The 5 best dim sum restaurants in Singapore, as recommended by this editor
Nothing beats eating out with friends, and enjoying that communal spirit of sharing with dim sum buffets!
We are truly blessed when it comes dining out here in Singapore as the choices are aplenty – from hawker centres to award-winning restaurants – there's something for even the fussiest or most sophisticated palate.
When it comes to Sundays, I used to have this routine where I'd go out with friends for dim sum, and savour meals at different restaurants just so we'd have a list that we can recommend to friends who are visiting. Nowadays, with the inclusion of food delivery apps, when I do have a dim sum craving, ordering in and enjoying food at home is another luxury to have. But nothing beats eating out with friends, and enjoying that communal spirit of sharing!
Here are some of the best dim sum restaurants that are on my bookmark list that I always fall back on – are they your favourites too?
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1. Wah Lok, Carlton Hotel
The award-winning Wah Lok restaurant has been serving delectable Cantonese cuisine and warm service since 1988. Their go-to dim sums include classic favourites like Baked Barbecue Pork Buns and Steamed Crab Meat & Egg White Dumplings, as well as stellar dishes such as Deep-fried Century Egg wrapped with Minced Shrimps, and Lobster Mee Sua. Bear in mind that dim sum is only available during lunch service and reservations is advisable as the place gets filled up pretty quickly.
2. 5 on 25, Andaz Singapore
Helmed by executive Chef Lim Hong Lih who has two decades of experience under his belt, 5 On 25 is a modern upscale restaurant that is a deeply romantic take on the classic Chinese supper club.
From now till 9th April, 5 On 25 is playing host to Executive Chinese Chef Chan Hon Cheong of Cantonese restaurant, One Harbour Road, which was awarded The Plate Michelin in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, together with talented Dim Sum Chef Lam Chun Shan. Diners can look forward to exquisite hand-crafted morsels of dim sum delights, main courses, desserts, and set menus, alongside mesmerising views from level 25 and an exceptional selection of wines and tea. What we would recommend: steamed pork and shrimp dumplings with abalone, steamed chicken, Chinese yam and wolfberry dumplings, baked pineapple buns Hong Kong style and baked minced pork and turnip pastries.
For restaurant reservations, visit here or call +65 6408 1228.
Book a stay at Andaz Singapore
3. Empress, Asian Civilisations Museum
Located in the iconic Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress is a smart casual Chinese restaurant for guests who are looking to have an uplifting and lively dining experience. Their Weekend Dim Sum brunch, S$63, is always a star, and you can opt for favourites like siew mai, crispy shrimp rolls, steamed molten egg custard buns and stir-fried turnip cake. Just come with a huge appetite and room for house wine, beer or prosecco with just a top-up of S$45.
Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum
4. Yum Cha, Chinatown
A well-known and much-loved destination for Dim Sum, Yum Cha in Chinatown satisfies grandpa, tiny tykes and everyone in between with classic Cantonese cuisine. Tried-and-true renditions of Xiao Long Bao, Prawn Dumplings, Fish Roe Siew Mai and more come piping hot from the kitchen are always the crowd's favourites. Furthermore, you can't go wrong with over 60 types of dim sum with the hi-tea a la carte buffet-style with affordable pricing.
Book a stay at Hotel 1900, Chinatown
5. Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, Great World City
Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen showcases an extensive repertoire of classic and inventive Cantonese dim sum, roast meats, noodles and congee, expertly-executed wok-fried specialities, as well as home-style dishes. Fuss-free and always delectable, my go-to dim sums are always, without fail, the carrot cake, roasted pork, siew mai and chee cheong fun with shrimps.
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