Yàn

The National Gallery Singapore’s Chinese establishment sits on the fifth floor of the historic former City Hall building, and traversing an open-air garden to locate its understated entrance is part of the fun. Once inside, expect a familiar but extensive repertoire of Cantonese classics. Particularly noteworthy are the eight chef’s signature creations, which include crab steamed with Chinese wine, oxtail soup with whiskey, Thai-style claypot vermicelli with lobster and lemongrass, and marble goby poached in a stock of salted pickles and white pepper. Dishes are solid, if a little predictable in taste, though the soup selection deserves mention for robust flavour, particularly a vigorously rich collagen option that beats most commercial competition. Kitted in chic interiors, this restaurant remains a popular choice for festive meals and entertaining guests, with the location one of its biggest assets: finish the meal with a walk around the museum rooftop, perched over the Padang.