藝 Yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Celebrates Reunion, Abundance, and Auspicious Beginnings

Chinese New Year dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung is conceived as a refined culinary journey celebrating reunion, abundance, and auspicious beginnings. Rooted in time-honoured provincial Chinese cuisines, the festive offerings reflect Chef Jereme Leung's thoughtful approach to heritage cooking, where premium ingredients, precise techniques, and restrained elegance come together with symbolic meaning befitting the Lunar New Year. We experienced the Lunar New Year 2026 Opulent Set Menu ($258 per pax), a luxurious progression that balances tradition with finesse.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Hokkaido Scallop & Asian Pear 4.5/5

As with every Chinese New Year celebration, the feast begins with Lo Hei, a toss for prosperity and abundance in the Year of the Horse. The Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Hokkaido Scallop & Asian Pear is a refreshing and fruity interpretation, featuring plump, juicy Hokkaido scallops and tender slices of abalone. Asian pear adds a crisp sweetness, keeping the flavours light and well-balanced while allowing the premium seafood to shine.

Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup with Wild Dried Red Mushroom & Conpoy 5/5

A standout of the meal, the Double-boiled Fish Maw Soup with Wild Dried Red Mushroom & Conpoy is a comforting yet refined expression of patience and tradition. The slow-simmered broth is clear but deeply layered, carrying the natural sweetness and lingering umami of premium conpoy. The fish maw is supple and gelatinous, having absorbed the essence of the soup without losing its delicate bite, while wild dried red mushrooms contribute an earthy fragrance and gentle sweetness. Nourishing, elegant, and impeccably balanced, it is quiet luxury in a bowl.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Beancurd Skin stuffed with Minced Chicken 4.2/5

The Braised Pork Knuckle is indulgence done right. Slowly braised until fork-tender, the meat yields effortlessly beneath its glossy, collagen-rich skin, coated in a deeply savoury sauce with gentle soy-driven sweetness. Complementing it is the Beancurd Skin Stuffed with Minced Chicken, a pleasing play on textures comprising silky tofu skin enveloping a juicy, delicately seasoned filling that absorbs the braising sauce beautifully.

Steamed Spotted Garoupa, Bamboo Shoot & Matsutake Mushroom with Premium Soy Sauce 4.5/5

A study in restraint and elegance, the Steamed Spotted Garoupa is gently cooked to preserve its natural sweetness and moist, flaky texture. Crisp bamboo shoots provide freshness and crunch, while prized matsutake mushrooms lend a distinctive earthy aroma. Finished with a drizzle of premium soy sauce, the dish is clean, balanced, and refined, celebrating the beauty of simplicity done well.

Stir-fried Green Asian Lobster with Garlic & Shallot Crisps 4.5/5

The Stir-fried Green Asian Lobster is a bold yet refined showcase of premium seafood. Succulent lobster meat is perfectly stir-fried to retain its natural sweetness, lightly coated in fragrant garlic oil. Generous sprinklings of golden garlic and shallot crisps add irresistible crunch and aromatic depth, creating a rich, savoury dish that remains impeccably balanced and immensely satisfying.

Steamed Jasmine Rice & Millet with Preserved Meats & Japanese Pickled Yellow Radish 4/5

The Steamed Jasmine Rice & Millet with Preserved Meats & Japanese Pickled Yellow Radish is a comforting staple elevated with thoughtful details. The fragrant jasmine rice, blended with nutty millet, cooks up light and fluffy, while savoury preserved meats provide bursts of umami. Japanese pickled yellow radish offers refreshing sweetness and acidity, making each mouthful harmonious and quietly satisfying.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Almond Cream & Lotus Seeds 4.2/5

An elegant and soothing finale, the Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Almond Cream & Lotus Seeds features a soft, silky texture suspended in smooth almond cream, fragrant yet restrained in sweetness. Lotus seeds add a tender bite and subtle nuttiness, bringing balance and depth. Light on the palate and nourishing, it ends the meal on a refined, comforting note.

Steamed Japanese Kabocha Pumpkin "Nian Gao" with shredded Coconut, Crispy Pandan Milk Curd 4.2/5

The Japanese Kabocha Pumpkin Nian Gao offers a delightful twist on a festive classic. Naturally sweet kabocha pumpkin lends an earthy sweetness and vibrant hue, resulting in a soft, chewy texture that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Freshly shredded coconut adds fragrance and gentle crunch. Alongside it, the Crispy Pandan Milk Curd delivers a playful contrast, a light, golden crust giving way to a soft, creamy centre infused with fragrant pandan. Crisp, aromatic, and indulgent in just the right measure, it rounds off the celebration beautifully.

Overall, dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung for Chinese New Year 2026 is more than a meal — it is a thoughtfully curated celebration of reunion, prosperity, and tradition. Each dish balances elegance, flavour, and symbolism, from the auspicious Prosperity Yu Sheng to the comforting, indulgent desserts. The menu showcases Chef Jereme Leung's ability to honour heritage ingredients and techniques while modernising them, making it a memorable feast that resonates long after the last bite.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


藝 Yi By Jereme Leung
Raffles Arcade
328 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188719
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Asia Grand (亚洲金阁) @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - Experience the Passion and Heritage of Cantonese Cuisine

Located at Fairmont Hotel Singapore, Asia Grand (亚洲金阁) is a celebrated dining destination renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine, notably its legendary Peking Duck. With glowing recommendations from food enthusiasts, I finally made my way there for a weekday dinner with fellow foodie friends.

Double Boiled Apple Soup with Fish 4.5/5

The meal began on a heartwarming note with the Double Boiled Apple Soup with Fish ($75). This comforting broth was a revelation — it was my first time experiencing such a unique combination. While the solid ingredients tasted mild, their essence had been beautifully infused into the soup, resulting in a rich and flavourful dish. It was so delightful that I couldn't resist having three bowls.

Roasted Australia Quail 4.5/5

Finding quail on the menu of a Chinese restaurant is a rarity, which made the Roasted Australia Quail a delightful surprise. The quail was roasted to perfection, with its skin crisp and golden, while the meat retained a juicy tenderness. The execution was spot on, making it a standout dish.

Crispy Peking Duck 4.8/5

Asia Grand’s Crispy Peking Duck ($108) lived up to its stellar reputation. The duck was expertly roasted, delivering a thin, crackling skin that was a delight to wrap in soft egg crepes with hoisin sauce. The presentation and precision in slicing the duck elevated the entire experience.

Peking Duck 2nd Serving - Stir Fried Diced Duck with Lettuce 4.8/5

For the second serving of the Peking Duck (an additional $20), we opted for the Stir-Fried Diced Duck with Lettuce, a refreshing take on enjoying the leftover duck meat. Served as a wrap, this dish provided a lighter, herbaceous contrast to the richness of the first course.

Portuguese Style Baked Scallop with Prawn 4.2/5

The Portuguese Style Baked Scallop with Prawn ($18/pc) was a showstopper among the contemporary offerings. The sweetness of the scallop and prawn paired harmoniously with the creamy, cheesy sauce, delivering an indulgent and satisfying finish.

Homemade Mushroom Beancurd with Sesame & Crab Meat 4.5/5

Another highlight was the Homemade Mushroom Beancurd with Sesame & Crab Meat ($20). Topped with a sesame crust, the silky tofu offered a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. Coupled with sweet, succulent crab meat, the dish exuded elegance and finesse.

Steamed Fresh Pa Ting with Minced Ginger 4.5/5

A must-try for seafood lovers, the Steamed Fresh Pa Ting with Minced Ginger (market price) showcased the fish’s natural fattiness and richness. The minced ginger and light soy sauce complemented the tender fish, enhancing its flavour profile without overpowering it.

Slow Cooked Claypot Rice with Preserved Meat 4.5/5

Ending the savoury courses was the comforting Slow Cooked Claypot Rice with Preserved Meat ($18/pax). Fragrant and well-tossed in superior soy sauce, the rice itself was a treat. However, the preserved meats — Lap Cheong, Cured Duck, Yun Chang, and La Rou — took the dish to new heights, adding layers of umami and savoury richness.

Sweeten Almond Cream with Peach Gum in Young Coconut 4.8/5

For dessert, we enjoyed the Sweetened Almond Cream with Peach Gum in Young Coconut ($16). This warm, velvety treat was infused with subtle coconut notes, creating a harmonious blend of nutty and tropical flavours. The peach gum added a luxurious touch, making it a perfect ending to the meal.

Asia Grand offers a sophisticated dining experience with its masterful execution of Cantonese classics and innovative touches. Whether it's their famed Peking Duck or the indulgent Portuguese Baked Scallops, each dish is crafted with precision and care. Asia Grand is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Cantonese cuisine in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Asia Grand Restaurant (亚洲金阁)
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-22B
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6887 0010
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station.

Yàn (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Savour the Flavours of Autumn with Yàn’s New Seasonal Nourishing Menu

Savour the flavours of Autumn with Yàn's new seasonal nourishing menu from 1 September to 31 October 2023. Marrying Yàn's forte in Cantonese cuisine and the spirit of the changing season, the restaurant's chefs have thoughtfully put together new selections that are wholesome and nourishing.

The menu offers both an a la carte list (from $12) and a 6-course set menu ($138 per diner, min. of 2 diners). We had the opportunity to sample dishes from both menus.

Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.2/5

While the name says "mini", the portion of the Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($78 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) was far from that. The comforting clear broth was a result of an eight-hour double boiling process. It features quality ingredients, including an Australian three-head whole abalone, sea cucumber, ginseng, pig's tendons and shiitake mushrooms.

Upon serving, the Australian three-head whole abalone is carefully separated from the pot, ready to be prepared as a second dish.

Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone 4.5/5

In its second preparation method, the Australian Three-Head Whole Abalone is thoroughly braised in oyster sauce and shrimp roe to enhance its presented flavours further. The abalone, cooked this way, was incredibly tender and carried the rich umami notes wonderfully.

Crispy Whole Quail 4/5

Inspired by the traditional Crispy Skin Chicken - Cui Pi Ji, Yàn has crafted its rendition featuring quail. The Crispy Whole Quail ($38 a la carte/part of 6-course set menu) is fried to a delicate crisp. It's served with minimal salt, pepper, and five-spice powder condiments, allowing the meat to take the spotlight.

Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef’s Special Sauce 4/5

Another featured meat dish is the Pan-fried Venison Steak with Chef's Special Sauce ($12). This dish is a tribute to the 1970s period when Cantonese chefs explored adapting Western dishes to Cantonese palates. The New Zealand venison fillet is marinated in a special sauce mixture before being pan-fried and served with the reduced marinade.

Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel 4.5/5

A unanimous favourite at the table was the Steamed Eel with Minced Garlic and Shredded Mandarin Peel ($20/100g a la carte/part of 6-course set menu). The intentional choice of eel aligns with its 'nourishing' theme and is thoughtfully deboned to pair with minced garlic, shredded Xin Hui mandarin peels and a Cantonese-style housemade light soy sauce. The peels were an interesting addition, with its bitter and citrusy notes.

Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin 4/5

We ended our meal with a nourishing dessert, the Double-boiled Almond Cream Served in a Mini Pumpkin (Part of $138 Set Menu). I am not a fan of almond creams, but I appreciated how fresh-tasting it was, with a mild sweetness and a lighter consistency.

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.


Yan Restaurant (宴)
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178958
Tel: +65 63845585
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time around 5 minutes. [Map]