Richman Dim Sum - Affordable Hong Kong Dim Sum by Ex-Hotel Chef

In the evolving neighborhood of Ubi, a culinary gem has emerged that dim sum enthusiasts in Singapore need to add to their must-visit list. Richman Dim Sum offers an impressive array of handcrafted Hong Kong-style dim sum at surprisingly affordable prices, all crafted by a chef with decades of experience at prestigious establishments.

The Culinary Minds Behind the Magic

What elevates Richman Dim Sum beyond an ordinary dim sum spot is the impressive pedigree of its chefs. The establishment is the brainchild of Malaysian-born Chef Foo Wah Keng, who brings with him an impressive 30 years of culinary expertise from renowned establishments including Crystal Jade, Mercure Hotel, and a well-known 4-star hotel restaurant.

Chef Foo operates the business with his childhood friend, Chef Kok Let Chin, another veteran with over three decades of dim sum-making experience. This wealth of experience translates directly into the quality and authenticity of every dish served.

Location and Ambiance

Richman Dim Sum operates within a kopitiam setting, sharing space with Yang Ming Seafood, a popular zi char eatery known for specialties like lobster chee cheong fun. The setting reflects an authentic Nanyang dining experience - unpretentious yet comfortable, focusing on the quality of food rather than fancy surroundings.

The location is conveniently accessible, just a quick six-minute walk from Ubi MRT Station, making it an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch for nearby office workers and residents. The casual kopitiam atmosphere allows for a relaxed dining experience while savoring high-quality dim sum that would typically be found in more upscale restaurants.

The Delectable Menu

With over 45 varieties of handcrafted dim sum starting from just S$2.90, Richman Dim Sum offers impressive variety at wallet-friendly prices. The menu showcases both traditional favorites and innovative creations that set them apart from other dim sum establishments.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

1. Coconut & Salted Egg Layer Cake (S$5.80)

This rare delicacy is said to be hard to find in Singapore due to its laborious preparation process. The cake features alternating layers of soft, fluffy dough interspersed with salted duck egg bits and fine desiccated coconut. The pillowy sweet and savory cake is enhanced with delectable salted egg, coconut shavings, and bits of tangerine skin. The contrast of sweet coconut with the umami of salted egg creates a harmonious flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated.

2. Crispy Taro Swans (S$6.80)

These are not just delicious but visually stunning as well. These adorable pastries are essentially thin, crispy shells filled with sweet taro paste. The artistic presentation—shaped like delicate swans—makes them a conversation starter and perfect for social media photos. The exterior provides a satisfying crunch that gives way to the smooth, subtly sweet taro filling inside.

3. Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls (S$6.80)

An innovative twist on traditional cheong fun, this dish features crispy popiah skin, dried shrimps, and cai poh (preserved radish) wrapped in velvety smooth rice noodle sheets. The contrasting textures—the silky exterior of the cheong fun against the crunch of the popiah skin—create an exciting mouthfeel, while the dried shrimp and preserved radish add bursts of umami flavor.

4. Fresh Shrimp Yong Tau Foo (S$2.90)

This is the most affordable item on the menu but doesn't compromise on quality or flavor. The Yong Tau Foo comes deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown and is doused in spicy chilli sauce. The fresh shrimp filling provides a sweet contrast to the spicy sauce, making this a satisfying bite that offers excellent value for money.

5. Signature Richman's Chocolate Yogurt Bear in Avocado Puree (S$6.80)

For those with a sweet tooth, this dessert is said to be a must-try. It combines smooth and buttery avocado puree with rich chocolatey notes, creating a dessert that's indulgent yet not overly sweet. The yogurt element adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the richness of the chocolate and avocado.

Traditional Favourites

Besides their signature creations, Richman Dim Sum also excels at traditional dim sum favorites, including:

• Hand-chopped Siew Mai (S$4.80)

• Chilli Oil Wanton (S$4.80)

• Crispy Egg Tart (S$5.80)

In addition to dim sum, they also offer a range of roasted meats that are meticulously prepared in-house, expanding your dining options beyond just dim sum.

Value and Pricing

One of the most appealing aspects of Richman Dim Sum is its affordability. Prices start from just S$2.90, making high-quality dim sum accessible to everyone. Most items fall in the S$4.80 to S$6.80 range, which is very reasonable considering the quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, and portion sizes.

This pricing strategy represents excellent value, especially when you consider the decades of experience behind each dish and the use of quality ingredients. A fulfilling meal for two can be enjoyed for around S$30-40, which is significantly lower than what you might pay at upscale Chinese restaurants for comparable quality.

Conclusion

Richman Dim Sum exemplifies how culinary excellence doesn't need to come with a hefty price tag. The combination of experienced chefs, quality ingredients, innovative creations, and affordable pricing makes it a standout addition to Singapore's food scene. Whether you're a dim sum connoisseur or new to these delicate bites, Richman Dim Sum offers an authentic and satisfying experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation.

Opening Hours and Contact Details

• Address: 71 Ubi Crescent, #01-05, Excalibur Centre, Singapore 408571

• Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30am to 4:00pm

• Contact: Follow them on Instagram at @richmandimsum

• Accessibility: 6-minute walk from Ubi MRT Station

• Note: Richman Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery

If you find yourself in Ubi or are willing to make a special trip for exceptional dim sum, this hidden gem should definitely be on your radar. Just be prepared to arrive early, as word is spreading quickly about this affordable dim sum haven crafted by master chefs.