Showing posts with label Chinese New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chinese New Year. Show all posts

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King's Hotel - Welcomes The New Year With Blossoms of Fortune Dining, A Series of Specially Curated CNY Set Menus

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Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King's Hotel welcomes the Lunar New Year with Blossoms of Fortune Dining, a series of specially curated Chinese New Year set menus available from 30 January to 3 March 2026. Celebrating prosperity, vitality and good fortune, the menus bring together time-honoured Teochew flavours elevated with premium ingredients.

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Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng 4.5/5

The Sweet Happiness Set Menu ($142 per pax) opens with a Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng. Thick slices of smoked salmon offered a satisfyingly meaty bite, while the addition of candied cashews brought a pleasant sweetness and nutty crunch that lifted the overall texture.

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Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup 5/5

This was followed by Braised Superior Pumpkin Soup with Bird's Nest and Crab Meat, an elegant bowl of comfort. The soup was soothing yet refined, with well-balanced flavours that soothed the appetite.

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Signature South African 6-Head Abalone 5/5

The Signature South African 6-Head Abalone with Fish Maw and Black Moss in Oyster Sauce was a highlight. The abalone was tender and well-infused with umami from the glossy oyster sauce, while the fish maw retained a delicate springiness that carried the sauce beautifully.

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Pan-fried Cod Fish 4.5/5

Next came the Pan-fried Cod Fish with Golden Garlic Soy Sauce, a clear crowd-pleaser. The cod was moist and flaky within, contrasted by a crisp golden crust. Its buttery richness was complemented aptly by the savoury soy-based sauce.

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Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck 4/5

A Teochew classic followed in the form of Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Duck. The use of Irish duck, favoured for its more unctuous fat, produced richly flavoured meat, while the accompanying vinegary chilli dip provided a welcome acidity to cut through the richness.

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Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle 5/5

The much-anticipated Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Dried Scallop, Chinese Sausage and Black Truffle did not disappoint. The rice was satisfyingly sticky and chewy, made moreish with umami-laden diced scallops and fragrant Chinese sausage.

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Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, Steamed Niao Gao 3.8/5

Dessert concluded with Double-boiled Peach Gum with Red Date and Glutinous Rice Ball, served alongside Steamed Nian Gao. Lightly crusted with crushed peanuts, the nian gao was punctuated with a delectable nuttiness, while the peach gum provided a gently sweet finish to the meal.

Early Bird Promotion
20% early bird discount, full payment must be made within the promotional period: now to 28 January 2026.
10% dine-in from 30 January to 3 March 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.


Tien Court Restaurant
Copthorne King's Hotel
403 Havelock Road
Level 2
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 63183193/ 63183198
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Nearest MRT: Havelock (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk straight down Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the bus stop opposite the Holiday Inn Atrium (Stop ID 06149). Take bus number 51, 64, 123, or 186. Alright, 1 stop later. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, February 5, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Thursday, January 29, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Pumpkin Sago with Bird's Nest 4.2/5

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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)


Wednesday, January 28, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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

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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.

Seafood on Ice

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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.

Cold Appetitizers

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.

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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.

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Abalone Glutinous Rice 4.8/5

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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.

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Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf 4/5

Baked Salmon
Baked Salmon

Black Angus Striploin
Slow Roasted Australia Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin

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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.

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Jujube Coconut Cheese Cake

Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake 1
Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake

Osmanthus Fish Jelly 1
Osmanthus Fish Jelly

Creamy Pineapple Tart 1
Creamy Pineapple Tart

Hashima Wintermelon Jelly 1
Hashima Wintermelon Jelly

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Mochi Yam Roll

Assorted Pastries

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.

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Deep Fried Nian Gao

Cranberry Brioche Bread Pudding 1
Cranberry Brioche Bread Pudding

Sesame Chocolate Pudding 1
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]