Chinese New Year 2017: Where to Eat and Toss Yu Sheng

Whether you crave sweet (pineapple tarts) or salty (yu sheng), there’s plenty to love about Chinese New Year food! Check out our dining guide.

With days of home visits, family reunion dinners, Yu Sheng tossing with colleagues and much more, Chinese New Year is definitely a time for eating…a lot. Chances are you’ll probably need a combination of dinner spots and handy takeaways, so we’ve rounded up our faves for both, from the most creative spins on pineapple desserts and Yu Sheng, to DIY hot pot takeaways and exquisite abalone concoctions. Check out our gallery, and happy dining, mamas!

Hit up Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore for a tantalising assortment of dine-and takeaway dishes, highlighted by their yummy Yu Sheng set that starts from just $48++. They’re also offering a boffo buffet at the signature restaurant, Makan@Jen, with a rad value price of just $58++ for brunch and $78++ for dinner, each of the first three days of CNY. For something extra special, try out their CNY Eve Dinner ($88++). Reservations are a must, and takeaways should be ordered 3-5 days prior to collection date, mama!

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858, Tel: (+65) 6708 8888, hjog@hoteljen.com, www.hoteljen.com/singapore/orchardgateway

“The Queen of Dim Sum”, Avenue Joffre’s Master Ge Xian’e earned her reputation way back in 1983 when she was named the “Best Dim Sum Chef” in Beijing. This year’s CNY menu features exquisite faves like Deep-friend Golden Pockets with Sliced Mandarin Fish; “Snow Mountain” BBQ Pork Buns; Steamed Dumplings with Sea Cucumber, Prawn & Pork; and a Steamed Deluxe Jujube & Walnut Cake.

Avenue Joffre, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #02-137/138/139, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 98138, www.avenuejoffre.com

Singapore’s critically-acclaimed new age Chinese restaurant has created its own unique and healthy version of Yu Sheng, filled with up to 20 fresh ingredients including 10 herbs and vegetables, aromatic spices, tea-smoked salmon, three types of nuts, and a light and lovely spring onion-infused olive oil and wild honey yuzu dressing. Plus they’re offering a variety of delectable set menus, headlined by a delectable Roast Ibérico Suckling Pig ($238++ for a party of up to 8 people).

Blue Lotus, 31 Ocean Way, Quayside Isle, #01 -13, Singapore 098375, Reservations: (+65) 6339 0880, www.bluelotus.com.sg

There is no better way to bond with family and loved ones than over the spectacular Cherry Garden Luxurious Pen Cai – Singapore’s largest traditional ‘basin dish’, weighing more than 25 kilograms and measuring up to 45 centimetres in diameter. Topped with premium ingredients, the pot symbolises an abundance of fortune, featuring braised four-head abalone, lobsters, scallops, sea cucumbers, prawns, dried oyster rolls, conpoy, dace fillet, roasted duck, lotus chicken, roasted pork belly, waxed sausages, mushrooms, as well as cabbage and black moss. Gather friends and business associates for the timeless tradition of tossing Yu Sheng to represent a year of endless wealth and prosperity, or enjoy the Weekend Family Brunch while savoring an abundance of delicate dim sum, roasted meats and seafood, as well as delectable soups and desserts.

Cherry Garden, 5 Raffles Ave, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore 039797, reservations: (+65) 6885 3500 or e-mail mosin-dining@mohg.com. For takeaway orders or enquiries, please e-mail mosin-festive@mohg.com or call 6885 3081.

Cantonese stalwart Crystal Jade will be offering a range of CNY-themed menus and festive takeaways at their entire family of restaurants from 16 January through 12 February. For our money, the best spot for tossing yu sheng is at the original Crystal Jade Palace on Orchard Road – their high-end set menu starts at $488++ for four diners. If you prefer DIY grab some steamboat sets from Crystal Jade Kitchen, or head to Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao for seasonal specialties like Braised giant pork knuckle with black moss and dim sum deliciousness like Steamed chive and minced pork buns.

Crystal Jade, multiple locations, www.crystaljade.com

Grand Hyatt just might be the best hotel dining in Singers, and it doesn’t disappoint with its CNY offerings, including takeaway “Sustainable Yu Sheng” topped with Norwegian Atlantic Salmon and New Zealand Yellowtail Kingfish ($48++) at mezza9, which will also feature a dazzling set menu perfect for big group dinners. If you prefer more flexibility, mama, check out the Halal-certified CNY buffet at StraitsKitchen, available from 27-29 January. We’ve got our eye on the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall with crispy duck, wok-friend king prawns in oh-so-trendy salted egg sauce, and braised oyster with black moss.

Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore, Singapore 228211, (+65) 6738 1234, www.singapore.grand.hyatt.com

From Cantonese dim sum classics to Super Peking Duck, this popular chain will be offering dozens of set menus designed especially for Chinese New Year. Menus vary by location, so be sure to do your research to find your faves, mama! Promotions are valid through 11 February.

Imperial Treasure, Various locations, (+65) 6688 7788, www.imperialtreasure.com/en/events/imperial-treasure-chinese-new-year-2017-2016-12-30

If you’re planning to swing through Chinatown to take in the amazing monkey decorations, why no pop into Lime for some yummy buffet noshing? From 27 January to 10 February you can toss Yu Sheng at just $48++ per person (we love the luxury top-up options like Yellowfin Tuna, Hamachi and Abalone)!

Lime at Parkroyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289, (+65) 6809 8899, www.parkroyalhotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/singapore/pickering/stay/offers/a-royal-reunion-at-Lime-Restaurant.html

One of our perennial faves, Man Fu Yuan never disappoints this time of year with its inventive dishes that marry traditional flavours with unexpected contemporary flourishes, resulting in a truly surprising and delicious dining experience. Expect a celebration that is primed for a most auspicious start to the New Year, with finely crafted Yusheng creations (Black Truffle, anyone?) to a range of yummy takeaways. Prosperity set menus are available through 11 February.

Man Fu Yuan, 80 Middle Rd, InterContinental Singapore, Singapore 188966, (+65) 6338 7600, www.singapore.intercontinental.com/festive

Head to Chinese fine dining restaurant Min Jiang for their new Prosperity Amberjack Lo Hei ($168++ for a large portion, dine-in only), or jump on the salted egg train with for a lo hei version with freshly deep-fried fish skin generously coated with salted egg yolk and served with julienne vegetables ($66.35 for a small takeaway portion). If you’re entertaining at home, go for the Huat! Tart featuring fresh pineapple reduction infused with vanilla ($40.65).

Min Jiang, 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221, (+65) 6730 1704, www.goodwoodparkhotel.com

We love this stylish and kid-friendly spin on traditional yum cha! Reunion Set Menus will be available from 14 January to 17 February 2017, though diners can now bring the Lunar New Year celebrations home for a more intimate experience with Mitzo’s special festive goodies and takeaways. All takeaway Yu Sheng is thoughtfully packed with a mini cocktail shaker for diners to bring home Mitzo’s unique Yu Sheng tossing experience.

Mitzo Restaurant & Bar, Level 4 Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Road Singapore 238857, Tel: (+65) 6603 8855, rsvn@mitzo.sg

Welcome the Year of the Rooster at Peach Blossoms! Choose from a range of exquisite set menus or a specially curated à la carte menu, including the signature Blossoming Abalone Treasures Pot. You can also bring home the flavours of Marina Mandarin with Chinese New Year takeaway specials. CNY menus are available through 11 February 2017.

Peach Blossoms, Marina Mandarin Singapore by Meritus, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594, Tel: (+65) 6845 1118, www.meritushotels.com/marina-mandarin-singapore/dining_121-en.html

Discover a month’s worth of Lunar New Year celebrations with everything from buffets, to takeaways and reunion specials at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza. Go for the ultimate in bespoke luxury with fortune-filled set menus at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant; with luxe and lucky ingredients like abalone, bird’s nest broth, conpoy and wolfberries and much more, menus start at $98.80++ per person, or go for an a la carte option. Takeaway goodies like lobster and a variety of yu shengs are also available, or hit up the Chinese New Year buffet at Marriott Café between 27-29 January.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865 Tel: (65) 6735 5800, www.marriott.com

Here you’ll find a variety of sumptuous buffet spreads kicking off on Chinese New Year Eve and running through 11 February — we love that many include free-flow juices and soft drinks, too. Welcome the Year of the Rooster with a prosperous selection of contemporary and traditional takeaways classics perfect for reunion dinners and celebrations, from Yu Shen to the Four Treasure Fortune Pot!

The Westin Singapore, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2 · Singapore 018961, Reservations: (+65) 6922 6968 or email seasonaltastes.singapore@westin.com, www.thewestinsingapore.com/en/seasonaltastes

To usher in the Year of the Rooster, Yàn will be presenting 8 signature set menus created by Master Chef Chan Kung Lai that are perfect for families of all sizes. Try their traditional Prosperity Salmon Lo Hei, or go big with the Signature Yellowtail Fish Yu Shen with Golden Flake in Shun De Style. The base of crispy fried vermicelli elevated to resemble a tower (symbolising heightened success, of course) is a sight to behold! Yàn’s Chinese New Year menus are available through 11 February 2017.

Yan at National Gallery, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957, for reservations, please call +65 6384 5585 or email reserve@yan.com.sg, www.yan.com.sg

Want to bring Michelin-starred food into your home this CNY, mama? This Hong Kong import is offering yummy takeaways like Whole Suckling Pig, Whole Duck and BBQ Pork slices, starting at as little as $14.80 per serve (that’s definitely our favorite kind of Michelin meal!). Pre-orders end 22 January so get ‘em in soon, mama.

Kam’s Roast, www.shop.chope.co/pages/kams-roast-cny

From Yu Sheng to DIY Popiah (is there any food item that’s more fun for DIY?), Singpore’s #1 events caterer has got you covered, mama.

Neo Garden Catering, 1 Enterprise Road, Singapore 629813, (+65) 6896 7757, www.bit.ly/NeoCNYmenus

Look no further if you’re on the hunt for sweets and nibbles, mama. Baker Daniel Tay (the cheesecake master behind Cat & The Fiddle) has come out with a dazzling range of pineapple tarts to please any palate, including Rose, Yuzu, Coconut and CharGold Bak Kwa. Tarts start at just $23.80 for a box of 10. You can also do mixed boxes, or check out their assortment of festive cakes including Red Date, Carrot, Yam and Nian Gao!

Old Seng Choong, www.oldsengchoong.com

Beat the heat and stave off stress with handy party trays from the grande dame of Peranakan cuisine, Violet Oon. Elegantly packed in stackable trays, party trays feed 10-12 people and deliver the same fine flavours of Violet Oon in the comfort of your own home, and they’re so easy to bring to potlucks! Available through 11 February, 2017.

Violet Oon, Tel: (+65): 8533 1122, www.violetoon.com/party-trays

Specialty gluten-free grocer and organic butchery Ryan’s Grocery takes Chinese New Year feasting to another level with free-range shabu-shabu sets (Fortune Shabu-Shabu Set or Prosperity Shabu-Shabu Set at $118 each), a selection of organic meats, and wild caught seafood.  Customers can also choose from an a la carte meat menu offering a premium list of free-range Borrowdale pork, organic grass fed Thomas Farms lamb and Blackwood Valley Black Angus beef, together with hormone and antibiotic-free, free-range chicken prepared shabu-shabu style in addition to gluten-free meatball platters. They’ve also got a host of Chinese New Year hampers and gift sets packed with gluten-free and organic products to provide the perfect gift this Lunar New Year.

*Ryan’s Grocery Lunar New Year offerings are available from 3 Jan till 15 Feb . Customers who place their orders by 16 Jan 2017 will receive a 10% discount. Enjoy free delivery with every purchase of $200 and above. Note that no deliveries will take place from January 26th -31st. Orders can be made online at www.ryansgrocery.com or in store at 29 Binjai Park. The last collection date for all CNY orders is 15 February 2017.

Ryan’s Grocery, 29 Binjai Park, Singapore 589831, (+65) 6463 3933, www.ryansgrocery.com

Why stress over family feasting when the gourmands at Swiss Butchery can do all the heavy lifting? From hot pot delights (we’re drooling at the $118 “Beef Galore” that features NZ Natural Beef, U.S. Short Rib, Australian Wagyu Ribeye and Flank Steak), to Roast Pork Belly (just $15.80 per serving), to Yu Sheng ($88.80) to sweets like Pineapple & Cream Cheese Cake ($59) and Valrhona Chocolate Roasted Orange Tart ($59) let’s be honest – we could never cook up something so tasty!

Swiss Butchery, www.swissbutchery.com.sg