Longjing (绿茶餐厅) @ Novena Square - Elegant Zhejiang Flavours in a Serene Bamboo-Inspired Setting

Following its successful debut at Suntec City, where snaking queues became a daily sight, Longjing (绿茶) has expanded with a new outlet at Novena Square. Hailing from Hangzhou, the brand spotlights Zhejiang (Jiangnan) cuisine, known for its light, refined, and produce-forward approach in contrast to the bolder, spice-laden profiles of other Chinese regional cuisines.

Stepping into the Novena space, diners are greeted by a serene bamboo-themed interior, an evolution of the brand’s signature “water town” aesthetic. Glowing lanterns, hand-painted murals, and wooden accents come together to evoke the poetic charm of Jiangnan’s misty waterways, offering a tranquil dining atmosphere that complements the cuisine’s understated elegance.

Vermicelli Wrapped Shrimps 4.2/5

We began with the Vermicelli Wrapped Shrimps ($18.80). Presented on a sizzling hotplate, the dish is theatrically finished tableside with a drizzle of sauce that releases an aromatic burst. The prawns are succulent and bouncy, while the vermicelli acts as a sponge, soaking up the umami-laden seafood juices, garlic, and fragrant oil. Despite its robust flavours, the dish remains balanced and not overly salty, staying true to the restrained seasoning typical of Zhejiang cooking.

Chive and Shrimp Crispy Pancake 3.5/5

The Chive and Shrimp Crispy Pancake ($8.80) offers a contrast in texture. Its thin, golden-brown wrapper shatters upon bite, delivering a brittle crispness with a surprisingly light, non-greasy finish. Within, a fragrant filling of chopped Chinese chives and shrimp provides a punchy, garlicky aroma balanced by the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Bamboo Fungus 4/5

For something comforting, the Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Bamboo Fungus ($7.80) delivers a nourishing, restorative quality. The broth is clear and delicate, with a natural sweetness drawn from hours of double boiling. The bamboo fungus lends an interesting textural dimension, spongy yet gently crispy, absorbing the broth while adding a subtle bite.

Stir-fried Chinese Chive 4/5

Vegetable dishes are handled with equal finesse. The Stir-fried Chinese Chive ($11.80) showcases commendable wok hei, lending a smoky aroma that enhances the chives’ inherent garlicky sharpness. Flash-fried to retain their vibrant green hue and slight crunch, the young chives are tender and aromatic without turning fibrous.

Hangzhou Eggplant with Sweet Peppers 4/5

Equally satisfying is the Hangzhou Eggplant with Sweet Peppers ($9.80). Unlike its oilier Sichuan counterparts, this rendition is lighter and more refined. The eggplant is braised to a silky, melt-in-the-mouth consistency, while sweet peppers introduce a gentle brightness and colour contrast without overpowering the dish.

Longjin Roast Chicken 4.2/5

Among the meat offerings, the Longjing Roast Chicken ($23.80) stands out. Subtly infused with tea aroma, the dish carries a clean, fragrant finish that balances the richness of the roasted fat. The chicken is tender and juicy, encased in a paper-thin, golden skin that crackles lightly upon bite while remaining surprisingly lean.

Fiery Ribs 4.2/5

For those seeking bolder flavours, the Fiery Ribs ($23.80) offer a punchier profile. The ribs boast a crisp exterior and tender, fall-off-the-bone interior, coated in a dry-rub seasoning of dried chillies, garlic, and peppercorns. The heat is fragrant and mildly numbing, reminiscent of mala but less oily and more restrained, making it accessible yet satisfying.

Claypot Rice with Egg, Smoked Pork, Mushroom, and Choy Sum 4.2/5

The Claypot Rice with Egg, Smoked Pork, Mushroom, and Choy Sum ($15.80) rounds off the savoury selections. Cooked traditionally in a claypot, the rice develops a prized scorched crust (guoba) along the base, delivering a smoky crunch that contrasts with the fluffy grains above. Compared to the darker, soy-heavy Cantonese versions, this rendition is cleaner yet still deeply savoury.

Leifeng Pagoda 3.8/5

On a lighter note, the Leifeng Pagoda ($4.80) is a visually appealing dessert inspired by the iconic Pagoda. The silky milk-based pudding is gently sweetened, allowing its creamy, milky fragrance to shine. With its delicate wobble and melt-in-the-mouth texture, it provides a refreshing and elegant conclusion to the meal.

Overall, Longjing’s Novena outlet continues to impress with its thoughtful execution of Zhejiang cuisine — a cuisine that celebrates subtlety, balance, and natural flavours. Coupled with its immersive ambience, it offers a dining experience that feels both transportive and comforting, bringing a slice of Jiangnan’s poetic charm to Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Longjing (绿茶餐厅)
Velocity @ Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-09/10
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6348 4476
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理) @ Kallang Leisure Park - Dive into the ‘Taste of Hakka’ with Reimagined Hakka Classics

Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理), located in Kallang Leisure Park, has been a popular choice for comforting Taiwanese fare prepared with fresh and quality ingredients. The restaurant has recently unveiled an exciting seasonal ‘Taste of Hakka’ menu, featuring reimagined renditions of traditional Hakka classics. Available from now until 31 December 2025, the menu pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of the Hakka community with a modern touch.

Wok-Fried Abacus Beads 4.8/5

I was most excited for the Wok-Fried Abacus Beads ($20.90), a rare Hakka delicacy that’s hard to come by these days. It didn’t disappoint at all - each abacus bead was soft yet pleasantly chewy, perfectly coated in a fragrant stir-fry of shredded yam and beancurd. Every bite was loaded with umami and kissed with an addictive hint of wok hei.

Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives 4.2/5

The Hakka Stir-Fry with Pork Belly and Chives ($21.90) may look simple, but it impressed with its balanced mix of textures and flavours. The fragrance of the chives was pronounced in the combination of pork belly, beancurd and peanuts.

Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine 4/5

The Lobster in Superior Broth with Hakka Sweet Rice Wine (Market Price) was served bubbling hot in a claypot, peppered with wood ear mushrooms, white shimeiji mushrooms and slices of angelica root. The lobster chunks were a little tough, but otherwise, the nourishing broth was satisfying.

Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken 4.2/5

The Traditional Hakka Salt Baked Chicken ($36.90) features a whole spring chicken encased in salt and slow-baked. The result was tender, juicy meat infused with a subtle herbal fragrance. We also appreciated how it wasn’t overly salty.

Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth 4.2/5

My dining companions were fans of the Traditional Mee Sua in Superior White Pepper Broth with Sliced Pork Fillet, Meatballs and Pig’s Stomach ($23.90). Full of warmth, the lightly peppered broth paired nicely with tender pork fillets, meatballs, and cleanly prepared slices of pig’s stomach.

Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly with Cabbage and Dried Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5

We ended with Grandpa’s 3-Hour Slow Braised Pork Belly ($36.90), a dish that would satisfy fans of fatty pork belly. The pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth tender, balanced by the crunch of cabbage and bamboo shoots. I’d highly recommend pairing this and its rich sauce with a bowl of white rice.

In conjunction with this limited launch, diners can also receive a limited-edition Song Yue jute bag with a minimum order of at least one Hakka dish and a spend of $138 for members or $168 for non-members.

Photos and words by Jo, who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine (松悦台式料理)
Leisure Park Kallang
#01-38/39
5 Stadium Walk
Tel: +65 6988 3322
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Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC Line), Tanjong Rhu (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm
Fri-Sat, Eve PH: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stadium MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Rhu MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk towards the river. Cross the bridge to indoor stadium. Cut across the open air carpark towards Stadium Crescent Road. Walk to Kallang Theatre. Turn right onto Stadium Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]