The best dim sum restaurants in Singapore to eat this weekend

Luxurious Jiang Nan Chun at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is the ultimate tai-tai lunch venue, with a reputation for great dim sum even if it’s a bit of a splurge. With new Chinese Executive Chef Tim Lam at the helm, new dim sum dishes have been rolled out, like steamed pork dumpling topped with a baby abalone ($9 each) which has been braised for hours, crispy silky turnip with dried shrimp and ham ($3 each) wrapped in crisp pastry.

Other must-have’s are its wok fried turnip cake with XO sauce ($12) and Cantonese sponge cake ($6). While you’re there, ask for a side dish of their XO sauce too – it’s excellent.

190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646. Tel: 6831 7220

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If you’re tasked to impress corporate clients or placate a fussy mother-in-law, head to the ever-reliable Jade Restaurant at The Fullerton Hotel, where Masterchef Leong Chee Yeng’s elegant, contemporary dim sum is bound to impress. It’s more about artistry here than quantity.

The recently launched weekend dim sum set menus (from $68 per person) starts with eight pieces of dim sum, including steamed abalone siew mai, osmanthus char siew bun, with deep-fried taro with mushrooms and truffles, followed by more substantial complementary dishes like the excellent wok-fried rice flour rolls with scallop in XO sauce and double boiled fish maw. A six-course weekday dim sum set lunch ($58) is also available.  

1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178 Tel: 6877 8188

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Similarly, this modern Chinese restaurant at Grand Park Orchard Singapore serves up beautifully presented dim sum, but with a playful touch. Home in on their three- or four-course weekday dim sum set lunches (from $28++) featuring over 10 types of dim sum, along with soup of the day, noodles or porridge and dessert. Or do Ladies Night every Thursday where $75++ per person gets you a parade of endless booze (think wine, cocktails, beers and spirits) to complement a selection of free flowing dim sum, such as black pepper shrimp pork roll, crispy duck roll and crystal prawn dumplings.

Dim sum brunch features over 40 items including dim sum, gourmet seafood and wok dishes, and a free-flow option of cocktails, champagne, wines and beer for $60.  

Level 4 Grand Park, 270 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238857. Tel: 6603 8855

ALSO READ: THE DAISO OF DIM SUM: ONLY $1.30 PER PLATE, HOW DOES THE FOOD AT WOODLANDS FARE?

Dim sum is served the old fashioned way here from push trolleys, but minus the din of traditional Chinese restaurants. The dim sum are equally nostalgic, including pan-fried carrot cake, deep fried yam puff with scallop and steamed BBQ pork buns.

More items come from the kitchen, such as fried Teochew chive pancake and items featuring a more contemporary twist, such as mini black charcoal egg custard buns.

22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221. Tel: 6730 1704

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If dim sum is, broadly speaking, small morsels of Chinese delicacies which, with quantity, make up a meal, then one could say this restaurant also offers dim sum but with a regional difference. When you want a break from the standard prawn filled har gau or pork siew mai, then this casual restaurant with its piquant Jiangnan flavours is an easy, inexpensive alternative.  

Apart from the classic xiao long bao ($6.30), there’s the salted egg yolk ($8.30) or chilli crab stuffed variety ($8.80) as well, Shanghai pork buns ($5.80), French bean and minced pork guo tie ($5.80) and a host of small dishes, from drunken chicken ($9.30) to chilled black fungus in vinegar ($7.30).

See www.crystaljade.com for locations.

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A stalwart in the Chinese restaurant scene, Cherry Garden serves up some of the best and most creative dim sum in town, alongside traditional standards. Presented in modern steel baskets instead of the traditional bamboo, dim sum include steamed wagyu beef dumpling in sha cha sauce ($7), crispy snow crab dumpling, and steamed prawn dumpling with black garlic, and steamed walnut and dark chocolate bun ($7).

Cherry Garden also serves up a good weekend dim sum brunch ($68) which also features a good selection of soups, hot dishes, noodles, congee, and dessert.   

5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797. Tel: 68853500

ALSO READ: THE DIM SUM OUTLET AT JALAN BESAR YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT

After two decades of bringing authentic Shanghainese cuisine to Singapore, the refurbished Grand Shanghai returns with a fresh look and unique dining concept. The new restaurant space promises a feast for the senses, inspired by the city’s golden age when Shanghai came to be known as the Paris of the East. The new menu features lighter flavours to complement the Singapore weather plus the addition of more varied spices. Besides Shanghainese specialties, the selection also includes dim sum signatures. Their signature Steamed Shanghainese Pork Dumpling ($10.90 for four pieces) features succulent and tender pork wrapped in delicate translucent skins. The broth encased within these skins is flavourful and delicious. For a sweet ending, opt for the Souffle Egg White with red bean paste and banana ($8.90). The souffle is fluffy and soft, laced with the faint sweetness of icing sugar. This dessert is as light as air, and won’t make you feel stuffed after a heavy meal. 

Address: 390 Havelock Rd, Level 1 King’s Centre

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An updated selection of dim sum is presented together with the refreshed à la carte dishes. The array of new items are created by chef Ng Sen Tio, alongside well-loved favourites that are perfect for convivial afternoons with family and friends. The menu is a reflection of the best of Cantonese cuisine, offering familiar flavours with sublime twists. Diners love the Steamed Fresh Lily and Vegetable Dumplings ($5.80 for three pieces) with a subtle floral fragrance that enhances the taste of the dumplings. The Steamed Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns ($6.00 for three pieces) are the perfect combination of pillowy dough and sweet custard. This version is not cloying, with a nice richness and will satisfy without overpowering. Sample the Pan-Fried Singapore Chilli Crab Meat Buns ($9.00 for three pieces) for a local twist on the traditional steamed pork bun. The bun is generously stuffed with plump pieces of chilli crab meat coated in sweet and spicy sauce. The dim sums are exclusively available during lunch hours from 12pm to 2.30pm daily.

Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #05-02 National Gallery

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