Chinatown Food
Chinatown, located in the heart of Singapore, is a living reflection of Chinese customs and culture, complete with temples and museums. But another thing that makes Chinatown renowned is its eateries. Although many people associate Chinatown with Chinese food, you’ll be surprised to learn that the neighborhood is also home to a number of outstanding eateries providing wonderful Seafood, Spanish, and Barbeque dishes. With so many alternatives in this neighborhood, you should be aware of which restaurants serve the finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
1. Yum Cha Chinatown
| Key Services: | Chinese cuisine, dim sum tea house concept |
| Website: | https://www.yumcha.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 20 Trengganu St, #02-01, Singapore 058479 |
| Phone: | +65 6372 1717 |
| E-mail: | chinatown@yumcha.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 10:30AM – 10:00PM Tuesdays – Fridays; 9:00AM – 10:00PM Saturdays – Sundays |
Yum Cha Restaurant was founded in the heart of Chinatown. Yum Cha opened in 2000 on Temple Street in Chinatown, with the goal of reintroducing the dim sum tea house idea in a shophouse setting, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs for a vintage vibe. Yum Cha Restaurants, located away from the hustle and bustle of city life, provide a one-of-a-kind dim sum dining experience, whether for lunch or supper. Their Chinese cuisine is what makes them known for having the finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Unique dim sum tea house setting
- Relaxing environment
- Quality food
Customer Testimonial:
“The food is great! Just that the waiting time for the food is quite long. The quality of the food is good, filled generously. Will be back again.”
-Joshua Hoh
2. Tong Heng Confectionery
| Key Services: | signature egg tarts, handmade pastries |
| Website: | https://tongheng.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 285 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058833 |
| Phone: | +65 6223 3649/+65 6223 0398 |
| E-mail: | tonghengpastries@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours: | 9AM – 6PM Daily |
Tong Heng is a well-known bakery noted for its handmade traditional pastries. Tong Heng was founded in 1935 with a simple goal in mind: to share their passion for classic pastries, such as their signature diamond-shaped egg tarts, with the rest of the globe. Their classic pastries are among of the most well-loved in Singapore, having been modernized yet being created with devotion. Tong Heng’s egg tarts, like other local favorites, are dairy-free and a symbol of excellent baked products appreciated by both locals and visitors. Their local bread and pastries are what set them apart as the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Traditional handmade pastries
- Unique egg tarts
- Popular with locals and tourists
Customer Testimonial:
“I can’t even put into words how much I loved this place. I was in Singapore for a week and came here 4 times. The egg tart is so warm and delicious. I also tried the bbq pork pasty which was good.”
-Tang Shijie
3. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
| Key Services: | Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery, pork ribs speciality, salted vegetables and sliced dough fritters. |
| Website: | https://songfa.com.sg/ |
| Address: | #01-04 133 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059413 |
| Phone: | +65 6443 1033 |
| E-mail: | contact@songfa.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11AM – 9PM Daily |
They’ve come a long way from one street food cart. Nonetheless, their pushcart emblem reminds people of what they stand for: an authentic Bak Kut Teh experience: succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs; hot, flavorful, spicy-peppery soup; and a 1960s roadside eating environment. Bak Kut Teh’s tradition goes on in its purest form at Song Fa. Song Fa is honored to have received the Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for the past five years. We have been designated as a Made With Passion brand by the Singapore Brand Office and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Key Differentiators:
- Proudly serving traditional bak kut teh since 1966
- Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for 5 years
- Made With Passion brand by Singapore Brand Office and Singapore Tourism Board
Customer Testimonial:
“My only second time trying out BKT and they actually serve free flow BKT refill!!?!?! Wow. Even though Im not a fan of BKT but I really enjoyed my meal here. And my favourite pig trotters!”
– Kong Wen Sheng
4. Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
| Key Services: | Wide Dessert selection |
| Website: | https://www.meiheongyuendessert.com.sg/ |
| Address: | #B2-32/33, Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road |
| Phone: | +65 6538 3892 |
| E-mail: | meiheongyuen.sg@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours: | 12:00PM – 10:00PM Daily |
Mei Heong Yuen Dessert is the idea of Connie and Clara Lee and is inspired by the legendary FARMER BRAND groundnuts. It specializes in various types of pastes and steamed egg pudding. Its peanut paste is aromatic and carefully milled to provide a smooth texture with no peanut fragments. It’s a fantastic dessert for completing up a good meal because it’s sufficiently sweet without being overbearing. Their extensive selection of Asian desserts has earned them the reputation of having the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Aromatic and smooth peanut pastes
- Specializes in a variety of pastes and steamed egg pudding
- Carefully milled to provide a smooth texture
Customer Testimonial:
“The dessert is delicious and not very sweet. Love the mango roll so much thanks for the recommendation given by the staff. Highly recommended”
-Sally Lee
5. Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
| Key Services: | Wide selection of local Singaporean food and Asian cuisine |
| Website: | |
| Address: | 531A Upper Cross St, Singapore 051531 |
| Phone: | +65 6554 7120 |
| Operating Hours: | 24 Hrs. Daily |
The Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ‘Hong Lim.’ Although Hong Lim Market and Food Mall is not as well-known as Maxwell, Chomp Chomp, and Old Airport Road, this two-story food centre near Chinatown MRT delivers a variety of Singapore’s finest foods. It is currently regarded as a must-see location for low-cost Michelin-starred dinners. Their wide range of Asian cuisine and local dishes has gained them the distinction of having the best Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- A variety of Singapore’s finest foods
- Affordable Michelin-starred meals
- Near Chinatown MRT
Customer Testimonial:
“Both Chicken Curry noodles at level 1 and 2 are delicious. There are many nice local foods here. Good place for breakfast and lunch.”
-Cher Lee Kiat
6. Haikee Brothers
| Key Services: | soy sauce chicken, dim sum, soup, and claypot dishes |
| Address: | 133 New Bridge Rd, #02-39, Singapore 059413 |
| Phone: | +65 6244 4408 |
| E-mail: | tfbbq@tenderfresh.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily |
The brand’s origins may be traced back to Hainan Island, where founder Mr. Wong Si Han was born. He moved to Singapore in 1959 to establish a family and began serving his distinctive soy sauce chicken rice on Upper Cross Street. The fort is now controlled by siblings Joseph and James Wong, who are third generation company owners. Haikee Brothers combines old flavors with modern twists to create an experience that is sure to stir appetites. Their signature soy sauce chicken rice has earned them the title of greatest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Founded in 1959 by Wong Si Han
- Origin from Hainan Island
- Specializes in soy sauce chicken rice
Customer Testimonial:
“Reasonable priced, food and fast service, clean and neat chicken noodles restaurant in Chinatown Point. Highly recommended and the portion is good. Delicious soy sauce chicken or roasted pork noodles.”
-John Tan
7. Chinatown Food Street
| Key Services: | Local and Asian dishes |
| Website: | https://chinatownfoodstreet.sg/ |
| Address: | 41 Smith St, Singapore 058953 |
| Phone: | +65 6225 3633 |
| E-mail: | chinatownfoodstreet@select.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:00AM – 10:00PM Daily |
The revitalized CFS, located on Smith Street in the heart of Chinatown, aims to provide the most genuine Singapore eating experience for both residents and tourists. CFS provides a broad array of local treats, from a tantalizing dish of Char Kway Teow to sticks of delectable Satays, with renowned food from local cultures all represented on one street. CFS offers a taste of ancient Chinatown with street hawker stalls, shophouse restaurants, and adhoc street kiosks, as well as al-fresco eating along the street. Their extensive menu of local cuisines has won them the reputation of Singapore’s best Chinatown food.
Key Differentiators:
- center of chinatown
- local food vendors
- tantalizing dishes
Customer Testimonial:
“Chinatown’s maze of narrow roads includes Chinatown Food Street, with its restaurants serving traditional fare like Hainanese chicken rice, noodles and satay. Souvenir shops.”
-Thilina Madusanka
8. Chinatown Complex
| Key Services: | Local and Asian cuisine |
| Website: | https://chinatown.sg/shop/chinatown-complex/ |
| Address: | 335 Smith Street #02-127 Chinatown Complex Chinatown, Singapore 050335 Singapore |
| Operating Hours: | 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily |
Originally utilized by Japanese military police during the Japanese occupation, the location was later home to “death houses” and brothels until it was evacuated in the 1960s. Construction work began in 1975, and the site evolved into what it is today: the beating heart of Chinatown. People may also enjoy a superb variety of award-winning dishes at astonishingly low costs at the enormous facility. For starters, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle originated in Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. Their inexpensive and broad variety of local and Asian cuisines has earned them the title of finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
Key Differentiators:
- Award-winning dishes
- Low prices
- Evolving market
Customer Testimonial:
“One of the cheapest Michelin Starred meal you can have in Singapore. The Hawker centre is really crowded during lunch hour but it’s worth the wait.”
-Alan Tanv
9. Esquina
| Key Services: | Spanish cuisine |
| Website: | https://esquina.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 16 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089267 |
| Phone: | +65 6222 1616 |
| E-mail: | info@esquina.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 12PM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 10:30PM Tuesdays – Saturdays |
With their bustling energetic ambiance and modern food featuring Spanish and Catalan flavors, Esquina’s goal is to convey a sensation of being in the heart of Spain. Head Chef Carlos Montobbio brings over 15 years of culinary expertise, having trained under the direction of highly regarded chefs. He is excited to deliver his take of Spanish and Catalan cuisine at Esquina, which was inspired by his past stints and trips across the world.
Key Differentiators:
- Energetic ambiance
- Modern Spanish and Catalan cuisine
- Head Chef Carlos Montobbio
Customer Testimonial:
“An unique Spanish restaurant. Cheerful and friendly waitress who is very helpful with the menu. All of them are vegetarian but taste good. I would suggest seafood lovers to visit them.”
-Joon Tan
10. Burnt Ends
| Key Services: | Australian cuisine, high-grade meat |
| Website: | https://burntends.com.sg/ |
| Address: | 7 Dempsey Road, #01-04, Singapore 249671 |
| Phone: | +65 6224 3933 |
| E-mail: | eat@burntends.com.sg |
| Operating Hours: | 11:45AM – 11PM Tuesdays – Sundays |
Burnt Ends is a modern barbecue restaurant in Singapore’s Dempsey Hill founded by Chef-Owner Dave Pynt that serves modern Australian barbecue and boutique wines and spirits in a lively, casual setting. An open-concept kitchen with a bespoke four-tonne, multi cavity oven and four elevation grills is at the core of this modern barbecue restaurant. Burnt Ends creates different dishes on a daily basis and feels that cooking with wood has a certain enchantment to it. Burnt Ends has had a Michelin star since it was originally awarded in 2018. Their excellent contemporary Australian BBQ and boutique wines and spirits have won them the distinction of Singapore’s best Chinatown restaurant.
Key Differentiators:
- Michelin Star
- Open-concept kitchen
- Bespoke four-tonne, multi cavity oven
- 4 elevation grills
- Casual setting
Customer Testimonial:
“Finally managed to get booking at the new location, and I must say the place it’s stunning , the interior design it’s so beautiful. The food, as always delicious and the service impeccable. Thank you Burnt Ends team ❤️”
-Claudia Iglesias
Chinatown Food
Overall, It’s easy to understand why Chinatown is Singapore’s most popular neighborhood: historic shophouses line the meandering roads, and traditional lanterns zigzag above the streets. The sounds of sizzling woks and the scents of fresh ingredients fill the air at every turn, luring you in for a taste. We hope this helps you discover the finest Chinatown food in Singapore.
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