Let Yanhuo Restaurant take you on a nostalgic blast to the past with vintage charm and bold modern-Chinese delicacies.
Chinese restaurants in Singapore are all the rage lately, and Yanhuo Restaurant has officially joined my sacred list of favourites. Not your average mass-market chain brand, this modern-Chinese restaurant serves mouth-watering plates that’ll sweep you off your feet. I left happily stuffed – with one too many bowls of soup and rice – and already can’t wait to be back.
Yanhuo Restaurant: Details at a glance
Best for: Flavorful mod-Chinese delicacies in a cinematic setting
Must-try items: Double-boiled grouper pot; truffle claypot rice; steamed egg with white truffle and snow crab
How much: Starters from $5; mains from $18; desserts from $7; drinks from $4
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Address: Yanhuo Restaurant, Level 1, 22 Cross Street, Singapore 048421
Step back in time and space
Who needs a time-travelling machine when you’ve a restaurant that nails the art of nostalgia? I’m not kidding when I say Yanhuo Restaurant feels straight out of a retro Chinese film set. From the soft amber lighting and vintage posters to the wooden and brick accents, every detail is dripping with old-world glamour.
Somehow, the decor still manages to strike a tasteful balance with modern touches. It captures the nostalgic glamour of a bygone era, sans the staleness. Personality Taste matters, but its first impressions went a long way.
I visited on a Thursday evening and found the restaurant fully packed. So, consider this your tip to make a reservation! If you have the option, request the standard table seating for optimal comfort for a full meal. The lower sofa chairs and bar counter seating are better for casual nights with tipples and light bites.
Explosive flavours from the get-go
With a name that means ‘fireworks’ in Mandarin, I should’ve seen it coming. The dishes, which pay homage to traditional Chinese cuisine, were flavour explosions after flavour explosions.
Gently dip your toes into this flavourful feast with the marinated cherry tomatoes ($14). A classic Chinese appetiser served chilled, I found the cherry tomatoes to be refreshing but the dried tangerine peel slightly overpowering. Order this for a highly effective palate cleanser and refresher in between the hearty mains.
The truffle claypot rice ($48) is a hot favourite, so of course, I couldn’t skip it. Don’t be alarmed by the size of the claypot ‘cos my party of two polished it off without a hitch. Take a big mouthful and the strong truffle aroma is first to hit you. Every grain of rice is deliciously seasoned and elevated with a galore of juicy mushrooms. Be sure to scrap the pot for the best bits: crispy, charred rice!
More bold creations to surprise the palate
While we deliberated for a long time to settle on our mains, it was well worth the time ‘cos every dish delivered. My personal winner? Hands-down the double-boiled grouper pot ($48/$68).
Think the familiar Chinese-style sauerkraut fish taken up a giant notch. The steaming golden broth comes packed with fresh fish slices, clams, Chinese cabbage and a sprinkle of coriander. I like how the nourishing soup cleverly balances its robust flavours with a slight spicy kick. Be it rain or shine, I can have this comforting bowl any day.
Meet another stunner: the steamed egg with white truffle and snow crab ($28). If you’re wondering how steamed eggs can be elevated, this is it. Yanhuo Restaurant’s version is made more premium with the addition of luxe ingredients, but it’s the silky-smooth texture that won me over instantly.
I also tried the braised pork belly ($26). While a satisfying dish with a sweet-savoury gravy, it lacks the ‘wow’ factor compared to other show-stopping mains. I’d place it lower on my must-try list ‘cos you can probably get a similar version from other Chinese restaurants.
In the mood for booze? Yanhuo Restaurant’s unique drinks menu features fun Chinese-inspired creations. The osmanthus gin sour ($22) is a refreshing floral tipple with a zesty lemon kick and a creamy foam topping. It’s tangy and refreshing, especially between mouthfuls of fish broth and pork belly. Zero-proof options are also available. Try the Fervent Bloom ($12) for a fruity blend of hibiscus, tea and passionfruit that sits pretty on your dinner table.
A nostalgic and satisfying blast to the past
With a long list of must-order dishes and gorgeous interiors, Yanhuo Restaurant has clearly won me over. It turns up the flavour dial on classic Chinese cuisine and keeps you on your toes (in the best way possible) with surprises in each dish. Given the consistency and quality of the dishes, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
My hot tips if you’re planning a visit? Come hungry and in groups of three or more ‘cos you’ll be tempted to try everything. Oh, and pick a dinner reservation over lunch – I’ve seen the daytime photos online and the night ambience easily beats it by miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at Yanhuo Restaurant?
Yanhuo Restaurant is a new Chinese restaurant in Singapore under Fleursophy Group. Expect a welcoming atmosphere with interiors reminiscent of old-world glamour, and a modern-Chinese menu that blends the traditional essence of various regions in China with creative innovation.
Does Yanhuo Restaurant have vegetarian options?
Yes, Yanhuo Restaurant’s menu caters to vegetarians, with plant-based dishes like yuzu lotus root, cherry tomato, blanched seasonal vegetables, and truffle claypot rice.
Is Yanhou Restaurant good for groups and families?
Yes, we highly recommend visiting Yanhuo Restaurant in groups as the dishes are served in sharing portions, and the space has large tables that can accommodate groups of 10 or so. Tip: make an online reservation especially for larger groups!
Where is Yanhuo Restaurant located?
Yanhuo Restaurant is located on 22 Cross Street, and is within a 5 to 10-minute walking distance from Telok Ayer and Maxwell MRT stations.
