06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Summer Palace — Restaurant Review
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Summer Palace is a Singapore institution; a fine-dining Cantonese establishment that has consistently earned accolades since it opened in 1982. In 2024, as part of a larger renovation of Conrad Singapore Orchard, it had its biggest makeover yet. Now a striking example of modernity-meets-classic Oriental elegance, details like silver travertine paving, oak screens, and wallpaper hand-painted with scenes from Beijing's imperial gardens accent the sunlit space. At the entrance, a gallery showcasing refined Chinese art and rare artefacts sets the tone for the meal ahead. The entire effect is of a jewel box in the middle of the hotel.
What's the crowd like?
This is one of those places where the tables are perpetually fed by loyal regulars, many of them ladies of leisure from the luxury condos in the surrounding neighborhood. During lunch, it's also popular with corporate executives, who come for the refined dim sum and indulgent set menus.
What should we be drinking?
Tea, tea, and more tea. The highlight of the drinks menu is a tea-forward beverage program featuring more than 30 types of top-tier tea, sourced from across China. Have a cup brewed for you at a tableside traditional tea ceremony, or order what the tea sommeliers here call a 'tea-tail'—cocktails crafted with tea and Oriental flavors like goji berry liqueur or ginger syrup.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Hong Kong-born chef Liu Ching Hai and his team specialize in elevated Cantonese classics—think sweet-and-sour pork garnished with gleaming fresh pomegranate seeds instead of the usual canned pineapple, and double-boiled soups simmered for 12 hours until crystal clear (try the popular Chen Yu Luo Yan, made with fish maw, sea whelk, and garoupa). All of it is soul-warming, though you may want to leave room for the impeccably crafted dim sum and roast meats. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.
And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Service here is professional and as crisp as the veggies. No ask is too small, whether you need an extra spoon or a tea recommendation.
What's the real-real on why we're coming here?
It's exquisite food in a beautiful, restorative environment. Dining in this Palace makes you feel—at least for a while—that all is right with the world.
