Spring Court Restaurant: A Culinary Legacy of Authentic Singaporean Chinese Cuisine
A stalwart of Chinatown, Spring Court Restaurant stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Singapore. Established in 1929 by the self-taught Cantonese chef Ho Loke Yee, the restaurant has long been celebrated for its authentic Singaporean Chinese cuisine. For nearly a century, it has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and business associates, offering a taste of history with every dish.
A Legacy of Excellence
Spring Court was founded in Great World, a place known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance in Singapore. Under the stewardship of Chef Ho Loke Yee, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its delectable and finely crafted dishes, which drew from the rich flavors of Cantonese cuisine. With a deep respect for tradition and an innate understanding of the craft, Chef Ho built a reputation for serving exceptional meals at family banquets, wedding celebrations, and community gatherings.
For over half a century, Spring Court became synonymous with special occasions. Its reputation spread far and wide, becoming the go-to place for memorable events, especially for the Chinese community in Singapore. The restaurant’s carefully curated menu, paired with outstanding service, made it an iconic institution of Singapore’s gastronomic landscape.
The Journey Through Time
In 1978, the original Great World location closed its doors, but the legacy of Spring Court continued. Undeterred, the restaurant embarked on a new chapter, relocating to various locations across Singapore. The move to Chinatown, where it still resides today, marked the next phase in Spring Court’s illustrious history. Its new home, a 5-storey Conservation Shophouse, has allowed the restaurant to not only preserve its culinary roots but also expand its services and offerings.
The building itself is a reflection of the rich history that Spring Court represents. The beautifully restored shophouse combines traditional and contemporary design, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere for both long-time patrons and new visitors. The spacious venue is equipped with 10 private dining rooms, perfect for those seeking an intimate dining experience, and even includes karaoke facilities for an added touch of entertainment.
A Family Tradition
Now in its third generation, Spring Court remains a family-run establishment, with the descendants of Chef Ho Loke Yee continuing to uphold the restaurant’s longstanding commitment to quality and excellence. Despite the passing of time and the evolution of the culinary scene in Singapore, the Ho family has stayed true to the restaurant’s core values: authenticity, consistency, and hospitality. Their dedication ensures that every meal at Spring Court is a celebration of the best of Singaporean Chinese flavors.
Signature Dishes and Dim Sum Delights
Spring Court’s menu is a homage to the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Singapore’s Chinese food scene. The restaurant’s signature dishes are beloved by locals and visitors alike, offering a tantalizing array of flavors that reflect the intricate balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that make Singaporean Chinese cuisine so unique.
During lunch, diners can indulge in a selection of local dim sum—bite-sized treats that showcase the restaurant’s culinary expertise. From steamed dumplings to crispy buns, every dish is made with the freshest ingredients and crafted with meticulous care. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch with family or a quick bite during a busy workday, Spring Court’s dim sum is the perfect introduction to the restaurant’s culinary prowess.
But the culinary offerings don’t stop there. Spring Court is renowned for its array of signature dishes, which have become iconic in Singapore’s culinary scene. The carefully curated menu features beloved classics such as Peking Duck, Braised Abalone, and Seafood Hor Fun, each prepared using time-honored methods passed down through generations. These dishes exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to preserving the flavors and techniques that have been handed down for decades.
Prawns and Crispy Filo Steamed Cheong-fan Rice Roll in Superior Sauce: A Harmonious Blend of Textures and Flavors
When it comes to traditional dim sum, the Prawns and Crispy Filo Steamed Cheong-fan Rice Roll in Superior Sauce is a delightful and innovative twist on a classic favorite. The dish beautifully combines the delicate texture of cheong-fan with the crispy crunch of filo pastry, all enveloped in a rich, savory superior sauce that enhances every bite.
At first glance, the cheong-fan rice roll is a sight to behold. The roll is silky smooth and translucent, offering a satisfying bite that is soft yet slightly chewy. The prawns inside are perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful—highlighting the freshness of the seafood without overpowering the other elements.
What makes this dish stand out is the crispy filo pastry that’s delicately layered within. The thin, crunchy texture adds an unexpected but delightful contrast to the soft rice roll and the juicy prawns. It’s an exciting texture play that keeps each bite interesting and adds an extra layer of richness.
The true brilliance of this dish lies in the superior sauce that ties everything together. Velvety and umami-packed, the sauce is expertly balanced—slightly sweet, savory, and rich with depth. It complements the prawns and cheong-fan perfectly without overwhelming the dish. The sauce also helps to bring out the crispy filo, adding a luxurious coating that takes the dish to another level of indulgence.
This dish is an excellent example of how traditional dim sum can evolve while still respecting its roots. The crispy filo pastry provides a modern twist, while the cheong-fan and prawns ensure the dish retains its authentic flavors. Whether you’re a fan of the classic or looking to try something new, the Prawns and Crispy Filo Steamed Cheong-fan Rice Roll in Superior Sauce is an unforgettable experience.
Perfect for a special occasion or simply as an indulgent treat, this dish is a standout on any dim sum menu, offering a refreshing take on a beloved favorite.
Steamed Xiao Long Bao Minced Pork Dumplings: A Classic Comfort in Every Bite
There’s something truly comforting about a perfectly steamed Xiao Long Bao, and the Steamed Xiao Long Bao Minced Pork Dumplings take this classic to a whole new level of satisfaction. Known for its delicate balance of flavors and textures, this dish offers a delightful experience that combines both skillful craftsmanship and timeless tradition.
The first thing that strikes you about the Xiao Long Bao is the delicate, thin wrapper. It’s translucent and slightly pliable, which is a true testament to the chef’s technique. The skin holds its shape well while being light enough to allow the burst of flavor from the filling to shine through. The dumplings are steamed to perfection, with just the right amount of heat to soften the wrapper without making it soggy.
Inside, the minced pork filling is the star of the show. The pork is tender and juicy, offering a savory umami flavor that’s rich yet balanced. The minced pork is seasoned just right, with hints of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce adding depth to the dish. What truly sets these dumplings apart is the subtle, flavorful broth that is encased within the dumpling. When you bite into it, the soup bursts out, providing a comforting warmth and an extra layer of richness that enhances the overall experience.
The beauty of Xiao Long Bao lies in the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. The broth, which is crafted from pork stock, is slightly sweet, complementing the savory pork filling. The addition of a small amount of vinegar and a hint of ginger gives the dumplings a refreshing tang, cutting through the richness of the broth and adding a pleasant zing to every bite.
Steamed Xiao Long Bao Minced Pork Dumplings are a wonderful example of how a traditional dish can captivate with its simplicity. Despite being a long-standing favorite, these dumplings continue to be a crowd-pleaser with every order. Whether you’re enjoying them as a part of a larger meal or savoring them individually, they never fail to impress with their quality and taste.
Homemade Beancurd With Abalone on Top and Lettuce Underneath: A Luxurious Fusion of Simplicity and Elegance
The Homemade Beancurd with Abalone on Top and Lettuce Underneath is a dish that elegantly combines delicate textures and refined flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Offering a beautiful balance between the earthiness of tofu, the rich flavors of abalone, and the freshness of lettuce, this dish provides a satisfying and luxurious experience from start to finish.
At the heart of this dish is the homemade beancurd—smooth, silky, and delicately flavored. The tofu is soft yet firm enough to hold its shape, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Its mildness allows it to act as a perfect base for the rich ingredients layered on top. The homemade touch gives it a slight creaminess, setting it apart from store-bought tofu and enhancing its overall texture.
On top of the beancurd sits the abalone, a luxurious and tender addition that elevates the dish. The abalone is cooked to perfection, maintaining its delicate chewiness while absorbing the umami flavors of the sauce. It provides a savory, oceanic richness that contrasts beautifully with the subtlety of the tofu. The abalone, with its slightly sweet and briny flavor, is undoubtedly the highlight of the dish, adding a sense of indulgence to every bite.
Beneath the beancurd lies a bed of lettuce, which adds a refreshing crunch and slight bitterness to balance the rich, savory elements above. The crispness of the lettuce helps to cut through the richness of the abalone and tofu, offering a refreshing contrast in both texture and flavor. This base provides the dish with a lightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy, ensuring it remains enjoyable without overwhelming the palate.
The beauty of this dish lies in the harmony of its components. The soft, creamy beancurd, tender abalone, and crisp lettuce create a delightful balance of textures, while the accompanying sauce ties everything together with a rich, savory finish. The sauce enhances the natural flavors of the abalone and tofu, with just enough seasoning to elevate the dish without overpowering its delicate ingredients.
Homemade Beancurd with Abalone is an elegant and refined dish that showcases the best of Chinese cuisine. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each one to shine, while the luxurious touch of abalone adds a sense of occasion to the meal. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger banquet, this dish offers a perfect balance of luxury and comfort, leaving a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to try it.
Roasted Chicken With Minced Prawn: A Flavorful Fusion of Succulence and Savory Delight
The Roasted Chicken with Minced Prawn is a dish that beautifully blends the smoky richness of roasted chicken with the delicate umami of minced prawn, creating a savory combination that excites the palate. This dish offers a refreshing take on traditional flavors, making it a memorable choice for anyone looking to enjoy something both familiar and unique.
At the heart of this dish is the perfectly roasted chicken, which is cooked to golden-brown perfection. The skin is beautifully crisp, with a slight char that imparts a smoky flavor, while the meat underneath remains tender and juicy. The roasting method locks in the natural flavors of the chicken, providing a satisfying contrast in textures between the crispy exterior and the succulent interior. Each bite delivers a comforting and rich flavor that forms a strong foundation for the entire dish.
The minced prawn topping adds a delightful twist to the roasted chicken. The prawns are finely minced and expertly seasoned, creating a flavorful filling that complements the chicken without overpowering it. The prawn mixture is aromatic, with hints of ginger, garlic, and a touch of seasoning, which enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns. The prawns’ delicate texture contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken, providing an enjoyable bite that bursts with savory, oceanic flavors.
What makes this dish truly exceptional is the way the flavors of the roasted chicken and minced prawn come together. The prawn mixture adds a rich umami layer, infusing the chicken with a depth of flavor that enhances its natural taste. The combination of the smoky, savory chicken with the prawn’s delicate sweetness and subtle seasoning creates a dish that is complex yet comforting.
The overall balance of this dish is key. The roasted chicken offers a rich, satisfying flavor, while the minced prawn provides a lighter, fresher contrast. Together, they create a dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. The seasoning is perfectly balanced, ensuring that neither the chicken nor the prawn overwhelms the other, allowing both to shine.
Lobster With Rice Vermicelli: A Delightful Combination of Freshness and Flavor
The Lobster with Rice Vermicelli is a dish that masterfully combines the sweetness of fresh lobster with the delicate texture of rice vermicelli, resulting in a deliciously satisfying experience. This dish is an excellent choice for seafood lovers, showcasing the natural flavors of lobster while pairing it with a light yet flavorful base.
The lobster in this dish is the star of the show. Cooked to perfection, the lobster is tender and juicy, with a slight sweetness that comes through in every bite. The meat is succulent and firm, offering a satisfying chew that balances perfectly with the soft vermicelli. The lobster’s natural brininess is wonderfully enhanced by the seasonings, providing a rich, savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
The rice vermicelli serves as a perfect base for the lobster. Its light, silky texture allows the flavors of the lobster and accompanying sauce to shine through, without overshadowing the star ingredient. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, becoming infused with a subtle richness that complements the sweetness of the lobster. The balance between the tender lobster and the smooth vermicelli creates a delightful contrast of textures, making each bite a satisfying experience.
What truly ties the dish together is the sauce. Rich and savory with a slight hint of sweetness, the sauce is well-seasoned, adding depth to the lobster and vermicelli without being overly heavy. The sauce coats the noodles just enough, adding layers of flavor without making the dish too oily or rich. It enhances the overall taste of the lobster while allowing the freshness of the seafood to remain the focus.
Lobster with Rice Vermicelli is a dish that speaks to the beauty of simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully selected and prepared to create a harmonious and balanced meal. The lobster, with its tender, sweet meat, paired with the light, flavorful vermicelli, offers a refreshing yet indulgent experience. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you’re in the mood for something elegant yet comforting.
The Future of Spring Court
As Spring Court moves forward into its next century, the restaurant remains committed to its legacy of delivering exceptional Singaporean Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re here to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in the rich flavors of tradition, Spring Court offers an unparalleled dining experience that continues to captivate the hearts and palates of all who walk through its doors.
Today, as it has been for almost a hundred years, Spring Court stands as a cherished institution—one that honors the past while embracing the future. With its rich history, family-oriented atmosphere, and dedication to preserving the authentic tastes of Singaporean Chinese cuisine, Spring Court remains an enduring symbol of culinary excellence and tradition in the heart of Chinatown.
詠春园 Spring Court Chinese Restaurant
52-56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348
Tel: +65 6449 5030
Spring Court 詠春园 Celebrating Singaporean Chinese Cuisine Since 1929
