Crystal Jade CNY 2023 - Hop Into A Bountiful Year Of The Rabbit

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Crystal Jade Group of restaurants with festive dishes and menus designed for dining in and takeaway. Meticulously put together by Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his stellar team of chefs, the 2023 Lunar New Year line-up encompasses limited-time festive dishes and a variety of set menus catered for different group sizes for dine-in, as well as thoughtfully-curated and convenient takeaway specialities.

Golden Harvest Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Most Yu Sheng offered at Chinese New Year dinners are of the sweet version. For a change this year, Crystal Jade has introduced the Golden Harvest Sea Cucumber Yu Sheng ($138/ $208), a savoury Shunde-style Yu Sheng comprising of crunchy frisee lettuce, cucumber, ice plant, kaffir leaves, onions, carrots, jellyfish head, pomelo, dried permission, red capsicum, giving the Lo Hei a wholesome combination of vibrant colours. The use of sea cucumber is also unique from the usual fish slice and abalone. Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants.

Poached Wild Soon Hock in Pickled Tomato Soup 4.8/5

The Poached Wild Soon Hock in Pickled Tomato Soup ($16/100g) left an impression for its sweet and tangy tomato-based soup punctuated with pickled mustard leaves. The poached live Soon Hock is further topped with black fungus, deep-fried garlic and ginger, complemented by the delicious pickled tomato soup.

Dang Gui Crispy Salted Chicken 4.2/5

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, La Mian Xiao Long Bao, and Jiang Nan is the cordyceps-infused Dang Gui Crispy Salted Chicken ($19.80 Half/ $36.80 Whole). Coated underneath the crispy and subtle herbal-infused chicken skin is delectable and tender chicken that both young and old will enjoy.

Bountiful Abalone Treasure Pot 4.8/5

A dish that I look forward to every Chinese New Year is the pen cai. Available for festive takeaway to dine in the comfort of the home is the Bountiful Abalone Treasure Pot ($393.80). The timeless classic consists of 20 premium ingredients (8-head Abalone, Australian Sea Cucumber, Fresh Prawns, Roasted Pork, Pork Knuckle, Duck Web, Shiitake Mushroom, Fish Curd, Prosperity Fish Roe Money Bag and more) braised in a full-bodied, thick sauce.

Peach Gum, Lotus Seed and Lily Bulb in Luo Han Guo with Wendong Ginger Sweet Soup  4.2/5

We had the Peach Gum, Lotus Seed and Lily Bulb in Luo Han Guo with Wendong Ginger Sweet Soup to wrap up the dinner on a sweet note. A light and refreshing sweet soup to wash down all the richness. It is also my first time having Nian Gao wrapped in wonton skin and deep-fried. The Crispy Ginger with Orange Peel Nian Gao is another delicious way to enjoy Nian Gao.

Crispy Ginger with Orange Peel Nian Gao 4/5

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 4 Jan 2023 (select outlets will be closed on 22 Jan 2023) and set menus for up to ten persons are available. Reservations can be made at outlets or online via https://inline.app/booking/cj.

Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 21 Nov 2022 to 5 Feb 2023 and are ready for pick up from outlets island-wide from 4 Jan 2023.

Note: This is an invited tasting

Joyden Canton Kitchen Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menus

Joyden Canton Kitchen unveil a line-up of prosperous reunion set menus to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. This Lunar New Year, the restaurant presents a repertoire of reunion set menus showcasing appetising yam and duck creations. In offer are two sumptuous six-course (from $288) and eight-course ($688) menus, available for dine-in from 2 January to 5 February 2023.

Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng 3.5/5

Toss to a new year of happiness, prosperity and longevity with Joyden's Crispy Yam with Salmon and Abalone Prosperity Yu Sheng ($78), comprising velvety slices of salmon, yam strips, julienne carrots, pomelo and crushed roasted peanuts in piquant plum sauce. I love the addition of the crispy yam sticks for additional textural enjoyment.

Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck 4/5

A splendid offering for this Lunar New Year is the Traditional Crispy Szechuan Fragrant Duck. It is marinated with a medley of aromatics, steamed and then deep-fried to render a beautiful crispy skin on the outside and tender meat inside. It is served alongside a homemade sambal and kumquat sauce for a sweet and spicy kick that is the perfect foil for the deep-fried bird.

Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck 4.2/5

Another impressive duck dish is the Traditional Braised Eight Treasure Duck braised for two and a half hours. The fork-tender duck is stuffed with an array of eight moreish ingredients: water chestnut, chestnut, shiitake mushroom, lotus seed, lily bulb, ginkgo, roast pork, garlic, cloaked in a luscious oyster-based sauce.

Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce 4.2/5

Besides the duck-centric dishes, customers can look forward to the nostalgic crispy homemade Yam Ring with Pork Loin & Fresh Scallops in XO Sauce. The yam ring is fried to perfection with a crisp exterior and creamy interior. Nestled within it is a treasure trove of pork loin, scallops, cashew nuts, asparagus, shiitake mushroom and bell peppers stir-fried in robust XO sauce.

Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage 4.8/5

The Handmade Seafood Beancurd with Slow Braised Shanghai Baby Cabbage looks unassuming, but it is a tasty and comforting dish. The seafood beancurd is pillowy soft while the soft cabbage soaked up the delicious broth.

Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage 3.5/5

The Steamed Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Yam and Chinese Sausage features fluffy, sticky rice accompanied by diced chicken, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushroom and yam cubes, topped with strips of egg and deep-fried Kai Lan leaves. It is like a huge rice dumpling fragranced by Chinese sausage.

Yam Sago 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, I opted for the Yam Sago, a change from the usual mango sago. The rendition tastes like bubur cha cha less the sweet potatoes and tapioca cubes.

EXCLUSIVE CHINESE NEW YEAR PROMOTIONS
Dine-in Promotions
From 8 December 2022 to 28 February 2023:
• Customers to receive a set of Prosperity Red Packets with a minimum spend of $50.
• Customers to receive an exclusive Prosperity Cushion with a minimum spend of $130.

Takeaway Promotions
From 7 December 2022 to 5 February 2023:
• Members to enjoy 15% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• UOB card members to enjoy 10% off with a minimum purchase of two festive delights.
• Add on smoked salmon slices for $15 (U.P. $18) with any ‘Yu Sheng’ purchased.
• Stand a chance to win a free exclusive Prosperity Cushion:
    o Follow @JoydenConcepts on Facebook or Instagram
    o Snap lo hei moments with the Lo Hei Mat that comes with each set of takeaway ‘Yu Sheng’
    o Post a photo with the hashtag #CNYWithJoyden on Facebook or Instagram
Note: Prices stated are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing GST

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Joyden Canton Kitchen
HillV2
4 Hillview Rise
#02-21
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 64659988
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Nearest MRT: Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Hillview Road. Turn right onto Hillview Road. Walk down Hillview Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) @ Andaz - Welcome The Year Of The Rabbit With A New Lunar New Year Menu

5 ON 25 (五悦亭) sits on the 25th floor of Andaz hotel, alongside Alley on 25 and Bar Square. It offers refined Cantonese cuisine, helmed by Head Chef Lim Hong Lih, who has rich experience in known Chinese restaurants, such as Summer Pavilion and Li Bai. By day 5 ON 25 is an elegant space with a panoramic view of Bugis. By night when the lights dim, it transforms into a warm and romantic space.

The modern Cantonese restaurant is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit with its new Lunar New Year menu, featuring a la carte dishes and curated lunch/dinner set menus, available from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Most of the dishes pictured here are of a smaller portion for two pax.

海岛燕窝捞起 (皆⼤欢喜捞起) | Bird's Nest Yu Sheng 4/5

The Bird's Nest Yu Sheng ($118 for 2-4 pax, $168 for 5-7 pax) is a new highlight, using the additional topping of bird's nest to offer a different texture and a touch of luxuriousness. You will find fried yam strips and housemade crunchy nut clusters among the traditional elements of carrot strips, radish strips, ginger, and more. The sauce used leans tangier with a distinct plum taste. To opt for additional toppings, you can go for Shredded Abalone ($50) and Norwegian Salmon ($42).

⼘丝苹果⻰虾球 (⻰皇吐⽟珠) | Deep-fried Lobster, Apple with Honey Sauce 4/5

Another unique creation for the Lunar New Year menu is this Deep-fried Lobster ($58). Chunks of battered lobster covered in a homemade apple and honey sauce tasted sweet, tangy and vibrant, fitting for the occasion. The batter was just the right thickness for a complementary crunch, and you also get surprising bites of apple cubes within. The lobster was firm and fresh, but I preferred it to be less sweet to appreciate its meat.

当归脆⽪烧鸭 (⾦雁富贵) | Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck 4.5/5

Our favourite for the night was the Dang Gui Crispy Roasted Duck ($45 for Half, $90 for Whole). The duck had just the right amount of fats, done very tender with light and crisp skin. The herbaceous broth it sat on was a little more on the saltier end, but we didn't mind it. The fragrance of dang gui came through distinctly.

松露带⼦焖伊⾯ (富临双喜) | Braised Hokkaido Scallops, Ee-fu Noodles, Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our main course was Ee-fu Noodles ($38), done in truffle sauce and served with braised hokkaido scallops. It was a pity that the batter of the scallops left a slight stickiness to the teeth, but we enjoyed the springy noodles, which thoroughly soaked up the truffle sauce and had a hint of smokiness.

红莲炖桃胶 (蹄声报喜) | Peach Gum 4/5

We had the refreshing Peach Gum ($18) to complete the meal. It’s mildly sweetened with red dates and has lotus seeds, peach gum, and water chestnut for an extra crunch. If you are a tea lover, I would highly recommend trying the 5 ON 25 Signature Tea, a special blend of oolong, goji berries, osmanthus and longan. It was light yet incredibly fragrant, pairing very well with the range of dishes.

For more details on the new Lunar New Year menu and the available takeaway items, including Pen Cai and the Yu Sheng above, visit https://www.5on25.com/menu.

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.


5 On 25
Andaz Singapore
5 Fraser Street
Level 25
Singapore 189354
Tel: +65 64081228
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6-1030pm

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

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - A Resplendent Spring Celebration With Exclusive Set Menus

Celebrate Lunar New Year celebration at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel with Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant's exclusive 6 or 8-Course Set Menus. The menus feature dishes using a luxuriant selection of fresh seafood and premium meats. Price starts from $118.80++ per person, available from 26 December 2022 to 5 February 2023.

Yu Sheng

Kickstart your celebratory meal with a toss with six Yu Sheng varieties, starring an auspicious selection of Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, King Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna and Caviar, accompanied by choice of citrusy yuzu dressing or traditional dressing. Auspicious Imperial Yu Sheng includes Australian Lobster, Sea Urchin, Hokkaido Scallop, Salmon Roe, Tuna and Caviar.

Eight Treasures Imperial Pot with Bird’s Nest

Wan Hao Eight Treasures Imperial Pot with Bird’s Nest 贵妃煲 (For takeaway and delivery: $508/ 5 pax; $928/10 pax) is all about nourishing your body with collagen and nutritional goodness. Ingredients include Bird’s Nest, 10-Head Australian Abalone, Fish Maw, African Premium Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Beancurd Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom. This modern take on a traditional Pen Cai symbolises endless harmony and prosperity.

Steamed Garoupa Fillet with Caviar, Golden Superior Sauce and Chinese Mustard Green

The exclusive set menus include seafood dishes such as Steamed Garoupa Fillet with Caviar, Golden Superior Sauce and Chinese Mustard Green. The superior sauce was tasty - it was vibrant with sweetness from pumpkin, laced with a slight fruity tartness from tomato, and punctuated with hints of bitterness from the Mustard Green.

Roasted Australian Quail with Fermented Red Beancurd

This Roasted Australian Quail with Fermented Red Beancurd was mouthwatering the moment it was served, and it was indeed finger-licking good. The brine gave an excellent brush of umami-ness to the tender and moist quail meat.

Steamed Roe-Crab with Glutinous Rice

Our rice dish was a Steamed Live Crab with Roe and Wok-Fried Glutinous Rice with Hong Kong Chinese Sausage. I like how the sweet crab meat mingled with the savoury rice.

Bird’s Nest with Premium Hokkaido Melon

The desserts were definitely one of the highlights. Bird's Nest with Premium Hokkaido Melon carries the melon's natural sweetness with only a tiny amount of cream added to bring the ingredient together.

Cempedak Custard Golden Nian Gao Tart, Osmanthus with Red Dates Rice Cake

We had a taste of the newly launched Cempedak Custard Golden Nian Gao Tart (8 pieces Golden Nian Gao Tarts $32). A blend of creamy custard filled with sweet fibrous cempedak fruit within the crispy and buttery crust tart. We also sampled a piece of the Osmanthus with Red Dates Rice Cake 桂花杞子枣皇糕 ($58nett), which carries very soothing flora notes emanating from the osmanthus.

For dining reservations, please call 6831 4605, email mhrs.sindt.fb.reservations@marriotthotels.com or visit https://www.wanhaochineserestaurant.com

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.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Level 3
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 68314605
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Resplendent Reunions For Two Or Intimate Gathering With Family And Loved Ones

Usher in the year of Tiger with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delicacies and prosperity prix-fixe menus at Man Fu Yuan from 11 January to 15 February 2022. Upholding the tradition of masterfully crafted dishes, Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan and his team showcase six delightful prix-fixe menus and a collection of speciality dishes steeped in auspiciousness. Diners can select and savour menus that suit their palates in the cosy alcoves in the dining hall or comfort of private and semi-private, whether it is a dining experience for two or an intimate gathering with family and loved ones dining rooms for up to five guests.

Full of Abundance Yusheng 4.2/5

We started with the Full of Abundance Yusheng, tailored for the individual to lo hei at their seat. It comes with Hokkaido scallops, sea urchin, Kaluga caviar and salmon paired with a refreshing and fruity pomegranate dressing.

Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth 5/5

Cooked till milky and creamy is the luxe Double-boiled Giant Fish Broth with Bird's Nest, King Tuber Mushroom, Yunnan Cured Ham, Fish Maw in Coconut Husk. You can even have the coconut flesh after finishing the soup. 

Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves 4.5/5

The Roasted-smoked Duck with "Ban-Zhang" Tea Leaves is tender and juicy, with a beautiful aroma.

Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

A signature at Man Fu Yuan is their Abundance Treasure Pot brimming with over 18 premium ingredients such as 8-head abalone, Canadian lobster, Hokkaido scallops, pig’s trotters and Yunnan pleurotus tuber fungus.

Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet with Premium XO Scallop Sauce 4/5

Usually, I have steamed cod, but Pan-fried Atlantic Cod Fillet is a good change from the usual. Interestingly, the cod fillet is paired with premium XO scallop sauce, which is another new way of enjoying the buttery fish for me.

Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken 4.5/5

Requiring a minimum of three days advance order is the Man Fu Yuan Classic Salted Baked Sakura Chicken. It is so tender that the meat fell off the bone with ease.

Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce 4/5

This year, a new creation is the Braised Lobster with Superior Crab Meat Egg White Sauce paired with Hong Kong chye sim, crispy vermicelli and ikura. The highlight has to be the vermicelli, while the lobster is just a calefare to the dish.

Roasted Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Another signature item at Man Fu Yuan is the Roasted Suckling Pig stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice. You get a trio of enjoyment - crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice.

Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up our meal is the Double-boiled Pumpkin with Almond Cream, Yacon and premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting chill dessert that is light and refreshing to cut all the richness from the festive savoury dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Man Fu Yuan
InterContinental Singapore
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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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]

An Auspicious Feast At Goodwood Park Hotel To Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger

Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel and Min Jiang Dempsey will be offering a prosperous lineup of Lunar New Year delights from 7 January to 15 February 2022 for a roaring start to the Year of the Tiger.

Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei' 4.5/5

It has been a tradition to kick start all CNY dinners with the Yu Sheng, tossing to a year of abundance and good health. We had the Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei' from Min Jiang at Dempsey. It features fresh tiger prawns as an ode to the Year of the Tiger. The prawns and abalone are arranged to resemble firecrackers. At the same time, a medley of julienned carrot, romaine lettuce, affilla cress, pomelo and watermelon balls are topped with an orb of deep-fried shredded purple sweet potato for added crunch and colour. Accompaniments are sesame, peanuts, deep-fried sweet potato strips, deep-fried yam strips, deep-fried spring roll skin, and a delightful dressing made with plum sauce, kumquat juice, strawberry sauce, ginger flowers and sesame oil.

Double-boiled Seafood Soup with Abalone & Handmade Black Moss Meatballs in Claypot 4.8/5

New this year is the light and hearty Double-boiled Seafood Soup with Abalone & Handmade Black Moss Meatballs in Claypot. It is a good change from the usual richly flavoured dishes. It is available for takeaway too.

Braised Spring Chicken with Iberico Pork Rolls & Abalone in Pot 4.2/5

Another new savoury dish is the Braised Spring Chicken with Iberico Pork Rolls & Abalone in Pot. Diners that prefers that richly flavoured pen cai will enjoy the variations from Min Jiang, which comes with goose web that is hardly served in pen cai nowadays.

Fried Jasmine Rice with Fresh Crabmeat, Dried Scallops & Fish Roe

We need a carb dish to end the meal in all Chinese diner, and the Fried Jasmine Rice with Fresh Crabmeat, Dried Scallops & Fish Roe will be a fitting choice.

Tiger Gateau

Mao Shan Wang Tiger Swiss Roll

Golden Fortune Bucket

The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel has created a number of cakes inspired by the year of the Tiger, such as the Tiger Gateau - a vanilla pound cake, Mao Shan Wang Tiger Swiss Roll and the auspicious Golden Fortune Bucket for a year of good fortune, prosperity and abundance.

Sweet Abundance Tier Set

Inspired by the afternoon tea set, the pastry chefs have up the game with the Sweet Abundance Tier Set, especially for the Chinese New Year. Each set comes with eight pairs of bite-sized entremets intricately crafted into auspicious icons of different colours, shapes and designs.

Guests may place their online orders at goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, guests may contact Min Jiang 岷江 at (65) 6730 1704 / email: min_jiang@goodwoodparkhotel.com, Min Jiang Dempsey 岷江在登布西山 at (65) 6774 0122 / email: mjdempsey@goodwoodparkhotel.com, and The Deli at (65) 6730 1786 / email: deli@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place their takeaway orders for self-collection only. Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 7 January to 15 February 2022. Advance order of five days is required for takeaways and the last pre-order date is on 10 February 2022.