Chinese New Year 2024: 12 best restaurants to celebrate with family and friends
Consider these 12 tried-and-tasted restaurants for your Chinese New Year 2024 gatherings!
Chinese New Year 2024 is about welcoming the ubiquitously most auspicious Zodiac sign of the lot: the Dragon. Perhaps due to the majestic visuals of the Dragon and its significance, Chinese restaurants usually pull out the stops when it comes to crafting dragon-related food items. Think lobster (known as dragon prawns when you translate it directly from Mandarin), dragon fruit sauces, traditional dragon whiskers candies, and my favourite of them all: dramatic dragon sculptures carved from vegetables or fruits.
If you're not the sort to cook up a feast at home with auspicious-sounding food, then heading to a restaurant for your reunion dinner would be the next best choice.
Since October 2023, we've done a bunch of tastings for Chinese New Year 2024, and can now authoritatively inform you what are the hits of each hotel's CNY offerings. Here are 12 tried-and-tasted restaurants to consider for your CNY gatherings!
1. Xin Cuisine
Where: Holiday Inn Atrium
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
From 22 Jan to 24 Feb, celebrate new beginnings with reasonably-priced set menus at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant. Menu highlights include lobster and ikura yusheng with passion fruit sauce, whole roast suckling pig, lobster E-Fu noodles and more. Get 10 per cent off Ballroom Banquet Reunion Dinner held on 9 Feb 2024. e-Brochure here.
What we loved: It's the kind of place that your parents and grandparents would approve of, with time-tested dishes that are executed very well. A sure crowd-pleaser for any age!
2. Madame Fan
Where: JW Marriott South Beach
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
From 15 January to 25 February, explore a medley of Cantonese creations by Madame Fan in a variation of dine-in set menus from $108++ per person and a la carte dishes using premium ingredients such as Giant Grouper, Australian Lobster and Geoduck; a specially curated Lunar New Year edition of the signature Dim Sum; Drink Sum Brunch featuring seasonal delicacies and new-to-menu cocktails; Take-home Culinary Creations highlighted by the return of the popular Prosperity Poon Choi (from $438) and the debut of signature sauces (from $28).
For reservations at Madame Fan, please email madamefan.nco@marriott.com, call 6818 1921, or visit the Madame Fan website.
What we loved: Heavy flavours that linger in our tongue and in our minds – the meal is an explosion of flavours you won't soon forget. Don't skip the Mini Buddha Jumps Over The Wall and the seafood "mui fan" – it's unforgettable.
3. Si Chuan Dou Hua
Where: UOB Plaza or PARKROYAL on Beach Road
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From now to 24 Feb, Si Chuan Dou Hua in both the UOB Plaza branch and the Parkroyal on Beach Road are offering set menus from S$108++ per pax. Highlights include Prosperity Fugu and Salmon Roe Yusheng with Fresh Greens which features Fugu sourced from Shimonoseki, shaped like a dragon. Plus, don't miss the exclusive dishes such as Stir-fried Sea Cucumber with Asparagus and Silver Fish Sauce which combines the richness of sea cucumber with the crispness of asparagus and the robust notes of Sichuan cuisine; and Braised Premium Bird’s Nest with Fresh Crab Meat Soup, a braised soup made with premium bird's nest and fresh crab meat. Both are exclusive to Si Chuan Dou Hua at Parkroyal on Beach Road.
What we loved: Possibly one of the only places in Singapore to experience a fugu yusheng, without sacrificing the traditional taste of the dish. Don't feel up for pufferfish? At least put the Stir-fried Sea Cucumber with Asparagus and Silver Fish Sauce on your list!
4. Tien Court
Where: Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
From 8 January 2024 onwards, enjoy Tien Court's curated set menus starting from $148++ per person. 2024 CNY ala carte menu will also be available beginning 1 February 2024. Limited tables are available on the eve of Chinese New Year. Full details here.
What we loved: The dishes are true-to-tradition and also light on the palate, while still brimming with flavours. Nothing stood out particularly, but that's only because I remember it being a consistently good meal from start to end. If it's any indication, the table of seven I was on polished off the fish meant for 10 pax.
5. Man Fu Yuan
Where: Intercontinental Singapore
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
From 15 January to 29 February 2024, the elegant dining destination in Intercontinental Singapore will celebrate the season with refined set menus from $168++ per pax and a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights from Man Fu Yuan. You can also expect CNY à la carte and handcrafted cakes selection from The Lobby Lounge and a Lunar New Year Sunday Champagne Buffet spread at Luce by Davide Giacomelli.
A show-stopping 60-inch ‘Dragon’s Wealth’ Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests) features a magnificent dragon head and tail that symbolises strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. It's also made with luxurious ingredients: including rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi and crispy fish skin, completed with honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil. There are also three other Yu Sheng selection.
Contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email intercontinental.dining@ihg.com. manfuyuan.sg for reservations.
What we loved: The 60-inch Yu Sheng is as impressive as it can get, and the heavy flavours of every dish make for a very fulfilling meal.
6. Private dining with Chef Leung
Where: Pan Pacific Orchard
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
Related:
Pan Pacific Orchard review: Wade into the pool from your room in the Beach Club Loft
Prosperity Reunion set menu is a culinary showcase by newly appointed Chinese Master Chef, Leung Wing Cheung, at The Chairman’s Lounge. With over 40 years of experience, expect a delicious series of festive menus available from 22 January to 24 February 2024. The Delightful set menu is priced at $2,688++ per table of 10 persons, the Prosperity and Eternity set menus are available at $2,988++ and $3,288++ per table of 10 persons respectively.
A highlight is the signature Prosperity Exotic Garden Yusheng, featuring lobster and an ensemble of over 20 fresh vegetables and fruits including green and red lettuce, beetroot, turnip, soybean sprouts, cucumber, carrot, mango, whisky-infused sea cucumber, pistachio, dried pineapple, dried strawberry, and crispy brown rice and topped with. The yusheng was topped with an osmanthus sauce with a light-handed truffle flavour which I thought worked extremely well together.
For a more detailed exploration of their festive offerings, click here.
What we loved: If you're a fan of Master Chef Leung Wing Cheung, you're going to be a fan of his meticulously planned menu items. Personally, I loved the double-boiled supreme soup with fish maw, sea cucumber and craw claw served in a whole coconut, and the yusheng ranks as some of the top ones I've enjoyed in this list.
7. Shisen Hanten
Where: Hilton Orchard Singapore
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Booking.com
Related:
Review: Hilton Singapore Orchard is now more accessible than ever
Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro ushers in the Year of the Dragon with a decadent and resplendent ensemble of festive dine-in set menus available from 22nd January 2024 onward. Options range from the Opulence Menu at $158++ per guest, Fortune Menu at $178++ per guest, Triumphant Menu at $198++ per guest, Splendor Menu at $318++ per guest, to the extravagant Majestic Menu at $438++ per guest.
Small gatherings can also rejoice with splendid set menus that only require a minimum of 2 guests per order, available in variations of $158++ per person, $198++ per person and $388++ per person.
Guests can place their Lunar New Year reservations via Chope or contact call 6831 6262 from 22 January 2024 onwards. Lunar New Year set menus are available via reservations only.
What we loved: There's something both delicate yet balanced in almost all of the dishes I've tried in this restaurant, a testament to the Cantonese food crafted by a Japanese chef specialising in Szechuanese cuisine.
8. Yuè (乐)
Where: Aloft Singapore Novena
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda
Yuè (乐) at Aloft Singapore Novena launches its inaugural Lunar New Year menu a spread of festive dishes from 26 January to 24 February 2024. Available in both set menus and a la carte basis, patrons can savour Yuè’s signature contemporary Chinese fare of dishes such as:
Prosperity Yu Sheng: an annual staple dish that comes with a twist – succulent salmon slices and chunky scallop pieces, drizzled generously with passionfruit sauce and topped with fresh fruits and vegetables
Braised Pork Knuckle: a medley of rich, aromatic seasonings that has been slow-cooked with 6-head abalones, mushroom and black moss creating a tender and aromatic taste
Double Boiled Chicken Soup: A decadent pot of double-boiled chicken soup with fish maw, sea whelk and canopy delicately boiled to enhance the essence of every ingredient
Chinese Sausage Fried Rice: a comfort dish reimagined with savoury cherry blossom shrimps, finely-diced and well-seasoned garnishes that elevates the wok-fried rice
The Chinese New Year Set Menus cater to diners from an intimate group of four from $368++ to extensive gatherings for a group of 10 from $688++. Selected a la carte dishes are also available for dine-in and takeaway from 26 January to 24 February 2024.
What we loved: At these price points, it's one of the most affordable options without compromising on the quality of the ingredients and taste. The 10 pax menu at $1,088++ provides some of the best value on this list, and I consider this a hidden gem!
9. Jade
Where: Fullerton
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
At Jade, Chinese Executive Chef Leong Chee Yeng introduces new creations inspired by the magnificent Dragon, with a focus on bold flavours and premium ingredients. This year, his signature Gold Rush Dragon Yu Sheng features a hand-drawn dragon motif and Chinese calligraphy. For a more lavish celebration, diners can opt for the Premium Dragon Dance Yu Sheng, comprising exquisite ingredients meticulously arranged to depict a traditional dragon dance, complete with the ‘Pearl of Wisdom’.
What we loved: That bold dragon dance yu sheng is the most visually arresting one we've seen, and the stir-fried dishes are done particularly well – such as the Stir-Fried Australian Lobster with Silken Egg and Tomato Sauce, and the Sauteed Hybrid Grouper with Foie Gras and Teochew Black Olive.
10. Golden Peony
Where: Conrad Centennial
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
Representing authority and good fortune synonymous with the Dragon, master of Cantonese cuisine Chef Ku Keung presents a collection of set menus and à la carte specialties for guests to enjoy from now to 24 February. Chef Ku has also curated four opulent set menus for diners celebrating in groups of 10, alongside two set menus for intimate celebrations, as well as a vegetarian menu. Indulge in prosperous highlights that pay homage to the Dragon Year such as the latest rendition of his annual traditional roasted suckling pig - the succulent Roasted Suckling Pig Stuffed with Fried Chicken Kimchi Fried Rice.
Golden Peony’s rendition of the iconic traditional Yu Sheng dish, the Fortune Gold Flakes Yu Sheng features a medley of prized ingredients including lobster, baby abalone, crispy white bait, golden coin chicken bak kwa, fish skin, and fresh fruit. The Yu Sheng is also available for pick-up or delivery.
For reservations* or more information, kindly visit the Golden Peony website, contact the Golden Peony team at (+65) 6432 7482/88 or email sinci.goldenpeony@conradhotels.com.
What we loved: Golden Peony served up some of the most interesting dishes, like the Spanish Carabinero Prawn Yuan Yang Fish Paste Noodle steamed with egg white and Chinese Wine Broth, and an award-winning presentation of the Multigrain Rice Ball with Chicken Puree and Smoked Chilli Sauce. You'll be consistently surprised by the dishes presented, and it's a great option for those who are sick of the "same old same new" Chinese New Year dishes.
11. Entrepot
Where: The Robertson House
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Booking.com
The hotel might be new, but welcome the auspicious arrival of the Year of the Dragon at Entrepôt, The Robertson House’s all-day restaurant and bar, with two traditional dishes, “Chasing the Dragon” Yusheng and Dr Robertson’s “Pencai”.
Entrepot’s first Lunar New Year offering, The Robertson House “Chasing the Dragon” Yusheng is inspired by Dr. Robertson’s inner circle secret drink. Instead of smoked or raw salmon, Entrepôt uses their own Robertson Chai cured salmon. Other ingredients include ikura, candied pecans, popping candy, dragon fruit for the base and plum dressing. The dish is paired with “Chasing the Dragon” cocktail shots from Chandu, The Robertson House’s speakeasy bar, with a non-alcoholic version available as well.
The Dr Robertson’s “Pencai” is another must-have this Lunar New Year, boasting a rich ensemble of ingredients which include 5 spiced kakuni braised pork belly, napa cabbage and charcoal smoked duck. The dish is inspired by Entrepôt as a trading port of dried provisions such as spices and various luxurious dried ingredients. To indulge in this tasty culinary creation, reservations must be made at least three days in advance via phone at 8380 1689 or email at entrepot.singapore@the-ascott.com
What we loved: Chef Nixon Low can get really creative with Chinese dishes, and can do so without losing the essence of the cuisine. The pencai is certainly a must-try.
12. Feng Shui Inn
Where: Equarius Hotel
Fancy a staycation at the same time? Book directly | Agoda | Klook
Embark on a gastronomic journey this Lunar New Year at Feng Shui Inn (风水廷) with Executive Chef Li Kwok Kwong’s meticulously crafted menu that promises to elevate the festive celebrations with a nod to a prosperous year ahead. The Eternal Fortune Menu (S$288++ per person) features prized ingredients in dishes such as Double-boiled Imperial Bird’s Nest, Fresh Crab Meat, Superior Stock; Stewed 6 Head South Africa Abalone, Sea Cucumber stuffed Shrimp Paste; and Crispy Suckling Pig Fillet, Crispy Crab Claw in Thai Sauce.
Other ala-carte menu highlights include the exquisite Lobster, Shredded Taro, Ice Plant Crystalline Yu Sheng, Homemade Aged Vinegar Dressing (S$188++ per portion). Featuring fresh wild-caught lobster enveloped in sweet and sour, rich, and aromatic flavours, alongside crispy taro threads and crunchy sea grapes. Guests can also order the impressive Classic Auspicious Treasure Pen Cai (S$688++ for 10 people), a symphony of fresh and high-quality seafood, including abalone, sea cucumber, premium oysters, top-tier dried scallops, and fresh grouper.
What we loved: Good old Chinese New Year dishes were presented with plenty of dried oysters which was not featured as heavily in many of the restaurants we've tried this year, which gives dishes more depth. It also has the prettiest plated yu sheng without featuring a dragon motif!
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