Looking for authentic Cantonese flavours? These Hong Kong restaurants in Singapore deliver just that.
It looks like there’s light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel after all, thanks to talks of Phase 3 and the opening of nightclubs on the horizon. Want to know the best part? We can travel again! The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble has gotten the green light to go live later this month, and there are already discussions on potential travel bubbles with other countries too. So whether you’re counting down the days to your Hong Kong trip or craving Cantonese cuisine, here’s our pick of popular Hong Kong restaurants and cafes for a taste of Hong Kong in Singapore.
Best Hong Kong restaurants in Singapore
Mott32
Founded in Hong Kong in 2014, its moniker is an ode to the location of the first Chinese convenience store in NYC, 32 Mott Street. The local outpost in MBS exudes oriental opulence with overhanging Chinese lanterns, chinoiserie-style vases, earthy tones, brass furnishings and hints of floral motifs. Expect to see modern Chinese plates made with premium ingredients and age-old recipes on the menu. One must-try? The famed applewood roast Peking duck. It is hand-picked at 42 days old and marinated before it’s roasted with applewood inside a custom-made brick oven, giving it a glistening brown exterior. Trust us when we say the proof is in the fowl. Other dishes like barbecued pluma Iberico pork with yellow mountain honey and black truffle siew mai are noteworthy too.
Mott32, B1-42-44, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Joy Luck Teahouse
Missing Hong Kong street food? This takeaway kiosk has it all! Joy Luck Teahouse houses three iconic F&B brands under one roof. Treat yourself to two types of egg tarts (puff pastry and butter cookie) from Hoover Cake Shop, creamy Hong Kong-style milk tea and pineapple buns from Kam Kee Cafe, and curry-flavoured fish balls from Tak Hing Fishball Company. Just be prepared to get in line!
Joy Luck Teahouse, multiple locations including Ion Orchard and Bugis Junction
Kam’s Roast
This Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant needs no introduction. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather’s famed restaurant Yung Kee in Hong Kong, Hardy Kam has kept the family legacy alive with Kam’s Roast. The Singapore branch employs the Kam family recipe faithfully for stellar servings of the signature roast duck, suckling pig and pork belly char siew served with rice or springy noodles. It’s definitely one for the Michelin bucket list if you’re a fan.
Kam’s Roast, multiple locations including Pacific Plaza and Jewel Changi Airport
Social Place
When we’re hankering for yum cha, this is one of our go-to spots. Tucked away in Forum The Shopping Mall and decked out in Art Deco aesthetics, Social Place puts a playful spin on its dim sum dishes, making it a feast for our eyes and stomachs. For instance, the small pig pudding comes in the shape of a – wait for it – wobbly pig. Adorable! Other novelty delights include mahjong jelly, steamed rose floret buns and truffle shiitake buns.
Social Place, #01-22, Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
The Coffee Academics
This coffee chain from Hong Kong sure knows its stuff. No wonder we keep going back for more. Take your pick from classics like lattes and cappuccinos, and browse through the menu for popular Okinawa and manuka drinks – that’s coffee with Okinawan brown cane sugar and honey respectively. In the mood for a splash of booze? Try the coffee-infused cocktails to go with your all-day brekkie plate.
The Coffee Academics, multiple locations including Raffles City and Scotts Square
Tim Ho Wan
From the land of dim sum to the sunny shores of Singapore, Tim Ho Wan is a worthy contender when it comes to the local yum cha scene. Despite having 10 outlets across the country, there’s always a snaking queue, no matter the time. Don’t leave without trying the signature baked BBQ pork buns, pan-fried radish cake, and Hong Kong-style egg tarts. For a place that’s shrouded in Michelin-starred fame, it’s pretty affordable.
Tim Ho Wan, multiple locations including Plaza Singapura and Great World City
TamJai SamGor Mixian
Famed for its chewy rice noodles and fiery broth made with a secret recipe, this Hong Kong joint offers noodle bowls in six flavours including tomato soup, mala and clear broth. What sets it apart is the customisable soup – you can choose your preferred level of spice. And yes, there are a total of 10 levels, from non-spicy to extra hot. For the finishing touch, have your pick of toppings such as beef slices, bamboo fungus and shrimp wonton.
TamJai SamGor Mixian, multiple locations including Bedok Mall and VivoCity
Mui Kee Congee
It started out as a small stall in the Mongkok district of Hong Kong in 1979. But Mui Kee Congee has quickly gained popularity amongst both Hong Kongers and Singaporeans for its comforting bowls of porridge. Just head to the heart of Orchard to try the fluffy, smooth porridge topped with the likes of sliced beef and century egg alongside premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallops and Alaskan crab legs. We suggest getting the set meal, which comes with you tiao aka fried dough fritters.
Mui Kee Congee, #01-12, Shaw House, 1 Scotts Road, Singapore 228208
Tai Cheong Bakery
If you’re craving Hong Kong egg tarts (who can resist the buttery shortcrust pastry?), there are two things you can do. Catch a flight to Hong Kong and head down to Lyndhurst Terrace at Central for Tai Cheong Bakery’s legendary baked goods. Or easily have your fix at its branches in Singapore. While you put in an order for the creamy egg tarts, be sure to bag the pineapple buns and char siew pies as well. They’re equally as satisfying!
Tai Cheong Bakery, multiple locations including Novena and Raffles City
Which of these Hong Kong restaurants and cafes are you most excited about?
