Usher in the Year of the Tiger this Chinese New Year with great food, drink and company
It’s that time of the year again that sees many of us rushing around to visit old relatives, juggling mandarin oranges and tough questions we don’t wish to answer. Then there’s the food – everything from the classic pineapple tart and glistening barbecued pork slices, to the steamboat dinners and communal feasts. Food in many ways lies at the heart of Asian expressions of familial love, and the following restaurants invite you to celebrate with your loved ones over their most-loved dishes.
Cassia
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
If you’re seeking comfort in more familiar, traditional flavours, then the offerings Cassia at Capella Singapore could just be the thing for you. With a plethora of set menus put together especially for the season, there’s more than enough here to get you all set for the new year overflowing with abundance – hopefully in fortune more than calories. Choose between the Prosperous Reunion (S$149 per person) and Fortune Reunion (S$168 per person) set dinners, which each featuring diverse options like the Braised Bird’s Nest with Crabmeat in Supreme Broth and Sea Treasure Pot prepared with braised abalone.
Robb Tip: Book your family the Prosperity Reunion Set Dinner (S$149 per person) for 31 January. It features salmon yu sheng dressed in kiwi, Double-Boiled Sea Whelk Soup and Homemade Sweetcorn and Water Chestnut Cream. There’s also Yum Cha (S$58) happening from 8am to 10am starting this 24 January.
Cassia
1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island
Capella Singapore
Singapore 098297
Tel: +65 6591 5045
Cherry Garden
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
There are six menus available (one vegetarian included). Opt for the seven-course Success menu, which requires a minimum of five guests and an order of six hours in advance. It’ll start you off with a Lo Hei, the classic salad that requires team effort (you toss it together for luck), a sweet dressing, salmon and crispy fish skin. This is then followed by Pen Cai, which for what lacks in presentation (think seafood and vegetables swimming in a large steel pot), it makes up for in size and quality. Plus, it has all the works – lobster, scallop, king prawns and whole head abalone, you name it.
The next two dishes are ones that are slightly pimped-up versions of Chinese classics: Wok-Fried String Beans and XO Fried Rice, a hearty and not too overwhelming signature that goes swimmingly with the homemade chilli. And finally, Chilled Mango with Sago Pearls and Lime Sorbet, an excellent palate cleanser and Chestnut Nian Gao with steamed osmanthus that’s just the right blend of sweet and savoury to end the meal.
Robb Tip: A special dim sum menu is available every weekend until 13 February. This includes the first the second day of Chinese New Year, too.
Cherry Garden
5 Raffles Avenue
Mandarin Oriental
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6885 3500
House of WÈI
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
House of WÈI doesn’t have much of a history, but we are convinced it will stay for a long while. Thanks to chef Mok Wan Lok, who has been in the industry for nearly 50 years, it has easily become an outstanding example of modern-day Chinese cuisine cooked with time-honoured techniques. Look forward to à la carte signatures like his Shanghainese Braised Lion’s Head (a secret recipe of pork meatballs with truffle sauce developed during his time in Shanghai) and Wok-Fried Venison, and set menus, such as the Blessed Reunion (S$198 per person; for five) that begins with an Abalone, Snow Crab and Snow Swallow Yu Sheng.
Robb tip: Accor Plus members and American Express Platinum holders can enjoy up to 50 per cent off the total bill.
House of WÈI
Level 3, Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189650
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Jiang-Nan Chun
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
The one-Michelin-starred Jiang-Nan Chun shouldn’t be missed. Its rustic charm is the just one of many precisely designed elements within the restaurant to transport patrons to a different sensory experience. Executive Chinese chef Albert Au and his team clearly take pride and care in each of the dishes they craft, which includes their wood-fired roasted Peking Duck, served with caviar and a premium selection of wines.
Celebrate over nothing but the freshest produce, seafood and fish, and a healthy helping of different seeds within the Abundance Lobster, Abalone and Salmon Yu Sheng, all prepared by hand, down to the condiments and sauces. You’d also be interested to know that the menu also has Suckling Pig with Avruga Caviar that screams luxury, as well as Braised Ee-Fu Noodles with Boston Lobster in Prawn Stock for that satisfying umami grounding.
Jiang-Nan Chun
190 Orchard Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 6831 7220
Madame Fan
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
If you’re ever wondering what the perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary luxury would be like, look no further than The NCO Club. Madame Fan, a modern Cantonese dining concept set up by British-Chinese restauranteur Alan Yau, encourages patrons to let down their hair and relax as they dine amid the stunning glamour that hints back at Singapore’s heritage. Enjoy updated Chinese New Year classics, such as Charcoal-Grilled Wagyu and Foie Gras, Iberico Pork Udon and Stir-Fried Fish Paste Noodles with roasted duck and XO sauce.
Robb Tip: The Dim Sum, Drink Sum weekend brunch will also be available until the end of January.
Madame Fan
32 Beach Road
The NCO Club
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 6818 1921
Min Jiang
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
For excellent Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine in a stylish, lavish setting, there are few that match the sophistication of Min Jiang – whether you’re at the classic flagship at Goodwood Park or the sleeker, minimalist branch in Dempsey. Typically known for its Mongolian Chicken with Almond Flakes and dim sum pushcart service, this Chinese New Year season will see six- to eight-course menus, with some dishes unique to the two outlets and available for takeaway or delivery. Highlights include the Roasted Boneless Sucking Pig, Steamed Turbot and Stewed Rice Vermicelli with Pig’s Trotters.
Robb Tip: If you’re hard-pressed for quality snacks this season, The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel has D24 cream puffs, mousse cakes and ice cream available.
Min Jiang
22 Scotts Road
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6730 1704
Pó Restaurant
For a refined modern Singaporean dining experience, go to Pó Restaurant. The five-course Lunar New Year set dinner menu (S$98 per person), which will be running from 24 January to 15 February, comprises Po’s Signature Popiah with Australian Greenlip Abalone, Deep-Fried Marble Goby Fish, and Wok-Fried Tiger Prawns. A similar menu will be available at lunch for S$78.
Po Restaurant
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay
Singapore 169628
Tel: +65 6828 0007
Summer Palace
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
Regent Singapore takes consistent pride in its food, as you’d see at Manhattan, Dolcetto and most of all, the one-Michelin-starred Summer Palace. Here, executive chef Liu Ching Hai takes the traditional Chinese fine-dining experience and modernises it in healthy measures, introducing dishes like the Barbecued Crispy Suckling Pig with applewood-smoked foie gras and Fried Tiger Garoupa with crabmeat sauce and broccoli.
Robb Tip: The Grand Dynasty menu (order 72 hours in advance) is the perfect way to enjoy everything Summer Palace has to offer. Think a comforting Double-Boiled Treasures Soup with cordiceps, Stewed Inaniwa Noodles with dried scallops and crab claw stuffed with shrimp mousse, and even pu er that’s been aged for 30 years. There’s more, of course, but for a price tag of S$8,888 (good for eight), you’d better be getting your money’s worth.
Summer Palace
1 Cuscaden Road
Level 3 Regent Singapore
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 6725 3288
Summer Pavilion
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
Trust the Ritz and Michelin-starred chef Cheung Siu Kong for truly excellent Chinese in a sleek, stylish setting. Of course, you’d want to do this in one of the restaurant’s six private dining rooms, meticulously assembled for an abundant New Year’s feast. Six- to eight-course set lunch and dinner menus are available, with a selection of Yu Sheng platters and Pen Cai also up for takeaway. Usher in all the good fortune and health to tide you through a better 2022, with a delightful Canadian Lobster Yu Sheng with black caviar, along with Cheung’s well-known traditional soups such as the Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Fish Maw, Chicken and Soaked Nostoc Algae.
If you’re looking at their à la carte menu, you won’t want to miss their Braised Australian Abalone, which is served drenched in Summer Pavilion’s signature oyster sauce; or the silky Poached Inaniwa Noodles, complemented with Hokkaido king scallop. Do also save space for the Chilled Peach Gum dessert that’s steamed and chilled within a sweet pear, and complemented by a delicate osmanthus pastry.
Robb tip: If you’d like to do Chinese New Year with friends who love a good time, we recommend booking a table at Colony (Ritz-Carlton’s popular buffet) for the Lo Hei Vintage Champagne Brunch on 6 and 13 February 2022. S$208 will get you unlimited pours of Champagne Barons de Rothschild Réserve Ritz Millésime 2010 and select cocktails.
Summer Pavilion
7 Raffles Avenue
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434 5286
Xin Cuisine
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
For truly good food in an unassuming setting, go to the Holiday Inn for Xin Cuisine. Treat the family to a special eight-course Blissful Menu, which features favourites like the Trio Barbecued Meat Platter, Baked Lobster, Steamed Garoupa and Braised Ee-fu Noodles for longevity. For a year of extra luck and happiness, add on one of the five different yu sheng platters – the Sesame-Crusted Tuna with Pineapple Sauce or Signature Gold Leaf Salmon, perhaps?
Robb Tip: Dim sum is available at lunch; a good choice if you’d prefer to skip the usual festive fanfare.
Xin Cuisine
Holiday Inn Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6733 0188
Yàn
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
Situated on the top floor of the National Gallery, Yàn offers up to diners not just a lovely view of the city, but also an exquisite spread of Cantonese delicacies. These include crowd favourites such as Peking Roast Duck, Crispy Roast Suckling Pig served three ways, and a bevy of nourishing double-boiled broths, abalone and seafood, all of which will make you wish you had more than one stomach.
Pick your choice of six set menus, with a range of five to eight courses that serve up the perennial favourites, some with a twist. Yan’s version of the Lo Hei is presented with abalone, salmon, and – wait for it – gold flakes to really rake in all the prosperous energy. Fortify yourself with some Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Morel and Fish Maw, indulge in a heartwarming Abundance Seafood Pot of abalone and more, and seal off the meal with the delicate sweetness in the Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Almond. There – you’re all ready with a full belly to face the Lunar New Year.
Robb tip: Replenish your snack corner with some festive treats, available at Yàn’s e-shop here.
Yàn
1 St Andrew’s Road
05-02, National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6384 5585
藝 yì by Jereme Leung
Happening: Until 15 February 2022
Yì, which means ‘art’ in Mandarin, is more than just a pretty face. Behind the elegant interior – there’s an art installation of 1,000 handcrafted floral strands that hang at the entrance, and a pale, neutral palette that runs throughout – is a smorgasbord of flavours and creative juices, courtesy of celebrity master chef, Jereme Leung. Pick and choose from the Lunar New Year à la carte menu (2 to 6 and 8 to 14 February) or for convenience sake, opt for one of the set menus (from S$168 a person), which will include dishes like Steamed Spotted Garoupa and Fresh Lily Bulbs with Black Fungus.
Robb Tip: If you plan to celebrate at home, the Auspicious Delights set (S$888) feeds eight with all the good stuff: Steamed Cod Fish with Spring Onion, Ginger & Brown Bean Paste, Organic Eggplant with Japanese Sea Urchin, and Steamed Jasmine Rice with Chinese Goose Liver Sausages. Toss in the Prosperous Yu Sheng of tuna sashimi, Spanish Ibérico ham and honey melon for S$208, and you’re good to go.
藝 yì by Jereme Leung
1 Beach Road
Raffles Singapore
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 6557 1886
