Beautiful setting at Dempsey Hill with a great atmosphere. The food was excellent—highly recommend the San Choy Pao for a fresh start. The Numbing Pork Ribs were tender with just the right amount of spice, and the Jade Fried Rice was light, fragrant, and a perfect pairing. Great service and a lovely spot for a meal!
Overview
Tucked away at 10 Dempsey Rd, #01-23, Singapore 247700, Chopsuey Cafe Dempsey Hill feels like one of those places you stumble upon once and then keep going back to. I first visited on a humid Friday evening after a recommendation from a colleague in the F&B industry, and since then, it has become my go-to spot whenever I’m around Dempsey. The leafy surroundings alone make the short walk from the car park feel like an escape from the city.
The menu is where things get interesting. Instead of sticking rigidly to one cuisine, the kitchen plays confidently with Asian and Western influences. You’ll find familiar comfort dishes sitting right next to bold reinterpretations of classics. On my first visit, I tried their take on a modern chopsuey-style stir fry, paired with a fragrant jasmine rice bowl. The balance of texture and seasoning was spot on-crisp vegetables, tender meat, and a sauce that was savory without being heavy. According to research from the World Health Organization, balanced meals that include vegetables, lean proteins, and moderate seasoning contribute significantly to overall well-being. While this isn’t a health café per se, it’s refreshing to see dishes that don’t rely purely on excess salt or oil for flavor.
Service here deserves a mention too. During one busy weekend brunch, I noticed how the staff managed a full house without letting standards slip. Orders were clearly repeated back, dietary preferences were carefully noted, and dishes arrived at a steady pace. In hospitality training programs accredited by organizations like the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications system, clear communication and process consistency are emphasized as pillars of good service. You can tell that the team at this Dempsey location follows a similar discipline. It shows in the way plates are presented and how staff check in without hovering.
Another standout for me was their small plates selection. I once brought a group of friends visiting from overseas, and instead of ordering individual mains, we shared across the table. This approach let us sample more of the menu, from crispy appetizers to rich noodle dishes and inventive desserts. Sharing plates encourage conversation, and in a relaxed setting like Dempsey Hill, that social element feels natural. The Singapore Tourism Board often highlights Dempsey as a lifestyle enclave known for dining and culture, and this café fits perfectly into that narrative.
Portion sizes are generous but not overwhelming. Prices are reflective of the location-Dempsey Hill has long been known for its upscale dining scene-yet the quality of ingredients and thoughtful plating justify the spend. I’ve compared it with other eateries in the area, and what sets this spot apart is consistency. Across multiple visits over several months, the flavor profiles remained stable. That consistency is something chefs and restaurateurs often stress as the backbone of credibility in food service.
The ambiance deserves attention as well. High ceilings, warm lighting, and a layout that balances indoor comfort with the greenery outside create an inviting dining space. On a weekday afternoon, I once spent nearly two hours there working over coffee and a light lunch. The environment was calm enough for conversation yet lively enough to feel energizing. Reviews from regular patrons often highlight the same thing: it’s suitable for date nights, casual business meetings, and family gatherings alike.
Of course, no place is perfect. During peak dinner hours, waiting times can stretch slightly, especially without a reservation. That said, the staff are upfront about delays, and the flow usually improves once the initial rush settles. Transparency in communication builds trust, and in my experience, they handle expectations well.
Whether you’re exploring Dempsey Hill for the first time or you’re already familiar with its cluster of restaurants, this café stands out for its creative menu, attentive service, and relaxed yet polished atmosphere. From thoughtfully prepared stir fries to well-executed desserts and carefully curated drinks, it offers a dining experience that feels both grounded and imaginative, all in one of Singapore’s most charming dining locations.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
It’s a great place to meet friends, away from all the city noise. There were many dishes on the menu I wanted to try, but in the end, we settled on the Chicken & Pineapple Satay ($18++), Kung Pao Chicken ($24++), and Singapore Fried Prawn Noodles ($28++). As you can see, the prices are on the higher side, but the tasty dishes and the ambience of the restaurant made up for it, I guess. Caution: Do not sit in the outdoor area! I wanted to have a drink after lunch and enjoy the greenery, but I ended up with several bites from some vicious mosquitoes - and they itched for days! Haha.
Beautiful ambience, friendly staff - Ralphael, Eileen, Dennis!!. Very accommodating and service was so so well delivered! Delicious food and overall recommended for small group gathering, catching up with friends!
The food here is amazing. The aromatic duck had some of the best hoisin sauce I’ve ever tasted. Other great dishes are the beef randang, the prawns and the kung pao chicken. The spicy lychee margarita was also delicious.
Chopsuey Café at Dempsey Hill presents a “contemporary Asian” menu featuring Western-influenced Chinese dishes. The restaurant is well-regarded for its elegant colonial-style décor, lush garden setting, and chic ambiance. However, the food quality does not fully justify the premium pricing, especially when compared with other Chinese dining options in the Orchard area. That said, for those who value concept and atmosphere as much as the cuisine, it remains a worthwhile destination.
The food is good and my mum loves it. Good for family meals with elderly. Service is good and Eileen recommended us the beef cheek rendang with rice.