Peking duck- yes, this dish is as iconic as its name! Peking duck is a famous dish originating from Beijing, China (formerly Peking). It’s known for its incredibly thin, crispy skin and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Can you almost taste it?
Well, what makes this dish so awesome?
A specific breed, the Pekin duck, is traditionally used for Peking duck. These ducks are bred and raised specifically for the dish, ensuring they have the right amount of fat and meat for roasting.
Curious about its preparation?
The preparation process is meticulous. The duck is seasoned, inflated with air to separate the skin from the meat, and then roasted in a closed or hanging oven. This technique creates the signature crispy skin.
How is it served?
Peking duck is typically served in three courses. First, the crispy skin is carved tableside by a skilled chef. It’s enjoyed with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce (often hoisin sauce), scallions, and sometimes cucumber. The remaining meat is then served in a separate course, often with vegetables. Finally, a soup made with the duck bones might be offered.
From its regal origins, this revered dish has gracefully transcended time and social boundaries, now embraced worldwide as a pinnacle of gastronomic delight.
Something more you should know about Peking duck!
Traditionally presented with ceremonial flair, Peking duck is expertly carved before eager diners. While interpretations may vary, the lies in savoring the crispy skin enveloped in palm-sized crepes, accompanied by a medley of dark sauce, cool cucumbers, and vibrant scallions. The tender duck meat finds its own place of honor, whether tucked into noodles or transformed into a delectable mince, always meant to be enjoyed in communal revelry.
Let’s delve into Singapore’s vibrant dining scene, where 6 oh-so-amazing establishments can tickle your taste buds with their interpretations of the exquisite Peking duck
1. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck
Paragon Shopping Centre, 05-42/45, 90 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.45pm, 6pm to 10pm), Saturday, (11am to 2.45pm, 6pm to 10pm), Sunday (10.30am to 2.45pm, 6pm to 10pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
The irresistible allure of Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck, a cornerstone of the esteemed Imperial Treasure restaurant group boasting 22 culinary destinations. Since its inception in 2004, its unwavering commitment to authenticity has garnered widespread acclaim, including coveted Michelin stars.
Popular Picks
- Braised E-fu Noodle with Shredded Duck (+S$22): Embark on an exploration of flavors with this harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Made with the “leftover meat” from the Peking duck, this dish offers a delightful contrast to the main course, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to culinary innovation.
- Sautéed Crab Claw with Shallots & Preserved Olives (S$26): Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful perfection of succulent crab claw, a crowd favorite that epitomizes the culinary treasures awaiting at Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck. Immerse yourself in a world where tradition meets innovation, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure with every dish.
2. Peony Jade Amara Singapore, Level 2, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (10.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
Discover Peony Jade, a culinary gem celebrated for its modern interpretation of classic Chinese cuisine. With nearly a decade of expertise, this establishment has captivated diners with its handcrafted dim sum creations and Cantonese culinary delights. Since its inception in 2004, Peony Jade has established itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, with one of its former outlets achieving the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand status.
Popular Picks
- Roasted Beijing Duck with Handmade Chinese Crepes (S$58 for half, S$88 for whole): Experience Peony Jade’s renowned roasted Beijing duck, served with crispy skin and succulent meat alongside handmade Chinese crepes. This dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- Roasted Golden Suckling Pig (S$369): Indulge in Peony Jade’s flavorful and tender roasted golden suckling pig, perfect for larger parties. Pre-order this exquisite delicacy at least one day in advance to experience the restaurant’s commitment to culinary craftsmanship and ensure an unforgettable dining occasion.
- Signature Sweet and Sour Tender Pork Meat with Lychee (S$38): Delight in Peony Jade’s signature sweet and sour tender pork meat, infused with the delicate sweetness of lychee. This dish embodies the restaurant’s dedication to innovative and delectable cuisine, offering a tantalizing journey for the taste buds.
3. Mott 32 Marina Bay Sands Singapore, B1-41/42, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3.30pm, 5pm to 11pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
Hailing from Hong Kong, Mott 32 at Marina Bay Sands is named after a street in New York where the city’s first Chinese convenience stall opened in 1891.
Combining traditional recipes with innovative techniques, it serves up award-winning contemporary Cantonese fare and is known as one of the best Peking duck restaurants in Singapore. For those who enjoy their Chinese food with a tipple or two, Mott 32 also offers cocktails inspired by Chinese culture and the flavours of Asia, such as five spice sherry, a tequila-sherry cocktail with five spice, (S$24) and Hong Kong iced tea (S$24), a tequila-based cocktail with jasmine tea, blackcurrant and basil seeds, to go with your food.
Popular picks
The applewood-roasted 42-day Peking duck (S$148) is smoked with dried apple wood and carved with a unique technique that ensures all of its juices and flavors are nicely sealed in. As with most places, it’s best to pre-order your duck ahead of your visit — it’ll be freshly roasted upon your arrival.
For those looking to indulge, opt for the version of Peking duck that comes with farmed Parisian Oscietra caviar (SS$296), which accentuates the dish with its nutty flavor. If you’ve still got the appetite for it, try the barbecue iberico pork with yellow mountain honey (S$52), which is delightfully sweet and succulent and just as sought after, with limited portions daily.
4. TungLok Peking Duck Orchard Central, 07-07/09, 181 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm) Velocity @ Novena Square, #02-10/11, 238 Thomson Road Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
Chinese restaurant TungLok Peking Duck was the first restaurant to serve Irish duck, Peking-style, in Singapore — its ducks are imported from Ireland and are specifically bred for their density and porous skin. In case you’re wondering what makes Irish duck so special, its distinct fatty flavor has earned it the moniker “wagyu of duck”.
Beyond its titular dish, the restaurant also serves up Chinese dishes with modern influences, and also offers unique fare such as braised seafood bisque (S$23.80).
Popular picks
As its restaurant name suggests, the TungLok Peking Irish duck (S$108) is its signature dish. The duck goes through a curing process before being roasted the classic Beijing way. The result is the well-loved savory crispy skin whose flavors are accentuated by its sweet house-made blueberry sauce which comes with “popping rocks” candy to add extra crackle. Want more than just duck? The wok-fried truffle Australian wagyu beef cubes and pecan nuts served with ice plant (S$58.80) is flavourful, juicy, and well-balanced by the refreshingly crunchy ice plant.
5. Yi Qian Private Dining Thye Hong Centre, 01-04, 2 Leng Kee Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that are hidden from plain sight and Yi Qian Private Dining which is tucked away in an industrial estate is a prime example. Contrary to its name, it is a full-service Chinese restaurant, specializing in Cantonese and Teochew cuisine. While it was established just two short years ago, it is helmed by a former Golden Palace chef (Chef Raymond), making it a spot to look out for in the years to come.
Popular Picks
It offers both the Peking Irish duck (S$50 for half, S$98 for whole), roasted Irish duck (S$58 for half, S$108 for whole), which is more of a Cantonese style dish and requires a pre order two days in advance.
Additionally, while there you can also indulge in Teochew delicacies such as its chilled full cream crab in Teochew style (S$12 per 100g), which is fresh, sweet, and a definite crowd pleaser.
6. Min Jiang 7A, 7B Dempsey Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm)
Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30 pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm)
What makes it a must-visit?
This establishment, named after the Min River in China’s Sichuan Province, was founded in 1982 by the Goodwood Park Hotel. Situated both at Dempsey and offering contemporary Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, Min Jiang boasts an array of delectable dishes including authentic Peking duck and push-cart dim sum. Notably, the restaurant’s ambiance is captivating, adorned with wood accents and warm tones, evoking a serene atmosphere.
Popular Picks
Their signature dish, the renowned wood-fired Beijing duck served with homemade crepes (S$128), presented in two servings. Initially, patrons relish the crispy duck skin with wheat pancakes accompanied by sugar, sweet sauce, leek, cucumbers, garlic paste, and cabbage. For the remaining meat, Min Jiang offers various preparations including stir-frying, lettuce wraps, or in a salted vegetable soup. To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to pre-order the duck at least a day in advance. Additionally, for those seeking more culinary delights, their Iberico pork fried rice served in mini pumpkin with XO sauce (S$18 per person) is not only visually appealing but also delivers a savory, smoky flavor profile.
