Arguably the most popular dish in Chinese restaurants, these skilful chefs have come up with inspired takes on the Peking duck
The epitome of any Chinese feast is one with a Peking duck served in the middle of the dining table. A treat for the whole family, it’s always enjoyed for its skin that crackles on every bite and the tender meat that makes the mouth water. Even better when you dab a bit of sugar on the skin; add a smear of hoisin sauce, and toppings of crunchy cucumbers and finely shaved scallions before you wrap it with a thin crepe. Bite into it and you’ll come to fathom why such a dish was only reserved for Chinese emperors in the past. Whether classic styles or innovative twists, here are some of the best restaurants in Singapore to enjoy the iconic Peking duck.
The grand dame of Cantonese fine dining just got a modern update and we’re all for it. At the helm is executive chef Liu Ching Hai, boasting three decades of mastery of Cantonese cuisine, where he presents an impeccably executed Peking duck. Before roasting over open flame, each duck wears a delicate coat of spice marinade for 24 hours and is air-dried. This ensures the perfect ratio of crispy skin and succulent meat. The duck is meticulously sourced from Malaysia and delivered within 12 hours from butchery to table, so you know you’re getting a fresh bird. Expect a skilful display of tableside carving where the chef expertly portions the bird. There will be crispy skin to be dabbed with brown sugar; juicy duck breast to be wrapped in thin pancakes with the usual suspects, but elevated with airy corn crisps and a truffle-infused fermented ground bean sauce; and the juicy duck thigh with mouthwatering plum sauce.
Summer Palace (Singapore)
Address: 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 3, Regent Singapore, S(249715)