Imagine tasting the heat of Sichuan, the sour tang of Guizhou and the herbal freshness of Yunnan, all without leaving Tampines.
That is the promise of Golden Chopsticks 金筷子云贵川, a new restaurant at Century Square, bringing the soul of China’s southwestern cuisines to Singapore.
Each region contributes something distinct.
Yunnan is known for light yet aromatic flavours, using herbs, mushrooms and flowers that thrive in its highland climate.
Guizhou cuisine leans sharp and sour, with a love for fermented chilli and pickled vegetables. Sichuan food of course, needs no introduction, with its numbing peppercorns and spice that make every meal unforgettable.
Golden Chopsticks combines these influences with a hint of Southeast Asian flair, creating a menu that feels both familiar and new.
The menu is extensive, ranging from cold appetisers to hearty stir-fries and signature soups.
You can find dishes like Boiled Fish with Pepper Salt, Spicy Fried Chicken aka La Zi Ji, Stone Pot Steamed Egg, Stir-fried Pork with Deer Antler Mushrooms, Mapo Tofu, and Pickled Sauerkraut Fish.
With a spread of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan dishes all in one place, here are some of the highlights from Golden Chopsticks 金筷子云贵川:
Boiled Fish with Pepper Salt 椒盐水煮鱼 ($24.80 member price, UP $30.80)
The Boiled Fish with Pepper Salt deserves its place at the top of the menu.
The chef explained that it started as a Northeastern adaptation of Sichuan’s famous shui zhu yu, but here it’s been refined with a Southeast Asian touch.
The result was a base rich in fragrance rather than oil, with fish cooked until soft and delicate inside, with a faint crispness on the outside.
Passion Fruit Sour Soup Fish 百香果酸汤鱼 ($24.80 member price, UP $30.80)
A Guizhou classic reworked with tropical flavours, the soup uses fresh passion fruit, pineapple, tofu, white fungus and tomatoes to create a broth that is both tangy and slightly sweet.
What I found unusual was how the first sip hit with a tang, followed by an interesting sweetness from the fruits.
The fish was firm and flaky, and the overall result was refreshing, almost addictive.
Braised Chicken with Mashed Potatoes 土豆泥焖鸡 ($16.80 member price, UP $19.80)
The Braised Chicken with Mashed Potatoes looked deceptively simple, but turned out to be one of my favourites.
Originally a Yunnan specialty known as huo shao yun you men ji 火烧云油焖鸡, it was renamed and adapted for local diners.
The chicken was tender and braised in a thick, savoury sauce that coated the mashed potatoes beneath.
An honest, home-style dish. The restaurant also offers both spicy and non-spicy versions, making it approachable for the family.
Pickled Cabbage and Beef 小锅酸菜牛肉 ($19.80 member price, UP $22.80)
High-grade Angus beef is used, stirred-fried quickly at high heat for just 18 seconds.
The result was tender beef strips enveloped in a sauce packed with the sharp tang of pickled vegetables. The wok aroma is unmistakable.
Best to go with a bowl of fluffy Wuchang rice.
Crispy Rice with Rose Pickled Mustard and Pork 玫瑰酸菜锅巴饭 ($15.80, UP $18.80)
An interesting dish that uses rose pickled mustard from Yunnan, which is very unusual, and Guizhou-style yellow rice crisp.
Scoop up some of the pork, and eat it with the rice crisp that crackles audibly.
Garlic Sauce Pork Belly 蒜泥白肉 ($9.80 member price, UP $12.80)
The pork is sliced thin, chilled and served with a fragrant garlic sauce to be poured separately that combines sesame, soy and a slight chilli kick.
The balance was quite spot on. While the presentation was more modern, the taste was still quite classic.
Extra Large Lemon Tea 超大杯柠檬特调茶 ($3.80)
At a hefty 800ml, this large drink is exactly what you want after a lineup like this.
The iced tea is tangy and fresh, cut with real lemon slices and just enough sweetness to balance the spice. After several dishes rich and heavy on spice, it becomes more necessity than luxury.
Oh yes, you can also enjoy free-flow tidbits and soft serve ice cream for cooling down with something sweet.
Golden Chopsticks 金筷子云贵川
Century Square #02-07/28, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
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* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Golden Chopsticks 金筷子云贵川.
