychee liqueur, this humble custard-filled bun surely is an eye-opener.

We love that the charcoal adds a subtle smokiness that complements the creamy, luscious salted egg yolk centre incredibly well.

270 Orchard Road
Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

#7 PEACH GARDEN

Dining at Peach Garden always promises a satisfying meal courtesy of their huge range of tasty dim sum delights, but the one thing we cannot do without are their custard buns.

Not to sound overly dramatic but believe us when we say that Peach Garden has one of the best custard buns in Singapore!

401 Havelock Road
Hotel Miramar, Level 3
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 6736 3833
Sun to Thu: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#8 SONG GARDEN

No dim sum meal would be complete without some form of stuffed bao. For a sweet treat, we recommend getting the Steamed Custard Bun that oozes out molten salted egg yolk. Be sure to have your phones at the ready to snap a video of that luscious filling spilling out!

122 Middle Road
Mercure Singapore Bugis
Singapore 188973
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#9 TASTE PARADISE

The next time you find yourself wandering aimlessly around Ion Orchard in search of food, stop by Taste Paradise for their amazing dim sum offerings and of course, their stellar custard buns.

2 Orchard Turn
#04-07, ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9660
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 4.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#10 WAH LOK CANTONESE RESTAURANT

Offering beyond just the usual Steamed Custard Bun, Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant also has a slightly different rendition—a Baked Custard Bun with warm custard.

Although it does not come with molten custard lava, it is still an interesting option if you are looking for something different.

Level 2 Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6311 8188
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun & PH: 11am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#11 WAN HAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

With doors opened since 1995, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is one of luxurious Chinese restaurants along Orchard Road that serves classic Cantonese delicacies.

The restaurant serves an assortment of dim sum during lunch, but the one that you must try is the Steamed Charcoal Bun With Salted Egg Custard.

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 3pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Sat, Sun and PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#12 XIN CUISINE CHINESE RESTAURANT

While Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant may not be the poshest restaurant on this list, we always look forward to the next visit because a meal here will never disappoint. Whenever you are popping by for their dim sum, do give their Custard Bun with Salted Egg Yolk a try.

#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#13 YAN TING

The luxurious St Regis Singapore has no lack of good restaurants, and we have been fans of Yan Ting for years. Drop by for lunch at Yan Ting and do not skip their Steamed Salted Egg Yolk Buns if you are going for their dim sum menu.

29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 6506 6887
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Weekend Dim Sum Brunch (Sat, Sun & PH): 10.30am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 3pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore is renowned for serving up excellent Cantonese fare with a bold and modern approach. Having won several accolades including the prestigious ‘Best Asian Restaurants Award’ by The Straits Times and Lian He Zao Bao, this established restaurant presents a selection of perennial favourites from fresh seafood to delicately hand-crafted dim sum.

Expect nothing less from the culinary team this Lunar New Year.

Let your senses take flight as you embark on a flavour trip with one of the 5 festive menus (Prosperity, Success, Abundance, Harmony and Fortune)—all curated and handcrafted by Executive Chef Eric Neo and his team of experienced chefs. Available until 2 March 2018, the menus include auspicious highlights available from S$118++ per guest.

We recently experienced the culinary highlights of the prix-fixe menus for ourselves. It was a memorable lunch and it reminded us once again why Man Fu Yuan remains as one of the finest dining destinations for all who enjoy an authentic Cantonese feast in Singapore.

TREASURES YU SHENG

All Chinese New Year meals begin with a round of lo hei. Welcome the festivities with a toss to a prosperous year ahead with Chef Eric’s new creation—the Prosperity Yu Sheng that can be found in the Success Menu (S$188++ per guest) and the Harmony Menu (S$1388++ for 10 guests) which features Hokkaido scallops, salmon, and Sake Goma sesame dressing.

Those looking for a more indulgent celebration can opt for the Fortune Menu (S$2888++ for 10 guests) which features abalone in addition to the two other fresh seafood options.

DOUBLE-BOILED CHICKEN SOUP 

When it comes to culinary technique and traditional Chinese cooking flavours, few execute both as flawlessly as Chef Eric. The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with fish maw, bamboo pith and Matsutake mushrooms is a fine example of his culinary prowess in a bowl—fine, flavourful and pleasantly balanced.

In making this soup, pork bones are boiled for four hours to extract the rich flavours and goodness, and rare fresh Matsutake mushrooms are then added along with the other ingredients to impart umami to the broth. This hearty soup is crafted to delight through its delicate yet robust aroma and flavour which not only left us in total awe, but our souls wanting more.

This glorious soup can be found in both the Abundance Menu (S$1188++ for 10 guests) and the Harmony Menu (S$1388++ for 10 guests).

MAN FU YUAN ABUNDANCE TREASURE POT

A household staple during Chinese New Year, Pen Cai is essentially a claypot filled to the brim with goodies such as premium seafood, pork, chicken, vegetables and more, it is a one-dish-wonder that will no doubt impress.

At Man Fu Yuan, the traditional Pen Cai—otherwise known here as the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot which is available on the Fortune Menu (S$2888++ for 10 guests), as a á la carte order, or as a takeaway—is amped up with a total of 18 indulgent ingredients. Expect to find prized delicacies such as 10-head whole abalone, Canadian lobster, Hokkaido scallop, live prawns, pig’s trotter, dried oyster and many more delectable ingredients within.

STEAMED LOBSTER WITH CHINESE WINE & EGG WHITE

Tender, fresh and accented with a punchy yet aromatic wine aroma, the Steamed Lobster with Chinese Wine & Egg White is a stellar dish that is well worth the expense. The egg white provides a nice richness to the dish and also acts as a sponge to absorb all that delicious sauce.

Remarkably ambrosial, this lobster dish is unlike any other lobster dish that we have tried before and is a true testament to the saying that if you have fresh ingredients, the simplest preparation will yield the best results.

STEAMED TIGER GAROUPA WITH MUSHROOMS & CHINESE HAM

A steamed whole fish is always a delight on any Chinese table, and it’s almost always served at holiday meals and special occasions. This is especially true for Cantonese families during the Lunar New Year.

The Steamed Tiger Garoupa with Mushrooms and Chinese Ham is a dish that is sure to please. The fish is tender and moist, with the Chinese ham imparting a savoury and somewhat creamy aftertaste to complement the fish’s naturally sweet taste.

GLUTINOUS RICE WITH BONELESS CHICKEN IN LOTUS LEAF

Yet another family favourite, we were awestruck by the Glutinous Rice with Boneless Chicken in Lotus Leaf (S$68++)—available as a á la carte dish and in their takeaway menu—not just because of the richness of flavours in the dish, but in the way that the dish was presented to us.

Before going ahead with the first bite, we were first greeted with a whiff of the warm spices and herbs which made the dish all the more appetising. Chef Eric also shared with us that the chicken is first deboned, stuffed with chestnuts, mushrooms and gingko nuts and deep-fried, before the entire bird is wrapped with fragrant glutinous rice and lotus leaf then steamed to impart a secondary level of flavour to the dish.

DOUBLE-BOILED HASHIMA IN WHOLE COCONUT

Last but most certainly not the least is the Double-boiled Hashima in Whole Coconut.

A sweet dessert soup comprising dried longans, lotus seeds, red dates and hashima, this dessert is the best way to end off the glorious meal with its nourishing ingredients and refreshing taste.

CHINESE NEW YEAR TAKEAWAY GOODIES

If you’ve planned for a feast at home,  InterContinental Singapore has got you covered with a delightful array of Chinese New Year goodies for takeaways that are ideal as gifts or for celebrations at home.

Until  2 March 2018, guests may select from a showcase of highlights such as the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot (S$398nett), and the Triple Happiness (S$598nett) feast comprising three of Man Fu Yuan’s signature dishes that are ideal for up to 10 guests.

Convey your well-wishes with the Opulence Gift Hamper (S$398nett) that features delicacies such as Superior Bird’s Nest, Abalone, Riondo Sesto Senso Prosecco, home-made Pineapple Tarts, Almond Cookies and Nian Gao.

For reservations, enquiries or to place an order, please call 6825 1131, email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.

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Man Fu Yuan
Level 2, InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road,
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1131
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11:30am – 3:15pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post was brought to you by InterContinental Singapore.

We have stayed at several hotels in Singapore, and InterContinental Singapore is one of our favourite experiences. Where do we even begin? From the Peranakan-themed façade and minimalist luxury, down to the lush pillow menu, a stay with InterContinental Singapore is akin to that of spending time outside of home that you can still call home.

And how does this work?

Well, quite simply because the rooms are all designed to emulate a home, where there are no frills, where you feel pampered by the amenities, where no signs of commercialisation can intimidate you. We spent a night at the Shophouse Suite, and it was one staycation that left a deep impression on us (and can’t wait to return).

Right now, InterContinental Singapore is offering a weekend staycation package (S$255++/night) – for its deluxe rooms – that is specially designed for locals. Below, we will share more about what you can look forward to.

Upon stepping in, we were wow-ed by the clean, wide space. The brightly-lit living room welcomed us together with the plush sofa and huge working desk; it was like returning to our comfy abode, and we couldn’t wait till the next second to take off our shoes to prance around with joy. We opened up the other door that led to the balcony, and looked out at the bustling Bugis Junction. Yes, the Shophouse Suite sits on the extended wing that overlooks the shopping centre. That gave us a perfect feel of how it was like to stay in the heart of town.

Which means convenience in abundance. The strategic location is one that is worth paying for – you have the MRT just 3mins away, walk out of the hotel and be ready for some shopping, lots of F&B options are just a stone’s throw away (though we really would prefer to have a good dinner at Man Fu Yuan, listed as one of our Top 30 Chinese restaurants). Or have a Peranakan-style afternoon tea at the lobby lounge.

When it was time for bed, we were spoilt with the incredible pillow menu – how many hotels are as considerate and thoughtful? All that you need from goose feather to aromatherapy pillows, they’ve got it covered. Expect nothing but a restful night.

Wake up to a beautiful day and kick start your morning with a hearty breakfast at The Olive Tree that serves a mix of continental and international spreads. Do not miss the Nyonya spread! It was so good that we had three helpings!

And before checking out, why not take a therapeutic soak in the bath tub while listening to some Kenny G? Despite sitting in one of the most bustling districts in Singapore, the InterContinental Singapore promises a homely experience that is nothing short of calmness, quiet and serenity.

If you just want a simple getaway, InterContinental Singapore’s Destination Weekend package (S$255++/night) includes accommodation at the hotel’s deluxe room for two persons; daily buffet breakfast for two at Olive Tree Restaurant; S$50 nett dining credit per night of stay which you can use for in-room dining, as well as restaurants and bars; complimentary internet access; complimentary parking coupon per night of stay; and most importantly, late checkout until 4pm (subject to availability).

This promotion is valid for stays on Fridays to Sundays till 28 December 2014 and only applicable to Singaporeans and permanent residents.

For those who are keen on the Shophouse suite that we stayed at, you can call +65 6825 1000 or email to sinhb-resvn@ihg.com to find out more about the rates.

InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Tel: +65 6338 7600
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by InterContinental Singapore.

Man Fu Yuan at Intercontinental Hotel – one of Singapore’s top Cantonese restaurants – has undergone a refurbishment earlier this year and it has since returned with a stunning decor and a new emphasis on Chinese tea.

While I liked their dim sum, I didn’t frequent the old Man Fu Yuan because the decoration was kind of boring. Boy was I impressed when I went there for lunch recently. The restaurant now has a nice contemporary look with classy butterfly chandeliers, exquisite hand-painted wall coverings, and natural timber floors.

With new Chinese executive chef Chan Siu Kong helming the kitchen, Man Fu Yuan has a new focus on tea pairing. Some of the chef specialty dishes with premium Chinese tea include: Wok-fried Garoupa with White Peony Tea Leaf ($30 per portion), Stir-fried Scallops with Long Jin Tea Leaf ($38 per portion) and the beautiful Pork Ribs with Pu Erh Tea Leaf ($10 per piece) which you see in the photo above.

The dim sum at Man Fu Yuan is good, but the prices are slightly higher than most dim sum restaurants. Besides the typical offerings like Prawn Dumpling ($6.8), Pork Dumpling ($6.8) and Honey Glazed Pork Bun ($5.2), they also have some interesting items like the Baked Lobster with cheese ($6.8), Pan-fried Black Pepper Venison Dumping ($5.2) and Chilli Crabmeat Bun ($6.8). Most of the dim sum are priced between $5.2 to $6.8 per basket.

If you are at Man Fu Yuan for dim sum, remember to check out the custard buns ($12 for 6). They are one of the better custard buns that I’ve had. It is also one of the few Chinese restaurants in Singapore that serves the Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling traditional style, also known as Ham Sui Kok.

Among the dishes that we tried, I liked the Wok-fried Pork Ribs ($10 per piece) infused with Pu-erh tea leaf in lemon sauce. While it was a shame that the overwhelming lemon sauce completely covered the Pu-erh flavour, the fork-tender pork ribs were heavenly.

By the time we had the Stewed Noodles with Lobster ($12 per 100g lobster), our stomachs were already almost filled to the brim. Nonetheless, we slurped down the lobster noodles and ended the meal with two desserts – Cream of Pumpkin with ice cream ($8) and Chilled Mango Pudding with Pomelo Sago ($8).

Man Fu Yuan at Intercontinental Hotel is a nice place to have a quiet lunch near the town area. Prices are what you’d expect for a fine dining Cantonese restaurant. I like the new interior, so I can see myself going back for dim sum.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Man Fu Yuan
80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062
Daily: 11am – 2.15pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, please read my list of best dim sum restaurants in Singapore

I love custard buns. It is not a secret that I have been on a quest to find the best custard buns in Singapore.

A good custard bun (also known as Liu Sha Bao) has soft pillowy dough which is filled with egg custard and salted duck egg’s yolk. There are plenty of dim sum restaurants in Singapore that serve it, but most of them are mediocre. Where can you find good custard buns? Where can you go to satisfy your cravings for this popular dim sum?

Here’s my list of the Best Custard Buns in Singapore.

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine

The Imperial Treasure name is synonymous with good quality and consistently good Chinese food. My girlfriend and I frequent Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine at Marina Bay Sands, and whenever we dine there, it is a must for us to order their Custard Bun.

It is one of my to-go places and this one does not disappoint with the combination of soft bun with very addictive custard filling.

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

Jiang-Nan Chun

Jiang-Nan Chun at Four Seasons Singapore is known for serving classic Cantonese cuisine in a luxurious setting. While everything on the dim sum menu is absolutely perfectly prepared, my favourite at Jiang-Nan Chun is without a doubt, the Custard Buns with salted egg yolk.

190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 7220
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun (Dim Sum Brunch): 11am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 3pm

Man Fu Yuan

There are many Cantonese restaurants in Singapore, but Man Fu Yuan at Intercontinental Singapore stands out for offering a unique tea pairing service. Here, you can enjoy a range of Chinese tea to go along with the signature dishes and dim sum.

Fans of custard bun will be happy to know that Man Fu Yuan serves two kinds of custard bun ($12 for 6) – deep fried and steamed. Both are equally good, but I prefer the latter.

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062

Paradise Pavilion

What I love about Paradise Pavilion’s custard bun is that it is always consistently good. I’ve had it on many occasions, and it is always so satisfying. This is the easily one of the best, if not, best custard buns in Singapore. Besides the usual custard bun, they also have a Crispy Custard Lava Man Tou ($8.80) served with vanilla ice cream. It is heavenly.

8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6509 9308
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Peach Garden

This should go without saying, but I will reiterate the obvious: Peach Garden has, hands down, one of the best custard buns ($4.20) in Singapore. Besides their signature Wasabi Prawn and X.O. Carrot Cake, the custard bun is the must-order dish when you are at Peach Garden.

65 Chulia Street
#33-01 OCBC Centre
Tel: +65 6535 7833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Royal China Restaurant

Another of my favourite in town is the custard buns at Royal China. Its rendition was packed with a generous filling of the molten salted egg yolk custard and it had a certain “oomph“ to elevate it to something truly special.

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

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best dim sum places in Singapore