The Imperial Treasure name is synonymous with high quality and consistently good food. No matter how many branches the group opens, it's a safe bet that diners will get commendable dishes and reliable service at any one of them.

We went to the group's immensely popular Paragon outlet with high expectations. The restaurant was very crowded on a weekday lunch. We were seated in a plush booth away from the main dining area. To have even more privacy, diners can slide the glass panels close. A thoughtful design, we felt.

When the Peking duck trolley trundles to your table, you know you're in for a good time. The duck is perfectly roasted in an oven fired up with lychee wood. Piece after piece of the fragrant, juicy meat and glistening skin was skillfully carved by the chef and neatly arranged on a plate. The slices of duck along with cucumber, spring onions and a rich sweet sauce were then wrapped in thin handmade flour pancakes. The succulent, full-flavoured meat was near faultless. The crispy skin near the neck, said to be the best part, was served separately with sugar. We munched on each perfectly carved skin and enjoyed its crackling texture.

We also ordered an assortment of classic dim sum, which were mostly made with finesse - except for the har gao whose skin broke when we lifted up the dumpling with our chopsticks. The char siew soh was lip-smacking with its flaky golden pastry and roast pork filling. Other bites that we tried included the yam puffs (woo kok) and steamed custard buns - both flawlessly made.

The mains were respectable too. We tried two versions of sea perch - grilled and steamed; both were succulent and naturally sweet. The home-made braised beancurd with spinach was delicate and partnered nicely with the juicy fresh prawns.

The remaining duck meat can be tossed with your choice of carb: noodles or fried rice. We opted for the latter. The rice grains were fluffy and fragrant but the duck meat turned out to be rather dry and tasteless. Perhaps we were rather full by the time the dish arrived, so didn't enjoy it that much.

We planned to forgo desserts but decided to share a durian pudding. It turned out to be a decadent highlight - silky smooth and rich with fresh durian flesh. This restaurant won't present any big surprises but you are certainly assured of consistently prepared and satisfying food, topped with efficient service.

#05-42/45 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, 6732 7838

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