Tien Court Restaurant

Head up to Level 2 of Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore and you will arrive at Tien Court, where the entrance immediately evokes a strong sense of Oriental heritage, perfectly echoing the restaurant’s name. The space is anchored by sturdy wooden furnishings, complemented by traditional ornaments and classic Chinese decorative elements, setting the tone for a refined and timeless dining experience.

Entrance of Tien Court Restaurant

Following suit with the theme, the interior is nothing short of extravagant. The carpeted floors lead into private dining rooms, each thoughtfully named after a state in China. Staying true to classic 

Interior Furnishing

Chinese dining traditions, the space is furnished with round tables featuring a Lazy Susan at the centre. Crisp white tablecloths and chair covers further elevate the setting, lending the rooms a clean, refined, and formal dining ambience.

Menu

Deep-Fried Minced Crab Meat Balls were served six to a plate, elegantly presented atop a nest of fried vermicelli. The golden, crispy exterior delivered a deeply satisfying crunch with every bite.

Deep-Fried Minced Crab Meat Ball 潮州家乡炸蚧枣 - $22

Inside, the filling was pearly white with finely chopped vegetables, offering a gentle umami sweetness. Distinct chunks of crab meat were clearly visible, highlighting the freshness and quality of the dish.

What's the filling?

We started by ordering individual bowls of soup so we could sample a wider variety instead of sharing a single pot. The Superior Pumpkin Soup with Crabmeat and Fish Maw was especially laudable, its texture reminiscent of shark fin soup, and further elevated with a dash of black vinegar and pepper.

Superior Pumpkin Soup with Crabmeat and Fish Maw 金汤蚧肉鱼鳔羹 - $18 

The Double-Boiled Fish Maw Nourishing Soup was served in a piping-hot iron cast bowl, almost too hot to touch. The soup was milky and collagen-rich, and came paired with a thin, crispy long roll for added texture and enjoyment.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Nourishing Soup竹笙养颜汤  - $28

In a cauldron steeped in generational wisdom, Master Chef Lui simmers a rich, peppery bone broth, drawing deep flavor and essence from every bone. Peppery yet satisfying.

Pig Stomach in Peppery Bone Broth 胡椒咸骨猪肚汤 - $14 

Having longed for braised duck, we were delighted to try the Teochew Braised Duck. Using Silver Hill Irish Duck, known for its tender, succulent meat, it’s thinly sliced and braised to perfection in a savory sauce. The slow braising lets the flavors seep deep into the meat, creating a dish that’s both richly flavorful and wonderfully tender.

Braised Sliced Silver Hill Irish Duck 卤香爱尔兰鸭片 - $26 

Succulent oysters nestle in a warm omelette, paired with crisp fresh vegetables, all served on a thin, crispy pancake, a true showcase of Teochew finesse.

Teochew-style Oyster Omelette (20 mins preparation) 潮式煎蚝烙（需时20分钟) - $22

No doubt the exterior is delightfully crispy, but beneath lies a comforting mix of starch, egg, and plump, juicy oysters, dab and enjoy the chill it gives.

Do you like this too?

The Braised Mustard Leaf with Crab Meat in Carrot Sauce was surprisingly good. The mustard leaf was tender without any bitterness, while the carrot sauce and natural sweetness of the crab meat blended beautifully to create a well-balanced dish.

Braised Mustard Leaf with Crab Meat in Carrot Sauce 红梅蟹肉扒芥菜 - $32 

One of the staples of Teochew cuisine is undoubtedly the Signature Teochew Wok-Fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish. Their version stood out, generously topped with sakura shrimps. Though slightly on the oilier side, it was undeniably yummy, I couldn’t resist going back for more than just a few spoonfuls, even though it was meant for sharing.

Signature Teochew Wok-fried Hor Fun with Diced Kailan and Preserved Radish 
潮式玉兰菜圃炒粿条 - $22

Even as we rubbed our bellies and declared ourselves full, our minds knew the meal wouldn’t be complete without traditional desserts to wrap things up nicely.

We started with the Double-Boiled Sweetened Hashima with Red Date and Lotus Seed. Nourishing and often seen as an alternative to bird’s nest, the hashima was comforting and soothing, with a gentle sweetness that warmed the soul.

Double-boiled Sweeted Hashima with Red Date and Lotus Seed 紅蓮燉雪蛤 - $12

Tau Suan with Ginkgo Nut and Fried Dough Stick in a Chinese restaurant came as a surprise. What set theirs apart was the addition of orange peel, giving the dessert a distinctive edge. While I appreciated its uniqueness, I still found myself preferring the classic version without the peel.

Tau Suan with Gingko Nut and Fried Dough Stick 油条福果豆爽 - $7 

Finally, we couldn’t miss out on a Teochew staple. The Steamed Yam Paste Orh Nee with Pumpkin and Ginkgo Nut perfectly satisfied our taste buds, rounding off the meal on a rich and comforting note.

Steamed Yam Paste 'Orh Nee' with Pumpkin and Gingko Nut 金瓜福果芋泥 - $7 

Overall, Tien Court Restaurant delivers a refined yet comforting Teochew dining experience, where tradition meets thoughtful execution. From nourishing soups and classic mains to beloved desserts, each dish reflects care, balance, and respect for heritage, making it a worthy destination for both special occasions and family gatherings.

Tien Court Restaurant
Location: Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore, 403 Havelock Rd, Level 2, Singapore 169632
Nearest Station: Havelock (TE16)
Website

Empire Chinese Cuisine (formerly Phoenix Garden) 帝國軒

If you remember Phoenix Garden at Parkway Parade, it’s now Empire Chinese Cuisine. Established in 2020, this fine dining spot showcases exquisite Cantonese and Teochew dishes crafted by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, delivering refined flavours and top-notch culinary artistry.

Empire Chinese Cuisine

Our first dish, Wok-fried Beef Cubes with Wholegrain Yellow Mustard Sauce, was beautifully plated with shredded carrots and cabbage. Each beef cube was evenly coated with just the right amount of mustard sauce, flavourful without overpowering, offering a mild kick of spice that complemented the tender beef perfectly.

Wok-fried Beef Cubes with Wholegrain Yellow Mustard Sauce 芥末籽酱爆牛肉粒 - $24.00

The Shark’s Cartilage Soup with Fresh Fishmaw required a 15-minute wait but was worth every second. Smooth, rich, and slightly gluey in texture, it was deeply satisfying and polished off the fastest among all the dishes a true crowd favourite at our table.

Shark‘s Cartilage Soup with Fresh Fishmaw 鲨鱼软骨花胶汤 - $19

We also had the Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Morel Mushrooms, which similarly required a 15-minute wait. The broth was nourishing and flavourful, with tender chicken pieces and earthy morel mushrooms enhancing its depth, a comforting classic done right.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Morel Mushrooms 羊肚菌炖鸡汤 - $11.80

Wok-fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle Oil was a beautifully executed dish that reminded me of one we used to enjoy at Prima Tower. The truffle aroma paired harmoniously with the subtle sweetness of the egg white and the natural seafood sweetness from the prawns.

Wok-fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle Oil 黑松露油蛋白炒虾球 - $26.00

The presentation was elevated with fine cuts of kailan stalks, adding a refreshing touch of green to the dish.

Wok-Fried Prawn

Homemade Spinach Tofu with Wild Mushrooms earned our unanimous nods of approval. The tofu was silky smooth, pairing beautifully with the earthy wild mushrooms and vibrant vegetables. 

Homemade Spinach Tofu with Wild Mushrooms 野菌扒菠菜豆腐 - $19.00

What a simple yet delightful combination done right.

Yummy!

Not many places serve Fried Bitter Gourd Strips with Salted Egg Yolk, so this was an interesting find. The taste was a pleasant blend of savoury and crisp bitterness, though the presentation was rather plain and could use a touch of refinement.

Fried Bitter Gourd Strips with Salted Egg Yolk Puree 咸蛋黄炸凉瓜条 - $10.00

For the carbs, we had the Stewed Mee Pok Noodles with Eggplant in XO Chilli Sauce. The mee pok was noticeably narrower than the usual type and was topped with slices of eggplant that we almost mistook for pork belly. The accompanying sauce was savoury and comforting, evoking a nostalgic flavour reminiscent of old-school canteen days.

Stewed Mee Pok Noodles with Eggplant in XO Chilli Sauce XO 酱茄子焖面卜 - $22

A comforting meal at Empire Chinese Cuisine, perfect for anyone craving refined yet homely Chinese flavours done with finesse and heart.

Empire Chinese Cuisine (formerly Phoenix Garden) 帝國軒
Location: Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road, #02-13/13A, Singapore 449269
Website

Swatow City

Visiting Swatow again, but this time with a twist for which every Wednesday night, Swatow City @ Bukit Batok HomeTeamNS hosts open mic sessions from 6.30–9.30pm. 🎤

HomeTeamNS

Swatow City is located on the 2nd level of the club, welcoming guests with a glamorous entrance framed by warm lighting and an inviting archway. 

Entrance

We settled ourselves down and were served with the nicely packed chrysanthemum drinks packed by the restaurant in a nice bottle.

Chrysanthemum Drinks

We began with the Teochew Specialities Trio Combination Platter, a must-try at any Teochew restaurant. It featured Chilled Jellied Pork Knuckles, Crispy-Fried Handmade Prawn Roll, and the unique Crispy-Fried Pork Liver Roll, each showcasing the essence of traditional Teochew flavors. The platter was accompanied by sweet sauce and chilli sauce on the side, perfect for enhancing the flavors of each bite.

Teochew Specialities Trio Combination Platter 潮州三彩拼盘 - $32

Skipping the rice for carbs, we opted for Ee Fu Noodles instead. Despite its simplicity with mushrooms, beansprouts, and chives, the noodles were undeniably delicious, carrying that comforting wok-kissed flavor in every bite.

Ee Fu Noodle with Mushroom

Here comes a series of chef’s specials. The Braised Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd in Preserved Black Bean Sauce brought a familiar comfort, reminiscent of classic Cze Char dishes found in the heartlands. The flavors were well-balanced, not overly salty, making it enjoyable even on its own without white rice.

Braised Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd in Preserved Black Bean Sauce 鼓汁凉瓜排骨 - $23

Besides the array of tantalising dishes, the highlight is also the Open Mic Session every Wednesday, where diners can dedicate songs and sing over the microphone, adding a lively and engaging touch to the dining experience.

Open Mic Session Every Wednesday

Sichuan Chicken with Dry Red Chilli came with crunchy cashew nuts and carried a savoury kick. It wasn’t overly spicy, though the flavours could have been more deeply infused into the meat.

Sichuan Chicken with Dry Red Chilli 官保鸡球 - $23

Next up, the Prawns with Creamy Lime Sauce, juicy battered prawns, deep-fried to golden crisp, then coated in a rich, tangy lime sauce and finished with a sprinkle of roasted sesame for extra fragrance.

Prawns with Creamy Lime Sauce 西柠奶油下 - $24

Crispy Fish Coated with Sweet Golden Syrup, this dish instantly reminded me of a Chinese New Year snack. If I wasn’t told it was fish, I could have mistaken it for the familiar syrup-coated treat, with its addictive crunch and caramelised sweetness.

Crispy Fish Coated with Sweet Golden Syrup 酥烤鱼柳（四川） - $20

Stewed Eggplant with Sambal Chilli, a comforting dish that evoked a nostalgic taste of home-cooked food, with tender eggplant soaking up the spicy, savoury sambal.

Stewed Eggplant with Sambal Chilli 辣味茄子 - $18

Stewed French Beans with Minced Meat (Sichuan Style) – a delightful dish with a sweet and tangy balance, appetising with every bite.

Stewed French Beans with Minced Meat (Sichuan Style) 干扁四季豆 （四川）- $18

Overall, these were the dishes we ordered, a delightful spread with a good balance of noodles, vegetables, seafood, and meat dishes.

Dishes Order

No meal feels complete without desserts. We ended with the Teochew staple, Orh Nee with pumpkin and ginkgo nuts not too sweet, just to our liking

Teochew Orh Nee with Pumpkin & Gingko Nuts 潮州金瓜白果芋泥

We also shared the Fresh Mango & Pomelo Sago, a refreshing and satisfying way to complete the meal.

Fresh Mango & Pomelo Sago 金枝玉露

With Chef Specials featuring both Teochew and Sichuan dishes, plus an open mic on Wednesdays, it’s no wonder the place draws a crowd.

Swatow City 
Location: Bukit Batok HomeTeamNS, 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, #02-05 , Singapore 659003

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

 Fu Yuan is conveniently located in Clarke Quay, nestled among a vibrant cluster of eateries. The interior exudes a modern yet comforting vibe, making it a welcoming space for diners. 

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

Spread across two levels, the dining area offers ample seating, including four private rooms—perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.

Interior Furnishing

As we made our way to our table, we passed by an impressive display of live seafood tanks that immediately caught our attention. The tanks were filled with an array of fresh seafood, from lively crabs and lobsters to vibrant fish, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness. 

Live Seafood Tanks

The clear glass and bubbling water created a captivating scene, giving diners a glimpse of the premium ingredients that would soon grace their plates. It added an interactive and lively touch to the dining experience, setting the tone for the feast ahead.

Lobster

While waiting for our dishes to be served, we enjoyed a soothing cup of Chinese tea. Presented in an elegant teacup with intricate patterns and a gold-accented handle, the tea was warm and aromatic, setting a relaxed and refined tone for the meal ahead. It was the perfect way to start our dining experience at Fu Yuan.

Chinese Tea

This dish had us guessing when it was served at the table. The Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal is made using brinjal sourced from high-altitude, cool-climate regions, known for producing firmer, low-moisture vegetables. Their unique growing conditions result in a denser texture, setting these brinjals apart from the usual varieties we're accustomed to. The crunchy bite, which retains the brinjal's natural sweetness, was truly commendable.

Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal 脆皮冰川茄子 - $20

In addition to the marinated raw crab on the menu, the chilled drunken yellow roe crab is another classic Teochew dish. Prepared exclusively with live female crabs to ensure peak freshness and flavour, this dish is served chilled. It showcases the natural sweetness of the crab and the richness of its roe, offering an authentic taste of traditional Teochew cuisine.

Chilled Drunken Yellow Roe Crab 冻醉黄膏蟹 - $88

The Red Wine Snow Pear offers a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle acidity, making it the perfect complement to the rich, smoky flavours of the Grilled Black Char Siew. The pear’s texture is crisp and juicy, with each bite offering a refreshing contrast to the tender char siew. Its delicate red wine infusion adds a sophisticated depth, enhancing the pear’s natural fruitiness while infusing a gentle warmth. This pairing creates a harmonious dance of flavours that brings a fresh, slightly tart note to the otherwise savoury dish, elevating the overall dining experience.

Red Wine Snow Pear

While dining in a Teochew restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see Fu Yuan embracing Cantonese flavours with their Grilled Black Char Siew dish. The uniformly cut, glossy slices of meat were expertly charcoal-grilled to perfection, resulting in a caramelized crust and tender, flavorful meat. This dish is a true delight for anyone who appreciates the rich and robust tastes of classic Cantonese cuisine.

Grilled Black Char Siew 秘制黑叉烧 - $22

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For more details, visit: https://linktr.ee/fuyuandining.sg

Creamy Pumpkin Live Lobster 金瓜奶油或龙虾

This dish is one of my favourites, as the soup delivers a perfect harmony of rich and savoury flavours. 

Double-Boiled Salted Vegetable Pig's Stomach Soup Stuffed with French Poulet
潮式咸菜猪肚炖安心鸡汤 - $108 Per Sharing Pot

The French poulet provides tender, juicy bites with a subtle sweetness, beautifully complemented by the umami depth of the salted vegetables. 

Soup with chicken

The pig's stomach adds a hearty texture, while the double-boiling process results in a broth brimming with complex, layered flavors.

With Chicken and pig's stomach

One of the quintessential Teochew dishes showcasing the chef's skill, this plate of Hor Fun was irresistibly addictive. I found myself going back for more, even at a sharing table! Each bite was bursting with the smoky Wok Hey aroma, while the sweetness of the egg perfectly balanced the savoury notes of the preserved radish. The addition of finely chopped Kai Lan brought a delightful crunch that elevated the dish further. To top it all off, the use of fragrant, crispy pork lard added an indulgent richness, making this dish absolutely unforgettable.

Wok-Fried Preserved Radish ‘Hor Fun' 潮州菜脯河粉 - $24 / $48

The Teochew-Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette is a timeless classic that beautifully reflects the rich heritage of Teochew cuisine. Its perfectly crisp exterior is skillfully crafted into a round shape, delicately cradling the plump oysters beneath. 

Teochew Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette 潮州蚝煎 - $18

Generously filled, each bite bursts with the oysters' briny sweetness. Simply awesome!

Revealing the Oysters

No Teochew meal is complete without ending on a sweet note with the traditional dessert, Orh Nee. This rendition was delightfully smooth and creamy, striking the perfect balance without being overly sweet. Served on a soft bed of yam paste, it was beautifully topped with ginkgo nuts and pumpkin, adding a subtle nuttiness and a hint of natural sweetness. A classic dessert done just right!

Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' 潮州芋泥  - $7

Another dessert we tried was the Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk—a unique combination that was entirely new to me. The delicate sweetness of the peach gum paired with the creamy richness of Hokkaido milk made for an intriguing and enjoyable treat. A refreshing twist to round off the meal!

Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk 桃胶炖北海道奶 - $8 

To end on a high note, Fu Yuan Teochew Dining truly shines with its impeccable attention to detail and the balance of flavors that define their menu. From the fresh ingredients to the thoughtful pairings, each dish offers a unique experience that highlights the restaurant's commitment to quality. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Fu Yuan ensures a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable, leaving you eager to return for more.

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining
Location: 3A River Valley Road #01-01C/01D Clarke Quay Singapore 179020