Wenzhou Mansion @ Tanjong Pagar Road - First Jiangsu-Zhejiang Fine-Dining Restaurant in Singapore Dedicated to Wenzhou Cuisine

A new expression of refinement arrives at Wenzhou Mansion, Singapore's first and only Jiangsu-Zhejiang fine dining restaurant dedicated exclusively to Wenzhou cuisine. Opened in Tanjong Pagar in August 2025, the establishment presents the culinary traditions of Wenzhou through time-honoured intangible heritage techniques and the natural flavours of East China Sea seafood. Wenzhou cuisine is one of the four major schools of Jiangzhe cuisine, itself recognised as one of China's eight great culinary traditions. Wenzhou Mansion is guided by Mr Li Chuhua, an officially recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor of Wenzhou cuisine. Drawing on decades of experience, he curates the menu around experience-driven techniques, from handling live seafood to home-style braising and lightly fermented preparations.

Sliced Wenzhou Kailan 温州芥兰片 4.2/5

We began with a series of cold appetisers, starting with the Sliced Wenzhou Kailan ($28). At first glance, the dish resembles cucumber slices, but it is actually crafted from the Kailan stem. Lightly pickled in a sweet-and-sour marinade, the stems offer a crisp bite with a bright, balanced tang that is both refreshing and moreish.

Shredded Chicken with Jellyfish 海蜇手撕鸡 4.2/5

The Shredded Chicken with Jellyfish ($68) features tender shredded chicken paired with jellyfish for a lovely textural contrast. High in protein and low in fat, the dish reflects the harmony of coastal food culture, where land and sea ingredients meet. This dish is notably light and refreshing.

Coriander with Sakura Shrimp 樱花虾皮拌香菜 4/5

In the Coriander with Sakura Shrimp ($25), sweet, crisp sakura shrimp are combined with aromatic notes of coriander. This clean, thoughtfully composed dish is designed to reset the palate, though it may be an acquired taste for those who do not enjoy coriander.

Raw Marinated Wenzhou Swimming Crab 温州江蟹生 4.5/5

A signature of Wenzhou-style raw marination, the Raw Marinated Wenzhou Swimming Crab ($128/portion) features live swimming crab prepared with traditional techniques. Often praised as the "ice cream of the sea," the flesh is delicately tender and refreshingly chilled. Cured in an in-house blend of sauces and spices, this is a highly appetising alternative to Teochew or Korean raw crab versions.

Duck Tongue & Fish Cake Platter 温州鸭舌拼鱼饼 3.5/5

The Duck Tongue & Fish Cake Platter ($58) offers two traditional staples. The Fish Cake, made from minced East China Sea fish and pork fat, is steamed to a springy, savoury finish. The Duck Tongues are braised and then sun-dried, offering a rich soy-braised aroma. In the Wenzhou dialect, "duck tongue" sounds like a phrase meaning "to earn and prosper," making it a popular auspicious starter at banquets.

Wenzhou Fish Ball & Pork Wonton Soup 温州鱼丸肉燕汤 分位 4/5

The Wenzhou Fish Ball & Pork Wonton Soup (from $35) showcases culinary craftsmanship through a traditional pounding technique. The springy bite of the fish balls contrasts beautifully with the smooth, slightly crisp pork dumplings. The texture of the pork dumplings reminded me of local fish skin dumplings (魚皮餃).

Large East China Sea Yellow Croaker with Scallion Oil 葱油东海特大黄鱼 4/5

The Large East China Sea Yellow Croaker with Scallion Oil ($158 for regular / $398 for large) features an ingredient revered as the "gold of the sea". Prized for its garlic-clove–shaped flesh, the fish is lightly steamed to preserve its silken texture. It is finished with fragrant scallion oil, bloomed in hot oil to draw out its inherent sweetness.

Home-style Braised Mantis Shrimp with Shredded Radish 家烧虾姑萝卜丝 4.2/5

The Home-style Braised Mantis Shrimp with Shredded Radish (Seasonal Price) is a comforting dish brimming with everyday warmth. The highlight is the delicious, addictive sauce, best absorbed by the shredded radish.

Steamed Roe Crab with Minced Pork and Pumpkin 南瓜肉饼蒸青膏蟹 4/5

The Steamed Roe Crab with Minced Pork and Pumpkin ($378) is served with claypot rice. As it steams, the seafood juices meld with the rich savouriness of Iberico pork, infusing the soft pumpkin below with layered, harmonious flavour.

Crispy Baby Roasted Duck with Peppercorn 大红袍花椒小乳鸭 4.5/5

A standout was the Crispy Baby Roasted Duck with Peppercorn ($98). It is unique to see duck prepared in a roasted pigeon style, a technique I haven't encountered in other Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, it carries the aromatic, gentle numbing heat of Da Hong Pao peppercorns.

Stir-Fried Beef with Wild Chinese Chives 沙葱炒牛肉 4.2/5

In the Stir-Fried Beef with Wild Chinese Chives ($78), wild sand scallions from the Gobi Desert are wok-fired at high heat with tender beef. The result is a fragrant harmony of crisp and succulent textures.

Pea Shoots with Seaweed in Superior Broth 紫菜上汤豌豆苗 4.5/5

The Pea Shoots with Seaweed in Superior Broth ($38) is a delicate vegetarian "double fresh" dish. The silky, briny seaweed pairs perfectly with the springtime sweetness of the crisp pea shoots.

Wenzhou Stir-fried Rice Noodles 温州炒粉干 4/5

The Wenzhou Stir-fried Rice Noodles ($28 Small / $48 Large) are soft and supple with a gentle chew. The rice vermicelli effectively absorbs the aromas of the accompanying ingredients, resulting in a deeply savoury finish.

Glutinous Rice Balls with Water Chestnut Dessert 汤圆马蹄爽 4.2/5

To end, the Glutinous Rice Balls with Water Chestnut Dessert ($12 per serving) offers a refreshing sweetness. The crisp water chestnuts balance the rich, chewy dumplings, leaving a light, springy finish on the palate.

Overall, Wenzhou Mansion offers a rare and refined look at a heritage cuisine seldom seen in such detail in Singapore. The focus on seafood freshness and intangible cultural techniques makes it a must-visit for lovers of regional Chinese fare.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Wenzhou Mansion
60, 62, 64 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088481
Tel: +65 9697 1668
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Min Xiao Min 闽小闽 @ Boat Quay - Homely Minnan Cuisine From China Fujian Province

Min Xiao Min is new to the stretch of shophouses along Boat Quay. It serves homely Minnan cuisine from China's Fujian province. The eatery is small and cosy, managed by a young and friendly owner.

Pork Fusion Fish Ball Pro Max 4/5

I was initially sceptical of the Pork Fusion Fish Ball Pro Max ($6.90) as I'm generally not a fan of the similar Fuzhou fish balls. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. The tennis-ball-sized fish paste ball had a delightfully chewy texture, with a tender pork ball hidden within. Cutting it open revealed a savoury pork broth that enhanced the flavour of the seaweed soup.

Fried Pork in Spring Roll 3/5

The Fried Pork in Spring Roll ($6.80) resembled ngoh hiang, featuring minced pork encased in tofu skin and fried. However, my dining companion and I found it overly sweet and oily for our taste.

Garlic Stir-fried Chicken 4/5

The Garlic Stir-fried Chicken ($18.80) is ideal for sharing, especially when paired with white rice. Although pretty addictive, its sweet and salty glaze can become a bit heavy.

Shacha Noodle 4/5

I tried Shacha Noodle ($9) for the first time here, and it was reminiscent of prawn noodles initially but with an added nutty flavour from the prawn, pork, and shacha sauce broth. The generous portion included yellow noodles soaking up the broth, accompanied by beansprouts, fresh prawns, and pork slices.

Boiled Fish 4/5

Consider sharing the Boiled Fish ($19.90) if you're dining with a group. While it may appear to look like Sichuan Boiled Fish (水煮鱼), they are pretty different. The gravy boasts a thicker consistency and a more robust garlicky flavour, perfect with white rice. Served with thick fish slices, beansprouts, and cabbage, this dish is also available to order with beef slices.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl 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.


Min Xiao Min 闽小闽
47 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058680
Tel: +65 8180 7675
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Carpenter Street. Turn left onto Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT staton. Take Exit G. Walk stright to North Canal Road. Walk down North Canal Road to South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 8 minutes. [Map]

Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面) @ West Coast Market Square - Bouncy Fishballs Amidst Mixed Noodle Experience

I finally decided to brave the snaking queue at West Coast Market Square to try out the renowned Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面). Despite living in the neighbourhood for over 8 years, the popularity of this stall has always kept me away. This time, I managed to arrive early enough and got my hands on the $4 portion of their famed fishball noodle.

One of this dish's standout features is the handmade fishballs' peculiar shape. These bouncy delights immediately caught my attention. Unlike the commercial variants, Soon Heng's fishballs retain a pronounced fish flavour, proving that no shortcuts were taken in their preparation.

Fish Ball Noodle 3/5

For my noodle choice, I opted for mee kia. However, I found myself disappointed with the noodles, as they had a lingering alkaline taste that didn't quite sit well with me. The chilli sauce tossed with the noodle didn't complement the noodle's taste profile, making the overall combination less appealing.

Despite the noodle's shortcomings, I cannot deny the allure of Soon Heng's fishballs. Their authentic taste and springy texture showcase the artistry of their handmade creation, setting them apart from the mass-produced alternatives.

Though my experience with the noodle may have been less satisfying, I've heard their soup version is worth trying. Perhaps my next visit will be dedicated to exploring this aspect of their menu, hoping to find a better balance that complements the star attraction - the scrumptious fishballs.


Soon Heng Fishball Noodle (顺兴鱼圆面)
West Coast Market Square
Blk 726 Clementi West Street 2
#01-152
Singapore 120726
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5am - 930am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

SG Food on Foot - Best Eats In 2021

I didn't put together a list for 2020 as we were hit by the Covid restriction and was not able to dine-in most of the calendar year. Since the restriction has been somewhat relaxed for 2020, I was able to check out a number of places. With that, I will bring back the annual tradition to recap my food journey for the past one year. Here is my best eats for 2021.

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Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice

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One of my best discovery for 2021 is Ah Five Hainanese Chicken Rice near Mayflower MRT station exit 3. What caught my attention was a petite young lady behind the chopping board. It is a rare sight in the hawker scene. The stall, run by a sister and brother team, is inside a coffeeshop at block 158 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4. They are the children of Mr Lee Tai Keng, the founder of Five Star Chicken Rice.

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Firangi Superstar

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Firangi Superstar at Craig Road is born out of love and memories of the country India. Stepping into the restaurant is a cinematic journey, transporting diners to an Officer's Club, Old Railway Room, Elephant Palace and Jungle Lodge. Here, the food takes classic Indian cuisine in unexpected forms in Head Chef Thiru Gunasakaran's hand, giving it a modern approach.

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Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow

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All of us probably has our own favourite char kway teow stall, and mine is Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee at Hong Lim Food Centre. I am glad to discover an underrated Char Kway Teow stall at Joo Chiat Place Fried Kway Teow. It is located in a corner coffeeshop along Joo Chiat Place. In my opinion, it is comparable to Outram Park Fried Kway Teow.

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Ju95

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JU95 is a modern izakaya restaurant located at Boat Quay opened for about 3 months. From what I understand, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Louis who supposed to follow a 2 Michelin starred chef to Belgium which was put off due to the pandemic. I am impressed with the food at Ju95. The dishes I tried are creative and tasty with touches of finesse, giving a modern take of traditional izakaya. Ju95 is one of the best restaurants I have eaten this year, and I recommend you check it out.

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Rempapa

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I have been following Chef Damian D'Silva heritage cooking when he had a stall at Timbre+ Ayer Rajah, followed by Folklore and Restaurant Kin. But, unfortunately, he didn't stay long at any one place. Hence I was glad to hear he is making a come back with a new restaurant - Rempapa at Park Place Residences at PLQ. Rempapa offers an all-day dining concept where the eclectic menu caters for different times of day - Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.

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Revolver

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Revolver is the latest and hottest restaurant to be opened at the bustling Tras Street. The restaurant embraces the fire of Indian cooking sensibilities, world-class premium produce and carefully selected global spices to create a progressive and exciting dining experience. There is three tasting menus - Discovery Menu ($139++), Experience Menu ($179++) and Vegetarian Menu ($129++).

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Ristorante Pietrasanta

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I could not believe this was my first time visiting Ristorante Pietrasanta until it recently relocated to Connexis Tower, Fusionpolis. It moved from Portsdown Road to the current location, which is more accessible. It is so much accessible now located just beside the One-North MRT station. A must-have is the pasta dishes at Ristorante Pietrasanta. They handmade all their pasta daily.

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Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish

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Popular Tai Er Chinese Sauerkraut Fish, with nearly 300 stores in China, has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Changi Jewel Singapore. The restaurant is known for its Chinese Sauerkraut Fish seeing daily queues at the stores to savour the fish fillets in a spicy and sour broth. A must have is the Chinese Sauerkraut Fish ($48/$68/$88) that comes in a huge plate with the tender fish slices swimming in a pool of soup, brimming with red chillis, Sichuan peppercorn and pickled cabbage. If I am not wrong, they use tilapia fish for the dish. The combination of mala, spicy and sour flavours is super shiok. I can understand why it is so popular in China now.

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Teochew Fish Ball Noodle

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I have heard about an excellent Teochew fishball noodle stall at Crawford Lane. Still, I always end up going to the one Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles. So finally, I got a chance to visit the area and took the opportunity to check out Teochew Fish Ball Noodle, located inside a coffeeshop at block 462 Crawford Lane. Between the mee pok and mee kia, we find the mee kia goes better with the concoction of sambal chilli and vinegar. Though the vinegar is not as punchy compared to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles, you still get that sourish kick balanced with the sambal for that slurping goodness. Overall, Teochew Fish Ball Noodle offers a good bowl of fishball noodles. However, if you find the queue at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles is too long, you may consider making a slight detour to try the fishball noodle just a few blocks away.

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Yang Ming Seafood

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Having seen a lot of postings from my foodie friends, I have to make my way to Yang Ming Seafood (扬名海鲜) at Bishan Street 11. The zichar place is located in a coffeeshop among the HDB estate. You will notice we ordered mostly seafood dishes because this is their forte. The highlight for the night has to be the Lobster Chee Cheong Fan ($88). It is a dish my friend shared with the owner what he had in Hong Kong, and after much R&D, the chef created this dish which becomes a hit with a lot of foodies. The highlight is the silky chee cheong fan accentuated by the fried shallot, fried garlic and premium soya sauce.

With this, I present to you my Best Eat In 2021. I also like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and followers for the supports all these years. After two years of Covid, I hope things will get better and we can resume things back to norm. Last but at least, wishing everyone a safe, healthy and wonderful 2022.

Chao Yang Fishball Noodle (潮阳手工鱼丸粿条面汤) @ Eunos Food Centre - Huge And Slippery Her Kiao

If you have been to Eunos Food Centre, you will notice the ever snaking queue at Chao Yang Fishball Noodles (潮阳手工鱼丸粿条面汤). Together with my friends, we reached the stall at 9am and queued for an hour for our food.

Fishball Noodle 4/5

Do note that if you order the smallest portion at $3, it does not come with the Her Kiao (fish dumpling). However, you will still be satisfied with the well-cooked noodle tossed in a concoction of sambal, vinegar and seasoning. Though there is no fish dumpling, you always get slices of fishcakes and fishballs.

We have heard so much about the fish dumpling here, so we order a bowl of Fish Dumpling Soup to make our trip worthwhile. Great that we did. The fish dumpling is huge and slippery. You can tell it is handmade, not those doughy type from the factory.

I would highly recommend trying the Her Kiao here. If you order the small portion, then you should add a bowl of fish dumpling soup. If not, you can order the bigger bowl that comes with fish dumpling.


Chao Yang Fishball Noodle
Eunos Food Centre
4A Eunos Crescent
Stall #01-24
Singapore 402004
Nearest MRT: Eunos (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Fri-Sun: 530am - 1230pm
(Closed on Wed-Thu)

Direction:
1) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle @ Pandan Gardens - Best Fishball Noodle In The West

I have known about Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle at Pandan Gardens for a while, but I simply can't find the time to visit it even though it is quite near my home. Excuses aside I finally made my way to the quiet neighbourhood to check out the hidden gem that has received raving reviews even from fellow hawkers, chefs and influencers. The more reason I have to check it out myself.

Mee Pok Dry 4.2/5

I have the Fishball Mee Pok Dry ($3). The noodle was cooked to a delightful al dente bite complemented by the excellent chilli sauce which has been made in-house. I had the small bowl, which also comes with three fishballs and some slices of fish cakes.

Mixed Soup 4.5/5

Meatball 4.5/5, Fish Dumpling 4.8/5

Knowing that the stall handmade most of the ingredients, I could not resist ordering a bowl of Mixed Soup ($5/$6) that comes with all these handmade goodness. Besides the bouncy handmade fishballs, the highlight has to be their Fish Dumpling. Unlike those doughy, factory-made type, the fish dumpling here has a silky texture with a crunchy bite. It is like wrapping it with real fish skin. The handmade meatball here is as good too. I was surprised by its soft texture with the aroma of dried sole fish.

Yong Tau Foo 4.2/5

If you don't feel like have fishball noodle, you can also go for the Yong Tau Foo ($4). For the price, the portion is really decent with stuffed beancurd, beancurd skin, fish cake, fish dumpling and meatball. You can choose to have it together with noodle or rice.

I am really great that I have finally tried Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle and now I understand why it has been getting good reviews from fellow foodies. The best part it is near my home. In fact, I have already gone back a couple of times already.


Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodle
Blk 415 Pandan Gardens
#01-117
Singapore 600415
Tel: 65 90027330
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7am - 3pm
Sun: 7am - 2pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 51. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Quan Fa Mookata @ Jurong East - A Farm To Table Mookata Concept By Local & Regional Farmers

Mookata made healthy by Quan Fa Organic - right at Quan Fa Mookata located deep inside a neighborhood coffee shop at Jurong East. An initiative by Quan Fa Organic, this farm to table concept is an collaboration with our local and regional farmers, serving you only chilled meats, not frozen ones, organic vegetables, kampong eggs and homemade dipping sauces. You will see no store-bought processed foods on your table.

Set for 2

Our Set for 2 ($38) includes choice of 2 chilled marinated meat (small) from the selection of chicken, pork, beef and lamb, 2 prawns and frog legs, fish paste and a basket of seasonal vegetables. You can also choose to add on extra meat, vegetables and rice.

When our tray of meats was being served, for a moment, I felt I was having a Japanese hotpot in an upmarket restaurant - such exquisite plating for a Mookata in a coffeeshop! The Chicken Thigh is marinated with chili & tamarind, Pork Collar with basil and lemongrass and the Frog Legs are also marinated beforehand with Huadiao Jiu and wolfberries. These chilled meats are supplied by Toh Thye San Farm, Fresh Fish Paste from Ha Li Fa (Bobo Fishball) and frog legs from Jurong Frog Farm.

Fish Paste, Meats

Commercial fish paste or fishballs to me are like mock meats, made with lots of flour and flavour masked by seasonings. However this Fish Paste is clean tasting using fresh fish flesh and natural seasoning from herbs and spices, including dills! As for the chicken and pork, even though the meats were being cut a tad too small, they tasted pretty good in terms of flavour and texture. The shredded cabbage underneath the meats, they are salvaged from the unused exterior layer and are natural sweetener for your broth. So do throw them all into your broth once the meats are gone!

One thing to highlight is that greasing your skillet is not your usual lard chunks, but a premium imported A2 milk Desi Ghee, which many may not know has medicinal properties as per ayurveda. Its high smoking point makes it even more apt for barbeque.

The stars on the table, I feel are the broth and the basket of fresh greens. Both leafy and root vegetables simmered together with 2 whole freshly chicken daily, resulting in a very light but flavourful broth. The sweet corns were bursting with sweetness even after being in the boiling broth for a while. The egg is from Uncle William’s Lian Wah Hang Quail & Poultry Farm which is so fresh that you can have it raw too or as an egg dip like that of sukiyaki.

Beware of this harmless looking bowl of homemade Suki sauce, it whets appetite really well. Concocted with a blend of fresh organic birdseye chilli, garlic, Thai miso paste and apple cider, it lifts the flavour of the meat with a bright acidity, along with just a bit of fiery kick.

Heartier options for meat would be Smoky & Spicy Beef Striploin and Cumin & Rosemary Lamb (each $12 for 130g) which you can sear them to the degree of doneness desired. Though they are quality meats, I find them too overly seasoned, especially for the beef.

Farm to table experiences in Singapore are more often than not glorified and sit in the Lifestyle category. To find one in heartland is indeed rare and more so when Quan Fa Mookata is in the most western region! To be honest, the portions are too dainty for Mookata but what I appreciate is the kampong spirit embedded in the concept. This kampong spirit if not preserved and passed on in various ways, will soon be lost in our little island as more and more farms are being bulldozed for the name of developments.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Quan Fa Mookata
PDSS 318 FOOD CAFETERIA
Blk 318 Jurong East Street 31
Singapore 600318
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Boon Lay Way and Jurong East Street 31. Cross the road. Walk down Jurong East Street 31. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]