sum yi tai singapore review
Tweed tank top and lurex miniskirt, Dior. Metal earrings, H&M. Cotton socks, Prada

Meaning “Third Wife” in Cantonese, this joint has been bringing us a slice of Hong Kong cool for the past half a year. Each of its three floors has a different Chinoiserie-inspired concept, starting with the tapas bar on the ground floor (think a luxe version of a Wong Kar-wai set, wall of fake roasted ducks included); a plush dining hall on the second; and a rooftop bar where one can enjoy one of the best views of the city skyline, while infectious ’80s Cantopop tunes play.

sum yi tai bar
The neon-lit interior of the tapas bar is right out of a Wong Kar-wai movie.

On its menu: A fine selection of classic Chinese dishes like crispy roast pork and salmon skin with salted egg yolk served tapas-style. Head down at dinnertime for a more comprehensive menu that offers a mix of traditional (black chicken soup) and newfangled (soft shell crab steeped in chilli and garlic and cooked “bei fung tong” style) dishes.

sum yi tai rooftop bar
The cosy rooftop bar space on the third floor is great for post-dinner drinks.

Finish off with a round of drinks that bear kitschy names like Golden Dragon – a refreshing cocktail of gin, soda, syrup and lemon foam – and The Mysterious Yum Seng Shot – we don’t have details on what goes into it, but hey, that’s all part of the fun here. 25 Boon Tat Street, opens daily for dinner, 5pm-1am, Mon-Sat (closed on Sun and P.H.)

Styling Imran Jalal Photography Elvina Farkas/Anue Management Art Direction Leyna Poh Photography Assistant Mich Tan & Lucas Milone Hair Peter Lee/Hairloom Makeup Melissa Yeo, using Nars Model Olesya R/Ave

An adapted version first appeared in Female’s December issue, out on newsstands now.

Like this? For great music and yummy burgers, check out Meatliquor.