Pinwei

Positioned just a few minutes’ walk from the ornate archway of Chinatown, Pinwei occupies a sleek, modern space on Princess Street that feels a world away from the neon-lit basements typically associated with the city’s Cantonese scene. It’s an “all-occasions” kind of spot—the sort of place that works just as well for a quick business lunch as it does for a full-scale family banquet on a Sunday afternoon.

The interior is understated and airy, avoiding the usual clichés in favour of clean lines and comfortable seating. It’s an environment that lets the food do the heavy lifting, which it consistently does. Pinwei has quietly built a reputation for being one of the most reliable Chinese kitchens in the city centre, picking up a “Chinese Restaurant of the Year” award in 2022 along the way.

The menu is expansive, covering everything from Szechuan heat to Cantonese comfort, but the roasted meats are the real draw here. The Cantonese roast duck is handled with the kind of respect it deserves—crispy skin, tender fat, and meat that hasn’t dried out under a heat lamp. If you’re visiting during the day, the dim sum selection is extensive and handmade, featuring all the essentials like har gau and siu mai alongside more adventurous additions.

For those who find the massive main menu a bit daunting, the stir-fries and seafood dishes are safe territory. Look out for the traditional clay pot dishes or the steamed sea bass with ginger and spring onion—dishes that rely on fresh ingredients and precise timing rather than heavy sauces.

What to expect

• The Vibe: Modern, polished, and surprisingly tranquil given its central location.
• The Food: A comprehensive tour of Chinese regional cooking, with a heavy emphasis on Cantonese roasting and dim sum.
• The Drink: A solid wine list designed to cut through rich sauces, plus a decent selection of Chinese teas.
• Insider Tip: It gets busy with the local student and resident community on weekends—book ahead if you’re after a table during peak dim sum hours.