Don’t get me wrong, I love trendy restaurants with their deconstructed twigs and unidentifiable ‘caviar’. But sometimes I’ll crave the traditional fare; a warm plate of Kway Teow and Hokkien Mee that’ll transport me back to my younger(ish) days. From Singaporean spins on international dishes to Michelin starred Teochew cuisine, here are 4 restaurants that you need to try if you’re a traditional foodie.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood –
What started as a humble hawker stall in the 70s has blossomed into one of the biggest names in our local seafood and zichar scene. With more than 40 years of experience, Keng Eng Kee Seafood offers unforgettably good zichar and and seafood dishes, drawing acclaim from the Michelin Guide, and even the late Anthony Bourdain.
While their main restaurant is located at Alexandra, they’ve also got another eastie-friendly outlet at SAFRA Tampines. Their must-try seafood dishes include their Signature Chili Crab, Salted Egg Crab, and Black/White Pepper Crab. If you’re not into seafood, be sure to check out their Signature Moonlight Horfun (from $7.80) instead!
Location: 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-136, Singapore 150124
Operating Hours: 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.kek.com.sg/
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine –
With restaurants specialising in Chinese cuisine located all over the world, the Imperial Treasure group is no stranger to traditional dishes. Their outlet at ION Orchard however, has been awarded a Michelin star, and specialises in traditional Teochew dishes.
Teochew cuisine generally involves mellow flavours with fresh seafood, various marinated meats, and traditional desserts. While you’re there, be sure to try their classic Steamed Pomfret for a lightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Other classic dishes include the combo platter of marinated meats, and chilled Teochew-style Flower Crabs.
Location: ION Orchard 03-05, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801
Operating Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm (Daily)
Website: https://www.imperialtreasure.com/home
New Ubin Seafood –
While New Ubin Seafood started as a seafood spot on Pulau Ubin, you’ll be pleased to find that they’ve since expanded with multiple locations islandwide, and none of them require a boat ride to get to!
Priding themselves on their Truly Singaporean Cuisine, New Ubin Seafood offers mouth-watering local delight such as Salted Egg Squid ($16), Satay ($6.50), and Sri Lankan Crab dishes (from $44). Additionally, they’ve also got a selection of international dishes with a Singaporean twist, with curious dishes such as Foie Gras Satay ($11), Rack Of Lamb ($19), and Claypot Tequila Chicken ($29.50), making them a must-try spot to add to your bucket list!
Location (CHIJMES): 30 Victoria St, #02-01B C, Singapore 187996
Operating Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm (Daily)
Website: https://newubinseafood.com/
Restaurant Labyrinth –
Ever wondered what traditional Singaporean dishes would look like with a modern, avant garde makeover? If you’re hungry for a little bit of adventure, you should check out Restaurant Labyrinth. Located in the Esplanade Mall, this Michelin-starred spot captures the core Singaporean flavours in stunning, artisanal dishes.
Sounds interesting to you? Their inventive dishes include the Memories Of Chomp Chomp Food Centre snacks, featuring Bincho Grilled Hainanese Pork Satay, Orh Luak Takoyaki, Lardo Confit Jicama Popiah, and more!
Location: 8 Raffles Ave., #02 – 23 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Operating Hours:
12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-11pm (Thurs-Sun)
6:30pm-11pm (Wed)
(Closed Mon-Tues)
Website: https://www.restaurantlabyrinth.com/
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