We paid homage to our Asian roots with an authentic Teochew spread at Tien Court. Here’s our verdict on its signature dishes and handcrafted dim sum!
When it comes to comfort food, Chinese cuisine easily comes up top on our list. This well-loved cuisine is all about hearty, flavour-packed delicacies that stir up nostalgic memories, especially for those who grew up in Asian households. Think nourishing soups brewed for hours, succulent braised meats and stir-fried dishes bursting with wok hei. When the chance to savour an authentic Teochew menu at Tien Court in Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore came about, we said yes in a heartbeat. Keep reading for our honest ratings on this sumptuous feast!
We rate every dish we tried at Teochew restaurant Tien Court
1. Chilled marinated cherry tomatoes with plum ($10)
You know the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? It rings true for this cold appetiser. This dish featuring several bright red cherry tomatoes looks unassuming at first glance, but sink your teeth into one of these juicy fruits and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s a harmonious balance of the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the tartness of plum. Tomato lover or not, this starter is worth a try.
Rating: 9/10. A refreshing starter to cleanse the palate while lining the stomach for the sumptuous feast ahead.
2. Steamed pork and prawn dumpling ($7.80)
Handcrafted dim sum is a forte of the culinary team here. Of course, we had to give that a taste. We started with the siew mai (steamed pork and prawn dumpling), a quintessential dish at any dim sum restaurant. Sprinkled with tobiko, each glistening dumpling is a flavour bomb stuffed with fresh pork and prawn paste.
Rating: 8/10. You can’t go wrong with the classics and Tien Court’s version hit the mark for us.
3. Deep-fried glutinous rice dumpling with minced chicken ($8.80)
The first thing we did when this dish arrived? Whipped out our phones and snapped one too many shots of this adorable creation! Unlike the typical (or boring) rice dumplings, the rendition at Tien Court came in the form of cute chickens sitting in cracked-open eggshells. Take a bite of the crunchy yet chewy glutinous exterior and savour the well-seasoned stuffing of diced chicken, chicken sausage, mushroom and dried shrimp.
Rating: 8.5/10. Textures and flavours are done well, with bonus points for the oh-so-adorable presentation.
4. Double-boiled fish maw nourishing soup ($28)
Soup and stews are must-orders when it comes to Teochew cuisine, and this double-boiled fish maw soup did not disappoint. Brewed for hours on end, this intensely flavourful broth comes chock-full of fish maw, Chinese herbs and other nourishing ingredients. Dip the crispy popiah roll into the soup for a stellar combination.
Rating: 7.5/10. Hearty, comforting and perfect for chilly days. We reckon this massive bowl can be shared among two pax.
5. Braised sliced Silver Hill Irish duck (from $26)
Now, this is one show-stopper worth ordering: the restaurant’s specialty braised duck. Stewed in an aromatic gravy, the succulent duck slices sit atop pan-fried tofu blocks. Trust us, one slice of this juicy and tender duck won’t be enough. Oh, and we love how the dish is planet-friendly, too. This unique breed of duck is sourced from premium duck producer Silver Hill Duck, which is known for its sustainable farming practices.
Rating: 8.5/10. A must-try signature dish. Succulent meat with a robust gravy, what’s not to love?
6. Braised Kurobuta pork with mushroom and scallion in hot stone pot ($32)
Looking for a dish that’s bursting with wok hei flavour? This Kurobuta pork delicacy will satisfy those cravings. Savour juicy slices of Kurobuta pork stir-fried with a medley of mushrooms and scallions. Every mouthful boasts the natural sweetness of pork and the earthy flavour of mushrooms. Trust us, you’ll wanna pair this umami dish with a piping bowl of rice.
Rating: 9/10. Order one (or more, we won’t judge) bowl of rice to complete this wok hei-laden dish.
7. Braised white teat sea cucumber in oyster sauce ($32)
Soft and leathery with a gelatinous consistency, sea cucumber can be an acquired taste. Here’s a disclaimer: we’re personally not crazy about this seafood. That said, Tien Court elevates this dish by pairing it with a rich and savoury abalone sauce, while still retaining the original textures of the sea cucumber. Bite into the crunchy exterior and say hello to plump and springy flesh.
Rating: 6.5/10. While we’re not the biggest fan of sea cucumber, the umami flavouring made the dish far more appealing.
8. Pan-fried cod fish with superior soy sauce ($28)
By this point, we were well and truly stuffed… but how can we forget about fish? Cod fish is one of our go-to picks for its milder and delicate flavours, which allow unique cooking techniques and seasoning to shine through. Pan-fried to perfection, this cod fish features a crisp crust while retaining its moist and flaky flesh. Coupled with the savoury soy sauce drizzle, this dish reminded us of a delicacy you’ll often see at wedding banquets.
Rating: 9/10. Pan-fried fish done right with a crisp exterior and tender flesh. A win in our books!
9. Chilled mango with pomelo and sago ($7)
Ending the feast strong, we tucked into a classic bowl of chilled mango with pomelo and sago. Light and refreshing, this staple Asian dessert cut through the grease and cleansed the palate after our indulgent meal. Tien Court’s version wasn’t overly sweet, which got our stamp of approval.
Rating: 8/10. A refreshing dessert with nothing much to nitpick about.
Tien Court: Savour exquisite Teochew cuisine in the restaurant’s oriental setting
From palatable starters and assorted dim sum to sumptuous meat and seafood delicacies, our feast at Tien Court left us fully satiated and our cravings thoroughly satisfied.
No surprise there, this renowned restaurant at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore has been dishing out authentic Teochew delicacies for over three decades. Taking the helm is award-winning master chef Lui Wing Keung, who has over 30 years of culinary expertise. With his meticulous craftsmanship and traditional Teochew cooking techniques, your taste buds will be in great hands.
Want to indulge in this sumptuous feast of Teochew specialties and handmade dim sum? Make a reservation at Tien Court, where an authentic dining experience of traditional Teochew and contemporary flavours awaits!
Tien Court, Level 2, Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, 403 Havelock Road, Singapore 169632
This post is in partnership with Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore.
