Chen’s Kitchen @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Welcoming Lunar New Year With Festive Set Reunion Menus

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Chen's Kitchen at Paragon Shopping Centre has introduced festive set Reunion Menus featuring its well-loved signatures alongside new dishes that will be added to the regular menu after CNY 2026.

Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup 3/5

The Blossom Set ($328++ for 4 pax) begins with a classic Prosperity Yu Sheng, followed by a comforting Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup. The soup was simple, homely, and soothing.

Mapo Tofu Original 4.2/5

Three of Chen's Kitchen's signatures anchor this set. The Mapo Tofu Original did not disappoint, delivering umami-packed flavours with silky tofu that carried the sauce beautifully.

Sweet and Sour Barramundi 3/5

The Sweet and Sour Barramundi was delectable overall, though the fried exterior on the leaner parts of the fish leaned slightly thicker than preferred, resulting in more crust than meat. The sauce also skewed a little too sweet for my palate.

Mala Mayo Prawns 4.5/5

On the other hand, the Mala Mayo Prawns were succulent, elevated by a coating of mala mayonnaise on the exterior that delivered an indulgent, creamy mouthfeel.

Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork 4.8/5

Our family favourite was undoubtedly Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork. Each morsel was firm yet tender and deeply savoury, with a rich, well-balanced flavour that leaned more towards umami rather than tanginess.

Gongbao Chicken 4/5

The Gongbao Chicken was visually appealing, featuring tender, well-marinated chicken complemented by asparagus that added a refreshing crunch.

Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms 4.5/5

The Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms were thoroughly moreish, with crunchy beans paired with savoury minced meat, making it easy to keep reaching for more.

Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates 3.8/5

To complement the flavoursome dishes, dessert is a refreshing chilled Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates, offering a light and soothing finish to the meal.

4-Pax, 6-Pax and 8-Pax Reunion Menus are available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery

Promotions
Citi Cardmembers Exclusive — 20% Off CNY Set Menus (Valid from 9 Jan – 3 Mar 2026, excluding 16–18 Feb)
Early Bird Special — 15% Off for reservations by 31 Jan 2026 (10% Off 16–18 Feb)
Free Fortune Cat Blind Box with any set menu or Yusheng purchase
Angbao Giveaway (5 Jan – 3 Mar, while stocks last) with prizes including discounts on CNY sets, Yusheng offers, complimentary appetisers, or drinks

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Kitchen
Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road
#B1-43
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

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]

Ya Ge (雅阁) Welcomes the Year of the Horse with “Prosperity in Full Bloom” – A Refined Chinese New Year 2026 Celebration

Ushering in Chinese New Year 2026 with quiet confidence and understated luxury, Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore presents Prosperity in Full Bloom, a thoughtfully curated festive showcase that honours tradition, craftsmanship and auspicious flavours. Available for both dine-in and takeaway from 1 January to 3 March 2026, the offering spans six meticulously designed set menus, à la carte highlights, and an extensive range of festive takeaway delicacies, making it equally suited to intimate family gatherings or grand reunion feasts.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel 4.2/5

The celebratory journey begins, as tradition dictates, with the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel. Visually vibrant and texturally engaging, the platter layers silky yellowtail sashimi with crisp eel and dried shredded codfish over a bed of freshly shredded vegetables, nuts and seeds. What truly elevates the toss is Chef’s house-made citrus dressing — freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice gently reduced for intensity. Bright, aromatic and refreshing, it sets an uplifting tone of abundance and good fortune.

Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum 4/5

A clear standout among the festive offerings is the Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum. Slow-simmered old hen forms a deep, full-bodied broth that cradles prized fish maw and Asian moon scallop, perfumed with Huangshan wild tribute chrysanthemum. Silken in texture and deeply restorative, this soup speaks of patience, tradition and indulgent well-being. It is a luxurious expression of festive nourishment.

Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel 4.2/5

Seafood lovers will appreciate the finesse of the Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel. Marinated for hours with fennel, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, the fish is gently steamed in a rich chicken broth, resulting in flesh that is delicate yet flavourful. Clean, subtly aromatic and elegantly restrained, the dish showcases Ya Ge’s precision-driven approach to classic Cantonese techniques.

Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce 4.2/5

For a bolder expression, the Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce delivers festive indulgence with restraint. Inspired by Beijing-style stir-fry traditions, fermented glutinous rice wine and Pi Xian broad bean paste lend warmth and complexity, enhancing rather than overpowering the lobster’s natural sweetness. The flavours are layered and fragrant, making this a celebratory centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe Salad 4.5/5

Texture and crunch come into play with the Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn, coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe, and served with a Shrimp Roe Salad. Golden and crisp, the prawns are tossed in a savoury-sweet house dressing enriched with shrimp roe and fish floss, offering immediate satisfaction and an addictive interplay of flavours.

Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom 4/5

Vegetarian offerings are no afterthought here. The Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom wrapped in Lotus Leaf is quietly luxurious. A medley of premium ingredients — from ginkgo nuts and lotus seeds to macadamia nuts, white fungus and bamboo shoots — is gently wrapped in lotus leaf and steamed, releasing a delicate fragrance when unveiled at the table. It is elegant, nourishing and deeply comforting.

Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat 4/5

Anchoring the feast is the Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat. Fragrant jasmine rice and sticky glutinous grains absorb the savoury richness of Chinese sausage and waxed meat, offering familiar comfort and balance, a gentle reminder that prosperity is best shared.

Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn, Mandarin Orange Mochi 4/5

Desserts provide a refreshing close, from the Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn to Mandarin Orange Mochi filled with custard and mandarin pulp, ending the meal on a light, sweet-tart note.

Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato

Prosperity Lion Nian Gao

Steamed Radish Cake with Conpoy and Chinese Sausage

Beyond the dining room, Ya Ge extends the festivities with an impressive lineup of takeaway and gifting options. Highlights include the generously layered Ya Ge Prosperity Pen Cai, Prosperity Yu Sheng in two sizes, roasted boneless suckling pig, dry-aged Irish duck, premium roast platters and handcrafted radish cake. New festive additions such as Prosperity Lion Nian Gao, Duo Happiness Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato, Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan, and a delicately balanced Red Bean Pudding add variety to the offerings. Curated takeaway reunion sets make hosting effortless, with 15% savings on pre-orders, ideal for early planners and corporate gifting.

Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan

Ya Ge’s Chinese New Year menu will be available for dine-in from 1 January to 3 March 2026, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or at the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to https://www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2026-chinese-new-year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards the Orchid Hotel. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Group Presents An Exquisite Lunar New Year Collection To Usher In The Year of The Horse

Crystal Jade Group ushers in the Year of the Horse with a refined and thoughtfully curated Lunar New Year collection that celebrates abundance, elegance, and the spirited vitality of the festive season. Spanning its well-loved fine-dining and casual dining concepts, the extensive line-up of celebratory set menus and premium festive delicacies is crafted to honour time-honoured traditions while embracing contemporary culinary finesse.

Led by Group Executive Chef Martin Foo, this year's Lunar New Year showcase spotlights premium ingredients, masterful cooking techniques, and signature presentations that reflect Crystal Jade's unwavering commitment to excellence. From auspicious Yu Sheng to nourishing soups, indulgent seafood highlights, and delicate festive desserts, the collection is thoughtfully designed for reunion gatherings, corporate celebrations, and intimate family feasts.

Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with South African Abalone, Aburi Australian Scallop & Braised Cuttlefish ($129/$198). A festive essential elevated with premium ingredients, the Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng is refreshingly light and well-balanced on the palate. Pristine aburi Australian scallops are lightly torched for smokiness, while meaty South African abalone and Teochew-style braised cuttlefish symbolise prosperity and abundance.

Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with South African Abalone, Aburi Australian Scallop & Braised Cuttlefish 4.5/5

The vibrant medley of fresh and home-pickled ingredients adds layers of texture and flavour — juicy pomelo segments and jewel-like dragon fruit cubes lend sweetness, while preserved ginger and orange peel provide an aromatic lift. Crunch comes from jellyfish 'head', homemade candied walnuts, shredded carrots, and mesclun leaves, all crowned with a generous mound of crispy deep-fried yam strips. The ensemble is brought together with a piquant roselle and yuzu-based dressing that adds a refreshing tang. Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway.

Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth with New Zealand Fish Maw and 'Stone Olive' 4.5/5

Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth with New Zealand Fish Maw and 'Stone Olive' ($42/pax). Comforting yet luxurious, this deeply nourishing double-boiled broth features tender pork ribs, premium New Zealand fish maw, and the rare 'stone olive' — an ingredient that brings a subtle bittersweet complexity to the soup. The fish maw is impressively generous, offering a firm yet delightfully bouncy texture that soaks up the rich, slow-simmered essence of the broth. A soothing and restorative choice for festive indulgence. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Steamed Western Australian Lobster with 20-Year Aged Huadiao, Egg White and Bonito Flake 4.2/5

Steamed Western Australian Lobster with 20-Year Aged Huadiao, Egg White and Bonito Flake ($30/100g). Showcasing pristine Western Australian lobster, this elegant dish is steamed atop a cloud of silken egg white, allowing the lobster's natural sweetness to shine. The addition of 20-year-aged Huadiao wine lends aromatic depth, while bonito flakes add a gentle umami lift. Delicate yet indulgent, it is a highlight for seafood lovers. Available at Crystal Jade Palace.

Braised Yellow Croaker with Crispy Dumpling in Red Wine Sauce 4.2/5

Braised Yellow Croaker with Crispy Dumpling in Red Wine Sauce ($58.80 for 600g). Delicate yellow croaker is braised in a glossy red wine sauce, resulting in tender flesh infused with rich, savoury notes. Served alongside house-made deep-fried wantons, the dish strikes a pleasing contrast between softness and crunch, making it a comforting yet celebratory addition to the festive spread. Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao.

Roasted French Spring Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushroom 4.5/5

Roasted French Spring Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushroom ($45 Whole Chicken). A classic done right, the roasted French Spring Chicken is tender and juicy, perfumed with the luxurious aroma of truffle and earthy wild mushrooms. Indulgent yet straightforward, this dish delivers comforting flavours elevated with a touch of finesse. Available at Crystal Jade Palace.

Wuchang Organic Glutinous Rice with Twin Prawns and Chinese Preserved Meats 4.2/5

Wuchang Organic Glutinous Rice with Twin Prawns and Chinese Preserved Meats ($48). Highly prized for its floral fragrance and pleasantly chewy texture, Wuchang organic glutinous rice from Heilongjiang is paired with tiger prawns, sakura ebi, and an assortment of Chinese preserved meats. The result is a fragrant, umami-rich dish that symbolises abundance and togetherness — a festive staple done with premium touches. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly with Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet 4/5

Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly with Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet ($11.80/pax). A light and refreshing finale, the osmanthus jasmine jelly is delicately floral and gently sweet, paired with a vibrant mango and passion fruit sorbet that adds a tangy, tropical lift. Clean and palate-refreshing, it rounds off the meal beautifully. Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion.

Golden Pumpkin Prosperity Glutinous Rice Nian Gao 4.2/5

Golden Pumpkin Prosperity Glutinous Rice Nian Gao ($12.80 for 6pc). A beautifully composed festive treat, this traditional glutinous rice cake is sandwiched between layers of sweet golden pumpkin, offering a soft, chewy texture with gentle natural sweetness. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake 4.5/5

Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake. A visually pleasing, tiered kueh featuring coconut and pistachio flavours studded with crunchy water chestnut bits. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing bite, or pan-fry until the edges turn lightly golden for added aroma. Available as part of the festive takeaway selection.

Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao 4.2/5

Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao ($9.90 for 3pc). Shaped like traditional gold ingots, these auspicious handmade sweet treats are crafted from pumpkin puree and symbolise wealth and good fortune for the year ahead. Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen.

Lunar New Year dining will be available from 26 January to 3 March 2026 at participating Crystal Jade restaurants, featuring bespoke set menus for groups of two to ten. Festive takeaway specialities may be pre-ordered online at store.crystaljade.com and at individual outlets from 8 December 2025, with collection and delivery options available from 26 January to 3 March 2026.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Crystal Jade's thoughtfully crafted Lunar New Year offerings, where tradition meets refined culinary artistry.


Note: This is an invited tasting.

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Unveils a Refreshed Cantonese Menu

I am back at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore, to experience its refreshed menu that redefines timeless Cantonese gastronomy through a contemporary lens. Guided by Executive Chef Daniel Cheung, the new offerings honour tradition while introducing refined techniques and elegant presentations.

The meal begins with a delightful Amuse Bouche featuring sweet prawn paired with a zesty sauce. The bright acidity complements the prawn's natural sweetness beautifully, awakening the palate and setting the tone for what's to come.

Trio of Dim Sum Items 4/5

We commence the dinner with a Trio of Dim Sum Items, each showcasing refined craftsmanship and thoughtful layering of flavours and textures. The Steamed Chicken Roll with Ham, Black Mushroom and Fried Fish Maw is comforting yet elegant, with tender chicken wrapped around savoury ham and earthy mushrooms, punctuated by the gentle chew of fish maw. The Traditional Deep-fried Hokkaido Scallop Dumpling with Supreme Broth delivers a delightful contrast: crisp on the outside, revealing a sweet, succulent scallop filling within. Rounding off the trio is the Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Black Truffle, Assorted Mushroom and Preserved Olive, where translucent skin encases an aromatic medley of mushrooms, lifted by the earthy perfume of black truffle and a subtle briny note from the preserved olive. Together, the trio offers a graceful introduction to Shang Palace's refreshed Cantonese repertoire.

Double-Boiled Soup 4.5/5

Next is a hearty and nourishing Double-Boiled An Xin Chicken Broth with Fish Maw, Sea Conch and Honey Dew. Ingredients including sea conch, chicken, chicken feet, fish maw, honeydew, jade bamboo and ginger are double-boiled for over three hours, resulting in a rich, velvety broth. The addition of honeydew is particularly intriguing and uncommon in traditional double-boiled soups. It imparts a subtle melon sweetness at the finish, adding complexity without overpowering the broth's savoury depth.

Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the evening is the Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce. Rose wine is poured tableside before the ribs are flambéed, adding a touch of theatre. The pork ribs are exceptionally tender, falling off the bone with ease. The osmanthus honey lends a delicate floral fragrance, while the black pepper sauce delivers a bold, peppery kick. The sweet-and-spicy interplay is truly lip-smacking.

Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce 4/5

This dish is a nostalgic nod to Hong Kong's 1980s culinary era, where Chinese and Western influences converged. Traditionally cooked with Portuguese sauce, Shang Palace adapts it using a creamy white sauce akin to béchamel. The Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden brown, resulting in a comforting, creamy dish with a satisfying crust.

Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures 4.5/5

The Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures is served in a rich abalone sauce broth, alongside prawns, cuttlefish, pig kidney, chicken, bamboo shoots, fish maw, sea cucumber, and mushrooms. The duck is deep-fried before braising, a technique that tightens the skin, keeps it crisp, and removes any gaminess from the meat. The result is a luxurious, well-balanced dish showcasing both technique and tradition.

Deep-fried Crab Claw with Shrimp Paste and Almond Flakes 4.5/5

The Deep-fried Japanese Snow Crab Claw, stuffed with shrimp paste and coated with almond flakes, offers excellent textural contrast. The succulence and sweetness of the prawn filling are enhanced by the nutty crunch of the almonds, making this a crowd-pleasing classic.

Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot 4.5/5

Vegetable dishes shine just as brightly with the Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot. Featuring broccoli, Nai Bai, bamboo fungus, shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snow peas, vermicelli and beancurd, everything is braised in a flavourful vegetable broth with preserved beancurd and vegetarian oyster sauce. The preserved beancurd sauce is the star, packed with umami and depth, while the vermicelli soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.

Chilled Pandan Pudding Topped with Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Dessert is a refreshing Chilled Pandan Pudding topped with Indonesian Bird's Nest and edible gold foil. Made from fresh pandan juice, the pudding is silky smooth and fragrant. The addition of bird's nest lends a touch of luxury, ending the meal on a light yet indulgent note.

Shang Palace's refreshed menu is a confident showcase of classic Cantonese flavours reimagined with finesse. Chef Daniel Cheung strikes an admirable balance between tradition and modern expression, delivering dishes that are comforting, elegant and thoughtfully executed. A worthy revisit for both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes.[Map]