 The newest kid on the block for Hong Kong cuisine serves up its offerings in a modern Oriental paradise at ION Orchard.
Its predominant pink and white decor, oversized bird-cage lights and colourful chinois-inspired wall hangings make for a light, airy space to sample authentic-tasting Hong Kong fare. Canton-i is already well-established with four outlets in Malaysia, but this is the first in Singapore.
The restaurant is popular with larger corporate groups and regulars, who like Canton-i for special dishes that can be created on request. But if it's dim sum, Hong Kong fare and a spot of quiet you're after, you'll be able to find an hour or two in the later afternoon to enjoy these as you watch the Orchard Road crowd below pass by.
 And if this is the first time you are visiting, you're sure to be charmed by the decor and even the items on the menu, such as the cute steamed piggy buns with red bean paste, which has large photos that cue you to what the restaurant's popular items and favourite items are.
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Contact details
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14, ION Orchard
Singapore 238881
Tel: 6509 8368
Opening hours
11.00 am to 10.00 pm on weekdays
10:30 am to 10:00 pm on weekends and public holidays
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Cuisine
Find everything that says Hong Kong, from common street fare to more exquisite delicacies in one menu.
Portions
Not very large, and is manageable for one. If you want to sample more variety, bring a few more friends along.
Setting
Located on the posher upper levels of this mega shopping mall for easy access, it is also far from the madding crowd. Yet, it is not pretentious at all, with a cheery ambience and a sense of spaciousness that allows you to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Must-tries
• Hong Kong Signature Prawn Wonton Noodles (Big S$7.80++/Small S$5.80++). These springy noodles are shipped in weekly from the territory itself for a taste that can't be more authentic.
• Canton-I Supreme Congee (S$38.00++). Made with three types of rice grains - Australian long grain, Japanese pearl and Thai fragrant rice - this blend is slow-cooked with dried scallops for an end-product that has very smooth texture and fragrance. Top-grade ingredients of bird's nest, abalone slices, giant prawns and fresh scallops are added to make this congee a sweet treat.
• Double-boiled Fresh Milk with Lotus Seed and Ginger Broth (S$5.80++). Hong Kong fare isn't complete without a sweet dessert at the end of the meal. This signature is made with Hokkaido fresh milk and boasts a light ginger broth that is a good balance of sweet and warmly spicy.
Price factor
Budget about $20 per person, $30 and above if you venture beyond the staples of noodles and congee.
Things you didn't know
The chef is happy to take in special orders. So if you want a steamed soon hock for your family's special dinner, or even a Peking Duck if the fancy strikes you, just let the restaurant know in advance.
Verdict
Kudos for the light, cheerful ambience, which is a breath of fresh air from the usual dim sum places that are often dark, steamy and hectic. Bring your girlfriends there for a quick escape from the busy-ness that comes from the newest shopping mall in town.
~Cynthia Loh
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