Singapore’s culinary gem and seven-time Michelin-star awardee, Putien, proudly welcomes food enthusiasts to its newest haven at Bonifacio Global City’s Mitsukoshi Mall. This 110-seater establishment invites diners to embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends borders and savor the essence of authentic Fujian cuisine, with a menu highlighting premium ingredients from Southeast Asia.
Putien prides itself on serving authentic Fujian cuisine, rooted in centuries-old culinary traditions. Each dish is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region, highlighting the use of fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and time-honored cooking techniques.
Stepping into Putien Mitsukoshi BGC, guests are transported into a realm of understated elegance. The restaurant boasts a modern interior that nods to its Chinese heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The warm earth tones and vibrant blue seating create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for savoring the meticulously crafted dishes that Putien is celebrated for.
Polen Polen! A Traditional Greeting Sets the Tone
Upon entering, guests are warmly greeted with a spirited “Polen Polen!”—a traditional Putianese expression meaning, “You are from Putian, I am too!” This embodies the vision of the founder, Uncle Fong, who wanted to extend hospitality and invite guests on a culinary journey reflecting his hometown’s culture. From its inception 24 years ago, founder Uncle Fong designed the greeting to be just like he would welcome guests into his own home – with generous hospitality and a taste of his culture through food. This greeting serves as a tribute to Uncle Fong’s hometown, which has expanded across Asia with 104 branches in different cities, including China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, and the Philippines. With 104 branches across Asia, the restaurant continues to embody the essence of Putian, China.
Freshest Ingredients, Finest Dishes
Putien traces its roots to Putian, Fujian, renowned for Hengwa cuisine, which places a strong emphasis on abundant use of seafood. The restaurant’s commitment to quality dates back to 2000 when it opened its first outlet on Kitchener Road in Singapore. Working closely with trusted suppliers, they ensure a constant supply of Grade A ingredients, cost notwithstanding. Whether sourcing fisherfolk’s prized seaweeds, and yellow croaker fish to the farms yielding Da Hong Pao tea or the farmers’ seasonal longan, lychee, and red mushrooms, every component is carefully curated to ensure unparalleled freshness and flavor. This commitment to quality is evident in their dishes, where the original flavor of the ingredients shines through, offering a dining experience that’s both light and satisfying.
The unpretentious dishes are crafted to preserve the natural flavors of the meat, seafood, and vegetables. There is an unwavering respect for the cuisine and its accompanying ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delightful culinary experience. The restaurant remains true to its roots, offering homestyle Fujian dishes that evoke a sense of comfort and authenticity.
Must-Try Delicacies
Navigating the culinary landscape at Putien is a delightful journey for newcomers with discerning palates. First on the list is the “Three Treasures of Fujian.” At the helm is the Fujian Red Mushroom Seafood Lor Mee, a venerable masterpiece and the cornerstone of Putien’s menu for the past 24 years. This Fujian classic receives a modern twist with its 14-ingredient braised noodle dish, simmered for six hours in a rich chicken and pork stock. Infused with the rare essence of red mushrooms from the slopes of China’s Wuyi Mountains, this dish boasts a signature red hue and an explosion of flavors.
Another staple, the ‘100-Second’ Stewed Yellow Croaker, showcases the true essence of freshness. Boiled to precision for exactly 100 seconds, preserving the true freshness of the fish. The yellow croaker from imported from Ningde Fujian is then delicately seasoned with onions, ginger, Fujian aged wine, and Puning bean sauce, resulting in a symphony of delicate flavors.
And the comforting Bian Rou Soup, on the other hand, is yet another favorite among patrons. This slightly sour soup boasts dumplings filled with succulent meat, enveloped in wrappers pounded 1,200 times to achieve a silky softness akin to paper-thin perfection.
Other Must-Tries
For those seeking to delve deeper, Putien’s top 10 signature dishes offer a kaleidoscope of delectable options. Sample the Seaweed & Mini Shrimps Dressed in Sauce, featuring the finest Fujian seaweed said to be the crème dela crème of seaweeds. Or be surprised by the Stir-Fried Yam, where the centermost part of the Ping Nang Yu yam variety from Thailand, and undergoes a meticulous three-step cooking process for unparalleled texture. Craving a classic with a twist? The Sweet and Sour Pork receives a delightful upgrade with the addition of lychee, balancing sweet and tart notes in perfect harmony. It uses only lean meat fried in a consistent oil temperature to ensure that it is tender and juicy on the inside.
If your culinary compass seeks uncharted territory, consider the Crispy Oysters (a famous variety in Putian), cooked in leeks and butter with a light, handmade tapioca flour breading. The Mazu Mee Sua is said to symbolize longevity and is always present during Holiday meals and special celebrations. The Braised Pig Intestine, meticulously cleaned in water and wine for three hours and artistically folded using one piece of chopstick, before braising in 12 traditional fragrant herbs and spices, offers a surprisingly rewarding experience.
The Deep Fried Pork Trotters with Salt & Pepper showcase the magic of slow braising for three hours, followed by a quick dip fried for 50 seconds in 250 degrees of hot oil for melt-in-your-mouth collagen goodness. Young diners will be captivated by the Deep-Fried Prawns with Cereal, where plump prawns hide under a delightful, slightly sweet, crunchy coating (made from imported cereal mixed with milk powder) that gives off a slightly sweet kick. For a vegetarian option, the Braised Bean Curd with Chinese Cabbage offers a symphony of savory and flavorful notes, thanks to homemade tofu and slow-simmered cabbage. It is made with yellow core Chinese cabbage and homemade silky tofu that are simmered for 8 hours, then mixed with dried shrimps, clams, ginger, and fried garlic. These flavors are absorbed by the spongey tofu and guarantee to give off an explosion of flavors.
Conclude your culinary journey with the Chilled Loquat in Herbal Jelly, a refreshing finale that combines the sweetness of loquat fruit with the coolness of mint and herbal jelly.
Putien’s culinary experience extends beyond individual plates. Their set meals, steeped in Fujian culture and core values, offer a curated exploration of the region’s unique flavors and cooking techniques. Gather your loved ones and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure at Putien, where every bite promises a journey into the heart and soul of Fujian cuisine.
Putien: Where Authenticity and Michelin-Star Flavor Collide
Stepping into Putien is akin to embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Fujian. Here, “mastering authentic Fujian cuisine with quality ingredients” isn’t just a motto, it’s a living testament to Uncle Fong’s vision that propelled Putien to become a globally celebrated Chinese restaurant chain.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a Michelin-starred culinary powerhouse, Putien continues to redefine the boundaries its cuisine. The original Kitchener Road outlet holds onto its coveted one Michelin Star for seven consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023), alongside an impressive collection of awards: Singapore’s Prestige Brand and Service Star recognitions in 2009, the Epicurean Star Award in 2016, and Tasty Singapore Awards in 2010. These aren’t just trophies; they’re testaments to the culinary artistry of Master Chef Li and his team, who meticulously translate tradition into high-quality, authentic dishes that delight every taste bud.
Putien branches are located at 2/F Mitsukoshi Mall, BGC 0977-8047888, open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and 5/F The Podium Mall 0918-9193888, (632) 8282-1888 open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Follow @putien.ph or visit @PUTIENPHILIPPINES for more updates. Embark on a journey of flavors with authentic Fujian cuisine, where tradition meets contemporary elegance!
