Kid-Friendly and Cool: Sum Yi Tai

Tapas aren’t just for grownups anymore! Hip Cantonese hotspot Sum Yi Tai now offers a kids’ menu, and did we mention they eat FREE on Saturdays?

Mama, have you ever heard of kids eating free on Saturday nights? We’re pleased to report that the chic Sum Yi Tai has done just that, becoming the first Chinese restaurant in Singapore to offer a specialised complimentary kids menu. The catch? It’s mandatory that you have fun dining together as a family!

Translated as Third Wife in Cantonese, Sum Yi Tai is lauded as ‘the place where dragons meet’ over premium whiskey, fine wine and good old Chinese food. Located in a trendy Boon Tat Street shophouse, the ground floor makes up a Chinese Tapas Bar, the second floor houses the Dining Club, while a private access-by-reservation-only Rooftop Bar makes up the third floor. Great tipples and scrumptious bites all under one roof! Upon entering Sum Yi Tai, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’ve stepped into 1980s Hong Kong, complete with a black Chinese dragon hanging from the ceiling, a distinct gangland vibe from old Hong Kong gangster movies and a mosaic artwork wall made up of hundreds of wooden mah-jong tiles and albums of popular Canto-pop artistes.

And now on Saturdays, the Dining Club offers free kids’ meals for children aged 10 & under, while parents can enjoy traditional Cantonese fare in a chic modern setting. Of course we had to check out this place for ourselves! Children choose from two delicious options – Maple-honey glazed char siew egg noodles with juicy king prawn wontons, or Fried egg on rice with shrimp paste chicken wings, plus a free cup of juice. My twins both went for the wonton noodles and the chef was kind enough to even offer them a bowl of hot soup to go along with that. The presentation was lovely (considering it was only for children) and it was a dish I would have happily tucked into myself. The char siew was gorgeous and full of flavour, with noodles cooked just right and fat wontons. I’m still smiling remember that plate. Making food visually appealing is a great way to get kids excited about eating, and it was nice to see Sum Yi Tai succeed in this regard.

As for us (the adults), the first thing that grabs you is the elegant dining space beautifully draped in rich, deep green and soft feminine colours. A clever concept, the second level Dining Club exudes everything the Third Wife represents: charm, sophistication, beauty and opulence – think rich wood panelling, oriental prints and crystal chandeliers. Sit in the main dining room, or take advantage of the private dining room, which can house up to 10 people, when you’re celebrating an intimate, special event. And the food certainly adds the finishing touches – modern, delicious and good value.

What would I recommend? Definitely the signature Salad King Prawns tossed in a luscious homemade orange-pomelo mayonnaise ($16), and the spicy fried Whitebait ($10). If you’re in the mood for something spicy, order the Australian Barramundi Fish Fillet in Szechuan Pickled Chili Sauce ($42) – I just wish they would bottle the sauce and sell that separately too, it’s that good! And for something meaty? Get the classic Gong Bo Chicken with dried chili pieces and roasted cashews ($26), the braised Beef Brisket ($28), and of course the Sweet & Sour Pork ($28). There’s a huge selection of rice and noodles, but we tried the Singapore Fried Rice ($24) – it’s typically London-Cantonese style, spiced with curry powder, and succulent chunks of prawns and char siew.

Hungry yet? There’s a lot more still where that came from. And don’t forget to leave room for their ample whiskey, cocktail and sake menus. So if you don’t have plans for this Saturday night, mama, head to Boon Tat Street – and bring the kids!

Opening hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-1am (Mon-Fri); 5pm-1am (Sat). Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Sum Yi Tai, 25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622, Tel: (+65) 6221 3665, www.sumyitai.com