Welcome to Lai Wah Restaurant
Lai Wah Restaurant, nestled at 44 Bendemeer Rd in Singapore, is a culinary gem steeped in rich history and innovation. Celebrated for its Cantonese cuisine, this establishment was once led by the legendary Master Supreme Heavenly Chef Tham Yew Kai, who redefined traditional dishes. Signature offerings like the Venison Fried Hor Fun and Yam Ring showcase a unique blend of flavors that excite the palate. The ambiance may be dated, but diners are quickly enchanted by the exceptional food and attentive service. Lai Wah is more than a restaurant; it’s a homage to culinary creativity, welcoming families and groups to share in unforgettable meals.
- 44 Bendemeer Rd #01-1436 Singapore Singapore Hotline: +44 6294 9922
Welcome to Lai Wah Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Singapore at 44 Bendemeer Rd #01-1436. This esteemed establishment specializes in delightful Chinese cuisine and stands out not just for its flavorful dishes but also for its storied history in the realm of Cantonese cooking. Once the helm of the legendary Master Supreme Heavenly Chef Tham Yew Kai, Lai Wah continues to carry the torch of innovation, creating dishes that celebrate tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.
As you step inside, you’ll find a moderately bustling atmosphere that is ideal for gathering with friends or family. The restaurant offers reservations, accepts debit cards, and is very family-friendly, making it a perfect choice for group dining. While the decor may carry a vintage charm, the real allure lies in the exquisite menu.
- Signature Dishes: Some must-try items include the Venison Fried Hor Fun, which has garnered rave reviews for its rich flavor and unique texture that many compare to beef. The Yang Chow Fried Rice is another recommended classic, providing the comfort and familiarity that defines great Chinese dining.
- Innovative Offerings: Don’t miss out on the Yam Ring, an iconic dish that pays homage to tradition while showcasing Lai Wah's culinary legacy. This dish stands testament to the restaurant’s origins in culinary experimentation.
- Delights for Young Palates: The restaurant is noted for being good for kids, ensuring that even the youngest diners can find something delicious to enjoy.
- Great Pairings: Lai Wah offers a selection of beer and wine only, making it easy to pair the meal with the perfect drink to enhance your dining experience.
The attached reviews reflect a consistent theme—food quality. Many patrons cite the salted egg calamari and claypot eggplant with salted fish as standout dishes, providing a rich tapestry of flavors. Dessert may be a mixed bag, with highlights like the Mango Pudding, but most agree that the menu is well worth exploring.
In summary, Lai Wah Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you are indulging in the rich hues of their innovative dishes or revisiting classic staples, each bite offers something unique. So gather your loved ones, make that reservation, and prepare for a truly satisfying dining experience that beckons a return visit.

Great place for Chinese food. Some items I tried and liked were the Venison fried hor fun, yang chow fried rice, and pork chop. I truly enjoyed the variety they have on the menu and I was happy to have tried deer meat for the first time! It tasted like beef! The customer service was great here too.

Legend. This is the place where the late Master Supreme Heavenly Chef Tham Yew Kai used to helm. ( For real - he was known as one of the four heavenly chefs in the 1960s)- master as he innovated, recreated and experimented with Cantonese cuisine. Food wise you can read about the history of this place. It was a lab of innovation with the birth of the Yam Ring ( an homage to a monks alm bowl) , the origin of Lo Hei and so on. Laiwah is a good place to honour a chef that has come before us - food wise they churn out food incredibly quick so feel free to indulge. Venison Horfun was delish(MUst order!), some of the dishes are now rare fare in most Cantonese places so are definitely worth a try. I found the mandarin stewed chicken a little heavy for me but I think thats cos I am trying it in 2015.. Pork chops in delish sauce are pretty yummy though so I guess fried pork does transcend time. The chicken with broccoli and ham was also rather unusual as I have not had that before. Pretty good with white rice though.

Decor is dated but the food is good. So if you can go pass the frills, this is the place to have a good meal. We ordered quite a few of their signature dishes and were suitably impressed. We liked their: * yam ring * salted egg calamari * Claypot eggplant with salted fish * stir fry vege with garlic * roasted chicken * soup of the day Their dessert items are some hits, some misses. The Mango Pudding was well received while I found the Almond Longan Jelly to be a little weird tasting. The salted egg buns were only so-so. The bill is not cheap but for the flavour and dining comfort, it's a return trip for the family soon.