PSA, foodies: Guoco Midtown II has officially opened with an array of culinary gems! Check out our top picks for your next food adventure.
True blue foodies will know Beach Road as one of the top culinary destinations in Singapore. You’ve got the full works of local hawker fare, trendy cafes and diverse eateries. And the neighbourhood just got more exciting. Guoco Midtown II, the highly anticipated extension of Guoco Midtown, has officially opened.
Brimming with a tantalising line-up of restaurants, cafes and eateries, this food haven is perfect for weekday office lunches, laid-back dinners, or weekend indulgence with the whole family. We’ve done the hard work of narrowing down the must-visit spots at Guoco Midtown II, so keep scrolling for our top picks!
Where to eat at Guoco Midtown II
1. Lee & Bai: Get your Cheng Du fix
Can’t resist steaming hot, fluffy buns? Lee & Bai is the place to satisfy your cravings. With over 400 outlets across China, this Cheng Du-based brand brings its signature delicacies to its first Singapore outpost at Guoco Midtown II.
The best-selling handmade buns are a must-order, featuring fillings like braised pork, shrimp and cabbage. The chives fresh pork bun was aromatic with the bits of chives cutting through the richness of the pork, while the Cheng Du braised pork bun was saucier and a tad oilier. What stood out to me was the texture of the buns. It is soft with a slight chewiness, unlike the usual steamed buns.
These folks also offer main dishes such as the Cheng Du noodles with meat sauce and green peas. The noodles come coated with an umami-rich meat sauce, while the green peas lend subtle sweetness and a starchy texture. If you’re still feeling peckish, go for signature side dishes like tofu skin doused in chilli oil, and sliced pork belly with garlic sauce.
To wash it all down, help yourself to a bottle (or more) of tea-infused soya bean milk. Choose among four flavours (including original), each with a distinct flavour and aroma. Those who prefer lighter flavours can opt for the Camellia soya bean milk, while the oolong flavour was my top pick for its robust tea notes.
Must-try dishes: Cheng Du braised pork bun; chives fresh pork bun; soya bean milk with oolong tea
Address: Lee & Bai, #01-01, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
2. Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh: A Singaporean gem
We love our local food, and a steaming bowl of bak kut teh ranks high in our personal favourites. This hearty and nourishing dish brings comfort even in the hottest of Singapore’s weather. Good news: you can get your fix at Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh’s latest outlet opening in July.
This cherished local brand with over 60 years of heritage is probably no stranger to most. The use of quality ingredients and traditional recipes is what keeps customers coming back for more. Tuck into its signature herbal pork rib soup that is simmered for hours using premium pork ribs and a secret blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Add staples like crispy fried dough sticks, tangy pickled vegetables and a bowl of white rice, and that’s a comforting meal sorted.
Must-try dishes: Signature bak kut teh; frog porridge; fried dough sticks
Address: Leong Kee Bak Kut Teh, #01-17/18, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
3. Xiang Ju: A taste of authentic Hunan cuisine
Joining the ranks of Chinese restaurants along Beach Road is Hunanese restaurant, Xiang Ju. As a Chinese cuisine lover, I couldn’t be more stoked. Peep the wide variety of classic Hunanese dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
When it comes to ambience, Xiang Ju takes it up a notch compared to other Hunanese chain restaurants I’ve visited. Spot the meticulously curated interiors, featuring a stone water fixture with fish swimming in it, intricate embroidery displays, and pops of greenery.
While every dish was a tantalising flavour explosion, my dining companions and I all agreed on a clear winner: Mao’s braised pork with fresh abalone. Each thick chunk of pork belly had the ideal balance of fat and lean meat, and buttery texture thanks to the luscious fatty layers. The savoury sauce was a perfect complement to the fluffy rice, and I could easily down two bowls if I wasn’t paying attention.
Other specialties include the signature crayfish (juicy, succulent meat elevated with a spicy and savoury gravy), as well as the two-colour fish head. Available in a half or full portion, the latter is heavy on spice and flavours, and not for the faint of heart. I love how it came with a portion of noodles which soaks up all the goodness from the rich, flavourful broth.
For vegetables, I recommend the stir-fried white jade loofah. While a seemingly simple dish, the stir-fried gourds were delicately soft and had subtle sweetness which counterbalanced the richer dishes I had. I was also a big fan of the baked pumpkin with salted egg yolk. Each tender and sweet chunk of pumpkin was evenly coated with the grainy salted egg yolk sauce, and oh-so-addictive.
Must-try dishes: Mao’s braised pork with fresh abalone; two-colour fish head; baked pumpkin with salted egg yolk
Address: Xiang Ju, #01-10/11/12, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
4. Chow Zan Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth
There’s always room for sweet treats, so we let ourselves indulge at this dessert store. Named after a Mandarin colloquial term meaning ‘extremely good’, Chow Zan Dessert is a one-stop shop for traditional, local and modern desserts for all ages. Pick from more than 80 desserts (including hot and cold options) and drinks, along with dim sum dishes if you’re still hungry.
Spoilt for choice? I recommend getting the nine-signature platter, especially if you’re coming in a group of three pax or more. This curated platter features nine of the store’s crowd-favourite desserts in smaller portions. Tried and tested by us, it’s a win-win situation to satisfy individual cravings while enjoying variety.
My top picks are the mango sago with ice cream – a refreshing icy dessert with balanced sweetness, thanks to the mango’s slight tartness – as well as the coconut jelly with red bean, featuring silky smooth jelly that easily glides down the throat. Durian lovers will adore the Durian Boost (a durian-infused mousse served with a durian mochi and durian flesh), and fried durian balls encased in a crisp golden crust. Psst: they’ve earned the approval of my durian-loving friends!
Must-try dishes: Nine-signature platter; mango sago with ice cream; durian bowl
Address: Chow Zan Dessert, #01-19, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
5. The Plump Frenchman: Parisian charm and soulful fare
Get whisked away to the heart of France without leaving the country at this French-inspired bistro. The Plump Frenchman blends Parisian charm with laid-back, convivial dining. It’s an all-day dining spot that beckons with value-for-money yet soulful French cuisine amid a cosy atmosphere.
With chef Lorenz Hoja at the helm – formerly of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – look forward to rotisserie classics and indulgent French specialties with bold flavours. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a company gathering or an intimate family meal, this bistro will take good care of you.
Must-try dishes: Poulet entier; coq au vin; chipirons
Address: The Plump Frenchman, #01-20, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
6. Pang Pang: For hearty meat and seafood pots
Round up your family and friends this July for an indulgent feast ‘cos this well-loved Chinese restaurant hailing from Haiyan, Zhejiang, has landed on our shores! One-pot meat and seafood feasts take the spotlight here. Picture a pot generously filled with succulent crab meat, shrimp, and juicy meat that’s stewed in a rich, flavourful broth.
Made using a blend of spices and secret sauces, the broth is infused into the seafood and meat to give the ingredients that umami-ladened flavour. Pair the broth with steaming bowls of rice and you’ll be reaching for seconds.
Must-try dishes: Signature crab pot; chicken feet pot; prawn pot
Address: Pang Pang, #01-13/14/15/16, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
7. Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice: Local classics made better
Think all chicken rice stores are the same? Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice will change your mind with its spin on this local delicacy. Founded by a Hainanese, Mr Teo Jew Kit, this brand has grown from a humble hawker store in 1992 to a household name today with six locations and counting.
Indulge in a taste of nostalgia with its signature steamed chicken cooked using a specialty sous vide method. This innovative technique helps to preserve the layer of collagen between the chicken skin and flesh, enhancing flavour, texture and freshness. For the optimal experience, pair the chicken rice with its signature homemade chilli, fragrant ginger paste, and dark soy sauce.
Be sure to try other authentic Hainanese delicacies, too. We recommend ordering the claypot curry fish head, crispy pork belly and handmade otah to share. This outlet at Guoco Midtown II is open day and night, so pop by anytime the chicken rice craving hits!
Must-try dishes: Signature steamed chicken; claypot curry fish head; crispy pork belly
Address: Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice, #01-08, Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188107
Besides these must-visit restaurants and eateries, Guoco Midtown II is also home to other mouth-watering spots. Think The Daily Cut and Kong Madam, as well as cafes like Tag Espresso, Korio and Kopifellas. Need a break in between meals? Make your way to CAL (Concept and Lifestyle), a modern self-care space for beauty and wellness treatments. Psst: for latest operating hours, check in-store when you visit.
Conveniently located above Bugis MRT Downtown Line (tip: Exit D is the nearest), Guoco Midtown II is an easily accessible destination for your next weekday lunch or weekend adventure. Swing by Guoco Midtown II, and get ready to eat your way through these delish spots!
This post is in partnership with Guoco Midtown II.
