Seafood Paradise, the Paradise Group restaurant that focuses on seafood dishes, has relocated to Orchard, bringing its seafood menu to a more central and accessible location.
Nestled on the third floor of Scotts Square, the restaurant provides a refined dining option: aligned with the Asian food-sharing culture, the seating revolves around circular tables catering to groups of four or more, perfect for family gatherings or business lunches. For a more intimate dining experience, diners may opt for one of the 8 private dining rooms.
We headed down on a Wednesday evening to put the new restaurant to the test.
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The Paradise Group began as a humble zichar restaurant in Defu Lane, with Seafood Paradise as its first restaurant. It has since grown to an F&B empire of 17 brands worldwide, including Paradise Dynasty, Le Shrimp Ramen and Beauty in The Pot. Seafood Paradise, as its name suggests, specialises in live seafood.
Signature Seafood Dishes
We kicked things off with the Poached Tiger Prawn with Chinese Herb in Superior Stock, more commonly known as Drunken Prawn ($33 for approximately 300g). This was a test of the live seafood’s freshness, and it passed with flying colours. The prawns were plump and juicy with a clean taste. The broth was delightfully sweet, flavoured with Chinese wine, angelica root (danggui) and red dates. It was a wonderful start to our meal. Gloves and bibs are provided from the start of the meal, so you won’t need to worry about dirtying your hands or clothes while digging in.
This was quickly followed up by the Steamed Scottish Bamboo Clams with Minced Garlic ($18 / piece, minimum order of two pieces). These were served individually: each of us received a whole bamboo clam, sliced thinly, prepared simply with a Cantonese soy sauce and steamed with minced garlic and vermicelli. I really enjoyed this dish as well: the clam had a bouncy texture and sweetness, paired nicely with the sharpness of the minced garlic. The dish finished with the vermicelli, which had soaked up the clam’s cooking juices and the soy sauce.
Now for the star of the meal – Singaporean Chilli Crab, one of Seafood Paradise’s signatures. There are several crab varieties to choose from, from the familiar Mud Crab ($10.80 / 100g) to the luxurious Alaskan King Crab ($28.80 / 100g). We were told that Seafood Paradise’s version has a distinct cooking method. Instead of deep-frying the crab first and finishing the cooking in the chilli crab sauce, Seafood Paradise braises the live crab in the sauce, which they claim allows the seafood goodness to seep into the sauce, making it richer.
While I could not taste any additional seafood flavour, I found that the sauce was spicier and did not have the tomato ketchup flavour that is usually present in other versions. The crab was without a doubt one of the best I have tasted: sweet with firm flesh that separated from the shell easily – usually a sign the crab cooked just right.
There’s no better vessel to soak up the sauce than mantou (buns). A more indulgent option is the deep-fried mantou, while the restaurant also offers a steamed version (both are $1/piece, with a minimum order of two pieces).
Other Noteworthy Dishes at Seafood Paradise
To sample more of the menu’s range, we also had the Roasted Chicken in Szechuan Vinaigrette Sauce ($25.80 for half, $49.80 for whole). While we enjoyed the crispy skin and the spicy and tangy sauce, we found the chicken slightly dry.
Capping off the evening was the outstanding Stewed Ee-Fu Noodle with Seafood in Claypot ($26). This was miles apart from the Ee-Fu noodles usually served at weddings where the main seasonings are soy sauce and oyster sauce. In Seafood Paradise’s version, the seafood flavour truly stands out. It is also filled with fresh seafood such as prawns, clams and squid, with chilli padi slices added for a slight kick. It was a fitting end to the meal.
For those who like to end their meal with something sweet, Seafood Paradise offers a variety of choices, from a Fresh Fruit Platter ($14.80) to the more innovative Chilled Hokkaido Milk Pudding with Peach Resin in Coconut Milk ($13.80).
Final Thoughts
The move to Orchard feels like the right setting for Seafood Paradise’s food. The main draw is the freshness of the live seafood and solid cooking techniques, as shown by the seafood dishes, though the Roasted Chicken was the one dish that didn’t quite impress. Prices lean toward special occasion rather than casual dinner territory, but between the food and the setting, Seafood Paradise makes a good case for the trip to Scotts Square.
Seafood Paradise
Where: 6 Scotts Rd, #03-04 Scotts Square, Singapore 228209
Operating Hours:
Mon – Fri
11.30am – 3.00pm (Last order 2.30pm)
6.00pm – 10.30pm (Last order 10.00pm)
Sat – Sun & PH
10.30am – 3.30pm (Last order 3.00pm)
6.00pm – 10.30pm (Last order 10.00pm)
