Dim sum lovers, you’re in for a treat. At just $18+ (no service charge), you get to enjoy a plethora of over 50 dim sum varieties, from 11.30am till 3.30pm, any day of the week. Where can you get such a good deal? The answer is no other than Ju Chun Yuan, located at Far East Square.

Housed in a heritage site, in the former Chui Eng Free School built in 1854 (one of the first Chinese free schools to provide free education to the poor), Ju Chun Yuan’s ancient-looking façade is stunningly elegant and very well preserved. A great backdrop for touristy group photos –I totally witnessed that. Wade past prevailing tourists (if any) whom might be blocking the entrance, and walk through the elegant bamboo courtyard that leads to the restaurant.

The two-storey 140-seater restaurant is dressed in a classic Chinese décor, replete with 4 well-appointed private rooms that are perfect for intimate gatherings and parties.

I visited Ju Chun Yuan twice for the value-for-money dim sum buffet, and both visits were exceedingly fulfilling.

On the regular menu, tasteful renditions of Min cuisine (also known as Fujian cuisine) predominate.

Oh how I love dim sum. With the desire of wanting to order every single item on the menu, my eyes would excitedly scour the extensive list of familiar dim sum items, and my hand, gripping onto a pen, would instinctually tick away, filling the order chit with numerous strokes that scream greed.

I have compiled pictures taken from both visits. I used a compact camera during my second visit, thus the quality difference. You could possibly derive vicarious pleasure from the following food porn –or at least, I hope my photos did justice to the dishes. Enjoy.

The usual suspects in the buffet menu include the Steamed Chicken & Shrimp Dumpling, also known as “Siew Mai” (A la carte pricing: $4 for 4pcs), Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, also known as “Har Gow” (A la carte pricing: $4.50 for 4pcs), and Steamed Barbecued Pork Bun, also known as “Char Siew Bao” (A la carte pricing: $4 for 3 pcs).

Four Seasons Pork Dumpling (A la carte pricing: $5)

The Four Seasons Pork Dumpling is a must-order. The pork dumpling is topped with four contrasting ingredients for a textural mouthful.

Steamed Rice Noodle Roll w/Shrimps OR w/BBQ Pork (A la carte pricing: $5)

Salted Egg Custard Bun (A la carte pricing: $4.50 for 3pcs)

The Salted Egg Custard Bun is also another must-try. The bun is infused with the fragrance of pandan, encasing salted egg custard within that bursts with molten consistency as you bite into it.

Pan Fried Crabcake (A la carte pricing: $4.50)

Pan Fried Carrot Cake (A la carte pricing: $4.50 for 3pcs)

Deep Fried Yam Dumpling (A la carte pricing: $4)

Pork Dumpling with Spicy Sauce (A la carte pricing: $5 for 4pcs)

Another must-order would be the Pork Dumpling with Spicy Sauce. The dumpling skin is delicately thin, shielding a generous amount of well-marinated meat within.

Chilled Pork Shank with Garlic (A la carte pricing: $8)

The texture of the Chilled Pork Shank with Garlic did not appeal to me though. This is not something I would order.

I would choose the Deep Fried Ngo Hiang with Chicken & Chestnut (A la carte pricing: $4) and Deep Fried Prawns Dumplings w/Salad (A la carte pricing: $4) over this.

Century Egg & Pork Congee OR Sliced Fish Congee (A la carte pricing: $4.50)

Congee is my ultimate comfort food. The condiments that are placed on each table will come in handy here, as the congee is light on the palate and slightly under-seasoned.

Braised Beef Brisket Noodle Soup (A la carte pricing: $6.50)

If you need your carbohydrates, the Braised Beef Brisket Noodle Soup is highly recommended. The quality of this dish in its entity surpassed my expectations. The “la mian” noodle absorbs the beefy goodness while still retaining some bite. The beef-infused soup is immensely flavourful without giving the impression of being MSG-laden.

Homemade Egg Tart (A la carte pricing: $3.80 for 2pcs)

The Homemade Egg Tart warrants multiple orders as well.

Chilled Durian & Fresh Cream in Pan Cake (A la carte pricing: $7)

Fans of durian must not leave without trying the Chilled Durian & Fresh Cream in Pan Cake. A generous amount of durian pulp is wrapped in a paper-thin layer of pancake. This has got to be one of the best durian desserts I’ve ever had.

Chilled Pumpkin Pudding (A la carte pricing: $3.80)

The Chilled Pumpkin Pudding is a highlight for me. Cold and creamy and slides down the throat, this is the groundsel of heavenly bliss.

All these and more, at just $18+ per person, how is this buffet not value for money, you tell me! This is quality buffet, without a hefty price tag.

For add-ons, noteworthy A La Carte items include the Ju Chun Yuan Roast Duck ($10) and Ju Chu Yuan Special Roast Pork ($8), both at affordable pricings.

For reservations, call or email

Ju Chun Yuan Dim Sum Buffet
Minimum of 2 persons dining
Pricing: $18+ (Usual pricing: $24+)
Child (from 3 to 12 years old): $10+
Buffet timing: 11.30am to 3.30pm daily.

Ju Chun Yuan
Far East Square


(Nearest MRT: Raffles Place or Chinatown)

Tel:
Email:
Website: juchunyuan.com.sg
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