We’ve just finished celebrating Christmas and the New Year, yet we are already stoked to start our annual preparations for the next big exciting thing: Chinese New Year! There are lots to do leading up to the Lunar New Year celebrations, and what better place to soak in the festivities as well as to get all your Chinese New Year necessities than at Chinatown’s annual CNY night market?

The colourful streets of Chinatown are lined with a variety of stalls that sells everything you’ll need for the New Year. From shops that sell an assortment of traditional and contemporary snacks, ornaments and decorative pieces to roadside stalls that sell interesting knick-knacks and trinkets, we can foresee ourselves spending a very long time here over the next few weeks!

CHINESE NEW YEAR GOODIES GALORE  

Undoubtedly, our favourite part of Chinese New Year has to be all those festive goodies! While some prefer to stick to tradition and sell the usual snacks such as love letters and bak kwa, while others choose to be more innovative by coming up with interesting new snacks that no one has ever seen or heard of before.

Many of the traditional snacks hold very auspicious meanings. For instance, peanuts symbolise vitality, longevity and riches while nian gao is usually eaten for prosperity and promotion. If you’re curious about the meaning of other Chinese New Year traditions, you can read all about them here. 

Chinatown is also the place to be at if you need to stock up on your favourite thematic cookies such as almond cookies and pineapple tarts. Look at all these colourful jars of snacks! Time to put all your diet plans on hold.

If you are a fan of dried meats like lup cheong, waxed duck, liver sausage and other cured delights, you’d be thrilled to know that there is a massive stall with walls that are lined with every kind of cured meat you could name.

GORGEOUS FESTIVE PLANTS 

If you are someone who appreciates exotic plants, you’ll be glad to know that you can find plenty of such plants in the market. Besides traditional favourites such as tangerine plants and pussy willows, feast your eyes on a wide range of other exotic plants that are only available during the Lunar New Year.

INTERESTING TRINKETS AND DECORATIVE ITEMS 

You can’t invite people over to your house for visitations if it isn’t decorated, can you? Fret not though, as the Chinatown market overflows with beautiful decorative items to jazz up your home.

Amidst all the pretty lights and decorations, this man caught our eye. In the middle of a crowded street, he was patiently painting the lively scene of the night market and it was simply mesmerising to watch him at work. It definitely isn’t something that you see every day!

MESMERISING CHINESE NEW YEAR DECORATIONS 

What is a trip to Chinatown without admiring the gorgeous new year decorations that have been painstakingly done up? When it comes to festive decorations, Singapore is known to go all out in terms of the extravagance and sheer size of their displays.

This year is no different and along New Bridge Road at the outskirts of the Chinatown district, you can expect to see a display of two adorable, giant pig lanterns that are surrounded by plenty of small piglet lanterns. It is definitely a sight to behold and makes for a great #OOTD spot for the gram!

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.

With over 70 outlets across the world, The Manhattan FISH MARKET certainly needs no further introduction in Singapore. This casual seafood restaurant chain is not one to disappoint when it comes to mouthwatering American-style seafood dishes at very affordable prices.

Drawing inspiration from the reputable Fulton Fish Market which was once located below the Brooklyn Bridge, The Manhattan FISH MARKET serves lip-smacking American-style seafood comprising of dishes prepared in five different ways of cooking—flamed, baked, poached, grilled and fried. Yes, we are huge fans of their ever-popular flaming platters and the famous Manhattan Fish n’ Chips.

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, The Manhattan FISH MARKET is joining in the festive celebrations with four new Prosperity Treats from now until 28 Feb 2018 and prices start as low as S$8.80! Whoever said that a scrumptious seafood feast with your family and loved ones have to be an expensive affair?

THE MANHATTAN FISH MARKET PROSPERITY TREATS

The all-new Prosperity Treats menu is showcasing four splendid seafood dishes—Prosperity Fortune, Prosperity Treasure, Prosperity Abundance and Prosperity Luck. Whether you have a penchant for spicy, cheesy or garlicky food, The Manhattan FISH MARKET has got you covered.

PROSPERITY FORTUNE

The Prosperity Fortune (S$17.80++) comprises a grilled chicken thigh or grilled beef patty of your choice that is topped off with a generous dose of chipotle onion and melted cheddar cheese, tangy grilled salmon, Zoodles (which is essentially fresh zucchini slices presented in aglio olio style), grilled tiger prawn with remoulade sauce and hot veggies.

Taking center stage is the addictive grilled beef patty that came with a slight char-grilled exterior and tender insides that were bursting with savoury beef juices upon sinking our teeth into it. Imagine a mouthful of hot-off-the-grill beef patty with tangy chipotle onion and melted cheddar cheese sauce; that is heaven in a bite.

Besides that, the grilled tiger prawn also stood out with its creamy and spicy remouladesauce.

PROSPERITY TREASURE

Nobody leaves The Manhattan FISH MARKET without some fish and chips and we highly recommend the Prosperity Treasure (S$16.80).

You can choose between the grilled chicken thigh and grilled beef patty topped with chipotle onion and melted cheese to go with the hand battered dory fish fillet, topped with fried prawn skewers, crispy chips and a side of sautéed zucchini and capsicum.

Instead of the usual garlic herb sauce, the Prosperity Treasure’s fish fillet came with full-flavoured remoulade sauce that complemented well with the distinctly sweet taste of the dory fish.

PROSPERITY ABUNDANCE

The Prosperity Abundance (S$14.80) comes with grilled chicken thigh or grilled beef patty topped with Chipotle onion and melted cheddar cheese, Zoodles aglio olio, a side of carrots and broccoli, lemon garlic clams and topped with crispy fried battered tiger prawn.

While the clams may appear insignificant beside the more attractive-looking sides such as the succulent tiger prawn and beef patty, it deserves an honorary mention. Embellished with the right amount of minced garlic bits, the chefs also added in a dose of lemon juice to heighten the clams’ natural juices.

PROSPERITY LUCK

Knowing just how much Asians love their carbs, The Manhattan FISH MARKET is also introducing the Prosperity Luck (S$8.80++) this Chinese New Year, and ours came with a sizeable portion of garlic herb rice, poached mussels and clams in piquant Asian stock, grilled dory fillet, sunny side-up egg and sautéed zucchini and capsicum.

BUY TWO DRINKS AND GET A COCA-COLA MUG FOR FREE

Do remember to redeem your limited edition Coca-Cola mug with every two drinks purchased at any The Manhattan FISH MARKET outlet in Singapore—completely free of charge!

Bright red and gold are auspicious colours to the Chinese, and these will be great for your guests during house party!

*All prices are subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing GST.

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6636 1566.

This post is brought to you by The Manhattan FISH MARKET.

If you do not celebrate Chinese New Year, simply want a getaway or are skipping this year’s celebrations just because you cannot deal with inquisitive relatives who are forever interrogating you about your lives, why not go on a short vacation to a neighbouring Asian country? It is still cold in February in Japan and is also the peak time to catch Ume blossoms in full bloom.

Countries such as Phnom Penh will be having their ‘best weather’ in February, with slightly cooler temperatures. You can also hit the beach for some sun-soakin’.

Here are 8 Best Asian Cities to Travel To During The Chinese New Year 2016 Long Weekend.

#1 BALI

Bali is the quintessential beach destination in Asia and despite being labeled as ‘touristy’, we always still have a ton of fun. Think water sports (banana boat, parasailing, water skiing, wake-boarding etc) and hippy cafes with world class coffees; or the sexiest pools and Balinese spa treatments.

Also, the food in Bali is to-die-for. We will never say no to a vacation here. For starters, here is a Destination Guide to help you decide which part of Bali to visit.

We also have our favourite cafes documented on this list of Cafes in Bali You Must Visit.

#2 BANGKOK

Bangkok is probably one of the most visited cities by Singaporeans. You can either treat yourself to a shopping spree, indulge in daily massages (read our guide on the Best Thai Massages and Spa in Bangkok), or take the road less travelled and explore the suburbs of Bangkok – away from the main city area.

We have come across hipster barber shops, underground cafes and really fantastic seafood restaurants when we ventured slightly farther from the main city area. So if you are daring and adventurous (and maybe a little sick of the city life), go for it.

Otherwise, stay in the city and our guide to 34 Best Cafes in Bangkok will keep you occupied.

#3 KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is pretty fun during the Chinese New Year period and you can expect festive fun at temples. The main city area will light up in its full glory, too. Malaysian food is irresistible, and slimming plans should all be shelved when in KL; this is also one of the reasons why we love visiting KL.

Visit Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Lagoon, just about 20 minutes away by train from KL. Have a ball of time hopping on thrilling rides at Sunway Lagoon and do some shopping at the gargantuan Sunway Pyramid.

#4 MANILA

There is a whole lot to see and do in Manila and one thing we recommend doing is to visit the historical monuments and beautiful churches there. Also, Filipino food is a delight!

There are also amusement parks if you are into that, but most of all, come to Manila, relax and explore without a tight agenda. Just trust that it is “always more fun in the Philippines”.

#5 OSAKA

Why Osaka? February is the month where the Ume blossoms bloom in their full glory. And because Osaka is dubbed as the Kitchen of Japan. That’s right; you may be missing the pineapple tarts and pork jerky during Chinese New Year, but you are eating no less at Osaka. We have a whole list of Restaurants and Cafes in Osaka for you to check out, as well as the best Osaka Street Snacks You Must Not Miss.

We also had one of our best meals at Kigawa, where we experienced Kappo – The Art of Dining in Osaka.

Need more reasons? Universal Studios Japan is located right here!

#6 PENANG

Penang Laksa. Yes, it attributes largely to our love for Penang.

Penang food is honestly in a league of its own, and may we say they are the best in Malaysia. If you are a food enthusiast, Penang is your paradise.

You can have a chill day at Georgetown, or head to Penang National Park for a hike and marvel at the beauty of nature. Penang is among our picks for the most affordable destination to head to as well, and here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Book A Trip To Penang.

#7 PHNOM PENH

Weather analysts have forecasted February to be ‘coolest’ month. By coolest, we mean still warm but bearable. Weather in Cambodia can be pretty tough but rest assured, the country is beautiful.

Phnom Penh is a place where you really have to dig deep and explore by foot to seek the true beauty. Visit historical places; visit palaces and museums. It will be a truly spiritual experience.

#8 PHUKET

Phuket is the most popular beach destination in Thailand, and its popularity is won over by its pristine beaches and luxurious holiday resorts. Besides being a heaven to relax at, you can also visit historical towns and sites and go on a nature hike. If you are partying in Patong Beach, read our Guide on Where To Dine At In Patong Beach.

So much to love about Phuket, and our favourite island has to be Cape Panwa – the Southern tip with the most gorgeous blues and spellbindingly beautiful sunsets.