With the Lunar New Year happening this month end, we bet you are just as excited about the festive season as much as we are! Some of the most important Lunar New Year traditions include the annual reunion dinners, gatherings with friends and definitely the festive feastings. And, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel has ingeniously come up with a multitude of ways to elevate your celebrations to new heights.

From 09 January to 11 February 2017, you and your loved ones can embrace the full splendour of the year of the Fire Rooster with resplendent Lunar New Year reunion specials, lavish takeaway goodies, buffets and symbolic treats!

Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ and book the Chinese New Year Eve Set Menu before 15 January 2017 to enjoy 20% off (minimum of 6 pax).

AUSPICIOUS CHINESE NEW YEAR SET MENUS 

A very popular destination for Lunar New Year celebrations, the award-winning Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is pulling all the stops to captivate the palates and hearts of guests with a distinctive line-up of Lunar New Year set menus that bespeak of luxury and pure bliss.

With the harmonious blend of the finest ingredients, flavours and symbolic significance, guests can ready their taste buds for creative and appealing menus starting from S$98.80++ per person (4 to 8 persons) to S$1888++ per 10 persons.

Highlights include Abalone & Salmon Yu Sheng with Crispy Fish Skin; Braised Bird’s Nest Broth with Crab Meat; Ginseng Marinated Roast Duck and Roast Whole Boneless Suckling Pig, and more.

FORTUNE-FILLED A LA CARTE DELIGHTS

Not one for the set menus because you prefer choosing your own dishes? You have more than enough options at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant.

Yu Sheng specialties not to be missed comprise Premium Lobster, Scallop, Tuna, Salmon & Caviar Yu Sheng (S$258++ per portion), Chicken Bak-Kwah Yu Sheng (Large – S$136 nett, Small – S$68 nett) and Healthy Black Truffle Vegetarian Yu Sheng (Large – S$136++, Small – S$68++).

We cannot do without the luxurious pen cai—a traditional casserole pot dish prepared with the best and premium ingredients.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant always does very good pen cai, and you really should consider the Wan Hao Nourishing Pen Cai with Pig Trotter and Crispy Oyster at S$688++ (6 persons) or S$1088++ (10 persons) which is a feast fit for royalty. Expect 3-head Australian Abalone, Black Moss Iberico Meatballs, Whole Pig Trotter, Crispy Dried Oysters, Fish Maw and more served in a festive casserole hot pot.

Other crowd pleasers include Braised South African 40-head Dried Abalone with Japan Shiitake Mushroom (S$68++ per person) and Stewed Spare Rib with Hawthorn & Preserved Plum (S$30++ per portion).

The restaurant also offers a wide variety of healthy and nutritious vegetarian dishes for a wholesome meal.

CHINESE NEW YEAR TAKEAWAY GOODIES

If you are planning to host a reunion dinner at home for friends and relatives during this festive period, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant has got you covered.

Impress your guests and toss to an abundance of blessings and good fortune with Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s new, exciting Yu Sheng creations. Whet your appetite with the Sliced Abalone & Crispy Fish Skin Yu Sheng, Chicken Bak-Kwah Yu Sheng, Black Truffle Vegetarian Yu Sheng or the Lobster, Scallop, Salmon, Tuna & Caviar Yu Sheng, and more.

Besides a la carte food items, other takeaway choices include Wan Hao’s Nourishing Pen Cai with Pig Trotter & Crispy Oyster  (S$688 for 6 persons, S$1088 for 10 persons) that boasts 13 luxuriant ingredients, Golden Nian Gao & Yam Tarts (S$28 for 8 pieces); Glutinous Red Rice with Chinese Sausage, Dried Shrimp & Mushroom (S$78); Wan Hao’s Signature Roast Duck (S$96), Koi Fish Shape Osmanthus Chestnut Cake (S$42) and more.

CHINESE NEW YEAR EVE CELEBRATIONS AT GRAND BALLROOM

Get ready to usher in a memorable Lunar New Year at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom on 27 January 2017 with a variety of Chinese New Year Eve Set Menus (starting from S$98.80++ per person), specially curated by Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant.

Look forward to exquisite dishes such as Abalone, Salmon & Tuna Yu Sheng with Crispy Fish Skin; Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Chinese Ham, Peach Resin, Fish Maw, Conpoy & Morel Mushroom; Stewed 5-head Abalone with Pig Trotter, Black Moss, Beancurd Skin & Seasonal Vegetables and plenty more on the list.

Exclusively for Ladyironchef readers: Book the Chinese New Year Eve Set Menu before 15 January 2017, and enjoy 20% off (minimum of 6 pax). Simply quote “Ladyironchef” to enjoy this special discount.

BOUNTIFUL FESTIVE BUFFETS AT MARRIOTT CAFE

If you have been to Marriott Cafe for their festive buffets, you would know that they are always set to impress. And for Lunar New Year 2017, Marriott Cafe will be showcasing festive favourites inspired by both East and West influences.

Fresh seafood, juicy roasts and barbecued meats and an irresistible range of western and international cuisines; basically the best of East and West all under one roof so that everyone in the family can find something they like.

But keep your focus on the oriental favourites in the likes of Deep-fried Five Spices Seafood; Oatmeal Prawns; Pork Ribs with Marmite Sauce; Singapore Chilli Crab; Wok-fried Chinese Greens with Abalone; Fish Maw Soup, and more.

Ready for the best part of Lunar New Year? Yes, it is lo hei with Eight Happiness Prosperity Yu Sheng.

Marriott Cafe Chinese New Year Eve Buffet Dinner (27 Jan 2017)
Buffet Dinner
Adult: $118++* Child: $60++**

Marriott Cafe Chinese New Year Day (28 & 29 Jan 2017)
Buffet Lunch Adult: $68++*** Child: $38++**
Buffet Dinner Adult: $98++*** Child: $48++**

* Inclusive of free flow of sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks
** Inclusive of free flow soft drinks
*** Inclusive of a choice of a glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink

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.

It is that time of the year again – Chinese New Year. The time of amazing food, quality time with family and overnight mahjong.

If you celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore, you would know that house visiting is mostly a must, and you spend pretty much the whole day going from one house to another – to reconnect with relatives, have some food, and to collect or give out red packets.

With that, you will notice that everywhere you go, there are certain types of people and they are generally the same at every house. Here are 10 Types of People at A Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner.

#1 THE ‘HANGRY’ RELATIVE

If you do not already know what this popular term means, it is the fusion of two words ‘hungry’ and ‘angry’. There is definitely someone who will whine about why the food is not ready yet, or why there is not enough food. If you can relate to this, you are probably this person. Else, just go find this person some food!

#2 THE AUNT WHO HAS ‘NO FILTER’

You know it, we know it; well, she might not know it. But she is the (annoying) one who will constantly ask inappropriate questions about why your boyfriend is not at the gathering (even though you two recently broke up), why are you not married yet, or why you chose to take a gap year from University. Unfortunately, there is no way of avoiding her; she will find you and interrogation starts!

#3 THE AUNT WHO TALKS TOO MUCH

“My son is top in his class!” “Did you see this new designer handbag I got?” “Your food is a little salty, maybe you could…” Yup, she does not stop talking and yapping away and all you can do is sit politely and listen because she thinks her advice is golden.

#4 THE AWKWARD & QUIET COUSIN

There is always one person at every social situation who excludes himself or herself. They might just prefer to be alone, or are simply feeling too awkward to interact. Nevertheless, try walking up to them to strike a conversation!

#5 THE NOISY KIDS

Running around, throwing things, screaming – kids can be a handful, especially when the parents don’t even care. Then again, it is Chinese New Year and we will embrace the spirit of love and harmony.

#6 THE ONE WHO HATES CHINESE NEW YEAR

The downer. This person is basically the one who ruins everybody’s mood. He or she would be complaining about the festive songs, shows and decor, and they just basically look so bored and discontent with the gathering altogether.

#7 THE ONE WHO IS SLEEPY AND BORED

You can spot this person yawning while resting his or her head on the couch. This person does not necessarily hate Chinese New Year, they might just find family gatherings a little too much, especially when they have #2 or #3 around.

#8 THE ONE WHO LOVES CHINESE NEW YEAR

This person will be dressed head to toe like a red packet. He or she will jiving along to Chinese New Year music and most likely be the life of the party. Sounds like fun, but can be a pain if he/she is overly obsessed.

#9 THE RELATIVE WHO FORGETS YOUR NAME

The reason is simple – you see this person only once a year, and they will never remember your name. You just have to tell him/her whose kid you are, and they would go, “Ohhhhhhh!”

#10 THE SLEEPY UNCLE

There will always be an uncle of ours who would be dozing off on the couch, or just snoring away in the bedroom because, well, he is always sleepy.

Read: Here are some Chinese New Year 2016 Food Hacks You Need To Know Now.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

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