The Lai Wah Restaurant menu is a true reflection of Singapore’s rich culinary history. Known for its authentic Cantonese flavors, Lai Wah has been serving families and food lovers since 1963. This iconic restaurant combines traditional recipes with modern cooking techniques to deliver unforgettable meals. Every dish on the menu is prepared with care, highlighting the perfect balance between texture and taste. Moreover, the restaurant’s legacy lies not just in its age but in the quality of its dishes. Each visit to Lai Wah feels like stepping into a piece of Singapore’s food heritage. With its extensive selection, the menu satisfies both traditionalists and adventurous diners.
Taste and Tradition
Founded by two master chefs from the Cathay Restaurant, Lai Wah holds a proud place in Singapore’s dining history. Their goal was to bring Cantonese fine dining to local families. Over the decades, the restaurant has become a symbol of consistent quality and nostalgic flavors. Many dishes from the Lai Wah Restaurant menu are inspired by recipes that date back more than half a century. The chefs still use traditional wok-frying techniques and fresh ingredients to retain the restaurant’s authentic touch. This dedication to tradition makes Lai Wah a trusted name among locals and tourists.
Detailed Menu
| Category | Dish Name | Description | Serving Size | Approx. Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | Fried Wanton | Crispy golden dumplings | Small Plate | $8.00 |
| Spring Rolls | Deep-fried rolls | Small Plate | $7.00 | |
| Prawn Fritters | Lightly battered prawns | 4 pieces | $9.00 | |
| Jellyfish Salad | Chilled jellyfish | Sharing Plate | $10.00 | |
| Soups | Seafood Tofu Soup | Silky tofu, prawns, and squid simmered in rich broth | Bowl (for 2–3) | $12.00 |
| Hot & Sour Soup | Spicy-sour broth | Bowl (for 2) | $10.00 | |
| Shark Fin Soup | Traditional Cantonese soup | Individual Bowl | $18.00 | |
| Poultry & Meat Dishes | Sweet and Sour Pork | Signature pork dish | Medium Plate | $14.00 |
| Mandarin Chicken | Deep-fried chicken | Medium Plate | $15.00 | |
| Black Pepper Beef | Tender beef slices stir-fried | Medium Plate | $16.00 | |
| Lemon Chicken | Crispy chicken fillet | Medium Plate | $14.00 | |
| Seafood Specials | Claypot Seafood Combination | Abalone, scallops, prawns, and sea cucumber | Large Claypot | $28.00 |
| Steamed Grouper | Fresh grouper steamed with soy sauce and ginger | Whole Fish | $32.00 | |
| Cereal Prawns | Prawns coated in buttery oat cereal mix | 6 pieces | $22.00 | |
| Sambal Squid | Squid stir-fried in spicy sambal chili sauce | Medium Plate | $16.00 | |
| Rice & Noodles | Lai Wah Fried Rice | House special fried rice with shrimp and egg | Plate | $10.00 |
| Yang Chow Fried Rice | Classic fried rice with roast pork and prawns | Plate | $11.00 | |
| Hor Fun with Egg Gravy | Flat rice noodles in smooth egg-based sauce | Plate | $12.00 | |
| Ee-Fu Noodles with Mushrooms | Soft noodles braised with shiitake mushrooms | Plate | $13.00 | |
| Vegetables & Tofu | Stir-Fried Broccoli with Garlic | Fresh broccoli sautéed with minced garlic | Plate | $10.00 |
| Braised Beancurd with Vegetables | Soft tofu cooked in oyster sauce with seasonal greens | Plate | $11.00 | |
| Kailan with Oyster Sauce | Crispy kailan leaves in savory oyster sauce | Plate | $9.00 | |
| Desserts | Mango Pudding | Creamy chilled pudding made with fresh mango puree | Cup | $6.00 |
| Red Bean Soup | Traditional hot dessert with sweet red beans | Bowl | $5.00 | |
| Longan with Almond Jelly | Refreshing dessert with jelly and longan fruit | Bowl | $6.00 | |
| Ice Cream Trio | Three scoops of assorted tropical flavors | Bowl | $7.00 | |
| Beverages | Chinese Tea (Per Person) | Unlimited refill of premium hot tea | Pot | $3.00 |
| Fresh Lime Juice | Freshly squeezed lime served chilled | Glass | $4.00 | |
| Chrysanthemum Tea | Lightly sweetened herbal floral tea | Glass | $3.50 |
Signature Dishes
The Lai Wah Restaurant menu features a wide variety of dishes that showcase the depth of Cantonese cooking. Some signature items include sweet and sour pork, claypot seafood, and crispy noodles with shrimp. Each dish is cooked to perfection, maintaining its aroma and unique texture. Their Mandarin-style chicken is another crowd favorite, known for its juicy meat and savory sauce. The menu offers something for every preference, from light soups to hearty seafood platters. These timeless recipes have helped Lai Wah maintain its legendary status in Singapore’s food scene.
Appetizers and Soups
Every great meal begins with a delicious starter, and the Lai Wah Restaurant menu offers plenty of options. The appetizers range from spring rolls and fried wantons to prawn fritters and marinated jellyfish. These small bites prepare your taste buds for the main course ahead. Their soups are another highlight, with classic options like shark fin soup and seafood tofu soup. The flavors are gentle yet rich, reflecting the traditional balance found in Cantonese cuisine. Whether dining alone or with family, these starters set the tone for a comforting meal.
Main Course
The main dishes on the Lai Wah Restaurant menu are what keep customers coming back. Choices include a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked in signature sauces. From black pepper beef to prawns in chili sauce, every dish bursts with authentic flavor. Diners often praise the wok hei — the smoky aroma from high-heat wok cooking — that defines Lai Wah’s dishes. It gives each bite a depth of taste unmatched by modern cooking methods. These main courses are perfect for sharing, making them ideal for family dinners and celebrations.
Rice and Noodle Specialties
The rice and noodle dishes on the Lai Wah Restaurant menu are equally impressive. Fried rice, stir-fried hor fun, and crispy noodles offer a satisfying blend of flavor and texture. The famous “Lai Wah Fried Rice” is cooked with shrimp, egg, and a special house sauce for a truly memorable meal. Meanwhile, noodle lovers can enjoy dishes like Ee-Fu noodles with mushrooms or seafood hor fun drenched in egg gravy. These options are flavorful yet comforting, representing the heart of Cantonese cuisine. Every bite brings the essence of Lai Wah’s culinary mastery.
Seafood Selections
Seafood lovers will appreciate the diverse choices available on the Lai Wah Restaurant menu. The claypot seafood combination, featuring abalone, scallops, and sea cucumber, stands out as a signature dish. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly, creating a dish rich in umami flavor. The steamed fish options, such as grouper or pomfret, are equally popular. Cooked with ginger and soy, they deliver a light yet satisfying taste. These seafood creations reflect the restaurant’s dedication to freshness and quality ingredients.
Desserts and Drinks
No dining experience is complete without dessert, and the Lai Wah Restaurant menu offers sweet endings that delight every guest. The chilled mango pudding is smooth, creamy, and refreshing, while the red bean soup is a comforting traditional favorite. For drinks, diners can enjoy Chinese tea, fruit juices, or cold beverages to complement their meal. The restaurant’s desserts balance sweetness with lightness, leaving you satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s the perfect way to end a delightful meal at Lai Wah.
Why Lai Wah Restaurant Menu Stands Out
The reason the Lai Wah Restaurant menu stands out lies in its authenticity and history. While many modern restaurants follow trends, Lai Wah preserves traditional flavors. The chefs have perfected the balance of sweetness, saltiness, and savoriness that defines Cantonese cuisine. Additionally, the restaurant’s long-standing reputation assures customers of quality and consistency. Each dish tells a story — one that reflects Singapore’s cultural roots and culinary evolution. Lai Wah continues to attract both long-time patrons and new visitors seeking genuine flavors.
Locations and Operating Hours
| Branch Name | Address | Contact Number | Operating Hours | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Branch (Bendemeer, Singapore) | 44 Bendemeer Road, #01-1436, Singapore 330044 | +65 6294 3655 | Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Established in 1963; serves full traditional Cantonese menu |
| Downtown Delivery Hub | 10 Kallang Avenue, Singapore (for takeaway/delivery only) | +65 6810 8899 | Daily: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Specializes in online orders and catering |
| Westside Express Outlet | 21 Jurong East Central, Singapore 609697 | +65 6513 2777 | Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sat–Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Offers faster service with a condensed Lai Wah Restaurant menu |
| Event & Catering Service Center | 8 Kallang Sector, Singapore 349282 | +65 6333 1901 | Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Handles group bookings, banquets, and corporate catering |
| Lai Wah Restaurant Legacy Corner (Pop-up) | Food Republic, VivoCity Mall, Singapore | — | Fri–Sun: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Features signature items like sweet and sour pork and claypot seafood |
Conclusion
In summary, the Lai Wah Restaurant menu offers a delightful blend of tradition, flavor, and comfort. From its signature claypot seafood to the iconic fried rice, every dish speaks to decades of expertise. The restaurant remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s dining culture, offering flavors that feel like home.Whether you’re a local craving nostalgia or a visitor eager to taste authentic Cantonese cuisine, Lai Wah is a must-visit. Its menu showcases the essence of timeless recipes that continue to inspire generations of food lovers.
