The Merchants: A Refined Take on Shanghainese Heritage.

Perched atop Gloucester Tower in LANDMARK, The Merchants brings the elegance of Shanghai’s belle époque to Central. The sweeping harbour views are matched by interiors of green velvet, cherrywood banquettes, and jade onyx details, while embroidered wallpaper from Wuxi artisans adds a touch of artistry. The restaurant takes its name from the Cantonese merchants of the Qing dynasty, evoking a time of cosmopolitan refinement and cultural exchange.

Helmed by multi-award-winning Chef Chen Tian Long, formerly of Michelin-starred Jade de Jardin, the menu reinterprets Shanghainese and Jiangzhe classics with a modern flair. Expect braised wheat gluten, seafood pancakes, and tender hotpots, alongside seasonal creations that spotlight the region’s prized produce. Signature dishes such as the osmanthus honey–glazed Jinhua ham showcase the chef’s delicate balance of sweetness and aroma, while the sautéed “dragon beard” shredded mandarin fish exemplifies precision and artistry on the plate.

Chef Chen’s own award-winning dish, Braised Mandarin Fish & Cuttlefish Roll with Savory Crispy Beans in Crab Consommé, embodies the restaurant’s philosophy: a celebration of tradition elevated by innovation. Dining here is as much about cultural storytelling as it is about flavour, with every course carrying the depth of China’s culinary heritage.