Garden Inn Yanjiang East Road Branch

This multifaceted dining concept in a heritage building is supervised by celebrity chef Lan Guijun. It hits the spot every time, thanks to quality ingredients, deft execution and thoughtful service. A few set menus are available – all require pre-ordering. The assortment of six small plates in a silver box highlights the varied taste profiles in Sichuanese fare. Try also the five-colour cold noodles with spiny lobster, and golden thread noodle soup.

Well-honed European techniques are put to use in the display kitchen to turn the best ingredients from around the world into creative, contemporary works of art. There is just one eight-course tasting menu and it changes bi-monthly, with a "best of" menu at the end of each year. Two wine pairing options are available at different price points. The wine list is well curated and the knowledgeable sommelier has some great tips for you.

This street was once known for the sheer number of seafood restaurants on it. Though most of its competitors were shuttered for good, Xin Ji is still going strong after over 30 years of service. And of course, picking live critters from the fish tank at the door is part of the ritual. If you have no idea what to pick, try their signature eel dishes – freshwater eel braised with roast pork and swamp eel rice, both boasting fatty, firm flesh.

As the name suggests, Laifen noodle soup is the main item sold at this rustic shop, and is served alongside ingredients such as barbecue pork, beef balls or octopus. The creamy rice soup has hints of mushroom and dried shrimp flavours. "Water caltrop", consisting of rice noodles shaped like bite-size buffalo nuts topped with shredded egg, preserved cabbage, cracklings and peanuts, is an old-time dish that is hard to find elsewhere.

Since 1985, this tiny gem has been specialising in double-boiled soups. The menu boasts some 20 health tonics that are grouped by medicinal properties – some nourish the lungs; others boost energy levels. Those slow-cooked in whole coconuts are especially loved by customers, like the coconut chicken soup that imparts sweet aromas. Steamed rice with pork patty and pickled mustard greens entices with briny umami and juicy, silky pork.

This outpost of the Hong Kong-based chain is well known among locals and tourists for its nicely made traditional Cantonese fare, such as crispy roast pork belly, and slow-boiled or double-boiled soups. Kick off your meal with chilled jellyfish salad; the mildly tangy black vinegar accentuates the lovely crunch. Save room for the grand finale – a double dessert whammy of sweet almond milk and steamed sticky rice jujube cake.

Since 1983, Dayang has been synonymous with double-boiled soups, which dominate its menu. Three stacks of steel steamers in the corner turn out tasty health tonics every couple hours and you never know in advance exactly what will be available. In the top-selling silkie chicken soup in whole coconut, meaty and nutty flavours mingle. The quail soup is also popular. Adventurous eaters might like to try the turtle jelly with milk and honey.