Award-winning Hong Kong cha chaan teng Keming Bing Sat (克茗冰室), with over 140 outlets across Hong Kong and China, has landed in Singapore with its first outpost at Plaza Singapura. Known for its viral Ice Bear Drink and its No.1 Best-Selling Char Siew Rice in China, the brand offers a vibrant menu filled with nostalgia and Hong Kong café classics, featuring a playful local twist.
Ice Bear Drink Series 4/5
We kicked off our meal with the whimsical Ice Bear Drink Series, a delightful quartet of beverages crowned with adorable bear-shaped ice sculptures that are as photogenic as they are refreshing. Each drink offers a unique flavour profile — Little Bear Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea ($4.90) delivers that classic, robust tea fragrance with silky smoothness; Little Bear Iced Lemon Tea ($4.90) is bright and tangy, offering a thirst-quenching citrus zing. For something more playful, the Pink Bear Soda ($5.90) is a sweet, strawberry-hued fizz, while the Dreamy Blue Bear Soda ($5.90) brings a tropical twist with its cooling blue curaçao-inspired base. These drinks aren’t just eye candy, they’re well-balanced and thoughtfully crafted for both taste and visual appeal.
Signature Snack Platter 3/5
To whet our appetites, we ordered the Signature Snack Platter ($8.80), a well-rounded selection of classic Hong Kong street bites perfect for sharing. The Spiced Chicken Wing Tips were savoury with a gentle heat, their skin lightly crisped and coated in a fragrant spice blend. The Curry Fish Balls, a nostalgic staple, were bouncy and soaked in a rich, aromatic curry gravy that clung to every bite. The highlight for us was the Signature Chee Cheong Fun in Mixed Sauce. It was silky smooth rice rolls, generously dressed in a medley of peanut and sweet sauces, that brought out an addictive balance of sweet and nutty flavours. Rounding out the platter were the Thai-Style Shrimp Rolls, crisp on the outside and packed with juicy prawn filling. We enjoyed the chee cheong fun so much that we ended up ordering a whole portion on its own.
Stephen Chow's Favourite Noodles 4/5
A tribute to Hong Kong cinema and comfort food, Stephen Chow's Favourite Noodles ($10.90) is a simple yet satisfying combo of instant noodles topped with beef brisket, chicken wing, luncheon meat, and a fried egg. It's a dish that feels like a warm hug, especially nostalgic for fans of old-school cha chaan teng fare.
Char Siew Rice 4/5
The undisputed star of the menu is the Char Siew Rice ($10.90), a dish that truly lives up to its title as the No.1 Best-Selling Char Siew Rice in China. The char siew is masterfully roasted using a time-honoured technique developed by a Hong Kong roast meat specialist with over 40 years of experience. Each slice of pork boasts a glistening caramelised edge, with just the right balance of tender meat and smoky, melt-in-your-mouth fat. Nestled on a bed of fragrant, fluffy Wuchang rice, the dish is further elevated with two soft-fried eggs, their golden yolks oozing luxuriously into the rice and meat. What ties everything together is the signature in-house sauce, a deeply aromatic blend of 23 ingredients, including lemongrass, onions, and pork lard, that adds a rich, savoury complexity to every bite. It's a humble bowl but packed with layers of flavour and technique that speak to its cult following.
Thai Style Curry Beef Brisket Rice 4/5
For something more hearty and aromatic, the Thai Style Curry Beef Brisket Rice ($13.90) hits the spot. The beef brisket is fork-tender, simmered in a mild coconut curry that even kids can enjoy. The subtle Thai spices give it an extra dimension without overpowering the dish.
Thick-Cut Sirloin Steak 3/5
While the menu has a few Western additions, the Thick-Cut Sirloin Steak ($19.90) was a letdown. Though generously portioned, the steak was chewy and sinewy, making it a less favourable choice compared to their signature items.
Lava Ovaltine Toast 4/5
Dessert time! The Lava Ovaltine Toast ($7.90) is a sweet tooth's dream. It's crispy on the outside, toast overflowing with milk and condensed milk, topped with whipped cream, a dusting of Ovaltine powder, and crushed Oreo crumbs. It's messy, indulgent, and very satisfying.
Happines Lava Egg Waffles 4/5
End your meal on a gooey note with the Happiness Lava Egg Waffles ($3.80 for 2 pcs / $6.90 for 4 pcs). Each golden bubble bursts with creamy cheese for an umami kick, encased in a soft, eggy batter. It is a playful twist on the traditional Hong Kong street snack.
Keming Bing Sat brings a fun and flavourful slice of Hong Kong to Singapore, blending viral hits with time-honoured classics. While a couple of dishes could be refined, the char siew rice, chee cheong fun, and bear drinks alone make this newcomer well worth a visit. Perfect for casual gatherings, nostalgic bites, and of course plenty of Instagram moments.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Keming Bing Sat (克茗冰室)
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#B2-01
Singapore 238839
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D and E and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]
