With less than a month to go before Chinese New Year, we bet you are just as thrilled about this festive season as much as we are! There’s nothing quite like gathering around the family table for a wholesome feast.

Having a home party and not sure where to start? When it comes to buffet catering, there are extensive options on FoodLine where you can order from more than 250 caterers with over 4,000 menus. You can easily filter your options by selecting a preferred cuisine and budget or even right down to the specific number of diners.

If you are looking for a Chinese New Year Buffet Catering with a lovely set up to go with the line-up of food, this comprehensive food portal is the go-to catering site for the best CNY catering. FoodLine also offers a myraid of Chinese New Year Catering where you can find ala carte Yu Sheng, Pen Cai and even a 5-course party box to go: you can rest assure that your festive gatherings will be covered this lunar new year.

From now until 31 December 2018, readers of ladyironchef are entitled to S$38 off all online catering orders on FoodLine. 

Needless to say, FoodLine offers the best price guarantee when it comes to catering or food orders. If you find a lower price of the same menu from the same merchant elsewhere, FoodLine will match that rate!

In the unfortunate event when customers are dissatisfied with the entire catering experience—from food, service to value (within a week after the hosted event)—FoodLine will offer a compensation capped at S$100 per order. This has got to be one of the best deals and customer service out there.

Photo Credit: Foodline’s Customers

From Chinese New Year catering menus, baby shower caterings to over 50 halal-certified caterings, you can basically find any catering options and solutions on FoodLine; there is definitely something for everyone on the comprehensive food portal.

Well-established restaurants such as Tung Lok and Swatow Seafood Restaurant are also offering attractive Chinese New Year catering sets; your families and friends would be pleased.

Photo Credit: Foodline’s Customers

Don’t forget to quote ‘LIC38’ to enjoy S$38 off your purchase on FoodLine with a minimum spending of S$350. This exclusive promotion is valid from now until 31 Dec 2018.

Be it birthday parties, year-end celebrations or wedding banquets, this incredible food portal is dedicated to providing customers extensive options at value-for-money prices with a single tap of a button.

Once you start using FoodLine, you’d realise the convenience and beauty of having all your options laid in front of you! All your food catering headaches will cease to exist!

This post is brought to you by Foodline.

Is it your turn to host lunar dinner this Chinese New year or are you thinking of bringing an auspicious gift along when you go for your house visits? While we prep for all the upcoming parties, the common “problem” is—what should we cook/ buy?

Well, not everyone is made for the kitchen and we know how much hassle it is to whip up an entire dinner or even just a dish for pot-luck. This is when takeaways save us.

Enjoy a fuss-free lunar celebration with Chinese New Year takeaways from Grand Hyatt Singapore’s shop at mezza9 from now until 11 Feb 2017. Toss to a greater year with yu sheng takeaways (S$51.35 nett) and munch on a wide array of homemade cookies, tarts and other festive delights. These lunar goodies are so beautifully packaged, they would surely be befitting for all your house parties.

If you are looking to get the ultimate gift for Chinese New Year, you will never go wrong with Grand Hyatt Singapore’s premium 100 Blessings of Good Fortune (S$288 nett)—a 100-piece chocolate praline set that is now an icon of Grand Hyatt Singapore.

It is an elegant Chinese calligraphy set featuring a hundred Chinese word characters for fortune, with some of the writing styles dating as far back as the early Qing dynasty. This beautiful gift set comes with dark, milk and white Swiss chocolates encased with interesting flavours such as cognac, earl grey, mint, mocha, orange, and peanut butter.

From now until 11 Feb 201, you can also dine in at mezza9 and toss to prosperity and success with the ‘Double Happiness and Good Luck’ yu sheng (S$48++). We’ve had many yusheng variations in our lives, but the mezza9′s yusheng is one that we always go back to for its variety of sustainable fishes.

Indulgence doesn’t mean we need to compromise on our marine life, which is why mezza9′s yusheng comes with certified-sustainable Norwegian Atlantic Salmon and New Zealand yellowtail kingfish.

Shop at mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Have you realised that Chinese New Year (CNY) is only a mere few weeks away? It is scary how time flies, but we are only thankful that the upcoming festive public holiday means yet another opportunity to spend time with our loved ones.

And of course, we have to profess our love for Mitzo, right? It 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.

Mitzo’s irresistibly groundbreaking renditions of Chinese classics are far from ordinary, yet by no means stray away from traditional practices. The CNY specials will all be available from 23 Jan 2016 to 22 Feb 2016 for both lunch and dinner.

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.

By tradition, Lunar New Year is incomplete until everyone has tossed the yusheng. Celebrated Chef Nicky Ng – previously the head chef at Michelin-starred Hakkasan New York – and his A-team have created a unique reinterpretation of the classic Lo Hei.

The unexpected ingredients are unexpected choices for yusheng, especially the burst-in-your-mouth lychee caviars and crispy lotus root chips.

Mitzo’s Pearls of Prosperity Kingfish Yusheng (regular – S$68++, large – S$108++) is truly one of a kind. It uses superbly fresh Japanese Kanpachi Kingfish sashimi that is both sweet and rich in flavour and everything is plated so gorgeously.

A homemade savoury Chu Hou sauce which comprises garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, spices and soybeans is then drizzled all over, ready for you to toss to prosperity. You would have noticed that crispy lotus roots, fried salmon skin and toasted pistachos are too used to give the overall dish an extra crunch. Note that a regular portion can feed 4 to 5 guests, while the large portion is great for 10 pax.

If any of your dining companions are vegetarian or unfortunately allergic to seafood, Mitzo has a meat-free option. Bouncy Konnyaku jelly – which has an uncanny resemblance to the fish slices in terms of texture and appearance -  is used to replace raw fish slices.

The refreshing Prosperity Toss is characterised by a plethora of colourful fresh fruits such as mango, rock melon, and honeydew – just to name a few.

Have your chopsticks ready? Dig in and start exchanging well wishes!

The Superior Fortune Pot (S$338++) aka Pen Cai is an extravagant delicacy worth splurging on. Traditionally, this casserole-like basin is served to the Emperor, hence symbolic of wealth and prosperity. The piping hot bowl – filled with over 10 types of luxurious ingredients such as crispy roast pork belly, sea cucumbers, fish maw, premium abalone and more – is a must-eat during Chinese New Year. Portions are huge, and no less satisfying.

And at Mitzo, the star is definitely the Superior Lobster Fortune Pot (S$398++) – where generous amounts of succulent lobsters cooked in Mao Tai Chinese liquor are added on top of the already-sumptuous spread in the basin.

Mitzo’s Chinese New Year set menus are aplenty, too. The servings cater to a small group of four to a group of ten; prices start from S$118++ per pax to S$1,288++ per table, and every menu features different highlights and special creations, of which the platter of handcrafted steamed and fried nian gao is our favourite!

Nian gao is a classic CNY dish of sticky cake that symbolises good luck and the welcoming of a ‘higher year’.

Still need more recommendations?

We say you cannot skip Mitzo’s two signatures and everyone’s favourites – the Special Barbeque Pork (S$18++) and Black Truffle Crispy Roast Duck (S$38++). These two items are permanently available at Mitzo, even during the Chinese New Year period. We have been raving endlessly about them since one first visit to Mitzo for an obvious reason – they are beyond divine.

Honestly? Best charsiew in Singapore. And as if roast duck isn’t amazing enough, we have black truffle sauce to up the game; roast ducks are never the same again after you’ve had this rendition.

Chinese New Year or not, we go back to Mitzo for these two dishes.

While the consumption of cocktails is not a typical affair during the Lunar New Year, Mitzo has concocted two Asian cocktails made with oriental ingredients that signify prosperity, because they know these will get to your hearts.

The Mandarin Mojito (S$20++) and the Spring Elixir (S$20++) are what you should look out for. The former is a interpretations of the ubiquitous Mojito, where it is prepared with Angostura bitters, apricot liqueur, Havana Club rum and mandarins, while the latter is a red date blend infused with gin, Campari, goji berry syrup, honey dates and red vermouth.

East-meets-West tipples that were interestingly inspired by various symbolic meanings, we can get used to eating yusheng with cocktails.

Here’s a toast to a prosperous new year!

If you are tempted by Mitzo’s various festive offerings but wish to spend the occasion at home, takeaways are available for Pearls of Prosperity Kingfish Yusheng (regular – S$68+, large – S$108+), Superior Fortune Pot (regular – S$338+, large – S$628+), Superior Lobster Fortune Pot (regular – S$398+, large – S$688+) and Homemade Koi Fish Nian Gao (S$28+).

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

Mitzo Restaurant & Bar
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

This post is brought to you by Mitzo Restaurant & Bar.

The number one Thai casual dining chain restaurant in Singapore, ThaiExpress is a household name for many of us, and we grew up with the restaurant’s friendly and affordable fare.

For regulars, there is something to look forward to this Chinese New Year 2015 – ThaiExpress is introducing its first-ever Thai-Style Soft Shell Crab Lo Hei!

Lo Hei is one of the things that we always look forward to every Chinese New Year, and it is almost synonymous with the Chinese festival. Instead of the ubiquitous salmon yusheng, ThaiExpress‘s Thai-style Soft Shell Crab Lo Hei is inspired by one of its signature dishes – “Poo Phat Pong Kari” – which means Rice with Soft Shell Crab, Egg and Onion Curry. Yes, all ThaiExpress fans are excited already, we know.

Priced at S$22.80++, the Lo Hei comes with two Soft Shell Crabs, Shredded Red and Green Capsicums, White Radish, Carrots, Cucumber, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Rice Crackers, Lime and Green Mango and is drizzled with Mango Sauce. By the way, the rice crackers are homemade and baked by the team of chefs who are true to their Thai roots and want to pay homage to a traditional snack that they grew up eating.

The dish is good for 2 to 4 people to “Lo”, and there is a step-by-step guide to introduce you to the Thai-Style Lo Hei. Also, every order of the Soft Shell Crab Lo Hei will give you a customised ThaiExpress’s red packet.

ThaiExpress’s Thai-style Soft Shell Crab Lo Hei is available at all ThaiExpress outlets from 1st February to 5th March 2015, the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. With so many outlets across the island, there is no reason to give this a miss. Besides, how often do you get to toss soft shell crabs, right?

For the latest updates, go to ThaiExpress.com.sg, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is brought to you by ThaiExpress Singapore.

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. 

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.

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.

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.