Tim Ho Wan @ Plaza Singapura - Limited-Time Chinese New Year Offerings & All-New Black Truffle Chicken Bun

Chinese New Year dining at Tim Ho Wan gets an exciting refresh this festive season, as the beloved dim sum institution rolls out a limited-time menu in celebration of the Year of the Horse. Running from now to 3 March 2026, the seasonal offerings bring together auspicious favourites, comforting Cantonese flavours and one major highlight — the brand’s first new signature bun flavour since 2009!

THW Twin Buns - Black Truffle Chicken Bun & Signature BBQ Pork Bun 4.2/5

The star of the season has to be the Twin Buns, which features a pairing of Tim Ho Wan’s iconic Signature BBQ Pork Bun with its brand-new sibling, the Black Truffle Chicken Bun ($5.80 for the set). The new truffle bun doesn’t overpower; instead, it delivers a gentle, fragrant truffle aroma that complements the tender chicken filling beautifully. Encased in the same signature crumbly crust, both buns shine in their own way and are best enjoyed together for contrast.

Steamed Scallops with Green Sichuan Peppercorn 3.8/5

The Steamed Scallops with Green Sichuan Peppercorn ($6.80) is a delicate yet intriguing dish. Plump scallops sit atop silky tofu, finished with a light soy seasoning and green Sichuan peppercorn paste. The flavours are subtle and clean, with a mild numbing sensation that gently lingers rather than overwhelms. A refined dish that offers a nice break from richer, heavier festive plates.

Crispy Noodles with Prawn and Abalone Sauce 4/5

One of our favourites of the meal, the Crispy Noodles with Prawn and Abalone Sauce ($13.80) delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. While the wok-hei is subtle, the sauce more than makes up for it: it is intensely flavourful, slightly luxurious, and packed with plump prawns. The crispy noodle base provides a satisfying contrast in texture, absorbing the umami-rich sauce without becoming soggy.

Glutinous Rice with Steamed Chicken in Wine Broth 4/5

The Glutinous Rice with Steamed Chicken in Wine Broth ($19.80) is both visually stunning and surprisingly addictive. The first bite leans slightly sweet and unfamiliar, but from the second bite onwards, it’s hard to stop. The rice is fragrant and sticky, infused with the richness of the wine broth, while the tender chicken and premium ingredients add depth. An eye-pleasing, celebratory dish that feels right at home on a Chinese New Year table.

Lucky Crispy Chinese New Year Cake 4/5

No Chinese New Year meal is complete without Nian Gao, and Tim Ho Wan’s Lucky Crispy Chinese New Year Cake ($5.80) hits all the right notes. Crisp on the outside and soft, gooey on the inside, it’s lightly sweetened and incredibly satisfying. A nostalgic treat done well and a must-order for the festive season.

Tim Ho Wan’s Chinese New Year offerings strike a thoughtful balance between tradition and novelty. The introduction of the Black Truffle Chicken Bun adds excitement to the menu without straying too far from the brand’s roots. At the same time, the festive mains and classics offer comforting flavours perfect for reunion dining.

Available for a limited time only, this seasonal menu is well worth checking out, whether you’re celebrating with family or simply looking to enjoy elevated dim sum with a festive twist.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tim Ho Wan
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-29A/52
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa @ Amara Sanctuary Singapore - Taiwan’s "Hardest-to-Book" Teppanyaki Champion Opens "Secret Outlet" in Singapore

Following the success of its Cecil Street debut, the global omakase brand MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) elevates the experience at its new Sentosa location. Tucked away from the city’s rush and framed by Sentosa’s easygoing charm, MinSuiZen·Raku’s newest outpost feels less like a restaurant opening and more like an invitation to escape. Here, teppanyaki is reimagined as a creative playground, one where Japanese technique meets international influences, one exquisitely crafted course at a time.

The ambience is both elegant and intimate. Guests enter through a tranquil pebbled garden before arriving at a cosy dining room where the meal unfolds at an unhurried pace. For lunch, the Elegant Course is priced at $148++ and features 12 dishes. Dinner offers two tiers: the Premium Course at $198++ with 12 dishes, and the more indulgent Royal Course at $258++ with 14 dishes, showcasing the restaurant’s creative take on teppanyaki.

Dashi with Lime 4.2/5

On this occasion, we sampled both the Elegant Course and the Premium Course, each beginning on a gentle, comforting note. A teapot of warm Dashi served with a side of lime was served to start, easing us into the meal.

Appetisers 4/5

The meal began with a selection of appetisers. For the Elegant Course, this took the form of a burdock root dish. Those on the Premium Course were treated to a beautifully presented trio featuring the same Burdock Root, Mozuku Seaweed, and a Tamagoyaki with fish paste, giving it a denser, more savoury bite than the usual egg roll.

Red Sea Bream 4.2/5

This was followed by a fish course: Flounder for the Elegant Course and Red Sea Bream for the Premium Course. It was served with a flavourful sauce and accented with kombu, bonito flakes and delicate edible flowers for a refined finish.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.2/5

Next came one of my favourite dishes of the evening: a plump Hokkaido Scallop crowned with ikura and crispy shiso leaves, resting on a bed of specially handcrafted edamame mousse. The dish was served with a sauce infused with bonito dashi and a bright wasabi-yuzu dressing. A unique presentation of scallops, and very delicious!

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

This was followed by piping hot Chawanmushi with seaweed, a dish that epitomised simplicity and comfort. Silky and delicate, the steamed egg custard was smooth on the palate.

Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

Lobster 4.2/5

More premium seafood followed, with Lobster for the Premium Course and a generously sized Tiger Prawn for the Elegant Course. Both were plump and juicy, the meat highlighted by an intriguing sauce made from the roe, which added richness and depth to the dish.

Mango Sorbet 4.5/5

A palate cleanser then arrived in the form of a glass of icy Mango Sorbet. Light, refreshing and gently sweet, it cut through the richness of the preceding courses and refreshed the palate for the main courses to come.

Mini Beef Burger 3.8/5

With a touch of theatrics and flair, the meats were grilled for the next two courses. One of MinSuiZen·Raku’s signature creations is the Mini Burger: Chicken for the Elegant Course and Beef for the Premium Course, each paired with a crisp cheese tuile. The chicken burger was nice, while the beef version could have benefited from a little more sauce for a juicier bite.

Pork 4.5/5

Kagoshima A5 Wagyu 4.5/5

The main courses followed, each highlighting premium ingredients and meticulous preparation. For the Elegant Course, we enjoyed a succulent Pork dish that was tender and well-seasoned. The Premium Course featured Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, an indulgent cut renowned for its rich marbling and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It was served with a velvety sweet potato sauce and accompanied by roasted sweet potato, tender zucchini, and crispy garlic chips. Finishing touches of sea salt flakes and kombu-infused sea salt enhanced the natural richness of the wagyu.

Stir-fried Vegetables

The main course was rounded off with a medley of Stir-fried Vegetables, tossed with crunchy sesame seeds and savoury bacon pieces, all finished with a fragrant drizzle of truffle sauce.

Crabmeat Fried Rice 4.2/5

To conclude, we enjoyed the Crabmeat Fried Rice, presented with a touch of showmanship as the chef shaped it into a heart before serving. Hearty and flavourful, although I was really full by this point.

Matcha/Black Sesame Ice Cream

Dessert

For dessert, we enjoyed Matcha and Sesame Ice Cream. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, please let the staff know, as they will bring an additional dessert cake to celebrate your special day!

Overall, MinSuiZen·Raku is a fun Japanese Teppanyaki Omakase experience, and the Sentosa stands out for its refinement and influence. The courses are thoughtfully prepared, with creative touches and a nice balance of flavours, and the cosy, relaxed setting makes it easy to unwind. A nice choice for a special occasion!

Penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


MinSuiZen·Raku (明水然・樂) Sentosa
Amara Sanctuary Singapore
14 Gunner Lane
Singapore 099566
Tel: +65 63223678
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1115am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the pickup point for the Amara Sanctuary Shuttle Bus. Journey time is about 10 minutes. Do check the Amara Sanctuary Official Website for the shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

2) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to take the Sentosa Express monorail station. Take the monorail to Imbiah Station. Walk toward Village Hotel; continue to the end of the Mess Hall building. Walk to Gunner Lane, continue walking on Gunner Lane to Amara Sanctuary. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Cafe Jubilant (欢乐家) @ Millenia Walk - Unveils All-You-Can-Eat Hotpot From $18.90++

Cafe Jubilant (欢乐家) at Millenia Walk has launched an all-you-can-eat hotpot concept that offers a generous variety of dishes, comforting flavours, and wallet-friendly prices, starting at $18.90++ per person. Known as a casual Asian quick-serve restaurant during weekday lunches, the space transforms into a bustling hotpot haven from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and all day from 11am to 10pm on weekends and public holidays.

The hotpot concept is thoughtfully tiered into three curated set menus, ensuring there is something for every appetite. Diners seated at the same table must select the same set. Prices range from $18.90++ to $38.90++ on weekdays and from $20.90++ to $42.90++ on weekends.

The hotpot journey begins with a choice of eight freshly brewed soup bases, including comforting and punchy options such as Peeled Chilli Chicken Soup, Curry Soup, Japanese Bonito Soup, Szechuan Mala Soup, Clear Chicken Soup, and 9 Herbs Chicken Soup.

Guests can choose from three thoughtfully curated tiers of indulgence:

Pork & Chicken Value Set – The perfect entry point into the hotpot experience, this set offers unlimited servings of sliced pork belly, sliced pork collar, assorted marinated meats, chicken paste, and chicken wantons, among other comforting staples.

Beef & Seafood Premium Set – Stepping things up a notch, this elevated tier includes everything found in the Value Set, complemented by premium additions such as USA beef, Australian sliced pork collar, sliced lamb, ebiko prawn paste, white clams, and more.

Claypot Fish Head Deluxe Set – Designed for the discerning diner, this top-tier option combines items from previous sets. It culminates in exclusive highlights, including fried fish head, fried fish meat, Australian sliced wagyu, and Japanese pork.

While the chosen set determines the proteins and seafood selection, the rest of the hotpot experience remains wonderfully expansive, with an abundance of free-flow ingredients to complete the feast.

Beyond the proteins, diners are free to indulge in over 100 free-flowing ingredients, ranging from assorted fishballs, fishcakes, and meatballs to mushrooms, leafy vegetables, and noodles — offering endless combinations for your bubbling pot.

In addition to the feast, there are unlimited cold dishes, fresh fruits, and a sauce station where diners can create their own personalised dipping sauces.

For those who enjoy fried delights, the deep-fried station is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Expect favourites such as Spring Roll, Fried Mantou, French Fries, Nugget, Youtiao, and more.

There is also a hot station with rotating cooked dishes, all free-flow. Highlights of my visit included Pork Ribs, Curry Chicken, Braised Chicken Feet, and Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice. Fans of Taiwanese cuisine will be pleased to find comforting staples like Braised Pork Belly Rice and Tea Eggs (茶叶蛋).

The meal concludes on a satisfying note with free-flow desserts and drinks, including Mango Sago, Red Bean Soup, refreshing beverages, and Soft Serve Ice Cream. 

Value-seekers will appreciate the added perks: students and senior citizens receive a $3 discount Monday to Friday before 6pm (excluding public holidays) with valid passes. Families dining together will also be delighted to know that children under 5 dine for free.

With its extensive spread, approachable pricing, and family-friendly perks, Cafe Jubilant’s all-you-can-eat hotpot concept offers an impressive and satisfying dining option right in the heart of the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Cafe Jubilant (欢乐家)
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
#01-46/47/48/49/50
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 64708201
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Embu @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of The Horse With a Lineup of Festive and Indulgent Delights

Mandarin Oriental Singapore welcomes the Year of the Horse with a lineup of festive and indulgent delights. At Embu, from 2 February to 3 March 2026, the restaurant's extensive local and international buffet is made even more sumptuous with the addition of Lunar New Year specials.

Lobster and Beetroot Cured Salmon Yu Sheng 4.8/5

Guests dining in groups of four or more are treated to a complimentary Lobster and Beetroot Cured Salmon Yu Sheng. For the first time, Embu introduces its own Japanese fusion rendition of Yu Sheng, a nutrient-rich interpretation topped with wakame, shibazuke, and roasted sesame, served with a house-made tangy yuzu ponzu sauce. Refreshingly restrained and not doused in oil, this lighter and healthier version delighted with its freshness and satisfying textural crunch.

Golden Pumpkin Crab Meat Soup 3/5

A more luxurious soup option follows in the form of Golden Pumpkin Crab Meat Soup. While the bowl was generous with sweet crab meat, it leaned slightly on the saltier side.

Prosperity Yam Basket with Sweet and Sour Pork 5/5

Next up was the Prosperity Yam Basket with Sweet and Sour Pork. The yam basket was a highlight. It was fluffy on the inside, with a light, delicate crust and subtle seasoning. It paired beautifully with the juicy, tangy morsels of sweet-and-sour pork, creating an indulgent yet well-balanced bite.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms and Seasonal Vegetables 4/5

To encounter a dish like Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms and Seasonal Vegetables on a buffet spread is nothing short of extravagant. The sea cucumber was gelatinous and tender, while the accompanying ingredients were well-cooked through, flavoursome without being overwhelmed by sauce.

Chinese Preserved Meat Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 5/5

The Chinese Preserved Meat Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf didn't disappoint. The rice was deeply fragrant, generously studded with preserved meats and layered with chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, and mushrooms, offering a delightful interplay of flavours and textures.

Crispy Nian Gao 4/5

Desserts were divine, but the one that truly signalled the arrival of the Lunar New Year was the Crispy Nian Gao with Sweet Potato and Yam. Warm and oozy nian gao sandwiched between sweet potato and yam made for a comforting and nostalgic treat, a homely classic not to be missed.

The Lunar New Year special is priced at SGD 78++ per person for lunch and SGD 98++ per person for dinner.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Embu
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]