Singapore’s culinary heritage is deeply rooted in long-standing Chinese eateries that have survived generations, evolving through decades without losing their soul. These five restaurants, each operating since at least the mid‑20th century or earlier, represent timeless classics where tradition, atmosphere, and food come together in familiar harmony.
1. Spring Court
Established in 1929 (originally as Wing Chun Yuen at Great World), Spring Court is Singapore’s oldest running Chinese restaurant brand, now in its third generation of family management. Known for its blend of Cantonese and Hokkien cuisine—think yam ring, hearty braised dishes, and banquet-style offerings—it occupies a sprawling four-story space in Chinatown. Its old-school grandeur, private karaoke rooms, and legacy recipes make Spring Court a monument to heritage dining.
Website: springcourt.com.sg
Address: 52–56 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058348
2. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
Tracing its origins to a 1956 pushcart on East Coast Road, Palm Beach is often credited with inventing Singapore’s iconic chili crab. It relocated over time and now sits at One Fullerton. With over 100 menu items, including consistent renditions of classic seafood platters, it delivers nostalgia and flavour in equal measure. Palm Beach prides itself on unwavering recipe consistency and approachable fine-dining comfort food.
Website: palmbeachseafood.com
Address: 1 Fullerton Road #01‑09, One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
3. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
Dating back to the 1940s at Bedok Resthouse, Long Beach is credited with pioneering black pepper crab in Singapore. The chain has retained its commitment to wok‑hei-driven seafood favourites like drunken prawns and barbecued fish, while scaling to multiple locations including its iconic Dempsey and East Coast Seafood Centre outlets. It remains a testament to communal, unpretentious Chinese seafood dining.
Website: longbeachseafood.com.sg
Address: Dempsey Road or East Coast Seafood Centre, Singapore
4. Man Fu Yuan
Helmed by Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan, Man Fu Yuan (in Intercontinental Singapore) is a Cantonese fine-dining stalwart that marries tradition with modern presentation. Michelin‑recommended, its menu revives classics like honey-glazed pork ribs and double‑boiled seafood soups served in melon husks. The theatrical plating and high-quality ingredients give old-school dishes a refined twist while honouring their roots.
Website: intercontinental.com 👉 dine > Man Fu Yuan
Address: InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
5. Tunglok Peking Duck
Operated by the famed Tung Lok Group, Tunglok Peking Duck is celebrated for introducing Singapore’s first Irish Peking duck served traditional-style. Since its early days, it has continued serving masterfully crisp duck and classic dishes like double-boiled soups using premium ingredients. The restaurant combines refined Cantonese formality with a heritage mindset, ideal for diners seeking timeless technique in a polished setting.
Website: tunglok.com
Address: Tanglin Mall, Orchard Central or VivoCity outlets, Singapore
Bready Good Says:
These five institutions aren’t just restaurants—they’re chapters from Singapore’s dining heritage. Each has upheld signature dishes, classic ambiance, and generational loyalty into 2025. Whether it’s flaming crab shells or banquet-style nostalgia, they remind us that old-school Chinese food still resonates deeply today.
— Bready Good
