藝 Yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Exquisite Lunar New Year Specialties

藝 Yì by Jereme Leung at Raffles Hotel Singapore welcomes this Lunar New Year with dishes that embody traditions with an artistic flair, available from 17 January to 15 February 2022.

Toss to abundance with auspicious Yu Sheng specials. Available for dine-in and takeaway, each Yu Sheng comes with a unique Yunnan rose dressing crafted by Master Chef Jereme Leung. For takeaway orders, the ingredients will be presented in an assembled multi-tiered red box that is both convenient to carry and aesthetically pleasing on the home dining table. We tried the Longevity Yu Sheng ($198++), which features premium ingredients such as arctic shellfish and Japanese sweet shrimps.

Braised Beancurd with Yunnan Golden Fungus & Pine Nuts 4/5

After the Yu Sheng, we began the evening with a nourishing Double-Boiled Fish Maw, Morel Mushrooms & Nostoc Pearls Broth.

Steamed Spotted Garoupa & Fresh Lily Bulbs with "Mao Er Duo" Black Fungus 4.5/5

For the main Lunar New Year feast, savour specialities such as the Steamed Spotted Garoupa & Fresh Lily Bulbs with "Mao Er Duo" Black Fungus. Artfully presented on the plate, I enjoyed the crunchy elements of the dish that complemented the fish.

Braised Beancurd with Yunnan Golden Fungus & Pine Nuts 4.5/5

Another main dish we had was a wholesome Braised Beancurd with Yunnan Golden Fungus & Pine Nuts.

Steamed Jasmine Rice with Chinese Goose Liver Sausages & Preserved Meats 4.8/5

The Steamed Jasmine Rice with Chinese Goose Liver Sausages & Preserved Meats was the highlight for me - fluffy steamed rice flavoured with unctuous, savoury-sweet Chinese goose liver sausages & preserved meats. It was simple yet indulgent and satisfying.

Organic Eggplant with Japanese Sea Urchin in Vinegar Dressing 4/5

Fresh Scallop & Spinach Roll with Sesame Sauce 4/5

Apart from the more traditional dishes, there are some which deviate from the usual, such as this Organic Eggplant with Japanese Sea Urchin in Vinegar Dressing. I appreciate how the ingredients have been treated with restraint to bring out their flavours. The same goes for the Fresh Scallop & Spinach Roll with Sesame Sauce.

Cantonese Sponge Cake, Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Nian Gao 3.8/5

Our dessert comprised a warm and comforting Cantonese Sponge Cake infused with Dried Tangerine Peel, as well as an auspicious looking Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Nian Gao.

From 3 January to 28 January 2022, guests may enjoy 20% off* online orders on Auspicious Delights, including selected home dining sets, Yu Sheng specials and a la carte takeaways, and enjoy 15% off* online orders of Bountiful Gift Sets & Hampers.

*Valid for AMEX, Citibank, DBS/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC and UOB cardholders.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. 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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Website
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 Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yun Nans (云海肴) @ Jewel Changi Airport - Shining Spotlight On Unique Ingredients And Yunnan-style Dishes

Usher in the Year of the Tiger at Yun Nans (云海肴). The restaurant's Chinese New Year 2022 menus will feature new mainstays and curated favourites. There are six CNY set menus catering for 4 to 8 pax, with prices ranging from $318++ to $788++. Available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery, each menu consists of 7 to 9 dishes.

Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Toss up to a prosperous and auspicious year with the Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng ($68.80++/ $88.80), which comes with whole abalone. Diners also have the option of additional abalones at $29.90 for six pieces.

Black Garlic Kampong Chicken Soup 4.2/5

New this year is the Black Garlic Kampong Chicken Soup. It uses Yunnan's fermented solo clove black garlic in the soup, giving it a natural sweetness. The superbly nutritious soup is well balanced, giving it a light and clear taste, coupled with the subtle fragrance of the black garlic.

Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot 4.5/5

Making a return this year is the Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot ($298++/ $458++), brimming with roast pork belly, wild golden fungus from Yunnan, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mushrooms, fish maw, cordyceps flowers, yam and Chinese cabbage.

Steamed Jade Perch in Spicy Garlic Lime 4.2/5

Locally sourced is the Steamed Jade Perch in Spicy Garlic Lime. It boasts a silky and delicate texture, boasting spicy and sour flavours from Yunnan's preserved vegetables, preserved plums, limes and chillies. Diners can also have it prepared in Hong Kong style, steamed in superior soya sauce.

"Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs

The humongous "Bi Feng Tang" Style Pork Ribs coated in a bed of garlic and red chillies are incredibly aromatic and tender. There is no point in observing any dining etiquette. Instead, I would recommend picking up the pork rib with your hands and tearing it apart to appreciate the beautiful piece of meat.

Steamed Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf

Unlike most restaurants, Yun Nans uses specially sourced Hakka preserved vegetables from Dabu County, produced in limited quantities and supplied to a selected list of independent merchants. It imparts a unique flavour and fragrance to the Steamed Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf, a delicious substitute for the usual Chinese sausage.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear

We end our meal on a sweet note with the Double Boiled Peach Gum with Snow Pear. Served warm, it is light and refreshing with crunchy white fungus.

In addition to the set menu, Yun Nan is also bringing back its Special Take-home Festive Set for 4 to 6 pax ($308++ for members, $338++ for public) for patrons to enjoy a hassle-free feast in the comfort of their own home.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yun Nans (云海肴)
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-17
Singapore 819666
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hai Tien Lo @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Roaring In The Year Of Tiger With Auspicious Reunions

Have a bountiful reunion at Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Singapore. Execute Chef Ben Zeng has put together eight impeccable set menus for a gastronomic feast to remember. Adding choices to the plethora of set menus are Hai Tien Lo's a la carte specialities specially curated for the season.

Vitality Yu Sheng with Lobster and Smoked Salmon

We have the Vitality Yu Sheng with Lobster and Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng ($148/ $218), tossing to a fortune-filled year ahead.

Hai Tien Lo Superior Treasure Pot 4.5/5

New this year is the Hai Tien Lo Superior Treasure Pot ($508/ $788) with 15 stellar ingredients comprising of Eight Head Whole Abalone, Dried Oyster, Sea Cucumber, Dried Fish Maw, Pork Knuckle, Lobster, Australian Scallop, Dried Scallop, Roast Duck, Dace Fish Ball, Bean Gluten, Chinese Mushroom, Black Moss, Sliced Lotus Root and Yunnan Golden Ear Mushroom. Hai Tien Lo’s indulgent Poon Choy are available for both dine-in and takeaway from 17 January 2021 to 15 February 2022.

Hai Tien Lo Double-boiled Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.5/5

Another delicacy on the menu is the Hai Tien Lo Double-boiled Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall brimming with premium ingredients.

Deep-fried Sea Perch Fillet with Shacha Sauce 4.2/5

The Deep-fried Sea Perch Fillet with Shacha Sauce surprises me with its delectable sauce. The savoury sauce complements the sweetness of the moist sea perch excellently.

Stewed Japanese Rice Vermicelli with Pan Fried Scallop in Supreme Stock 4/5

The Stewed Japanese Rice Vermicelli with Pan Fried Scallop in Supreme Stock is something light and yet flavourful. The star has to be the supreme stock for slurping goodness.

Double-boiled Papaya with Pear, Fungus & Maltose 3.8/5, Prosperity Chinese New Year Cake 4.8/5

Wrapping up our meal, we have the light and refreshing Double-boiled Papaya with Pear, Fungus & Maltose. I also enjoyed the Prosperity Chinese New Year Cake at the side, which has been coated with finely-ground nuts and shredded yam. giving it the extra boast in fragrant and texture.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hai Tien Lo
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 3
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade CNY 2022 - Spring Into a Roaring Lunar New Year

Homegrown Chinese restaurant group Crystal Jade has put together a variety of set menus and new exquisite dishes for this Chinese New Year. It caters to all reunions - big and small, from convivial family gatherings to cosy intimate affairs.

Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng

The new Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng ($128/ $198) is a vibrant and healthy version this year. The colourful plate consists of coins of red dragonfruit, dried yuzu peel, Japanese pickled sweet ginger, homemade pickled cucumbers, deep-fried yam strips, chickpeas, carrot, white radish and green radish. Hsin Chu beehoon is added for crunch. It is further crowned with edible gold leaves, fresh flowers, lightly torched abalone slices from Australia, jellyfish and ikura, finally, tossed in uplifting roselle and yuzu-based dressing.

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup with American Sea Whelk and Tiger Palm Mushroom is nourishing and comforting. The team has specially brought in the tiger palm mushroom to usher in the year of the Tiger.

Pan-fried Sea Cucumber

The Pan-fried Sea Cucumber, a surf-and-turf option on the menu, is stuffed with Kurobuta Pork, Black Moss, Chinese Iron Yam and Scallion. I like the idea of the stuffing giving the firm and bouncy sea cucumber the additional textural dimension.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce

One of my favourite dishes is the Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce. The sauce is deliciously special, together with the pickled red and green chillis, complemented the buttery cod fish excellently.

Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce

Another beautiful dish is the Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce. Nothing fancy but simple cooking of using salt, ginger and scallion to bring out the flavour of the tender chicken.

Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin

This year, Chef Martin has added new excitement for the vegetarians to celebrate CNY. Vegetarians can look forward to something different such as Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin. It is a textural enjoyment of crispiness and silkiness, all in one.

Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'

An interesting way of enjoying the Nian Gao is the Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'. Infused with the aromatic pandan flavour, it is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly

A delightful dessert is the Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly studded with yuzu peel and mandarin orange segments for a light and fruity sweet finishing.

Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk

Served as a warm dessert, the Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk has a soft exterior, filled with oozing savoury-sweet lava salted egg yolk.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 17 Jan 2022 (select outlets will be closed on 1 Feb 2022 – CNY Day 1) and set menus for up to five persons (same household) are available. Reservations can be made online via https://inline.app/booking/cj from 6 Dec 2021. In addition, Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 6 Dec 2021 to 15 Feb 2022, and picked up from outlets island-wide from 10 Jan 2022.

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Cow-Nting Blessing With A Luxurious Selection Of Delicacies, Prosperity Prix-fixe Menus And Takeaway Goodies

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore celebrates the Year of the Ox with a luxurious selection of delicacies, prosperity prix-fixe menus and takeaway goodies. The Chinese New Year menus will be available from 12 January to 26 February 2021.

Treasures Beef Yu Sheng

Tossing to a successful year ahead with the Treasures Beef Yu Sheng. In conjunction with the Year of the Ox, the chef has incorporated beef bak kwa to the lo hei on top of the usual salmon, crispy fish skin, shredded vegetables and pickles, dressed in golden yuzu and plum sauce. Diners can impress their family or guests with the new 60-inch Blossoms of Spring Prosperity Yu Sheng adorned with Hokkaido scallops and salmon, shaped in the form of the Chinese character "春", symbolises renewal and start of fresh and new beginnings.

Salmon Yu Sheng, Japanese Omi A4 Wagyu Beef, Hokkaido Scallops 4/5

There is even an individual Lo Hei for customers that prefers social distancing during this period. The Salmon Yu Sheng even comes with Japanese Omi A4 Wagyu Beef and Hokkaido Scallops.

Superior Crab Meat and Pumpkin Bisque, Bird's Nest, Crab Roe in Pumpkin Husk 4.2/5

Served in a pumpkin husk is the Superior Crab Meat and Pumpkin Bisque with Bird's Nest and Crab Roe. Bird's nest itself is tasteless, but under the pumpkin and crab roe's sweetness, each mouthful is packed with umami.

Signature Smoked Duck with Truffle Sauce 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Signature Smoked Duck with Truffle Sauce. Usually, duck is paired with plum sauce, but truffle sauce has brightened the enjoyment to a whole new level.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

A popular CNY dish at Man Fu Yuan is their Abundance Treasure Pot which comes brimming with 19 different premium ingredients. In the pot, there are Australia sea cucumber, 10-head abalone, Canadian lobster, Hokkaido scallops, prawns, fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, sea whelk, oysters, chicken wings, preserved meat, liver sausage, black trumpet mushrooms, cabbage, soy bean gluten, fried yam, and fatt choy. The one thing that I like about Man Fu Yuan' Pen Cai is the goose web, a delicacy that is rarely served in restaurants nowadays. 

Man Fu Yuan Classic Beef Pot 4.5/5

The Classic Beef Pot is inspired by the Year of the Ox, which features varieties of beef packed with robust flavours. There are beef brisket, beef lover, beef tendon, beef cheek, beef stomach, beef balls, beancurd skin and white radish. It would be perfect if the culinary team also concocted a chilli sauce for the ingredients.

Oven-baked Cheesy Lobster with Asian Cream Sauce 3.8/5

A cheesy affair is the Oven-baked Cheesy Lobster with Asian Cream Sauce. It is a classic and delicious pairing that will not go wrong. However, I am not a fan of the capsicum that is added to the sauce.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice, Chinese Cured Meat 4.5/5

Another signature dish that I look forward to every year at Man Fu Yuan is their Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice, Chinese Cured Meat. A multi-sensual enjoyment with crackling skin and succulent meat. The preserved cured meats enhanced the flavours while the sticky glutinous rice provides the extra texture. It is so shiok.

Double-boiled Sweetened Hashima, Pear, Gingko Nuts, Red Dates, Lotus Seeds 3.5/5

Lastly, we wrapped up the sumptuous dinner on a sweet note with the Double-boiled Sweetened Hashima, Pear, Gingko Nuts, Red Dates, Lotus Seeds. A light and refreshing dessert that somewhat acts as a palate cleanser after a rich and heavily flavoured meal.

For enquiries on dining or bulk orders, email sinhb-festive@ihg.com or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg for takeaway goodies.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1145am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yan Restaurant (宴) @ National Gallery Singapore - Resplendent Chinese New Year Delights at Yan

Yan Restaurant at National Gallery Singapore welcomes the Year of the Ox with a bounteous spread of festive delights for dine-in and takeaway from 15 January to 26 February 2021. The restaurant has put together six dine-in set menus featuring classic Cantonese fare and auspicious ingredients to ring in a year of good fortune. For convivial celebrations at home, Yan also presents a splendid array of sweet and savoury takeaways, available for delivery and self-collection.

Abalone & Yellow Tail with Gold Foil Lo Hei in 'Shun De' Style 4.2/5

If you aer looking for a different Lo Hei experience, I would strongly recommend Yan Restaurant's Abalone & Yellow Tail with Gold Foil Lo Hei in 'Shun De' Style ($92++/ $138++). It is the savoury take from the usual sweet-style Yusheng. Unlike the norm, it comes in a magnificent mountain of crispy vermicelli, complemented by shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, kailan, and pickled ginger. It is further surrounded by a ring of vibrant vegetables and sesame seeds and adorned with gold flakes. Not forgetting slices of yellowtail fish and braised abalone heralding wealth and abundance.

Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel 4.2/5

Available for both dine-in and takeaway is the Roasted Duck Marinated with Mandarin Peel. The duck is beautifully cooked to tender with the zesty Mandarin peel infused into the crispy skin.

Double boiled Fish Maw, Chicken with Cordyceps Flower 4.5/5

A wholesome soup on the menu is the Double boiled Fish Maw, Chicken with Cordyceps Flower. The deep flavoured soup is the result of boiling mature hen, lean pork, jinhua ham, chicken feet, pork bones, cordyceps flower and dried scallops over 8 hours.

Braised Spring Chicken with 6-Head Whole Abalone 4/5

The Braised Spring Chicken with 6-Head Whole Abalone is an auspicious dish stuffed with Chinese chives, garlic, and dried shrimps, deep-fried and then braised for 3 hours. The tender chicken is accompanied by abalone and poached nai bai, giving a comforting and familiar dish an elevated take.

Poached Soon Hock with Carrot and Luffa 4/5

A must have in every Chinese New Year dinner is the fish dish. Symbolising the abundance of wealth is the Poached Soon Hock with Carrot and Luffa. Steamed fish is very common but with waxed duck and fermented beancurd is a nostalgic pairing that is rare these days. What interested me more is the used of luffa with the steamed fish. It is a first for me. Does it complement the fish? It doesn't, but it enlivens the flavours of the luffa instead.

Wok-fried Local Lobster with Superior Sauce, Shrimp Egg and Ee Fu Noodles 4.2/5

The well-loved flavours of shrimp roe noodles, a perennial Cantonese favourite in Hong Kong and Guangdong, are revealed in the luscious Wok-fried Local Lobster with Superior Sauce and Shrimp Egg and Ee Fu Noodles.

Double-boil Bird's Nest with Lily, White Fungus, Wolfberry and Lotus Seed 3.5/5

Pan-fried Nian Gao 4.2/5

Wrapping up the sumptuous meal is the Double-boil Bird's Nest with Lily, White Fungus, Wolfberry and Lotus Seed, and Pan-fried Nian Gao. The double-boil bird's nest sweet soup is brewed with rock sugar and pandan broth for a light and refreshing finish. The highlight for me is the Pan-fried Nian Gao, especially that layer of coated peanut and toasted grated coconut which brightens the enjoyment of the glutinous rice flour.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


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