Crystal Jade CNY 2025 - A Treasury of Lunar New Year Specialties to Savour at Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

Crystal Jade ushers in the Year of the Snake with an exceptional array of festive dishes and set menus across its 17 outlets. Featuring both classic favourites and innovative creations, the offerings showcase the restaurant's hallmark artistry and dedication to authentic flavours. I had the privilege of sampling some highlights, and here's a rundown of the delectable experience.

Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng 5/5

The Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng ($128/$198) is an absolute standout. Showcasing Fresh South African Abalone, Great Amberjack Fish, and Australian Scallop, this dish is elevated by a medley of fresh and dried fruits, candied walnuts, and crispy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Deep-fried yam strips further enhance its textural appeal. With its refreshing taste and harmonious interplay of flavours, this Yu Sheng is hands down one of the best I’ve had this year.

Braised Superior Bird's Nest in Pumpkin Thick Soup 5/5

A bowl of comfort and indulgence, the Braised Superior Bird's Nest in Pumpkin Thick Soup ($68/pax) is a luxurious treat. Enriched with an assortment of seafood and Hokkaido Sea Urchin, the velvety pumpkin base imparts a natural sweetness that complements the nourishing bird's nest. It is a truly delightful and memorable dish.

Air-flown French Turbot Fish Prepared Two-ways 4.2/5

Crystal Jade's Air-Flown French Turbot ($24/100g) celebrates this delicate flatfish in two renditions: sautéed and deep-fried. Served with asparagus and black fungus, the preparation highlights the fish's natural sweetness while offering a delightful contrast of textures.

Shanghainese Style Treasure Pot 4.8/5

The Shanghainese Style Treasure Pot ($128), designed for 3-4 diners, is a refreshing take on the traditional pen cai. Brimming with ingredients such as homemade egg dumplings, mushrooms, prawns, oysters, and fish maw, this rustic one-pot dish is enveloped in a luscious yet lighter sauce — perfect for those seeking a healthier and less heavy alternative.

Salt-Baked Kampung Chicken with Hairy Fig 4.8/5

A crowd favourite, the Salt-Baked Kampung Chicken with Hairy Fig ($68.80) delivers exceptional flavour. The natural sweetness of the hairy fig complements the savoury, tender kampung chicken, making this dish a true celebration of balanced flavours.

Golden Vegetarian Yam Ring with Assorted Vegetable Medley 4.2/5

Vegetarian diners (and even non-vegetarians!) will enjoy the Golden Vegetarian Yam Ring with Assorted Vegetable Medley ($38). Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, the fragrant yam ring pairs wonderfully with the vibrant vegetable medley, offering a delightful textural contrast.

Apple-shaped Mochi with Apple Cinnamon Puree 4.2/5

Crystal Jade showcases its creative flair with the Apple-Shaped Mochi with Apple Cinnamon Purée($8.80 for 3pc). This delicate dessert combines mochi's soft, chewy texture with a warmly spiced apple cinnamon filling, making it a unique and satisfying end to the meal.

Mango Pomelo & Sago Jelly 4.2/5

A playful twist on the classic dessert, the Mango Pomelo & Sago Jelly ($32.80) reimagines the traditional flavours in a visually stunning and refreshing jelly form. It’s a light and delightful finale to any festive feast.

Crystal Jade's Lunar New Year dining runs from 8 January to 12 February 2025 across all outlets, with set menus catering to up to 10 persons. Takeaway delicacies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com from 20 November 2024 to 8 January 2025 and at outlets starting from 11 November 2024. Collections will be available from 8 January to 12 February 2025 at select outlets. With its expertly curated menu and a wide range of festive delights, Crystal Jade ensures a prosperous and memorable Lunar New Year celebration for all.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Tien Court Restaurant @ Copthorne King’s Hotel - Serves up the Most Auspicious of Teochew Traditions for Chinese New Year 2025

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style with Tien Court’s auspicious Chinese New Year set menus. Helmed by the talented Chef Lui Wang Wing Keung, Tien Court promises a culinary journey steeped in Teochew traditions. We were privileged to preview the Bountiful Set Menu (priced at $148++ per person, minimum 2 persons), one of five curated menus designed to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

Superior Trio Combination Platter 3.8/5

Our feast began with a delightful Superior Trio of Combination Platter. While the platter included two beautifully fried items, the highlight for us was undoubtedly the marinated cherry tomatoes. Bursting with a refreshing plum flavour and a subtle hint of alcohol, possibly plum wine, these tomatoes offered a tangy and slightly sweet kick that whetted our appetites perfectly.

Braised Fish Maw in Golden Pumpkin Soup 4.5/5

Served sizzling in a hot stone bowl, this Braised Fish Maw in Golden Pumpkin Soup was the star of the meal. The tender fish maw, perfectly braised to achieve a melt-in-the-mouth texture and paired wonderfully with the slightly sweet and velvety pumpkin soup. Each spoonful was a harmonious blend of flavour and texture, leaving us craving more.

Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber in Oyster Sauce 4/5

For those hesitant about sea cucumber, the Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber in Oyster Sauce might just change your mind. The sea cucumber is deep-fried to perfection, resulting in an unexpected crispy texture that contrasts delightfully with the rich oyster sauce. This innovative preparation was a pleasant surprise and an absolute treat.

Steamed Cod Fish with Golden Garlic 4/5

A Chinese New Year essential, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity (年年有鱼). Tien Court's version features a succulent cod fillet steamed to perfection and topped with aromatic golden garlic sauce. This Steamed Cod Fish with Golden Garlic offers tender, flaky fish paired beautifully with the sauce. We highly recommend this with a bowl of fragrant white rice to soak up every bit of flavour.

Braised Ee Fu Noodles with King Prawn in XO Sauce 4/5

The last savoury course concludes with satisfaction in the Braised Ee Fu Noodles with King Prawn in XO Sauce. The perfectly cooked Ee Fu noodles, infused with the umami-rich flavours of XO sauce, were paired with a plump and juicy king prawn. The slight hint of spice added a touch of intrigue, leaving us wishing for a larger portion.

Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo accompanied Steamed ‘Nian Gao” with Peanut 3.5/5

Dessert consisted of two classic favourites. The Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo offered a refreshing citrusy sweetness, while the Steamed Nian Gao coated in crushed peanuts provided a traditional festive touch. Though both were well-executed, they lacked the wow factor of the preceding savoury dishes.

Set Menus for Every Occasion
Tien Court offers a range of set menus to cater to different group sizes and budgets:

• Sweet Happiness Set: $568++ for 4 persons
• Spring Blossom Set: $1,388++ for 8 persons / $1,728++ for 10 persons
• Delightful Blossom Reunion Set: $1,888++ per table of 10 persons

These luxurious options include highlights such as Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng, South African 6-Head Abalone, Lobster, and Bird’s Nest for a truly opulent feast. For vegetarian diners, the Vegetarian Set ($138++ per person) offers an equally indulgent experience.

Ala Carte Specialties
Add to your celebrations with Tien Court’s signature à la carte dishes, including:

• Teochew Golden Fortune Roasted Suckling Pig
• Signature Braised White Teat Sea Cucumber in Oyster Sauce
• Teochew Braised Sliced Irish Silver Hill Duck

Promotions and Availability
Chinese New Year offerings are available from 10 January to 12 February 2025. Enjoy an Early Bird promotion of 20% off for orders placed between 1–17 January 2025. Orders from 18 January onwards are entitled to 10% off.

Tien Court will remain open throughout Chinese New Year, with two seatings available on Chinese New Year’s Eve (28 January 2025). For more information, please visit https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/copthorne-kings-hotel/tien-court-restaurant/

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


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 destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

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

Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN @ Jalan Besar - New Seafood Focused Cantonese-Chinese Creations by Chef Cao Yong and $1 Peking Duck Promotion

Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN was founded by four co-founders, including celebrity Ben Yeo and Chef Cao Yong. Located in Jalan Besar, the restaurant offers a menu featuring both traditional and modern Cantonese-Chinese dishes. As part of its new menu launch, diners can enjoy a $1 Peking Duck Promotion with every order of its Signature Seafood Pot. The lunch dine-in promotion is available daily, limited to one duck order per table, with minimum 4 pax to dine.

We were seated on the second floor of the restaurant shophouse, which offered a more dimly lit ambience. Upon reservation, diners can request various seating options, including outdoor seats or the more brightly lit indoor seats on the first floor.

If you're visiting for dinner, make sure to check out their new secret neon-lit alley decorated with familiar Singaporean phrases — definitely Instagram-worthy!

Signature Seafood Pot 招牌海鲜炉 4.5/5

We had a hearty start to dinner with Tan Xiang Yuan's Signature Seafood Pot ($98 for Small / $188 for Large). The large-sized pot feeds 6-8 pax comfortably with its generous combination of fresh prawns, fish maw, abalones, clams, scallops, prawn paste, taro, cabbage and more. The broth, simmered for hours with old hen, pork bones, and prawn shells, was bursting with flavourful crustacean sweetness and umami. I appreciated the quality and fresh ingredients, plus the use of the induction cooker, which ensured that the pot stayed piping hot throughout our meal.

Lo Han Pork Stomach 罗汉猪肚 4/5

The new Lo Han Pork Stomach ($16) offers a modern twist on the classic pork trotter jelly. This dish carried tangy and meaty flavours, featuring a hand-stuffed whole pork stomach filled with braised pork trotter and topped with a housemade garlic chilli sauce. While the slices could hold together better, the contemporary take is delightful.

Peking Duck 北京烤鸭 4.2/5

One of the crowd favourites of the night was the Peking Duck ($98). The duck slices and its skin were served wrapped in freshly made rice paper skin. What set these rolls apart was the unexpected crunchy addition inside each roll: corn fritters. Together with scallions and a drizzle of sweet sauce, this was satisfying!

Soup-Filled Foie Gras Shrimp Ball 灌汤鹅肝酱虾丸 4.2/5

At first glance, I mistook these golden brown balls for solid shrimp paste balls. They were an elevated version: Soup-Filled Foie Gras Shrimp Balls ($12/pc). Each ball contains minced prawn mixed with a rich soup stock of pig skin, pork knuckle, and foie gras, encased in a perfectly crunchy bread cube coating.

Golden Garlic Steamed Lobster with Yam Cake 金蒜芋头糕蒸龙虾 3.8/5

The Golden Garlic Steamed Lobster with Yam Cake (Seasonal Price) is another recent addition to the menu. It features whole Australian lobsters steamed with a bed of local yam cake in a housemade sauce, topped with steamed and fried garlic. While the garlic aroma was enticing, we found the yam cake texture slightly too cakey and didn't match the crustacean that well.

Angelica Black Pepper Crab 当归黑胡椒蟹 4.2/5

As its name suggests, the Angelica Black Pepper Crab ($12.80/100gm) is unlike your usual black pepper crabs. The infusion of Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) gave the dish herbaceous notes that complemented the robust heat of black pepper. The crab was fleshy and succulent.

Superior Foie Gras Crab Meat Broth 鹅肝蟹黄羹 4.2/5

The comforting Superior Foie Gras Crab Meat Broth ($38.80) is another new creation by Chef Cao Yong. Beneath the thick crab meat broth lies a bed of steamed foie gras egg that enhances the dish with a buttery richness without overwhelming. For a different taste experience, try it as served first and add a dash of vinegar after for that extra punch.

Mango Pomelo Sago 楊枝拌金露 4/5

I can't resist a bowl of chilled Mango-Pomelo Sago ($7.80) whenever I see it on the dessert menu. Tan Xiang Yuan's rendition is velvety and rich, studded with sweet mango and pomelo bits.

Mao Shang Wang Pudding Topped with Ice Cream 猫山王榴莲布丁 4.2/5

Indulge in the Mao Shang Wang Pudding Topped with Ice Cream ($8.80), a treat designed for durian enthusiasts. Featuring a smooth and decadent durian pudding base, it's crowned with creamy vanilla ice cream and finished with bits of popping candy.

While prices at Tan Xiang Yuan are on the high end, we especially enjoyed the seafood dishes, which impressed us with their freshness and quality.

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.


Tan Xiang Yuan 炭香YUÁN
1 Dickson Road
Singapore 209493
Tel: +65 8058 5527
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 3pm, 530pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT statton. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Dickson Raod. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Dim Sum Haus @ Jalan Besar - Delicious And Affordable Handcrafted Dim Sum In Singapore

Nestled along Jalan Besar Road, Dim Sum Haus has been around for a number of years, known for their freshly prepared dim sum, extensive menu and affordable pricing. Apart from dim sum, congee, fried rice, and HK-style noodles are also available.

Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun 4.2/5

The Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun ($6.80) was baked perfectly with a crispy bun crust. You get a nice flow of the rich and creamy salted egg custard lava upon breaking it apart.

BBQ Pork Bun 3.8/5

The BBQ Pork Bun ($5) comes with soft white buns filled with a generous amount honey glazed BBQ pork meat.

Truffle Siew Mai 4/5

The Truffle Siew Mai ($6.90) is a luxurious twist on a classic favourite. The addition of truffle lends an earthy aroma to the tender siew mai.

Crispy Shrimp and Mango Roll 4.2/5

Crispy Shrimp and Mango Roll ($6.10) is easily one of our favourite dishes. Deep-fried till golden brown on the outside and drizzled with mango sauce, it is filled with plump juicy prawns and mango chunks, rendering each bite sweet and savoury.

Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll 4.2/5

One of our favourites is the Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll ($5.80), made fresh from scratch, with the skin folded twice to hold the crispy fried shrimp. The fried shrimp added a nice crispiness to contrast the softness of the rice rolls, while the sweet and savoury soy sauce was light and complimented the rice rolls well.

Twin Swan 3.5/5

The Twin Swan features two deep-fried yam balls with two paper swan heads placed on top of them. While the exterior is nicely crisped, we wished the yam flavour was more pronounced.

Fried XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Fried XO Carrot Cake ($8.60) comes in a plate of carrot cake cubes fried to a nice crisp texture and cooked in fragrant XO sauce.

Mango Sago 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Mango Sago ($5.60). It is a refreshing and satisfying dessert, filled with mango chunks and pomelo, perfect for the hot weather.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dim Sum Haus
57 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208809
Tel:
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 930am - 1030pm
Tue-Sun: 930am - 530am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

JUMBO Seafood @ Riverside Point - Usher In An Abundant Chinese New Year With Sumptuous Seafood Feasts

JUMBO Seafood ushers in the most auspicious time of year with special set menus centred around its Award-Winning Chilli Crab. Its Reunion Sets are available on the eve of Chinese New Year (11 February) for those looking to enjoy one day-exclusive menu, with prices start from $298 for 4 pax.

We had their A8 Celebration Set Menu which is available from 25 January to 28 February (except 11 February), at $588 for 8 pax. (Prices start from $258 for 4 pax).

Prosperity Salmon 'Yu Sheng' 4/5

In all Lunar New Year reunion dinners, a must-have to start the evening is the Prosperity Salmon 'Yu Sheng' ($58/$88) to toss for abundance, prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead consisting of a vibrant medley of shredded vegetables and assorted toppings. It is also served with generous servings of fresh salmon slices, and other condiments before the Lo Hei commences.

Fried Baby Squids 3.5/5, Seafood Donut 3.8/5, Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd 4.2/5

We started the meal with a trio of JUMBO Seafood Appetisers consisting of Fried Baby Squids, Seafood Donut Tossed in Salad Cream, and Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd. My favourite is the Crispy Fried 'Otah' Beancurd, bringing an interesting twist to the traditional otah. This delicate treat is crispy on the outside and encases a flavourful and soft beancurd-like otah within.

Seafood Soup Braised with Crab Meat 3.8/5

Similar to the Shark's Fin Soup, but replaced with crab meat instead, the Seafood Soup Braised with Crab Meat is packed with a sweet crustacean freshness.

Boiled Live Prawns 4.2/5

To ensure utmost freshness, freshly caught live prawns are tossed into a boil with the head and shell still attached, and cooked till pink before serving. The Boiled Live Prawns have a sweet flavour and firm flesh, which tasted good enough on its own even without any chilli or sauces.

Live 'Long Hu' Garoupa Steamed with Preserved Radish 4/5

An auspicious tradition Lunar New Year dish, the Live 'Long Hu' Garoupa Steamed with Preserved Radish comes in a whole sizable portion. The fish is cooked to a perfectly soft and fork-tender texture, while the sauce packs a rich, savoury flavour to the dish.

Broccoli Braised with Shiitake Mushroom and Whole Conpoy 3.5/5

Another dish as part of the set menu is the Broccoli Braised with Shiitake Mushroom and Whole Conpoy. The juicy shiitake mushrooms, scallops and crunchy broccoli come in a full-bodied, savoury gravy that complements the rest of the ingredients.

Award-winning Chilli Crab with Deep Fried Mini Buns 4.5/5

The highlight is their Award-winning Chilli Crab that features live crabs drenched in a mouth-watering chilli crab sauce concocted with a myriad of over 10 different Southeast Asian spices. The flavourful blend of spiciness is tinged with a sweet sourness that complements the crab's freshness. The accompaniment of Golden Deep Fried Mini Buns is the best way to mop up all that finger-licking gravy.

Supreme Seafood Fried Rice 3.8/5

Light and fragrant, the Supreme Seafood Fried Rice showed a fair amount of egg, shredded cabbage and juicy prawns embedded in it, giving the dish a nice texture and flavour.

Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo 4/5

Bring the meal to a sweet finale with the Chilled Mango Sago Pomelo. The mango flavour has a refreshing fruity sweetness, paired with generous amounts of sago and pomelo, which adds a nice bite.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


JUMBO Seafood
Riverside Point
30 Merchant Road
#01-01/02
Singapore 058282
Tel: +65 65323435
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Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

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

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Turn left and walk along the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]