Shou Handmade Dim Sum - Run By Chef With 40 Years Experience

When a veteran chef with four decades of dim sum mastery sets up shop in a century-old heritage building, you know something special is brewing. Enter Shou Handmade Dim Sum Restaurant, Maxwell's newest culinary gem that's quietly winning hearts one perfectly pleated dumpling at a time.

Nestled within KADA Maxwell's historic walls, Shou occupies a unique space that moonlights as Daikoku Japanese Izakaya by evening. The Japanese-inspired décor might throw first-time visitors off, but don't let the aesthetic fool you – this is serious Cantonese dim sum territory.

Located just behind Maxwell Food Centre in a 101-year-old conserved building, the restaurant carries an old-world charm that Singapore's oldest electric lift would approve of. The intimate setting creates an unexpectedly cozy atmosphere for what might be the city's most under-the-radar dim sum experience.

Here's where things get impressive: Shou's head chef brings nearly 40 years of dim sum expertise from various Singapore hotels to this modest Maxwell spot. That's four decades of perfecting the art of dumpling-making, and it shows in every meticulously crafted piece.

Classic Perfection: Steamed Siew Mai ($5.50)

Sometimes the classics need no reinvention. Shou's version delivers tender pork crowned with bouncy shrimp, all wrapped in delicate skin with just the right amount of lye bite. The natural coloring approach over artificial additives shows attention to quality that serious dim sum lovers will appreciate.

The Kid-Friendly Winner: Golden Chicken Dumplings ($6.80)

Shaped like adorable golden chickens, these fried glutinous rice dumplings (ham sui gok) offer something rare in Singapore's dim sum scene. The crispy exterior yields to a mochi-like chewiness, while marinated chicken pieces swim in a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce.

The Lava Experience: Steamed Salted Egg Yolk Buns ($5.60)

Molten salted egg yolk filling that hits the sweet-salty balance with precision. The slightly thicker bun base isn't a design flaw – it's engineered to handle that glorious golden lava flow.

The Golden Crown: Baked BBQ Pork Buns ($7.20)

These Instagram-famous beauties aren't just photogenic – they're exceptional. Each bun emerges golden-brown with a perfectly crusty exterior that gives way to fluffy, buttery interiors. The char siew filling strikes that elusive balance between savory and sweet, with strips of fatty pork swimming in a sauce that's more complex than your average dim sum joint.

Shanghai Soupy Perfection: Xiao Long Bao ($5.80)

Little soupy pockets of joy with skin just thick enough to hold it all together without breaking, and broth that's rich, flavourful, and so copious that some spilled onto my pants according to one reviewer. These Shanghai soup dumplings showcase the chef's technical prowess with their delicate pleating and robust pork broth.

Crystal Clear Excellence: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings ($5.80)

Shou's har gao checks all the right boxes, even squeezing two whole shrimp pieces into each dumpling. The translucent wrapper reveals fresh, bouncy shrimp inside – a true test of any dim sum kitchen's commitment to quality.

Location: KADA Maxwell #01-02/03, 5 Kadayanallur Street
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM,
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Closed Mondays
Average Spend: $8-$15 per person
Reservations: Recommended for weekend visits

Shou Handmade Dim Sum proves that Singapore's best culinary experiences often hide in unexpected places. While KADA Maxwell's café scene gets most of the attention, this heritage building houses something far more precious – authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum crafted by genuine expertise.

For dim sum purists seeking quality over flashiness, Shou delivers the goods. The four-decade experience shows in every perfectly executed dish, making this modest Maxwell spot a worthy addition to any serious foodie's rotation.