We’re big fans of dim sum, whether it’s from contemporary chains such as Din Tai Fung, or the bustling, wallet-friendly spots across the border in JB. It’s getting much harder to find pushcart-style dim sum restaurants in Singapore, and Red Star Restaurant remains one of the stalwart few to maintain this tradition, complete with its nostalgic 1970s vibe.
Even accessing the restaurant feels like stepping back in time. Tucked away on the seventh floor of an HDB block, it’s accessible only through a multi-storey car park—a common setup for eateries built in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, during Singapore’s housing boom.
Step inside and you’re greeted with a spacious, ornate banquet hall, fully decked out with a stage, carpeted flooring and rounded tables. It’s certainly a nostalgic spectacle that elderly family members would revel in.
Your first pot of tea comes with a metal bowl of hot water, a traditional practice that allows diners to rinse their cups before pouring the tea.
To grab your dim sum, you’ll have to flag one of the aunties whizzing past with their large metal pushcarts, keeping the dishes stored within fresh and warm. Pick what catches your eye, or if your favourite dish isn’t on display, just ask the staff and they’ll bring it over in no time.
No visit to a dim sum parlour is complete without ordering the Siu Mai, Har Gao (Prawn Dumplings), and Xiao Long Bao, and they all go for $5.70++ per plate. While prices aren’t the most affordable compared to other dim sum spots in Singapore, they feel fair given the elevated, luxurious location.
Other popular offerings include the buttery Baked Cha-Siu Pie ($5.70++) and Egg Tart ($5.70++ for three). My personal favourite is the Deep-Fried Yam Pie ($5.70++), golden, fluffy balls encasing yam and minced meat, which I observed almost every table ordering on my previous visit.
For something different, go for the Sugar Cane Prawn ($5.90++), comprising breaded prawns skewered through sugar cane stems.
Aside from dim sum, an extensive menu of Chinese main dishes is also available, where you can choose from extravagant options such as the Peking Duck ($78++) and the crowd-favourite Braised Pork Trotter ($28++).
With its charming retro decor and timeless atmosphere, Red Star Restaurant makes an ideal spot for multi-generational family gatherings and celebrations, bringing young and old together to relive the past.
Red Star Restaurant is located at HDB Block 54 on Chin Swee Road, a 10-minute walk from Chinatown MRT Station.
For other eats around the area, check out our Chinatown food guide. We also featured Five Star Handmade Dim Sum, which has cheap dim sum at Aljunied.
Address: 54 Chin Swee Road, #07-23, Singapore 160054
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 8am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 6532 5266
Website
Red Star Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
Feature image adapted from Ashley Matthew Teo and Stephen Wong via Google Maps.
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