Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) @ Paragon - Toss to a Prosperous Lunar New Year to Usher in The Year of The Horse

Gather friends and family to toss to a prosperous Lunar New Year at Din Tai Fung with their festive range of Yu Sheng. We visited the Paragon outlet with the family for an early celebration.

Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Thoughtfully offered in three assortments, diners can choose from the Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng, Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng and Vegetarian Prosperity Yu Sheng, catering to different preferences. Additional toppings, such as Fried Salmon Skin, are also available for extra indulgence.

The Abundance Abalone Yu Sheng won the hearts of my dining companions for how clean and refreshing it tasted, while studded with Fried Salmon Skin and Smoked Salmon Slices. We particularly appreciated the addition of fried yam strips, which provided a strong textural contrast. The plum dressing was mildly sweetened, just the way we like it.

Each Yu Sheng platter ordered includes a limited-edition Din Tai Fung red packet and an adorable mascot coin pouch. From 23 Jan to 3 Mar 2026, diners can enjoy:

● 10% off any 1 Yu Sheng or 15% off any 2 Yu Sheng (DBS/POSB Cardholders)

● An $8 Din Tai Fung e-voucher for your next visit, with the purchase of any Yu Sheng via the BreadTalk Group Rewards App

*Note: Promotions are available for dine-in and takeaway at all Din Tai Fung restaurants except Novena Square Mall, while stocks last.

Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing 4/5

After a prosperous toss, we moved on to Din Tai Fung’s classic, comforting dishes, starting with the Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing, which remains a crowd-favourite starter. Served chilled, it is refreshing with pleasant, tangy notes that awaken the palate.

Deep Fried Handmade Tofu with Lotus Roots & Mushrooms 4/5

It was our first time trying this Chef’s Special - the Deep Fried Handmade Tofu with Lotus Roots & Mushrooms, and we were pleasantly surprised. The tofu had a thin, crisp exterior while remaining soft inside, with added texture from the lotus roots and mushroom bits.

Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake 4/5

Fried to a beautiful golden-brown, the Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake is another side perfect for sharing. It’s thin yet filled with juicy prawn chunks.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao 4/5

The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is a staple you’ll spot on almost every table. Each dumpling comes with delicate skin encasing tender pork and a good amount of savoury broth. Beyond this signature flavour, there are other variations, including Steamed Crab Meat & Pork, Chicken, Shrimp & Pork, Truffle & Pork, Vegetarian, and more.

Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs 4/5

Similarly iconic is the Fried Rice with Pork Chop & Eggs. We appreciate how consistent the quality is across outlets, delivering a fragrant, well-fried plate every time. Enjoy it plain or topped with shrimp, shredded pork, truffles, or a hearty pork chop.

Noodle with Vegetable & Pork Wantons in Peanut Sesame Sauce 4/5

For noodles, we opted for the Noodle with Vegetable & Pork Wantons in Peanut Sesame Sauce. The noodles were cooked perfectly with a bite and carried the fragrant, nutty sauce well. There’s a light kick of heat in this, but not too spicy. You can also order this with Shrimp & Pork Wantons.

Steamed Strawberry Mochi Xiao Long Bao 2/5

Joining the menu from 1 Feb 2026 is the Steamed Strawberry Mochi Xiao Long Bao. Served fresh off the steamer, it features a mochi exterior with a strawberry filling made from Korean strawberries. We would prefer the skin to be thinner and softer for a more balanced bite.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Paragon Shopping Centre
#B1 - 03
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6836 8336
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 11am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 9.15pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

Fortune in Motion: Galloping into a Prosperous New Year with Shangri-La Singapore

One of the most anticipated Lunar New Year celebrations each year has to be at Shangri-La Singapore, and this year's festivities are nothing short of spectacular. Taking centre stage is a majestic revolving lantern (走/跑马灯), symbolising the turning of fortunes and the promise of prosperity. Surrounding it are beautifully presented Yu Sheng platters, inviting diners to toss to an abundant and prosperous new year.

Assorted Dim Sum 4.2/5

Our Lunar New Year dinner began with a refined platter of Assorted Dim Sum, featuring Deep-fried King Prawn Pastry with Chinese Chives, Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Sesame Ball with Diced Chicken and Salted Fish, Steamed Grouper Dumpling with Asparagus, and Steamed Scallop Dumpling with Egg White and Black Truffle. Each morsel was delicately crafted, showcasing finesse in both flavour and execution.

Abundance Pen Cai 4.8/5

Served in an individual mini claypot, the Abundance Pen Cai may be petite in size but is generously packed to the brim with premium ingredients. Highlights include abalone, stuffed dace fish, pan-fried fish maw, sweet and sour pan-fried prawn, dried scallop, sea cucumber, goose web, roasted pork, soy sauce chicken, dried oyster, fragrant mushrooms, white radish, taro, baby Chinese cabbage, fried beancurd skin, chestnut and black moss. Each layer contributed to a harmonious medley of textures and flavours, making this a standout dish of the evening.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallops and Fresh Matsutake Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup was clear yet intensely flavourful, drawing richness from the essence of dried scallops and fresh matsutake mushrooms. Comforting, hearty and nourishing, this was a bowl that warmed both the palate and the soul.

Roasted Whole Suckling Pig Stuffed with Fried Glutinous Rice 4/5

A quintessential celebratory dish, the Roasted Whole Suckling Pig was elevated with a stuffing of fragrant fried glutinous rice. The skin was crispy and crackling, offering delightful textural contrast, while the aromatic glutinous rice added depth and richness to each bite.

Cod Fillet in Rich Seafood Bisque with Crispy Rice 4.2/5

The Cod Fillet in Rich Seafood Bisque impressed with its lightly crisp exterior encasing buttery, moist flesh. The robust seafood bisque delivered an intensified oceanic flavour, complemented by crispy rice that added an enjoyable crunch and textural contrast.

Pumpkin Sago with Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Jin Jun Mei Peach Resin Coconut Pudding 4/5

Desserts rounded off the meal on a satisfying note. The Pumpkin Sago with Bird's Nest, served charmingly in a mini pumpkin, was creamy and gently sweet, with the bird's nest lending a luxurious, gelatinous bite. Meanwhile, the Jin Jun Mei Peach Resin Coconut Pudding featured a chewy, nian gao-like texture, delicately infused with the aromatic notes of Jin Jun Mei, a premium Chinese black tea, offering a refined and elegant finish to the festive feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shangri-La Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 67373644
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Kai Duck @ Takashimaya - Spring into Prosperity with an Elevated 2026 Festive Menu that Celebrates Both Tradition and Indulgence.

Kai Duck at Takashimaya welcomes the Year of the Horse with a thoughtfully curated collection of dine-in set menus and takeaway offerings that celebrate both tradition and indulgence.

Prosperity South African Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The Harmony Set (S$568++ for four diners) begins with a Prosperity South African Yu Sheng tossed in olive oil for a lighter, cleaner finish, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine without weighing down the palate.

Double-boiled Shark’s Fin Soup 4.5/5

This was followed by a luxurious classic, the Double-boiled Shark’s Fin Soup with Chicken. The collagen-rich broth was rich-bodied and gelatinous, delivering a sense of indulgence in every spoonful.

Roasted Duck with Black Truffle Sauce 4.8/5

Next came the restaurant’s signature Roasted Duck with Black Truffle Sauce. The Irish duck was succulent, with beautifully crisped skin, while the black truffle sauce was well put together, lending just a subtle earthy lift to the dish.

Steamed Sliced Garoupa Fish 4/5

The set also includes Steamed Sliced Garoupa Fish with Celery and Black Fungus in Superior Soya Sauce. The fish was firm yet moist, its mild sweetness enhanced by the savoury umami notes of the soya sauce.

Wok-fried Hot Pot Panda Rice 4/5

One of the highlights of this year’s set menu is the Wok-fried Hot Pot Panda Rice with Bacon and Bolete Mushroom. Specially imported from Sichuan, China, Panda Rice is prized for its higher nutritional value and lower glycaemic index. The grains were slightly translucent with a gentle bounce, pleasantly non-starchy, and every bite was fragrant with wok hei and intensely moreish.

Supreme Fortune Pot 5/5

Supreme Fortune Pot is part of Kai Duck’s takeaway Millionaire Chinese New Year Set (minimum one day advance booking required; self-collection only). Each set comes with one Big Sweep Ticket*. The opulent pen cai features 15 premium ingredients, including South African abalone, sea cucumber, golden oyster mushrooms, fish maw, fatt choy, braised pork belly, and Kai Duck’s signature roasted duck. A standout for me was the inclusion of chunky radish and yam, which were wonderfully soft and thoroughly infused with the rich, savoury gravy.

*Big Sweep tickets are issued and administered by Singapore Pools, an independent third party. Kai Duck is not affiliated and is not responsible for prize claims or redemption.

BBQ Pork 4.5/5

The takeaway set also includes a platter of BBQ Pork. Marinated for over 12 hours and roasted for more than 40 minutes, the pork was unctuous and juicy, finished with a mouthwatering caramelised char.

Pan-fried Handmade Glutinous Rice Cake 4/5

Dessert rounded off the meal with a duo of sweets. A lightly tart and refreshing Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo, alongside Pan-fried Handmade Glutinous Rice Cake, provides a comforting and homely end to the festive feast.

Early Bird discount for Take Away Set
15% off for orders from 1 Januaryto 8 February 2026
10% off for orders from 9 to 15 February 2026.

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


Kai Duck
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#05-10/11
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 62355419
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 545pm - 10pm
Fri: 1130am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 5pm, 545pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Reunion of Bountiful Prosperity

Set within Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant once again ushers in a luxurious Lunar New Year celebration. Renowned for its refined Cantonese cuisine and timeless sophistication, the restaurant marks the season with an opulent showcase of premium ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and exquisite flavours. This Year of the Horse, Wan Hao presents a series of curated multi-course menus and festive specialities that blend tradition with contemporary finesse.

We had the pleasure of experiencing the Celebrations of Abundance 6-Course Set Menu ($268.80++ per person, for 5-10 persons), served with their Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck in place of the BBQ Suckling Pig with soft crepe. Though it comes at a premium, every course demonstrates careful curation, precise techniques and top-tier ingredients. From start to finish, each dish left a lasting impression.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.2/5

We began our dinner with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. Trust me when I say that this Yu Sheng is really loaded with lots of premium seafood, including Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Yellowtail, Sturgeon Caviar, Salmon and Salmon Roe. Impressively presented in the shape of a horse for the media tasting, the enthusiastic Lo Hei was a festive start to the evening.

Tea Smoked Grain-Fed Duck 4.8/5

Next came the Tea-Smoked Grain-Fed Duck, a meaningful dish as duck symbolises good luck and good health during the Lunar New Year. Wan Hao’s rendition is elegantly conceptualised and perfectly executed. The duck is slowly marinated, then air-dried for 24 hours to achieve that crispy, golden skin and tender meat. It is finally finished with an aromatic smoke of osmanthus, Long Jing tea leaves, and sugarcane, giving it a subtly sweet, floral fragrance that is fantastic. This duck is also available for takeaway ($78 nett for half, $138 nett for whole).

Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot 4.8/5

The Wan Hao Bird’s Nest Eight Treasures Pot is nothing short of impressive. What stood out immediately was the vibrant, collagen-packed broth. The pot was brimming with premium ingredients, featuring 5-Head South African Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Pork Tendon, Free-range Chicken, Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, Fish Maw, Prawns and more. Very indulgent and nourishing, I simply had to finish every drop of that delicious broth.

Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce 4.5/5

The Stewed Lobster with Trio Onion in Spicy Superior Light Soy Sauce was another beautifully presented dish. The lobster was succulent with plenty of meat, absorbing the savoury depth of the superior light soy sauce while still retaining its natural sweetness. It highlights both the lobster's freshness and the Chef’s skill in harmonising flavours.

Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.5/5

Many at my table eagerly anticipated this Cantonese-style Claypot Rice, and it certainly delivered. Fragrant and aromatic, the rice is first mixed with foie gras and Superior Light Soy Sauce, creating a rich, tasty base. It is then served with cured duck, Chinese sausage, and Hong Kong Chye Sim, resulting in a delicious rice dish that delivers comforting, familiar flavours.

Trio of Desserts 4.2/5

Concluding on a strong note, the Trio of Desserts offers three sweet treats, each with its own delightful texture. The Red Bean Glutinous Rice Ball coated in shredded coconut was soft and satisfyingly chewy. At the same time, the Deep-Fried Sesame Ball with custard delivered the perfect contrast: crisp on the outside, warm and gooey within. Rounding off the trio, the Chilled Bird’s Nest with Snow Pear and Rock Sugar provided a light, refreshing, and icy finish.

Whether for family reunions or intimate celebrations, the menu delivers abundance and auspiciousness befitting the season.

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


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Get into the Festive Mood at The Orchard Café’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet

Chinese New Year is a time of reunion, abundance and indulgence, and The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity buffet captures this spirit beautifully. Inspired by auspicious flavours and celebratory traditions, the spread brings together classic festive favourites alongside refined international creations, offering diners a generous and comforting way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

One of the most anticipated stations at any hotel buffet is undoubtedly the Seafood on Ice, and The Orchard Cafe delivers generously. The selection includes Red Prawns, Half-Shell Scallops, Clams, Sea Whelk and Mussels, with Snow Crab available during dinner, and Boston Lobsters served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While fresh oysters were not listed on the menu, steamed oysters topped with mentaiko sauce were available during our visit.

The Cold Appetisers section offers a decent variety, with several standouts worth highlighting. The Poached Red Prawn with Mango, Pomelo and Namjin Sauce is refreshing and well-balanced, while the Sichuan Chilled Chicken delivers a satisfying kick. Another favourite is the Marinated Jellyfish Salad with Liangfen, coated in a gently numbing sauce that adds depth without overwhelming the palate.

We were craving something warm to begin the meal, and while we expected a Chinese-style soup, the Crab Pumpkin Soup caught us completely off guard in the best way possible. Lightly sweet, creamy and generously studded with crab meat, it was so comforting that we went back for more than one serving.

Abalone Glutinous Rice 4.8/5

Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce 4/5

Among the Oriental selections, these two dishes stood out the most. The Abalone Glutinous Rice comes in a modest portion but is packed with flavour, making it dangerously addictive, so I only wished I had more stomach space for a second helping. The Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce strike a good balance between tangy and spicy, though I would have preferred a stronger heat to prevent the dumpling skin from firming up as it cooled.

Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf 4/5

Baked Salmon

Slow Roasted Australia Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin

Pasta on Parmesan Wheel

Under the Festive Carvings section, the Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf was my top pick. It is a clever and creative take, reminiscent of duck confit done tempura-style, with crisp skin and tender meat. The Whole Baked Salmon was equally impressive, both visually and in flavour, served with dill cream and tomato salsa before quickly disappearing from the buffet line. Meat lovers will appreciate the Slow-Roasted Australian Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin, which pairs exceptionally well with the Pasta on Parmesan Wheel - a combination I highly recommend.

Jujube Coconut Cheese Cake

Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake

Osmanthus Fish Jelly

Creamy Pineapple Tart

Hashima Wintermelon Jelly

Mochi Yam Roll

Desserts were where my excitement truly peaked. For once at a buffet, I was already eyeing the sweets before even starting my meal. Highlights include the Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake, which is light and citrusy, the elegant Osmanthus Fish Jelly, and the delightful Mochi Yam Roll, which balances texture and flavour beautifully.

Deep Fried Nian Gao

Cranberry Brioche Bread Pudding

Sesame Chocolate Pudding

When it comes to hot desserts, be sure to reserve some stomach space. The Deep-Fried Nian Gao is a must-try, along with the crowd-favourite Deep-Fried Red Bean Pancake. We also sampled the Hot Orh Nee with Ginkgo Nut and Pulut Hitam during our visit. Both were pleasantly low in sweetness, though they lacked a little depth compared to the other desserts. Still, the dessert section overall is not to be missed.

The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet is a satisfying and well-rounded celebration of festive dining, offering something for everyone from indulgent seafood and comforting Oriental classics to an impressive dessert lineup. Available now until 3 March, for both lunch and dinner, prices start from $98++ per person, making it a worthy option for family gatherings, festive catch-ups or a leisurely celebratory meal.

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


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]