Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL On Kitchener Road celebrates the arrival of the Lunar New Year with an array of mouth-watering auspicious delights where you can expect Chinese New Year classics as well as Nyonya flavours all in one place.

Known for their crabs, Executive Chef Kelvin Chuah and his team have created an extensive line-up with a Peranakan twist that features the Lucky Fortune Set which will be served right at your table for dinner buffet on 15, 16 and 17 February 2018. This luxurious set includes Salmon Yu Sheng, Baked Sea Scallop With Mushroom Cheese, Braised Abalone with Duck Feet, Braised Sea Cucumber With Roasted Pork and Nanas Lemak Lobster as well as free flow soft drinks.

On top of the amazing spread, diners can also find Chinese New Year specials such as the Steamed Seabass Fillet with Nyonya Sauce, Stir-fried Seafood with Yam Basket, Steamed Lotus Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausages and Traditional Nian Gao with Peanut.

Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy 20% off Spice Brasserie’s mouth-watering lunch and dinner buffets.

You will be delighted to know that while most restaurants are unavailable during the Lunar New Year, Spice Brasserie will be operating as per normal.

SALMON YU SHENG

The kaleidoscope of colours in this Salmon Yu Sheng is a visual feast for diners. This traditional platter introduced an abundant amount of julienned carrots, radish, and cucumber drizzled with a sour plum sauce for a slightly tangy flavour and topped with thick slices of fresh Salmon.

Diners can toss your way to a prosperous new year before feasting on the extravagant buffet line-up at Spice Brasserie. Every table is entitled to a serving of Salmon Yu Sheng which is tailored to your party of family and friends.

BAKED SEA SCALLOP WITH MUSHROOM CHEESE

Served in scallop shells, these Baked Sea Scallops With Mushroom Cheese is the ultimate guilty pleasure.

Each scallop shell comes with a succulent scallop sprinkled with cheese and lightly torched before baking. As if it could not get any better, underneath each scallop lies a bed of fried vermicelli and mushrooms.

BRAISED ABALONE WITH DUCK FEET

During Chinese New Year, things are not the same without abalone on the menu. The Braised Abalone With Duck Feet features chewy abalone and duck feet on top of boiled xiao bai cai and covered in a thick braised sauce.

Without a doubt, most of us would give the duck feet a miss and head straight for the abalone. Do not be deceived by the unattractive claw for this Chinese delicacy is dripping with savoury braised sauce and the skin sports a hint of chewiness that will slide right of the bones.

BRAISED SEA CUCUMBER WITH ROASTED PORK

For the uninitiated, eating sea cucumber symbolises one looking forward to a better year ahead. On the first bite, you get an explosion of flavourful braised sauce from the gooey sea cucumber and the roasted pork boasted a slightly charred flavour. From the melt-in-your-mouth sea cucumber to the thick slices of roasted pork, this dish is a must-try.

NANAS LEMAK LOBSTER

An unusual dish to your traditional line-up of CNY delights, the Nanas Lemak Lobster adds a Peranakan twist where diners can tuck into Cuba lobsters cooked in light, slightly spicy sauce filled with aromatic spices. This dish was what we needed in between all the braised dishes to strike a nice balance of flavours.

STEAMED SEABASS FILLET WITH NYONYA SAUCE

If you are a fan of spicy food, the Steamed Seabass Fillet With Nyonya Sauce is the one for you. It may look mediocre, but the taste is phenomenal.

We loved this dish for its complex flavours and how the Nyonya sauce brings everything together. From the subtle sweetness of the Seabass to the appetising tamarind-based sauce, this dish was easily our favourite from the menu.

STIR-FRIED SEAFOOD WITH YAM BASKET

The yam basket derives its name from the Buddhist alms bowl which signifies an overflowing of fortune in Cantonese. Indeed, the Stir-Fried Seafood With Yam Basket at Spice Brasserie was overflowing with goodness.

You can expect the yam basket to be fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The added cashews gave a great crunch to the stir-fried seafood and we recommend eating everything together instead of separately as you can taste the wok hei from the seafood, nuttiness from the cashew and sweet flavour from the yam.

STEAMED LOTUS RICE WITH YAM AND CHINESE SAUSAGE

The classic Steamed Lotus Rice With Yam And Chinese Sausage needs no further introduction. Wrapped in a giant lotus leaf, the glutinous rice is brimming with Chinese delicacies such as shiitake mushrooms, yam, and Chinese sausages. Besides the different textures and flavours from the various ingredients, the rice is infused with the aromatic flavour of lotus leaf upon steaming the dish.

TRADITIONAL NIAN GAO WITH PEANUTS

Unlike your usual nian gao that comes plain or deep-fried in batter, this version resembles muah chee. Instead of slices or chunks, the nian gao is snipped into bite-sized pieces and coated with a generous amount of peanut shavings. We have to admit that this was quite an innovative spin on nian gao.

As if this incredible spread could not get any better, simply quote “ladyironchef” upon making your reservations to enjoy these mouth-watering Chinese New Year specials for 20% off at Spice Brasserie from 15 to 22 February 2018.

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6428 3160 or email spicebrasserie.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com.

Chinese New Year Buffet Lunch
18 to 22 February 2018
Adult S$58++, Child S$29++
16 and 17 February 2018
Adult S$68++, Child S$34++

Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner
18 to 22 February 2018
Adult S$68++, Child S$34++
16 and 17 February 2018
Adult S$88++, Child S$44++

Spice Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

When it comes to crab and seafood buffet, our minds naturally gravitate towards Chef Low and his team at Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s culturally-rich ethnic landscape, the chefs at Ginger never fail to impress us with their tantalising array of seafood offerings each time we visit.

This Lunar New Year, usher the Year of the Dog with Ginger’s value-for-money buffet that will feature Boston lobsters in its Prosperity Trio. That’s right, lobster fans will be thrilled to hear that this all-day-dining restaurant is introducing a new Prosperity Lo Hei that swaps out the traditional salmon slices with luscious chunks of Boston Lobsters.

Exclusively for the dinner buffet from 05 Feb to 02 Mar 2018, every table will enjoy one complimentary serving of the Prosperity Trio—customised to suit the number of your dinner guests. The Prosperity Trio, is a new and exciting creation by Ginger that essentially comprises lavish delights such as their Prosperity Lo Hei with Boston Lobsters, Braised Sea Treasures (Pen Cai) and Wok-Fried Lobsters in Superior Stock.

Also making their debut on the buffet line are the Golden Sea Bass with Sha Sha Sauce, Barbecued Pork Ribs in Capital Sauce and Baked River Prawns with Garlic Shoyu (available from 01 Feb to 02 Mar 2018).

Quote ‘ladyironchef x Ginger CNY’ to enjoy 25% off for both the lunch and dinner buffet. That means you only pay S$36++ per adult for the lunch buffet and S$58.50++ for the dinner buffet!

PROSPERITY LO HEI WITH BOSTON LOBSTERS

No Chinese New Year would be complete without a prosperity toss or Lo Hei. Seen at literally every reunion meal, this iconic salad dish of technicolour beauty symbolises starting the new year on a good note.

Traditionally, salmon slices are used but Ginger raises the bar this year with their Prosperity Lo Hei with Boston Lobsters that introduces luscious, plump lobster meat as well as a myriad of ingredients not commonly found in your typical yu sheng; think ingredients such as pomegranate, jellyfish, deep-fried and salmon skin.

Taking the idea of reunion dinners to a whole new level, each table will enjoy one complimentary serving of the Prosperity Trio during the dinner buffet that comprises this extravagant Lo Hei, as well as a serving of the Braised Sea Treasures and Wok-Fried Lobsters In Superior Stock—no minimum number of persons required!

BRAISED SEA TREASURES

Not many know about this, but back in the olden days, Pen Cai was a dish strictly meant for royalty—more specifically the emperor during the Song Dynasty. Now a mainstay in many Chinese restaurants, this braised treasure pot of goodness is something anyone can enjoy.

Boasting premium ingredients such as baby abalone, sea cucumber, fresh scallops, fish maw, dried oysters and wawa vegetables, Ginger’s Braised Sea Treasures is so luxurious, rich and will definitely impress everyone in the family.

WOK FRIED LOBSTERS IN SUPERIOR STOCK

The Wok Fried Lobsters in Superior Stock, (available only as part of the exclusive Prosperity Trio served during the dinner buffet), is a crustacean enthusiast’s dream come true. Fried with ginger and scallions, the plump lobsters achieve a clean and fragrant aroma that does not overpower the natural sweetness of the crustacean. Once fried to a golden shade, it is further intensified with a savoury stock.

Each piece of lobster that we had was tender and oozing with savoury flavours. On the outside, you get a mildly caramelised exterior with subtle hints of wok hei and on the inside, the flesh was still soft and sweet.

GOLDEN SEA BASS WITH SHA SHA SAUCE

Given the expertise of our friend, Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat, in Asian cooking, Ginger will offer a wide variety of traditional delicacies to usher in the auspicious year. Debuting on the buffet line is the Golden Sea Bass with Sha Cha Sauce which is deep-fried whole.

The deep-fried fish boasts a crispy exterior and delicate meat that is brought to life with the addition of the savoury sha sha sauce—a traditional Teochew condiment comprising soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilis, and dried shrimp.

BARBECUED PORK RIBS IN CAPITAL SAUCE

If there was any way to describe perfection in a bite, their Barbecued Pork Ribs in Capital Sauce would be it. Sticky, sweet and complete with a charred and smoky quality, this lean pork rib is hands down, a winner in our book.

BAKED RIVER PRAWNS WITH GARLIC SHOYU

One of the newer highlights of Ginger’s extensive buffet spread is Chef Low’s signature Baked River Prawns with Garlic Shoyu, a tantalising treat that boasts succulent textures in every bite. The garlic and shoyu combination play a profound role in this dish which complements the natural sweetness of the river prawns excellently.

BRAISED SEA CUCUMBER WITH TREASURES

Another new addition to the buffet line-up is the new Braised Sea Cucumber with Treasures that features sumptuous and chunky braised sea cucumber, pork belly and vegetables. Although we are not huge fans of sea cucumber, we must say that the ones here are braised beautifully.

Last but most certainly not least, is this stellar fried chicken dish that is bound to have you going back for seconds or even thirds. Lightly battered and fried whole, the chicken is insanely crispy with a flavour closely resembling that of our favourite Har Cheong Gai.

Don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef x Ginger CNY’ to enjoy 25% savings for both the dinner and lunch buffet. That means you only pay S$36++ per adult for the lunch buffet and S$58.50++ for the dinner buffet.

Terms and conditions:

**Offer is valid from 5 February to 2 March 2018.
**Offer is valid from Mondays to Sundays.
**Offer is not valid during Eve of and on Day of Public Holidays.
**Blackout dates on 15 February 2018, 16 February 2018 and 17 February 2018 apply.
**Prior reservation is highly recommended and subject to availability.
**Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions, offers or vouchers.
**Prices are subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
**Prosperity Trio is served exclusively during the dinner buffet.
**Prosperity Trio is customised to suit the number of guests per table and limited to one serving only.
**The hotel reserves the right to amend promotional details without prior notice.

Chinese New Year Lunch Buffet
5 February  to 2 March 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$48++, Child S$24++
15 February 2018 (Eve of CNY): Adult S$68++, Child S$34++
16 & 17 February 2018 (1st & 2nd day of CNY): Adult S$68++, Child S$34++

Chinese New Year Dinner Buffet
5 February  to 2 March 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
15 February 2018 (Eve of CNY): Adult S$98++, Child S$49++
16 & 17 February 2018 (1st & 2nd day of CNY): Adult S$78++, Child S$39++

Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
For reservations: +65 6505 5710 or dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6pm – 10.00pm
Nearest Stations: Bugis / Nicoll Highway

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Chinese New Year is a two-day public holiday in Singapore. Everyone will be busy with the customary house visiting, and it seems that every year, most dining establishments will be not be open during that period.

But there will always be some of us who want dine out with our families, or are simply not into house visiting.

If you are one of those, fret not. From having your regular cafe fare to buffet spreads, here are 20 Restaurants That Will Be Open During Chinese New Year 2016.

#1 AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

Chocaholics rejoice! Three of Awfully Chocolate’s cafes will be open throughout Chinese New Year – namely East Coast, The Star Vista and Vivo City. If Western desserts are what you need instead of pineapple tarts and love letters, then Awfully Chocolate will answer your prayers with their wide range of chocolatey desserts. And of course, hei ice cream is always the best.

Ninethirty East Coast Road
131 East Coast Road
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

#2 BAR-ROQUE GRILL

Located at the corner of Amara Hotel, Bar-Roque Grill is open during Chinese New Year. The French restaurant is the proud owner of Singapore’s largest rotisserie and patrons can choose to dine in its lavish dining room or chill out over drinks at its adjoining open-air terrace bar.

165 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-00
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6444 9672
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#3 DALLAS RESTAURANT & BAR

Dallas Restaurant & Bar is centrally located at Suntec City and boasts a scrumptious variety of western main courses. Relish in their fine selection of wines that have been imported from Australia and New Zealand; a good alternative to toast to the Lunar New Year, right?

#03-302/303 Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038982
Tel: +65 6333 4068
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 12am
Thu and Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Promenade

#4 DA PAOLO BISTRO BAR

Situated in Rochester Park, Da Paolo Bistro Bar is a beautiful multi-concept venue nestled in lush greenery. Treat yourselves to European dishes if Chinese food is not your thing, or unwind over refreshing cocktails at the breezy laid-back outdoor lounge area.

3 Rochester Park
Singapore 139214
Tel: +65 6774 5537
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#5 EL MERO MERO

Housed within the charming 19th-century national monument Chijmes, El Mero Mero is a contemporary Mexican restaurant that sources its ingredients directly from Mexico. The menu changes every month so frequent diners will never find themselves bored of the food.

#01-20 Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6337 1377
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Cityhall / Esplanade

#6 FOREST

Chinese fine dining restaurant Forest is helmed by famous local celebrity chef Sam Leong and this extravagant establishment is one of Sentosa’s best kept secrets. Chinese gourmet served here are nowhere near ordinary, and if you are after an elegant dinner that is full of surprises, Forest is where you should be.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday Brunch: 11.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#7 GREENDOT

Greendot is the go-to eatery for those who live by the motto “Eat Green, Feel Good”. If some of your folks and/or friends are on a meat-free diet, then all the more you should visit GreenDot for its menu of wholesome vegetarian dishes. Nutritious and delicious, what’s there not to love?

Paya Lebar Square
60 Paya Lebar Road, #02-15/16/17
Singapore 409051
Tel: +65 6702 2221
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#8 IMPERIAL TREASURE FINE CHINESE CUISINE

Imperial Treasure certainly needs no further introduction. The successful brand is synonymous with excellent standards of Chinese food and we say a meal here is indeed well worth the hefty price. Remember to order their signature Peking Duck!

#L2-04, Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 7788
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#9 J’S RESTAURANT

J’s Restaurant is a Halal-certified restaurant serving modern European gourmet fare infused with Latin American flavours. Diners can savour scrumptious nosh such as Chipotle Meatballs and Adobo Chicken, while vegetarians can choose from five vegetarian-friendly main courses.

7 Purvis Street, #01-01
Singapore 188586
Tel: +65 6887 4787
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

#10 J65 AT HOTEL JEN TANGLIN SINGAPORE

Newly revamped Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore is our recent muse, and its star restaurant J65 has one of the most value-for-money buffet spreads. At S$78 nett on 08 Feb and S$58 nett on 09 Feb, J65 has a lunar-theme spread where you can customise your own yusheng. Yes, that means take all the sashimi or seafood you want, and pile on the vegetables and crackers!

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore
Lobby Level, 1A Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249176
Tel: +65 6831 4374
Daily: 6.30am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#11 LOKKEE

Lokkee has successfully challenged the notions of traditional Chinese dining to an epic new level (in a good way, of course). Their bold unconventional branding has made quite a name for itself, but that is not all that we are attracted to. Their Flaming Pineapple Beef, Firecracker Chicken Nest and Sichuan ‘Mala’ Grilled Fish are worth a special trip.

Note: Lokkee is closed on Monday, 08 Feb but will be open for business on Tuesday, 09 Feb.

Plaza Singapura
#03-01, 68 Orchard Road
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6884 4566
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#12 MITZO

Mitzo has always been one of our favourite dining destinations for Chinese gourmet and we are all ecstatic about the scrumptious festive sets, CNY-themed cocktails and takeouts specially for the upcoming Chinese New Year at this sexy Chinese restaurant.

Its irresistibly groundbreaking renditions of Chinese classics are far from ordinary, yet by no means stray away from traditional practices.

Quote “ladyironchef” and book by 20 Jan 2016 to enjoy 15% off (*not valid for 07 Feb 2016) all set menus and goodies at Mitzo.

Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Reservations: +65 6603 8855 / rsvn@mitzo.sg
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am
(2 seating on 7 Feb – 1st Seating: 6pm to 8pm; 2nd seating: 8.30pm to 10.30pm)
Thu to Sun, PH and Eve of PH: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

#13 QUAYSIDE FISH BAR & BISTRO

Fancy the idea of chilling by Sentosa Cove’s marina over a beautiful seafood meal? Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is quite the ideal spot for some quality time with your loved ones. The ever-changing blackboard specials are what we always look forward to, because the surprises are dependent on the daily catch. Well, whatever they are, you know you will be in for a treat without breaking the bank.

31 Ocean Way #01-11
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Mon: 5.30pm – 12 midnight
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Sun: 10am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Harbourfont

#14 ROYAL CHINA

Situated on the third storey of the iconic Raffles Hotel, Royal China is an elegant Chinese restaurant that enjoys immense popularity among locals and tourists alike. Characterised by hues of white and tiffany blue, sit back and enjoy the baskets of stellar dim sum over pots of Chinese tea.

1 Beach Road
#03-09 Raffles Hotel
Singapore 190001
Tel: +65 6338 3363
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun and PH: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#15 SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

Sitting on level 55 and 56 of ION Orchard, Salt Grill & Sky Bar is a modern contemporary Australian fine dining restaurant that is helmed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan. Tuck into sumptuous Aussie fares and a wide selection of international wines.

2 Orchard Turn,
#55-01 & #56-01
ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Daily: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#16 SUMMER PALACE

We are not sure about you, but we actually prefer sticking to Chinese food during the lunar festivity. Summer Palace at Regent Hotel has exquisite Cantonese selections, and are prepared by award-winning master chefs that will surely impress the whole family.

Regent Hotel
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 6725 3288
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#17 THE CARVERY

If digging into tossed fish salad and sinking your teeth on baked treats just ain’t your cup of tea, then perhaps The Carvery might be the answer to your carnivorous appetite. The Carvery is a value-for-money buffet at Park Hotel Alexandra, where you get to enjoy unlimited servings of premium meat.

Level 7, Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8880
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill

#18 WAN HAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is a perennial favourite. It is a superb dining destination that does not compromise on the decors, food and service. The kitchen is now helmed by Chef Bryan, and our pick from his festive delights is the Nourishing Deluxe Pen Cai with Pig Trotter (S$738 nett for small (6 persons), S$1388 nett for large (10 persons).

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 3pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Sat, Sun and PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#19 XIN CUISINE

Tucked away at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel, Xin Cuisine is an under-the-radar dining destination that honestly deserves more attention for its Chinese cuisine that is consistently good. No efforts are spared in the presentations of the most delicious dishes too.

#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#20 YAN TING

Yan Ting is a fancy Chinese restaurant frequented by food lovers. Located in 5-star hotel The St. Regis Singapore, dim sum on Chinese New Year sounds perfect, yes?

The St. Regis Singapore
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 6506 6887
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Read: Calories in 12 Popular Chinese New Year Goodies.

How to ever get sick of Grand Hyatt Singapore when the many restaurants are ever competent and always delighting our taste buds with new creations?

It is no secret by now that mezza9 is among our all-time favourite restaurants list, and we can go there for lunch and dinners and still be wowed by the chefs for their outstanding culinary skills and understanding of food.

And then there is StraitsKitchen too, an evident crowd favourite with its impressive buffet line-up, featuring the heritage of Singapore and all our representative dishes. It is a halal outlet too, and one that our Muslim friends can head to for a trusty feast.

So what is Chinese New Year without a get-together at Grand Hyatt Singapore? Whether you are looking for a buffet, or a multi-course Chinese meal, you can find your answer(s) here. Something to take home too, perhaps? We will share with you our picks from their festive takeaways!

MEZZA9′S 4-COURSE CHINESE NEW YEAR SET MENU

Over at mezza9, it is always a pleasant experience. The exuberant staff are ever ready for a warm welcome, and stepping in to the restaurant brings about calmness to the soul. Always a familiar environment – like a second home – yet always with surprises that await. Special dishes-of-the-day, seasonal ingredients, promotional menus… the list goes on, and this Lunar festivity no less.

Celebrate a sustainable new year as spring awakens at mezza9, and they are one of the very few restaurants in Singapore that uses only sustainably sourced seafood products that are either wild-caught or farmed. This is one practice that we have always supported, and it is for a meaningful cause without compromising on our food quality and tastes.

mezza9′s 4-course Chinese New Year Set Menu (S$88++/pax) has the perfect balance – there is more than enough food for everyone and you won’t have to fret over what to order.

Start your reunion dinner with the Double Happiness and Good Luck Sustainable Yu Sheng. Topped with sustainable New Zealand red snapper and king salmon, the traditional dish is made even special with customisable add-ons – chilled Alaskan king crab (S$26++), sliced Hokkaido scallop (S$38++), and sliced Australian abalone (S$40++).

Succeeding the prosperous starter is the Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup. This is not your usual Cantonese-style soup. Think of a modern interpretation of the classic Cantonese favourite, and prepared with scallops, Spencer Gulf wild king prawns and abalone. Such a commendable rendition, one serving of this flavoursome soup is hardly enough!

The main is a Braised Naturland Organic Barramundi with fermented rice reduction and ginger paste. The beautiful white fish is flaky, and sustainable, of course. More popularly used in Thai cooking and Australian cuisine, the barramundis here at mezza9 are interpreted with similar influences, and the result is a smooth contrast of the mildly-sweet fish and a lightly spicy sauce.

Glutinous Sesame Rice Ball in almond soup with gingko nut and white fungus – that shall be your sweet ending. Nothing quite as comforting as a milky almond soup with sweet dumplings that we grew up eating. A taste of home indeed, and Chinese New Year cannot get any cosier here at mezza9, really.

The four dishes are also available individually on the a la carte menu. On top of that, there are two more dishes that you might fancy – the Chinese cabbage wrapped fragrant brown rice with waxed preserved duck, yams and conpoy (S$38++), and braised pig’s trotter with herbs and spinach (S$58++).

STRAITSKITCHEN’S CHINESE NEW YEAR BUFFET

StraitsKitchen is a perennial favourite for those who want to enjoy a mouthwatering buffet spread of the best local favourites in a comfortable air-conditioned setting. From 18 to 20 Feb 2015, StraitsKitchen’s halal-certified kitchen will be whipping up special dishes including mini Buddha jumps-over-the-wall, glutinous rice with crab meat, ee fu noodles with shredded duck, and deep-fried traditional prosperity rice cakes and yams.

StraitsKitchen’s sustainable yu sheng will also be available for a la carte orders from 15 February to 5 March 2015, at SGD 28++, SGD 48++ and SGD 68++ respectively for a small, medium and large portion.

Chinese New Year Reunion Buffet Dinner (18 Feb 2015)
(Inclusive of the sustainable yu sheng buffet, selected juices, coffee and tea)
Adult: S$98++, Child: S$48++

Chinese New Year Buffet Lunch (19 Feb 2015)
Adult: S$60++, Child: S$34++

Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner
(inclusive of the sustainable yu sheng buffet, selected juices, coffee and tea)
Adult: S$88++, Child: S$48++

GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE’S CHINESE NEW YEAR GOODIES TAKEAWAY

The highlight of Grand Hyatt Singapore’s Chinese New Year takeaway delights this year is the 100 Blessings of Good Fortune (S$288+) – a stunning box of 100 pieces of praline. Every piece of praline is carved individually with one out of a hundred character styles of “Fu”; some dating to the late Zhou and early Qing dynasty (221-206 BC).

This elegant Chinese graphology-inspired set includes dark, milk and white Swiss chocolates encasing six different flavours such as cognac, Earl Grey, mint, mocha, orange, and peanut butter. We cannot think of a better gift than this for your esteemed corporate clients! You can purchase the Bai Fu Tu at the shop – mezza9 starting from today.

Need more gift ideas? There are aplenty here at the Grand Hyatt’s takeaway racks! Everything is packaged so elegantly, they make great gifts for your loved ones. Pick from a selection of kueh bangkit (S$28+), Nian Gao (S$38+), and our favourite Mahjong Praline Set (S$168+) – as the saying goes, this is so “full of win”.

Click here to view the full list of mezza9 Shop’s Chinese New Year Delights.

For more information, please call +65 6887 5492, email singapore.grand@hyatt.com or go to www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

One of the most underrated restaurants in town happens to be one that we really love for many reasons – Plaza Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Beach Road. For one, we grew up with the buffet spread that our parents have always loved, and every return brings about fond memories of the good times with our loved ones.

It may not be the sexiest place to date, but we still go back to Plaza Brasserie whenever we need a trusty option that will never fail us. The chefs are like good friends to us, and we share the same gourmet ideals and philosophies. Some days, you just need to do away with all frills and fads, and let the true essence of culinary blow you away.

We love to bring our families to Plaza Brasserie for a sense of familiarity, and celebrating Chinese New Year there sounds like an awesome idea. To rejoice in the festivity, the team at Plaza Brasserie is all ready to impress. With a determination to pamper their regulars with that coveted familiarity, the chefs are also introducing unique creations for some surprises, and it includes two lamb dishes in the Prosperity Feast. Well, it is the year of the Goat, right?

We had the privilege to have a preview of the feast, and here are some of the highlights of the Chinese New Year Buffet at Plaza Brasserie that you must not miss out on:

HAINANESE LAMB STEW WITH HERBS

Among the two lamb dishes that the chefs have come up with for Plaza Brasserie’s Prosperity Feast, the authentic Hainanese Lamb Stew with Herbs is a bowl of piping hot goodness that bubbles with flavours and textures. As Chinese, we love our soups, and there are endless possibilities as long as you have your hands on premium ingredients.

So at Plaza Brasserie, let’s go herbal. And lamb. Who would have thought that these two would go so well together? The blend of bitterness and fragrance from the herbs mixture masks the gaminess of the lamb, and the end result is a beautifully smooth soup that is best to whet your appetite and to kickstart your meal.

LAMB SIEW MAI

The Lamb Siew Mai is another standout dish. Once again, who would have thought that siew mai can be made with lamb meat? And that is precisely why we love the chefs at Plaza Brasserie. They love to reinvent familiar household dishes, without steering them too far away from their origins, yet still enough to surprise the taste buds.

Now, did we just hear ‘free flow lamb siew mai’?

BOSTON LOBSTER IN WHITE PEPPER SAUCE

Boston Lobster slathered with white pepper sauce is just about one of the best things we’ve tasted at Plaza Brasserie. We have been so hooked since, and never stopped thinking about it. Every paying adult diner will enjoy a half portion (about 250g) for dinner, and special guests who go for lunches on 19th and 20th Feb will get a half portion too.

MINI BROWN RICE BALLS WITH MINCED PORK FILLING

Not to worry if you are not a fan of lamb. Because we’ve got the highly addictive Mini Brown Rice Balls with minced pork filling. Sounds a little healthy at first, but we changed our minds when we popped the first rice ball in; the explosion of sweetness is our mouths was unbelievable and we could not stop eating. How can something so simple and unassuming taste so out of the world?!

FRUITFUL YUSHENG

Plaza Brasserie has given yusheng a twist. Instead of the usual yusheng ingredients, it has incorporated fruits – like tangerine, peach, rock melon, pineapple and green mango – to the popular Chinese New Year dish that will suit everyone in the family. Its sweet fruitiness is paired with the homemade plum sauce, and a toss would not only symbolise good luck and prosperity, but good health too!

By the way, we have affectionately nicknamed yusheng as the ‘Chinese salad’, but this version takes the cake. It is literally a pile of goodness!

EIGHT TREASURE DUCKS

A beautiful duck that comes complete with generous stuffing of chestnuts, ginko nuts and mushrooms. This may not be the most photogenic item, but it is surely a hearty dish and it is easy to eat. Yay to boneless ducks!

CHEF’S ‘LIVE’ COOKING STATION

One of the things that we always look forward to when dining at Plaza Brasserie is the Chef’s ‘live’ cooking stations. From local fare like Fried Oyster Omelette, Prawn Mee Soup, Laksa, to the Indian corner where the prata man flips your dough right before your eyes – there are lots of actions going on and all around you. The ‘live’ cooking stations rotate regularly, so there is always a surprise element, and definitely something to please.

FESTIVE SWEETS AND GOODIES

So we’ve got the pineapple tartlets, almond cookies, walnut cookies, love letters and lotus root candies. The usual suspects, of course, and what is Chinese New Year without them? All baked in-house, and we’d say to not miss out on the pineapple tartlets and almond cookies!

BEST OF ASIA BUFFET SPREAD

Plaza Brasserie is best known for its “Best of Asia” buffet lineup. There is no better time than the Chinese New Year period to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Prosperity Feast at Plaza Brasserie, PARKROYAL on Beach Road

6 Feb to 5 Mar 2015 (excluding 18 – 20 Feb 2015)
Lunch buffet: Adult S$48, Child S$29
Dinner buffet: Adult S$68, Child S$41

18 Feb 2015 (Lunar New Year Eve)
Lunch buffet: Adult S$58, Child S$35
Dinner buffet: Adult S$98, Child S$59

19 & 20 Feb 2015 (Lunar New Year)
Lunch buffet: Adult S$68, Child S$41
Dinner buffet: Adult S$68, Child S$41

Child pricing is applicable to children four to 12 years old.
Prices subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Plaza Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road, Level One
Tel: +65 6505 5710
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Email: dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Beach Road. 

It is no secret by now – Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Singapore is one classy restaurant we always love and frequent, and no matter how many times we dine there, there is always something new to look out for, and something different to try.

The buffet spread is one sumptuous one. Fresh seafood aplenty, sushi and sashimi selection, ala minute stations with varying cuisines, and our all-time favourite dessert shrine. They have the best desserts among the many buffet lines in Singapore. If you haven’t tried the spread, you are missing out – big time.

More reasons to visit Seasonal Tastes is the upcoming festivity, Lunar New Year. We already did, and as always, our taste buds were so spoilt by the team of chefs. This is one place to bring your family to for celebrations. The spread is wide and there will surely be something for everyone. More importantly, their lunar menu is a fair mix of traditional goodies and improvised recipes that is sure to please.

Here are the dishes to love at Seasonal Tastes’ Lunar New Year Buffet Spread:

MINI BUDDHA JUMPS OVER THE WALL

Buddha Jumps Over The Wall, for the uninitiated, is a prized Chinese delicacy. It is a soup dish, double-boiled over long hours with the most premium ingredients. It is flavoursome and very nutritious.

Every paying adult who dines at Seasonal Tastes’ during Lunar New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year will get to enjoy a serving of this delicacy that comes with abalone, mushroom, sea cucumber, scallop and chicken. What a treat! This alone is reason enough to swing by for dinner, because it is such a value-add to the buffet!

GOLDEN FRIED FISH WITH TRIO OF SAUCE

Traditionally, fish symbolises ‘surplus’. Chinese like to believe that with surplus from the year, they will have better luck in the coming year to make more money.

And this fish dish is our favourite from Seasonal Tastes’ Lunar New Year buffet lineup. White fish slices fried to a crisp perfection, eat them with the three special homemade sauces – black pepper cheese, Thai sweet & spicy dip, and herbs & vinegar. Black pepper cheese sounds just about right. Who would have thought cheddar would blend so well with fresh black pepper? The creamy goodness complements the flaky white fish like peanut butter and jelly. But of course, a sweet and spicy kick is always good, that’s why we loved the Thai dip a lot too!

It may sound simple. Heck, it does not even look that pretty! But you need to try this yourself to experience that explosion of flavours in your mouth.

BRAISED PORK BELLY, TARO AND GOLDEN PUMPKIN

This dish has a very catchy Chinese name – jin(1) yin(2) man(3) wu(1). If your hanyu pinyin is as good as our Chemistry, this literally means your house is filled with gold and silver. In other words, wealth in abundance.

Metaphorically, the richness of this braised pork belly dish is a symbol of wealth. Slabs of prime fatty meat braised with heart and soul, then slathered with a sweet taro and pumpkin sauce. The end result is a melt-in-your-mouth meat dish that is so good on its own, we couldn’t help but have multiple servings. Even if you are not a fan of taro and/ or pumpkin, you will fall in love because the sweetness of the sauce is akin to that of BBQ-ed pork, or what we know as char siew.

MUSHROOM, BLACK MOSS, DRIED OYSTER & SEA CUCUMBER

This is a pot of auspicious ingredients, the Chinese would believe.

Black moss sounds and looks gross, but it is a popular ingredient that every household will use for their Lunar cookings. When dried, it resembles hair, hence its Chinese name (fa cai) – figuratively, it means striking it rich. Sea cucumber’s Cantonese name sounds like happiness, hence making it a prized ingredient for Chinese New Year too. And of course, dried oysters and mushrooms are ever popular among Chinese.

So, imagine having this dish free flow. Eat all you can! Eat all the auspiciousness, and enjoy a ‘surplus’ for the coming year!

GOLDEN PROSPERITY WATER CHESTNUT CAKE

The pastry chef and her team has come up with two creations for the Lunar feasting. Please do not stuff yourself silly with the savoury food, because you need room for desserts! Start your sweet indulgence with the prosperity cake.

Water chestnut cake is well-loved by the Cantonese, and it is a translucent beauty that has a tender texture and light sweetness – usually served chilled.

CHOCOLATE RED DATES GATEAUX

We’ve had many chocolate gateaux before, but a chocolate gateaux with red dates? This has ought to be the first.

SUPERFOODS FORTUNE YUSHENG

For Lunar New Year this year, The Westin Singapore is offering a Superfoods Fortune Yusheng that is made up of 28 ingredients and sauces. including apricot, raisins, pine nuts and dried berries. Not only does it come with healthier ingredients, it is also photogenic and is one of the prettiest yusheng that we’ve had in recent years. If you are in a group of 6 guests or more, the chefs will prep a full serving of yusheng for your tossing pleasure. For smaller groups, create your own yusheng. It is part of the buffet and you can have fun matching and matching the different ingredients for your DIY yusheng.

The Superfoods Fortune Yusheng (S$78+ for small, S$138+ for large) is also available for takeaway (from 1 Feb to 5 Mar) at Daily Treats, which is located at level 1 of The Westin Singapore. To order, email restaurant.reservation@westin.com, advance order of 3 days is required.

Lunar New Year’s Eve Buffet (18 Feb 2015)
Dinner: Adult S$98++, Child (aged 5 – 12) S$49++

Lunar New Year Buffet (19 Feb 2015 – 5 Mar 2015)
Lunch: Adult S$52++, Child (aged 5 – 12) S$26++
Dinner: Adult S$72++, Child (aged 5 – 12) S$36++

For the latest updates, go to The Westin Singapore’s website, ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Seasonal Tastes
32/F The Westin Singapore
Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6968
Email: seasonaltastes.singapore@westin.com
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

Lunar New Year is the biggest and most important celebration for the Chinese community. Luxuriating and feasting on delicacies is also part of the tradition of the yearly affair, and every year, families get together for elaborate dinners as a symbol of harmony and reunion.

In the past, Lunar New Year was celebrated only at home, and hence it was a time to test the women’s culinary skills. But as times evolved, families start heading out to restaurants to celebrate, or even opt for convenient takeaways.

Takeaways are indeed time (and life) savers. The idea of feasting on premium cooking at the comfort of our own abodes cannot be better. This year, of the many tastings we’ve had, TungLok stood out for their family-friendly takeaway menu that is readily available at most of their outlets. They’ve got the classic dishes like yu sheng and poon choi all covered, and their competitive prices make them a distinguished option for all who are looking for quality takeaways to treat your family and friends.

We are giving away 3 X TungLok Group CNY Festive Goodies Sets (worth S$92.90 each). More details on how you can join the giveaway at the end of this post.

Here are the highlights from TungLok Group’s Chinese New Year Takeaway Goodies for your reunion dinner.

Let’s start with the Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng. No one celebrates Chinese New Year without a bountiful toss. Otherwise known as lo hei, this dish of raw fish salad is essential during celebrations for it is a symbol of prosperity, abundance and good luck. TungLok’s version is a traditional one, with a medley of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, homemade yam, sweet potato shreds and fresh salmon sashimi slices.

Drizzle it with the TungLok’s signature plum sauce, a sweet one that symbolises a sweet life. Priced at S$48 (for 6 persons) and S$78 (for 10 persons), and there is also a vegetarian option exclusively available at LingZhi Vegetarian Restaurant.

Our all-time favourite is a good, hearty pot of poon choi, or pen cai. Traditionally a dish that is fit for the royalty in the Song dynasty, pen cai was once served in wooden washbasins and signifies abundance and richness. In modern times, it is a one-dish item served in claypots, with layers of delicacies immersed in a decadent braise sauce.

TungLok’s Treasure Bowl comes in different variations, but every one boasts only the finest ingredients and homemade abalone sauce. Expect nothing less than abalones, scallops, smoked duck breast, dried oysters, sweet cabbage, black moss and many more treasures of the ocean.

The Heavenly Treasure Bowl that contains 16 ingredients is the most luxurious treat, and comes in two different sizes – S$368 for 6 persons and S$568 for 10 persons. The Royal Treasure Bowl contains 13 ingredients, and is priced at S$268 for 6 persons and S$368 for 10 persons. The Longevity Bowl, a vegetarian option is also available at LingZhi Vegetarian Restaurant at S$188 for 6 persons and S$248 for 10 persons.

Something classic and will surely please the crowd is the Superior Herbal Chicken. It may sound predictable, but TungLok’s rendition is a superior one indeed. Prepared with many kinds of precious Chinese herbs and put to steam under very high heat, the chicken is succulent, tender and explodes with flavours. At just S$38 for a whole chicken, the Superior Herbal Chicken makes an affordable treat and add-on to your reunion dinner.

Chinese are always fond of glutinous rice, and TungLok has their version of Fried Glutinous Rice with Assorted Preserved Meat. It comes in two portions – S$28 for 6 persons and S$42 for 10 persons.

On to the festive gifts, we are huge fans of the TungLok Pork Jerky – in simpler words, strips of divine bak kwa. Many may not know, but TungLok flame-grill their own Pork Jerky (S$33.80 per 500g) and in very limited quantities, so it is the fastest fingers first. Losers weepers, really. The honey-glazed one is our favourite and once you start, you cannot help but reach out for more.

TungLok X.O. sauce (S$9.80) – made with a blend of dried canopy and silver bait using TungLok’s secret recipe – is also a nice gift for your family and relatives.

Nian Gao (Chinese New Year’s cake) is the festivity’s essential. It signifies a higher year ahead, and Chinese eat it for good luck. TungLok has created a few exhilarating flavours – traditional, pandan and black sesame at S$20 per box. And there is a special Red Dates Nian Gao – at S$28 per box, this 9-layer rendition is said to boost your immunity and lower your cholesterol.

Sets are also made available in the form of Take-home Feast, which comprises Pen Cai, Yu Sheng, Superior Herbal Chicken, Fried Glutinous Rice with Assorted Preserved Meat and Nian Gao. Prices start from S$238, and there are several combinations that are good for 6 to 10 persons. Perfect for your reunion dinners, or if you are hosting a small party.

We’ve got good news! Early birds who make their purchases before 06 February 2015 will enjoy 15% off – the offer applies to purchase of yu sheng, pen cai as well as the Take-home feast.

For dine-in guests, receive a S$20 dining voucher with every S$100 spent. You will also enjoy a complimentary rice pack* with a minimum spend of S$150. TungLok First members continue to enjoy 10% rebate* during festive period. * Terms and conditions apply.

TUNGLOK GROUP CHINESE NEW YEAR 2015 GIVEAWAY

1. TungLok Group is giving away 3 CNY Festive Goodies Sets which consists of a takeaway Prosperity Salmon Yusheng, Traditional Nian Gao, and one Twin Pack TungLok X.O. sauce (worth S$92.90).
2. Leave a comment in this post and tell us why you want to win TungLok Group’s Festive Gift Sets.
3. ‘Like’ TungLok Group on Facebook.
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from today till 3 Feb 2015, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

UPDATE: The three winners are Sarina Lim, May Neo, and Alexis Y.

This post is brought to you by TungLok Group.

There are the kind of places where you bring your date to for a private celebration, or for a team lunch. Then, there is also the list for more intimate experiences with friends and families. For Chinese New Year 2015, Resorts World Sentosa has two perfect options for everyone.

Want an elegant space with top-grade Chinese cuisine for a night of sheer indulgence? Feng Shui Inn is the kind that fits the bill. Mark this place down and consider it one of the places to feast at.

Apart from Lo-hei of several options, there is an a la carte menu. The Poached Seasonal Greens with Live Lobster and Black Fungus (S$38 for a small portion) is highly recommended. For something even more flavourful, try the Pan-seared Oysters with German Pork Knuckle (S$68 per serving). This dish packs a wicked punch and is good for sharing. And for the prettiest dessert? The Soft Layered Cake with Custard & Golden Flakes (S$48 per whole cake) will set everyone’s hearts aflutter.

There are also set menus of different configurations, and prices start from S$1,188 for 6 persons.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and romantic, Forest is for you. Helmed by Chef Sam Leong and his wife, Forest, this modern outlet offers exquisite Chinese dishes in a refined setting.

Dine with your discerning loved one(s) at Forest with a range of lunch and dinner sets. To begin, every set comes with a fruity salmon yusheng. Something fresh and something different.

But if sets are too much for two, there is also an a la carte menu, from which we really love the Four Treasures Soup (S$32 per person). Braised with fish maw, sea cucumber, conpoy and crabmeat and served in a young  coconut, this is one soup that is luxurious and oh-so-sweet. Mains includes Boston Lobster that is wok-fried with green chives and fresh lily bulb (S$58 per person), Canadian Geoduck Clam (S$38 per person) and Marble Goby Fillet that is steamed with yellow bean sauce (S$34 per person). But we’d go for the Kurobuta Pork (S$28 per person) anytime – charcoal-grilled pork that is accompanied with asparagus, this dish is a fine mix of sweet and savoury.

Of course, there are many more dining options over at Resorts World Sentosa. You can find out more from their website, or like them on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. For reservations, call +65 6577 6688 or email dining@rwsentosa.com

This post is brought to you by Resorts World Sentosa.

Din Tai Fung – a household name in Singapore since 2003 – is a popular favourite among locals and visitors alike. Talk about xiao long bao and we all think of Din Tai Fung’s legacy. But more than the little steamed dumplings, all 18 branches around the island sees a perpetual queue, and is the best testament to its consistently good and affordable Chinese food made of premium quality of ingredients.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Among the 18 locations Paragon’s outlet is the flagship restaurant and it showcases three VIP rooms that can be expanded to accommodate up to 30 diners. It is the perfect venue to celebrate your Chinese New Year reunion dinner with your family and loved ones.

Almost every dish on the menu is good enough to be called a signature, but in this installation, we bring to you the bests of Din Tai Fung (www.DinTaiFung.com.sg), and their Chinese New Year specials to usher in the year of Horse.

We are also giving away 3 sets of S$120 Din Tai Fung dining vouchers and Salmon Prosperity Yusheng (each set worth $168.80), read on to find out how you can win them!

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Lo-hei is a meaningful activity on Ren Ri (the birthday of mankind) on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year (6 Feb 2014), so why not head down to Din Tai Fung tomorrow and do a prosperous toss with the Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (S$28.80 for standard, and S$48.80 for deluxe) with your loved ones. After all, what is Chinese New Year without a round of lo-hei and shouting out all the wishes we have? We love Din Tai Fung’s version for its inclusion of crispy yam strips, natural jellyfish, Tian Jin roasted chestnuts and topped with homemade sweet and tangy plum sauce. For something more luxurious, go for Din Tai Fung’s Abalone Fortune Yu Sheng (S$68.80).

Din Tai Fung is synonymous with xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings). What makes Din Tai Fung’s Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$7.30 for 6 pieces, S$9.80 for 10 pieces) so good – other than its delightfully rich broth, tender and succulent skin, and premium pork filling – is its consistency. No matter which branch you go to, no matter what time you order, every xiao long bao comes with a minimum of 18 intricate folds, and is always excellent like a work of art.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Each Xiao Long Bao undergoes 6 precise preparatory stages before it is presented to you. Having at least 18 folds on each xiao long bao gives the dumpling the right texture and also helps the skin to hold the generous broth and filling.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

A worthy variation is the Truffle Xiao Long Bao (S$4 for 1 piece, S$19.80 for 5 pieces, $38 for 10 pieces). Nothing quite like biting into a piping hot dumpling that explodes with the aroma and distinct flavour of fresh truffles! We suggest doing without the ginger and condiments – eat it on its own, because it is that good on its own.

No meal at Din Tai Fung is complete without their signature appetisers. Whet your appetite with the Oriental Salad with Special Vinegar Dressing (S$3.80), or more affectionately known as the signature Xiao Cai – a simple mix of beansprouts, julienne seaweed, rice vermicelli and chilli and beancurd strips in a light tangy dressing that boasts a myriad of flavours all in one serving.

The Original Shanghainese Drunken Chicken (S$7.50) is an appetizer that no one can resist. Served chilled, this succulent white meat is soaked in Chinese wine to produce an addictive taste. It is noteworthy that Din Tai Fung’s rendition uses chickens that are specially reared, and only chicken thigh is used for the dish.

We also fell in love with the Green Chillies Stuffed with Marinated Minced Meat (S$7.30) ever since the Singapore team introduced this as a permanent dish two years ago. From what we understood, this is supposedly the Thais’ favourite and was created in lieu of their flagship opening in Bangkok, Central World. But because it is such a hit, and Singaporeans have an incredibly soft spot for spicy food, this dish is here to stay and we love every bite of it!

For more vegetables lovin’, the Crunchy Mini Cucumber in Spicy Sauce (S$4.30) uses the freshest Japanese cucumbers and is a crisp start to your hearty meal.

What we all know as Chao Shou is really the all-time favourite Oriental Wantons with Black Vinegar and Chilli Oil (S$7.80). Definitely a crowd pleaser because every dumpling is a generous serving of minced meat drenched in a kickass sauce. There must be something in the sauce that has us craving for it time and again.

Another crowd favourite is the Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake (S$9.30). Cakes of chopped fresh prawns deep-fried till golden while retaining the juiciness and sweetness of the prawns.

And a bowl of everyone’s favourite Steamed Chicken Soup (S$9.80) is an irreplaceable comfort item in Chinese dining. Simmered for 6 hours, it is made of pure chicken essence and contains 4 different parts of a chicken.

Also a world famous is the Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$11.00) – a classic Chinese dish that is so simple, yet made very divine by the chefs at Din Tai Fung. The regulars will be all too familiar with the fragrance of this dish – every grain of the premium Taiwan pearl rice is coated with egg and nicely flavoured with the sweetness of the fresh shrimps.

A good accompaniment for the fried rice is the Stir-fried Dou Miao with Garlic (S$12.00), with every stalk precisely picked at 4-6cm for optimum freshness and taste. Do it plain with the Garlic or with Shrimps. And the best thing is this dish only uses a teaspoon of sunflower oil, bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

If you have a penchant for heavy flavours, the Special Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Beef Brisket (S$11.50) is a clear winner. The broth is simmered for more than 10 hours with the freshest beef to accentuate the essence of the meat, ideally handmade springy noodles with no preservatives that absorbs the broth with every strand coated with the beef’s fragrance, and most importantly, the tender chunks of beef so generously filling the bowl of goodness.

To end off the festive meal (available now till 28 Feb), indulge in a bowl of Peanut Glutinous Rice Balls (S$6.80 for a bowl of 6 pieces). The Chinese always believe that eating glutinous rice balls signifies family union. These small balls of rice flour and sweet filling is a joyful treat to share with the family, and we really love the peanut soup that is freshly prepared daily.

And of course, because you are at Din Tai Fung, you can also end off your meal with another round of dumplings. Our pick for the sweet dumplings is the Steamed Red Bean Dumplings with Chocolate Lava (S$7.50 for 6 pieces, S$10.00 for 10 pieces), which sounds every bit like heaven and tastes twice as nice as heaven. For this dumpling, Din Tai Fung uses premium chocolate and fine mashed red bean paste from Taiwan.

Before we conclude, just a quick note that prices of the dishes at Din Tai Fung vary at selected outlets.

The Lunar New Year festive specials are available for dine-in or takeaway at Din Tai Fung, from 1 Jan to 28 Feb 2014. For more details, go to www.DinTaiFung.com.sg. Follow Din Tai Fung on their Facebook page and Instagram for more updates.

ladyironchef x Din Tai Fung Giveaway

3 sets of S$120 Din Tai Fung vouchers and Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (Deluxe) to be won

1. Like Din Tai Fung’s Facebook page.
2. ‘Share’ this post on your facebook timeline
3. Leave a comment in this post and come up with a creative name for Din Tai Fung’s yusheng in 2015 (Please type in han yu pin yin).
4. Closing date of giveaway: 8 Feb 2014 (2359hrs). Winners will be notified by email.
5. This giveaway is only open to readers residing in Singapore.
6. Redemption of prizes will be at BreadTalk IHQ from 10 – 14 Feb (please take note that the Yu Sheng will only be available till 14 Feb).

Updated on 9 Feb: The winners of the giveaway are Kenneth, Valeri and Felicia.

This post is brought to you by Din Tai Fung Singapore.

From a Lunar New Year high tea for a prosperous kick-start to the year, to the most luxurious reunion dinner with the best Chinese delicacies, as well as recommendations on yushengs that are worth looking out for this year, our guide to Chinese New Dinner 2014 has it all covered. We have included a list of restaurants that are perfect for your festive celebrations and indulgences with family and loved ones. There is no better way than to usher in the new year of the Horse with a pampering feast.

Man Fu Yuan

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore is our to-go place when we need to host clients for a formal luncheon, or when we want to celebrate a happy occasion with our family. The emphasis at Man Fu Yuan has always been on classic and refined Cantonese cooking, and impeccable service that makes dining there such a pleasure.

This year, the Prosperous Yusheng (shown in the first picture) is arranged in the shape of a horse. This is one stunning yusheng that you will not want to miss for Lo Hei this Chinese New Year. And for the premium menus, you can enjoy your yusheng with a touch of resplendence in the form of rose-shaped sashimi slices.

The chefs have prepared an array of set menus that will please every palate. Anticipate tantalising dishes such as Stir-fried Lobster & Crab Roe, Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest, but the star of the menu this year is definitely the Double-boiled ‘Fu Zhou’ Buddha Jump Over The Wall. With delicacies like whole Mexican abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, dried scallops and deer tendon, all cooked over a strict control of high and low heat for 3 days, what is left is the essence of the very best, and this is the ultimate indulgence. Quite simply, we call this the best way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

One thing that is also worth mentioning is that Man Fu Yuan has only one seating for Lunar New Year’s Eve. If you want to enjoy the reunion dinner without being rushed to finish your food, and don’t mind paying a slight premium, book a table here.

Photo credit: Intercontinental Singapore

Man Fu Yuan’s wide range of festive dishes from the take-home set menus is perfect for those who are having your reunion dinner at home. Besides the aforementioned Double-boiled Fu Zhou Buddha Jump Over the Wall (S$688+), Man Fu Yuan’s signature Deluxe Treasure Pot (S$398+/5pax) comes with 25 premium ingredients, and while you can find the standard items abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw and goose web, the star ingredient is Boston lobster.

The Chinese New Year promotion is available from 17 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Man Fu Yuan
80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062
Nearest Station: Bugis
To purchase online – www.facebook.com/ICSingapore

Photo credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Feng Shui Inn

It is the combination of exquisite and authentic fine Cantonese cuisine and an elegant and luxurious ambience that contribute to the overall dining experience at Feng Shui Inn, at Resorts World Sentosa.

Meticulously plated to form the shape of a horse, Feng Shui Inn’s Salmon & Mackeral Lo Hei served with Italy Balsamic Vinegar is a masterpiece, and a feast for the senses. It combines flavours and textures by mixing salmon cubes, crispy-skinned mackerel and silver fish, and the bonus addition that completes the brilliant masterpiece is the sweet strips of bak gwa!

Other noteworthy dishes are the Sauteed Grouper Fillet with fish roe and asparagus shoots that combines the freshness with a natural hint of sweetness from the fish, and the Braised Oyster with Conpoy that is served with braised bai ling mushrooms – just like how the Chinese love it. They are available as ala carte dishes, as well as part of a lavish 8-course menu (S$1,118++/6pax, S$1688++/10pax).

The Chinese New Year promotion is available from 20 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Feng Shui Inn
8 Sentosa Gateway
Crockfords Tower Level G2
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Forest

Over at Forest, look out for the Salmon Fruity Vegetable Yusheng (S$78++ for 2 to 4 pax) – filled with a variation of fruits like melon, pomelo chunks, strips of apple, seaweed, and carrot sticks, this dish is rich in colours and textures. Crispy silverfish, thinly sliced salmon, and a homemade yuzu honey lime dressing are added to jazz up the dish.

Forest has several set menus available for this Lunar New Year, starting from S$68++/pax for a 5-course lunch and S$178++/pax for a 6-course dinner. Dishes worth mentioning are the appetising and refreshing Vietnamese Roll with Lobster in X.O. Chili Sauce and topped with homemade sesame dressing, the rich and tender Stewed Pork Belly with Dried Scallop and Hairy melon, and the Japanese Fragrant Rice with XO sausage and pan-seared foie gras presented in steamed yellow pumpkin. As always, Forest promises an exhilarating palate experience.

The Chinese New Year promotion is available from 18 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Forest
8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Jade Restaurant

From the luxurious Braised Bird Nest’s with crab meat and roe in superior broth, to Sautéed Boston Lobster with a crazily addictive spicy cheese sauce, to the must-have Prosperity Seafood in Claypot – a pot of wonder filled with premium ingredients like abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, and dried oysters – Chinese New Year dinner at The Fullerton Hotel’s Jade Restaurant is a feast fit for the royalty, and a splendid way to welcome the new year.

Another highlight is the Eight Happiness Gold Rush Salmon Yusheng (S$78/6pax, S$118 for 8/pax). What makes Jade’s Yusheng stand out is the choice of the healthier olive oil, a delightful and refreshing apple plum dressing, and chunks of luxurious champagne jelly with edible gold leaves. Toss to a great year with the yusheng which features Chef Leong’s beautiful calligraphic drawing of a horse.

To end your meal on a sweet note, indulge in their creative dessert options which includes nian gao tartlets, and rose-flavoured water chestnut cake.

The Chinese New Year promotion is available from 20 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Jade Restaurant
Ground Floor, Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
Tel: +65 6877 8188
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

mezza9

mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore is a chic concept restaurant which offers nine different dining experiences in one space.

mezza9′s Chinese New Year menu features several mouth-watering dishes. We love the Braised Spare Rib (S$48) that are so rich in flavour and accompanied with steamed buns so that we can savour every bit of the sauce. The Crispy Duck (S$38 for half, S$72 for whole) with yellow turmeric sauce is like a Chinese rendition of a duck confit, and equally satisfying.

For sharing, we recommend the Steamed New Zealand Snapper (S$88) that will complete your reunion dinner. And if you have a big family, go for the 6-course set dinner (S$118/pax, min of 6 pax), or the 8-course set dinner (S$168/pax, min of 8 pax).

In line with mezza9′s approach in providing sustainable seafood from independent eco labels, the restaurant presents its Double Happiness & Good Luck Yusheng with sustainable South Australian yellowtail kingfish and Irish organic atlantic salmon (S$48 for 2 pax, S$98 for 6 pax). No compromise on the tastes, and if any, the freshness had us longing for more.

The Chinese New Year promotion is available from 15 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Mezzanine Level
Tel: +65 6730 7188
Nearest Station: Orchard

Tian Fu Tea Room by Si Chuan Dou Hua

Tea lovers will love Tian Fu Tea Room by Si Chuan Dou Hua restaurant – a Chinese tea room concept that promotes the art of tea appreciation, and a sanctuary for all to indulge in the beautiful world of teas. This festive season, Tian Fu Tea Room presents the Reunion Imperial High Tea, a high tea to be enjoyed with your loved ones and business associates.

At S$32/pax, the high tea comes with a Prosperity Salmon Yusheng (customised accordingly to group size), two premium Chinese teas, eight dim sum and snacks – including Double-boiled Seafood Dumpling in Superior Soup, Camphor Tea Smoked Chicken, Steamed Abalone Dumpling with Wasabi Sauce, Steamed Fish Ball with Black Moss, Deep-fried Radish Puff, Fried Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf, Glutinous Rice Balls in Chinese Rice Wine, and Pan-fried New Year Cake with Glutinous Pearls.

It is such a stunning display of the best of Chinese goodies to say the least, and with this value-for-money tea set, spend a leisure afternoon at this elegant Chinese tea room over Lo-Hei this Chinese New Year.

The Chinese New Year Promotion is available from 30 Jan to 14 Feb 2014.

Tian Fu Tea Room
80 Raffles Place
#60-01 UOB Plaza 1
Tel: +65 6535 6006
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

PARKROYAL ON Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Tel: +65 6505 5724
Nearest Station: Bugis

PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Tel: +65 6428 3170
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Szdechuan Court is known for serving good Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine, and its location at level three of Fairmont Singapore makes it the perfect place to have a nice meal with family and friends, or to host a business luncheon in an elegant and upmarket setting.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, the chef has specially created several set menus, and we had the good fortune to sample some of his signature dishes.

We started with lo-hei, the tossing of yusheng (raw fish salad which comprise crispy eel, salmon, abalone and lobster), a Chinese New Year ritual in Singapore.

There were classic dishes on the menu including Braised Whole Abalone with mushroom and dried oysters with broccoli, and Sweet and Sour Pork Spare Ribs topped with diced capsicums and pineapples.

The Three Treasures Double Boiled Cordyceps Flower Soup – with mini abalone followed shortly after. It was a simple and comforting soup – the kind which you can have everyday and not get sick of it.

The Crispy Tiger Prawns coated with mild spicy mayonnaise was also very good. In fact, I almost suspected that the chef coated the prawns with heroin, that made them so addictive.

The signature Deep-fried Turbot was the highlight of our meal. The fish, with a superior coriander soy sauce, had a shattering crisp, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We ended our feast with a Pandan Nian Gao topped with coconut flakes.

For Chinese New Year 2013, the chefs at Szechuan Court have specially created a collection of Chinese New Year signatures and seven set menus such as the Gong Xi Fa Cai set ($288++) a 8 course menu for a family of four and the Fortune Set ($888++), a massive 10 course menu for a table of ten.

Szechuan Court & Kitchen
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 3 Fairmont Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Whether you are looking for a restaurant to have reunion dinner with your family, or lo-hei with your friends and colleagues, here are some suggestions for Chinese New Year Dinner 2013.

Wishing everyone a happy Chinese New Year with your family and loved ones.

Canton Paradise

If the crowds at meal times are anything to go by, Canton Paradise is already very popular. It is not surprising, given that the restaurant chain focuses on the mass-market by offering decent Chinese food at affordable prices. The Lunar New Year menu here starts from $168 for a family of four, while you can also get their fortune pot (pen cai) for $198.

1 Vista Exchange Green
#B1-45/46 The Star Vista
Tel: +65 6694 2915
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10pm

Checkers Brasserie

Have your reunion dinner at Checkers Brasserie on Chinese New Year’s Eve and begin the feast with the Prosperity Yu Sheng, before having a serving of Mini Buddha jump over the wall. That is not all. The spread also includes Peking duck, roast pork, Japanese sashimi and sushi. The Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner Buffet is available on 9 February 2013, at $88++/pax.

581 Orchard Road
Hilton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3390

Forest Restaurant

With a tropical rain forest inspired interior, Chef Sam Leong’s Forest Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa is one of the most stunning Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Forest is introducing two reunion set dinners starting from $168++/pax and a 7 course Reunion Deluxe Tasting Menu at $888++/pax which comprises mains like Braised Bird Nest with crab meat and roe, and Braised 10 Head Dry Abalone with sautéed vegetable and truffle oil.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Level 1 Equarius Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa
Tel: +65 6577 7788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine

The Imperial Treasure name is synonymous with good quality and consistently good Chinese food. The prices may be steep, but the high standard food, the friendly service make a meal at Imperial Treasure’s flagship outlet in Marina Bay Sands so reasonable.

The restaurant has prepared 9 different Lunar New Year set menus, and they are priced at $668++ for four, to $1288++ for ten.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#L2-04 Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6681 6680
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 11.30pm

Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant

Located by the waterfront at Gardens by the Bay, Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant has one of the best spots in town. The new seafood restaurant by Chef Yong Bing Ngen showcases popular Singaporean classic dishes such as the chilli crab, black pepper crab and peking duck, but what you must not miss is the signature ‘kopi’ crab which is prepared with a special sauce made from a blend of 3 different coffee beans.

Besides having seven different Chinese New Year set menus (from $388++ for four), Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant also has an eight course vegetarian set menu ($60++/pax) for this special occasion.

18 Marina Gardens Drive
#01-10 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Tel: +65 6604 6604
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.45pm – 10pm

Peach Garden

The splendid view from level 33 makes Peach Garden at OCBC Centre an excellent option should you choose to dine out for reunion dinner. The basic Lunar New Year menu – which includes salmon yusheng, shark’s fin with crab meat, deep-fried sea perch, braised dried oyster – is available at $88++/pax (minimum two diners).

65 Chulia Street
#33-01 OCBC Centre, Singapore
Tel: +65 6535 7833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

Summer Pavilion

This Chinese restaurant at Ritz-Carlton Singapore seems to have the right formula – refined Cantonese cuisine served in a classy interior. Summer Pavilion has a platinum 7 course menu ($2288 for eight pax), and it is also offering the traditional pen cai at $360 (for four pax).

7 Raffles Avenue
Ritz-Carlton Singapore
Tel: +65 6337 8888
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Shin Yeh

Shin Yeh, the famous restaurant from Taiwan, is another place that you can consider for your Chinese New Year reunion dinner. The 8 course set menu starts from $148++ for four guests and goes up to $498++ for a table of ten

177 River Valley Road
#02-19 Liang Court
Tel: +65 6338 7337
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Szechuan Court

Over at Szechuan Court. the chef has specially created a collection of Chinese New Year signatures and seven set menus. The Gong Xi Fa Cai set ($288++) – a 8 course menu featuring Salmon Yusheng and Crispy Canadian Scallop – is good for a family of four. For a big group, the Fortune Set ($888++) is a massive 10 course menu that can feed a table of ten and some of the highlights are Crispy Tiger Prawn, Steamed Turbot Fish, and Traditional Roast Duck.

80 Bras Basah Road
Level 2 Fairmont Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Weekday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Weekend: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Yu Cuisine

Regulars to Marina Bay Sands will definitely notice Yu Cuisine, a modern Chinese seafood restaurant and champagne bar which has an outstanding blue and silver decor. If you are planning to splurge on the Chinese New Year reunion dinner, this is the place in town to do it.

For Chinese New Year 2013, Yu Cuisine has a 6 course menu ($468++ for four pax) featuring Yu Sheng, shark’s fin, abalone with sea cucumber and tiger king prawn.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-07/08/09 & #L1-82 Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6871 4135
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sun: 11am – 12midnight

For more recommendations, read my guide to Singapore’s Top 10 Seafood Restaurants.

Regular readers will know that I am a fan of Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in town, it also serves Chinese food of unimpeachable quality. I have been to Paradise Pavilion on several occasions, and they have always maintained a high standard.

Besides having a wide range of traditional dim sum, Paradise Pavilion also has new innovative creations, and one of my favourite dim sum on the menu is the grilled Siew Mai Skewers.

We also sampled the Steamed Scallop & Mushroom Dumpling and Black Truffle Chicken Pie. They were decent, but nothing to shout about.

From the modern Chinese starters menu, we were tempted to get the Combination of Pan-seared Foie Gras, Wasabi Prawn and Char-grilled Hokkaido Scallop ($22), but decided to save room for Peking Duck, so we got our favourite Pan-seared Foie Gras ($16) with caramelised apple.

This was followed by the Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup ($22/pax) with fish maw. It’s warming, comforting and immeasurably soothing, the kind of soup that you want to drink on a cold day.

The highlight of our meal was Paradise Pavilion’s apple wood Roasted Peking Duck ($88 for whole duck) which is prepared by chefs formerly from Quan Ju De, Beijing’s famous Peking Duck Restaurant. I have not been to Beijing before so I can’t tell you how authentic the duck really is. But based on the ones that I’ve eaten before, Paradise Pavilion’s Peking Duck easily topped the list.

The first layer of the Peking duck – the fatty and crispy duck skin – was eaten with sugar. It was delicious. This was followed by the second layer of duck served with rice flour crepes, cucumber slices, spring onion, sugar and a homemade sweet sauce. And instead of using the remaining meat to cook the second dish, like most restaurants do, the chef carved out the meat and served it on the side.

After having the Peking duck, we were almost filled to the brim, but we still managed to finish the excellent Wok-fried Mashed Fish Noodle ($28) with pan seared shrimp stock.

The restaurant also offers very interesting desserts. Other than the usual Chinese desserts – such as Mango Pudding ($5) and Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo ($6.50) – Paradise Pavilion also has sweet temptations like Deep-fried Durian Ice Cream with Mango Puree ($8.50), Steamed Mashed Toro with Almond Cream ($8.50), and Crispy Custard Lava Man Tou ($8.80) with vanilla ice cream.

The Custard Lava Man Tou combined three of my favourite things, and it was more than we could have ever asked for.

Paradise Pavilion is a great place for family and friends to come together for a scrumptious meal. The restaurant has launched their Lunar New Year set menu, and it starts from $88/pax. If you are thinking of where to go for Chinese New Year, I’d highly recommend celebrating the occasion at Paradise Pavilion.

Paradise Pavilion
8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6509 9308
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Singapore is a food paradise and there are many thing to eat on our little island. One of them is definitely live seafood. Whether you are looking for a restaurant to celebrate Chinese New Year or satisfy your seafood cravings, below you can check out 10 of the best seafood restaurants in Singapore.

Where to have seafood in Singapore? Read on to find out.

Chin Huat Live Seafood

Chin Huat Live Seafood at Sunset Way serves competent food at reasonable prices. Besides the usual zi char fare, they also offer a great variety of exotic seafood. A good spot for live seafood if you are in the west of Singapore. Their Lunar New Year menu starts from $398++ for 10 persons.

105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Jumbo Seafood

This is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Singapore. Locals and tourists frequent Jumbo Seafood, and reservations are usually required in advance, especially if you are dining a big group.

The Chinese-style seafood restaurant chain is known for its signature dishes such as the famous chilli crab with deep fried mantou, salted egg yolk prawns, crispy baby squids, and mee goreng.

1206 East Coast Parkway
#01-07/08 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: +65 6442 3435
Daily: 5pm – 12mn

Long Beach Seafood Restaurant

The creator of the original black pepper crab, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant currently has five outlets in Singapore. It is a place where locals go for seafood, and it serves a wide variety of seafood from all over the world such as Canadian Dungeness crab, tiger sea mantis and Norwegian rose gold crab.

26 Jalan Benaan Kapal
Kallang Park
Tel: +65 6344 7722
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 1.15am

Mellben Seafood restaurant

The long queue at Mellben Seafood Restaurant is a testament to its popularity. During peak hours, you can find diners feasting on the signature claypot crab bee hoon. Also worth trying is the sensational butter crab.

232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#01-1222
Tel: +65 6285 6762
Daily: 4.30pm – 11.30pm

Ming Kee Live Seafood

The old saying goes if a restaurant is full of locals, then you have chosen wisely. Ming Kee Live Seafood belongs under this category. Tucked among a busy row of restaurants and eateries on Macpherson Road, they are known for serving good and fresh seafood at decent prices.

Some of the must-try items on the menu include Triple Cooked Bee Hoon Crab and Guinness Pork Ribs. I’d definitely recommend Ming Kee Live Seafood for your Chinese New Year dinner celebration.

556 Macpherson Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6747 4075
Daily: 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm

No Signboard Seafood

When readers ask me where to eat seafood in Singapore, I will always recommend No Signboard Seafood. I like to bring overseas friends who are visiting to No Signboard to indulge in a good meal. I have been to their different branches, but I always return to the original outlet at Geylang Road.

414 Geylang Road
Tel: +65 6842 3415
Daily: 12pm – 1am

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

If you are looking for splendid views and good seafood, Palm Beach’s got it all. The overall experience is much appreciated by a clientèle that includes a lot of tourists – partly due to its excellent location at One Fullerton – but this is no tourist trap.

Palm Beach is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Singapore, and they have been serving good and fresh seafood to discerning guests for many years. This is a good option for entertaining clients over a scrumptious seafood dinner.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-09 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6227 2332
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Red House Seafood Restaurant

Another popular seafood place is Red House Seafood Restaurant. Its main outlet at East Coast Seafood Centre is massive and can easily house five hundred guests, while the other branch at Robertson Quay has a slightly more up-scale interior and caters to the expats living in the area.

1204 East Coast Parkway
#01-05 East Coast Seafood Centre
Tel: +65 6442 3112
Mon to Fri: 12am – 11.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11.30pm

Seafood Paradise

This seafood restaurant by the Paradise Group is a Chinese seafood restaurant that serves local favourites and quality seafood dishes. People who love choices will have a field day at Seafood Paradise.

The restaurant is currently having a crab fest promotion (only at the Defu Lane outlet) where you can enjoy 30% off crabs on every Tuesday.

91 Defu Lane
10 Swee Hin Building
Tel: +65 6487 2429
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Tung Lok Seafood Restaurant

Seafood restaurants are aplenty in Singapore, but it is considerably harder to find one that serves consistently good seafood at affordable prices. Tung Lok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the quality and standards synonymous with the Tung Lok brand.

Other than the outlet at East Coast Recreation Centre, you can also find Tung Lok Seafood in town. It is conveniently located at the top of Orchard Central, making it an ideal place for gatherings.

181 Orchard Road
#11-05 Orchard Central
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

I’m really excited that Chinese New Year is just less than two weeks away. It is the time where we get to catch up with our relatives and friends. And of course, the part that I’m looking forward to is eating lots of yummy food.

In recent years, more and more families are choosing to eat out because of convenience and ambience. There are also some that order Chinese New Year Takeaways from restaurants and hotels, to eat at the comfort of their homes. No matter where you are having your reunion dinner, I hope you will have a good time with your loved ones!

If you are still looking for a restaurant to celebrate the occasion, let me help you with some suggestions for Chinese New Year Dinner 2012.

Chin Huat Live Seafood

For a scrumptious seafood feast, go to Chin Huat at Sunset Way for their Chinese New Year Promotion. At $398++ for 10 persons, the set menu comes with Salmon Yu Sheng, Braised Shark’s Fin, Deep-fried Goby, Poached Live Prawns and Steamed Chicken.

105 Clementi Street 12
#01-30 Sunset Way Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7348

Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant

This Lunar New Year, Executive Chinese Chef Sunny Kong of Mandarin Court Chinese Restaurant has put together 10 different signature menus ranging from the $98++ per person menu (minimum 2 persons) – which features Salmon Yusheng, Braised Shark’s Fin, Steamed Sea Perch, and Braised Baby Abalone; to an extravagant $1,888++ meal for 10 persons, from 13 January to 6 February 2012.

From their Chinese New Year Takeaway menu, the prosperity Salmon Yusheng for 8-10 persons is available for $108, while the Pen Cai for 5-8 persons is $368.

333 Orchard Road Level 35
Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 6262

Man Fu Yuan

Over at Man Fu Yuan Intercontinental Hotel, there are 12 different options to cater to everyone’s tastes. The 6 course menu ($108++/pax) – with Yu Sheng, Shark’s Fin, Baby Abalone, Deep-Fried Sea Perch – is ideal for a family of 4.

Should you choose to celebrate your Chinese New Year Dinner Party at home, Man Fu Yuan also presents an attractive takeaway package which includes Pen Cai and Yu Sheng at $358 (DBS Credit Card promotion at $320).

80 Middle Road
2F Intercontinental Hotel
Tel: +65 6825 1062

Chinese New Year Eve, also known as Chu Xi: the day where families gather for reunion dinner.

Imperial treasure steamboat

What’s Chinese New Year’s Eve without steamboat?

On 22th Jan 2012, Imperial Treasure Steamboat at TripleOne Somerset has created special Chinese New Year set menus. For a family of 4, you can have the $328++ menu which comes with Lo Hei, Seafood, Prawns, Abalones, Scallops, Clams, and Desserts.

For those of you who are having an early reunion dinner celebration, the normal set menu for 4 persons is $168++.

111 Somerset Road, #02-21 TripleOne Somerset
Tel: +65 6732 8231

Keng Eng Kee Seafood

For a simple reunion dinner, head over to Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant. There are two Chinese New Year Set Menus at $399 and $499 (for 10 pax). For smaller families, you can order from their Cze Char ala carte menu.

The last I checked, they are fully booked during Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-136 Alexandra Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6272 1038

Paradise Inn

With 11 branches in Singapore, Paradise Inn is the ideal choice for your family reunion dinner. The casual dining restaurant serves good Chinese food at affordable prices.

23 Serangoon Central
#03-15 NEX Mall
Tel: +65 6634 4228

What’s there not to like about Chinese New Year when you get to eat traditional goodies like kueh bangkit, loveletters, pinapple tarts, peanut cookies, and bak kwa?

Yan Ting

One of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Singapore, Yan Ting at the St Regis is the place to go if money is no object.

Yan Ting presents several sumptuous set menus for Chinese New Year 2012. You can choose from the 8 course ($1088++/10pax) which has Salmon Yusheng, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup, Steamed Soon Hock, and Crispy Roasted Chicken; and the 9 course which has Double-boiled Shark’s Fin Soup, Pan-roasted Rack of Lamb, Crispy Peking Duck as the highlights.

There’s also the 6 course set menu at $98++/pax (min 2 persons) for smaller families. The Lunar New Year Dinner menus are available from 12th January to 6th February 2012.

29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888

Chinese New Year is one of my favourite holidays. It is the time to eat bak kwa, pineapple tarts, abalone and all the Chinese Delicacies. Although we are about more than 2 weeks away from Chinese New Year, many of the Chinese restaurants in Singapore are already fully booked for Chinese New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner. For those of you guys who are currently planning for the CNY Dinner, please make your reservations as soon as possible.

Here’s a list of Chinese New Year Dinner Restaurants for 2011

Feng Shui Inn

The Reunion Dinner during Chinese New Year’s Eve is one of the most important meals for the Chinese. This is a time where everyone gets together for a meal to renew and affirm family ties. If money is not an issue, and you want only the best for your Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner — Feng Shui Inn at Resorts World Sentosa may just be the ideal Chinese New Year Dinner Restaurant.

For $1888++ for 10 pax, indulge in the seven-course Chinese New Year Dinner Menu which includes: Lobster Yu Sheng, Bird’s Nest, and the Braised whole Australia Abalone with sea cucumber. The other CNY menu at Feng Shui Inn is $2888++ for a table of 10.

Availability for Feng Shui Inn Resorts World Sentosa

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011): Fully Booked.
Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 11): 5.30pm – 7.30pm (Available), 8pm – 10pm (Available)

8 Sentosa Gateway Basement
1-M Crockfords Tower,
Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
Tel: +65 6577 8899

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant

At Grand Mercure Hotel, Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant has 7 different Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner set menu to cater for every family. The Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner Set menu starts from 14th Jan to 2nd Feb 2011, while the Lunar New Year Dinner promotion is available from 3rd to 17th Feb 2011.

For a family of 4, they have the Harmony 7 course menu at $308++ which includes Yusheng, shark’s fin, sea cucumber, sea perch, and scallops. For a table of 10, there’s the Bountiful Harvest 9 course menu at $698++ and it has the following: Yusheng, shark’s fin, abalone, garoupa, scallops, crispy chicken and prawns.

The Pen Cai [$308 (M), and $538 (L)] is a must-order. It has all the Chinese Delicay within a pot: abalone, scallop, fish maw, goose web, shark’s fin, prawn and Chinese sausage. Forget about the rest, just go for Jia Wei’s Poon Choi and the Prosperity Yusheng ($60++).

If you are staying in the East and still looking for a Chinese New Year Dinner Restaurant, Jia Wei at Grand Mercure Hotel is definitely a good choice. They also have a Chinese New Year Takeaway menu which has nian gao, yu sheng, pen cai and Buddha Jump over the wall.

Availability for Jia Wei Restaurant at Grand Mercure Hotel

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 11): 5pm – 7.30pm (Limited), 8pm – 11pm (Limited). Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 2011): Available

50 East Coast Road 2F
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6340 5678

Moi Lum Chinese Restaurant

Moi Lum Chinese Restaurant has two different Chinese New Year Dinner Promotion: the CNY Set menu starts from 22th – 28th Jan, and continues from the 3rd all the way till 20th Feb. They operate throughout the Lunar Chinese New Year, and the cheapest Chinese New Year Dinner Set Menu is $308 for a table of 10 pax, and $518 (10 pax) for the CNY Reunion Dinner. All their set menu include their signature dish: the excellent Majestic Roast Chicken.

Besides the dine-in option, Moi Lum has a very attractive Chinese New Year Takeaway Menu. The Poon Choi is $188 for 6 person, or $288 for 10 person, and the Prosperity Raw Fish Platter for lou hei is available at $48.

Availability for Moi Lum Restaurant

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011): Fully Booked.
Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 2011): Available.

38 Maxwell Road #01-01/02 Airview Building Singapore
Tel: +65 6226 2283

Ming Kee Live Seafood

The Chinese New Year Dinner set menu from Ming Kee Live Seafood will be available from the 10th Jan onwards. They have three different Chinese New Year Menus available (for a table of 8-10), with the cheapest being $398, and the other two are priced at $798 and $1398.

But if you prefer to order ala carte, go after the 9th Feb to try their famous Crab Bee Hoon ($45/kg), as well as the Guinness pork ribs ($12 for small). Ming Kee serves excellent seafood at reasonable prices — definitely worth a try!

Availability for Ming Kee Live Seafood

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011): 5pm – 7pm (Filling fast), and 8pm onwards (Available). They only serve the three special CNY Menu for Chinese New Year Eve Dinner

Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd- 8th Feb 2011): Closed.

556 Macpherson Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6747 4075

Seafood Paradise Restaurant

At $368++ for a table of 10 person, the Chinese New Year Dinner Menu from Seafood Paradise is pretty value since it includes Tuna Yusheng, Shark’s Fin broth, seabass, prawns, chicken, vegetables, and ribs. Do note that Seafood Paradise has different Chinese New Year Dinner promotion menu for their Defu Lane and Singapore Flyer branches.

Availability for Seafood Paradise Singapore Flyer
Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011):
Three Seating: 5pm – 6.30pm (Full), 7pm – 8.45pm (Full), 9pm onwards (Available)

Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 2011):
6pm – 7.45pm (Available), and 8pm onwards (Available)

Availability for Seafood Paradise Defu Lane

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011): Fully Booked
Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 2011): 6pm – 8pm (Available), 8.15pm onwards (Available)

30 Raffles Avenue #01-01
Singapore Flyer Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 5101

91 Defu Lane 10
Swee Hin Building Singapore
Tel: +65 6487 2429

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant

For a family of four, I’d recommend Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium. The Joyful Treasures set is $368 for 4 person which includes Pen Cai (or Poon Choi) with the following ingredients: Lobster, Abalone, Shark’s Fin, Dried Scallop, Fresh Scallop, Sea Whelk, Dried Oyster, Fish Maw, Sea Cucumber, Jelly Fish, Black Mushroom, Sea Moss, Bamboo Pith in a pot.

The Yusheng at Xin Cuisine is topped with edible gold leaf flakes, and the Chinese Restaurant is also well known for their Roasted Suckling Pigs – be sure to try them if you are there for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner.

Xin Cuisine also has a Chinese New Year Takeaway menu: they have a prosperity family bundle of pen cai, yusheng, suckling pig and nian gao for $800.

Availability for Xin Cuisine Restaurant

Chinese New Year Eve Dinner (2nd Feb 2011): 5.30pm – 8pm (Available), 8.30pm onwards (Available). Chinese New Year Dinner (3rd Feb 2011): Available

317 Outram Road 4F
Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore
Tel: +65 6731 7173

Please call the restaurants to check the availability and make your reservations for the Chinese New Year Dinner asap!

If you are planning for your company’s Chinese New Year Dinner celebration, or friends gathering for Lou hei, most of the restaurants (with the exception of Ming Kee) that I’ve mentioned will be operating throughout the Chinese New Year period (3th to 17th Feb).

For those of you who are already planning for Valentine’s Day Dinner, I will recommend some romantic restaurants in Singapore in my Valentine’s Day Feature which will be out next week.

The most amazing thing about having a food blog, is knowing the other food bloggers. Besides the food blogs in Singapore, I got to meet up with the KL food bloggers during my trip up north last year, and when I went for a holiday in Australia during December, the good Sydney food bloggers hosted and brought me around for the best food in Sydney.

When Howard & Linda (eatshow&tell) told me that they were stopping-over in Singapore for a few hours before flying to Hong Kong, I knew that I had to bring them to have our famous Chili Crab.

It’s a tough decision trying to choose a place, since there’s so many restaurants claiming to serve the best chili crab in Singapore. I finally decided on No SignBoard restaurant because it has always been one of my family’s favorite place for crabs. As there were 6 of us, the staff advised that we probably need two crabs, so our second choice was the Salted Egg Yolk crab ($40 per kg). It was an irony since No SignBoard is famous for their white pepper crabs in Singapore, but I’m not a fan of pepper. Besides, I know I want the salted egg yolk, and I wanted it immediately. You know, like now!

Drop-dead gorgeous.

Look at that, the golden cluster of the salted egg yolk! I licked off the salted egg yolk coat on the crab pincers, and it simply disintegrated. The sauce reminded me of the salted egg yolk in custard buns, both equally as good but this one was slightly saltier, and very fragrant.

Hand over your passports, nobody leaves Singapore without trying Chili crab.

Photogenic it is not, but in the mouth, one struggles for words, and everything is forgiven. There’s different renditions of Chili crabs, with each claiming to be better than the other; so how do you actually define what’s a good Chili Crab? I like it slightly sweet, and spicy. I like to dip my beloved deep-fried mantou into the thick and awesome gravy, pour a whole bowl of it onto the white rice and finish everything.

Six deep-fried Mantou please, no wait, make it twelve. Okay, give us another six more. Oh those incredibly delicious, tiny devils.

Coming from a poor chili eater, I find the Sambal Kangkong extremely spicy. Herein lies the question: do we like sambal kangkong because it is hot, or do we like it hot so we like sambal kangkong?

Anyway, I like my sambal kangkong to be hot even though I can’t take chili very well. And the one here, is damn hot.

I’m not sure about you, but it seems to me that people always order Cereal prawns not so much because of the prawns, but rather they like the crispy cereals. I’m not going to talk about the niffy gritty part on how to peel a prawn, forget every single thing that I’ve said – just swallow the whole prawn.

Without a doubt, Chili Crab is the face and ambassador of the Singapore food scene, and No Signboard has the best chili crab in Singapore – because I like them. And no, we are not going to start the controversial debate on ‘where is the best chili crab in Singapore’. Whichever crab you like, is the best crab.

If you have hang around for long enough, you’d know that I’m not a big fan of steamboat, so it’s always an once-a-year thing for Chinese New Year reunion dinner. Most reputable fine-dining Chinese restaurants are probably fully booked by now; so instead of having steamboat, how about Seafood for Chinese New Year? Sounds like a plan to me.

Restaurant Review
No Signboard Seafood
414 Geylang Road
Tel: +65 6842 3415
Daily 12pm – 1am

An oasis of blue, with a glimpse of gold. Royal China. There are places which you will proudly recommend to your friends when they want suggestions for food, and I raved about the best dim sum before. Indeed, my fond memories of the exquisite Chinese-tapas still lingers in my heart. My perennial return was long overdue.

But perhaps it was my mistake not to check with the restaurant before going, that I didn’t realise they had a special dim sum menu for the Chinese New Year period. With just a selection of 12 different dim sum, all priced at $6.80++ instead of the normal price, I did feel being rip-off, but that’s Chinese New Year for you, and it was my fault for not checking beforehand.

In place of the usual red roe on top of the steamed minced pork dumpling with abalone ($6.80++, usual price $4.80), we had tiny abalones instead. Right, the siew mai was up to standard, but I’ll not say the same having pay two dollars extra for the tiny abalone on top.

From the outside, the steamed prawn dumplings with black moss ($6.80++, usual price $4.80) looked the same. The exotic ingredients kicked in with the addition of black moss (fa-cai), an ingredient that is never missing from Chinese New Year menu. I certainly understood the significant of the auspicious ingredient, but I must admit that there wasn’t any enhance in the flavour of the har gau.

The Crispy prawn rolls with sesame ($6.80++) was one of the item which I did not try before, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. Fundamentally prawn roll with mango, fried crispy with the sesame stuck on top. A dip into the mayo dressing completed the whole taste.

My love, the Baked barbecued pork puff ($6.80++, usual price $4). Royal China’s rendition was very good, with golden butter flaky skin and juicy red char siew. The only problem, this was exactly the same without any addition of “exotic ingredients” and I had to pay almost three bucks more for it.

Total bill was $43. 90 for 4 dim sum, 1 appetiser, and of course the other charges. Was I disappointed by the second visit? Certainly, counting by per piece, it’s close to $2.60 each, even more expensive than Yan Ting. But you can’t fault them for the quality in dim sum, it’s just that I’m sore over paying more than usual for my char siew sou. Will I go back again? Certainly, I still have good impression of them even though this was a bad experience.

And one more thing which I was not pleased about. For those of you who had been there, you’ll know that in their middle seating area, it used to be square tables with the nice white chairs. But they had removed them, and placed round tables with ugly brown chairs instead. I presumed this was done to increase the seating capacity,  but the different furnitures was certainly not pleasing to the eyes, and the seating arrangements were not comfortable at all. After checking with a friend who went after the cny period, it seems everything is back to normal.

One thing’s a definite. We will find out the next time I revisit the place.

Royal China
1 Beach Road
#03-09 Raffles Hotel
Tel: 6338 3363

There are a few things in life which you can never forget. Your first love, the first time flying on a plane, the wonderful taste of food, and of course, my first visit to the prestigious 6 Star St Regis Hotel, and not to mention, the most expensive and excellent dim sum that I’ve there.

I can never forget the taste of Peking duck after trying it for the first time a couple of years back. The perfectly crispy skin with a thin layer of fats beneath. Yan Ting’s Crispy Peking duck ($60 whole duck) served with traditional condiments arrived within minutes after making our order. Instead of wrapping in the typical pancake, the chef decided to use flour skin instead.

Like the usual practice for Peking duck, the remainder of the meat was done in other methods. The one that we had was diced duck meat, which came across as salty. It would be a great compliment with a bowl of white rice, but other than that, there wasn’t much hint of the duck meat. I wondered where the rest of the duck meat actually went. And the second serving ($27) came at a cost of 3 bucks per head.

While I didn’t try any “San Bei Ji”, or claypot chicken with basil & golden garlic ($20 for medium serves 4) before, the rendition here was satisfying. The fragrance of the meat announced the arrival of the dish, the chicken was tender, with some fatty meat and the tasty sauce was the icing on the cake, or rather chicken.

The question mark on my face was evident when I couldn’t figure out what the vegetable on the table was. I was told, the Dou Bei ($26 for medium serves 4) was the superior cousin of the more common Dou Miao. An expensive plate of greens this was, for the seemingly average taste of the vegetables.

We also tried the Crispy garlic pork ($28 for medium serves 4). The pork ribs were crispy, and had a strong garlic taste. The dish also came across as a tad salty. Nonetheless, we dutifully whipped clear the plate of the ribs.

I can never forget my penchant for cod fish. Taking a bite of the Deep Fried Cod Fillet coated with Crispy Cereal ($28), the fish immediately melt-in-the-mouth, with the cereal giving an added crunch. There’s barely enough for all of us a piece each.

I ain’t a big fan of scallop, so this line could be pretty bias. The Pan Seared Scallop filled with Shrimp Mousse ($32 for medium serves 4) was big in size indeed. However, the scallop was overwhelmed by the strong shrimp mousse taste.

I can never forget my mother’s rendition of French bean. I’m of the belief that simplicity is beauty. Using garlic to stir fried the vegetables can always bring out the fragrance of the garlic without covering the freshness of the greens. So I was rather sceptical initially when i saw the Wok Fried French Bean with Minced Pork and Chilli ($20 for medium serves 4). But it did proved me wrong with the wok hei of the beans. And the minced pork didn’t complicate the taste.

Instead of the typical deep fried prawn with mango, the Deep Fried Prawn filled with Fresh Mango ($36 for medium serves 4) came with a twist. Prawns and mangos were wrapped in beancurd skin, and deep fried. To be frank, I dislike beancurd skins, especially those served during dim sum. But this one was decent, the mango could be sweeter though.

With the name Chef Chan Signature Baked Spring Onion Chicken ($28 for medium serves 4), the dish certainly was bundled with expectations. You can’t go wrong ordering the signature dishes, or so it seems. The chicken was plain ordinary, and definitely didn’t warrent the hefty price tag.

I can never forget the best char siew sou ($1.8 per piece) I had before, from Yan Ting of course. Dim sum is not served during dinner, but we made a request to the manager, who to our delight, agreed to ask the chef to make it for us specially. Maybe we were saddled by the huge expectation that we had, but we are guessing it’s most probably because of the shorter baking time, that the char siew sou didn’t turn out to be as good as before. Nonetheless, it was good of the restaurant to do it specially for us, and I’ll be back again for it.

Total bill was $362.85 for 9 person, after a 25% discount using the Astor card. This came up to about $40 per person, which was totally cheaper than what we expected. And if we didn’t drink tea ($40), and no desserts ($48), the add up will probably be around $283 or $30 per head. With the ambience of the place, the prestige of the restaurant, and the decent quality of the food, the price was definitely reasonable. I’ll definitely be coming back for their dim sum, Yan Ting IV. There are a few things in life, which you can never forget after all.

Read about my dim sum visit to Yan Ting here
& Yan Ting snowskin mooncake here

Yan Ting
29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis
Tel: 6506 6888

Yan Ting is listed as one of ladyironchef’s favorite restaurants in Singapore