Dumpling making at Din Tai Fung
Echoes of Art Deco elegance at Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
Probably more than anything else, Singapore is an eating city, and food writing—where, what, how much, the best, the worst, blah, blah, blah—abounds. But not without good reason: Singaporeans are serious about what they eat and restaurants are serious about what they serve their discerning, vocal clientele. (Like food writing, strong opinion also abounds here.)
As a result Singapore has an overwhelming number of excellent restaurants. But even the most gourmand arriviste can only eat so much, especially if you're short on time. And as much as dining at hawker centers, smörgasbords of local street food, is hailed as a quintessential Singapore experience, this arriviste would say so is eating at a Chinese restaurant.
Here are some deservedly famous places, both elegant and relaxed, that each specialize in dishes that you will not soon forget.
- Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck: This relaxed, elegant restaurant is famous for its Peking duck, which may be, quite literally, addictive. You will be thinking about it for days after, I guarantee it.
- Din Tai Fung: The hugely popular casual Taiwanese chain is famous throughout the region for its xiao long bao (Shanghainese soup dumplings). But don’t let the fact that it’s a chain put you off—their xiao long bao may be one of the world’s perfect foods.
- Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao: Another popular chain, and those who’ve never had the privilege should go for the fried pork dumplings (which in my humble estimation are even better than the namesake xiao long bao). Immediately. (NB, Crystal Jade has a number of different restaurants in its group that all specialize in different food. Be sure to head to " Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao.")
Expect to wait for a table at all of these restaurants at busy times of day.