Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Feasts Of Fortune to Usher in Year of the Snake

This Lunar New Year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre celebrates the season of prosperity and reunion with thoughtfully curated culinary experiences, blending traditional flavours with modern touches. Over at Racines, the Fortune Set Lunches and Dinners curated are 4-course set lunch and 5-course set dinner, perfect for gatherings with loved ones or even business lunches.

Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Tasting portion) 4/5

Begin the feast with an auspicious toss of Yu Sheng. The Bountiful 8-Grain Yu Sheng (Vegetarian) ($48/$88/$138), a new creation for the season, symbolizes an abundant harvest. Designed with health-conscious diners in mind, it features a wholesome mix of grains and seeds, including black-eyed beans, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and millet, offering delightful textures.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup 5/5

The next course, a Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Dried Scallop and Cordycep Blossoms, impressed with its comforting sweetness and deep flavours, making it a crowd favourite.

Pen Cai 4.5/5

Another quintessential dish, Chef Andrew's Pen Cai, combines an opulent array of ingredients, such as abalone, scallops, prawns, pork belly, duck, pork tendon, fish maw, braised sea cucumber, fatt choy, and truffle. The sauce had a nice, savoury depth of flavour without being overly rich.

Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli 3/5

The Deep-fried Tiger Prawn in Curry Garlic Aioli added a modern flair to the menu. While the batter was slightly greasy, the prawn itself was succulent, with a satisfying texture.

Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro 4.5/5

The Hakka-style Pork Belly with Taro, a nostalgic recipe passed down in Chef Andrew's family since the 1970s, exuded a sense of homely comfort. Its richness was best enjoyed with a warm bowl of white rice.

Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce 4/5

Another dish that offered a contemporary twist to a Lunar New Year staple was the Cod Fish with Yuzu Butter Sauce. The fish was perfectly moist and flaky, while the yuzu butter sauce added a delightful balance of richness and citrusy brightness.

Hor Yip Fan 5/5

The highlight was the most aesthetically pleasing Hor Yip Fan (Steamed Waxed Meat Rice and Chinese Sausage in Lotus Leaf). This classic, traditionally made with glutinous rice, was reimagined with a lighter blend of fragrant rice and glutinous rice. Steamed with three waxed meats — pork, pork belly, and liver — for two hours, the dish was flavourful, texturally delightful, and certainly moreish!

Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao 3.5/5

Dessert was a Duo of Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet & Fried Nian Gao, delivering a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. While the crust of the Nian Gao was slightly thicker than expected, its chewy, sweet interior was satisfying. The refreshing bergamot sorbet rounded off the dessert beautifully. Osmanthus Jelly with Bergamot Sorbet

4-Course Fortune Set Lunch 13 January to 12 February 2025 12pm to 3pm $68++ per person
5-Course Fortune Set Dinner 13 January to 12 February 2025 6pm to 10pm $88++ per person

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

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]

藝 Yì by Jereme Leung @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Usher in Prosperity and Luck in the Year of the Snake

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung, where tradition meets luxury. Choose from various carefully curated menus with signature dishes that symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and happiness. With its elegant atmosphere and impeccable service, Yì by Jereme Leung is the perfect place to gather with loved ones and usher in the Lunar New Year with a banquet of unforgettable flavours.

We were treated to the Opulence Set Menu ($258++ per person, minimum of 2 persons), a sumptuous array of festive delicacies inspired by the rich culinary traditions of various regions across China. The menu showcases an array of premium seafood, including abalone, succulent lobster, fresh fish, and more, each prepared with the utmost care to highlight their natural flavours. Each dish is beautifully presented in a communal style and then portioned into individual servings for each guest to enjoy.

Yu Sheng 3.8/5

No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the time-honoured tradition of Lo Hei, and this year’s creation is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Abalone, Spanish Iberico Ham, Honey Melon Slices, and Chef Jereme’s Signature Yunnan Rose Dressing. The delicate abalone is complemented by Spanish Iberico ham, while the sweet, crisp honey melon slices provide a refreshing contrast to the dish. The signature Yunnan rose dressing adds a fragrant, floral touch to bring all the flavours together. With its vibrant, festive presentation, this Prosperity Yu Sheng offers a wonderful start to the celebrations.

Sea Cucumber, Poached Squid, Roasted Duck 3.5/5

The next dish is a beautifully presented trio of appetisers. The Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Oil and Garlic has a subtle brininess enhanced by shrimp oil and garlic. The Poached Squid is quite tender, complemented by a fragrant ginger and scallion sauce, together with black moss and enoki mushrooms. Finally, the Roasted Duck with Tangerine Peel is smoky and savoury, although the citrus was quite subtle.

Double-boiled Wild Red Mushroom, Dried Scallop & Fish Maw Soup with Abalone 4.8/5

The Double-boiled Wild Red Mushroom, Dried Scallop & Fish Maw Soup is a nourishing bowl of comfort, served with its own warmer. The broth, the result of hours of careful simmering, is infused with the natural sweetness of wild red mushrooms and the umami of dried scallops. Fish maw, renowned for its health and wellness benefits, adds a silky bite to the soup. Each spoonful offers a satisfying and rejuvenating experience.

Braised Pork Knuckle & Sun-dried Oyster with “Fa Choy” Black Moss 4.2/5

The dish of Braised Pork Knuckle & Sun-Dried Oyster with Fa Choy (black moss) is both great tasting and has auspicious connotations. Slow-braised to perfection, the pork knuckle has a rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a tasty savoury sauce. Sun-dried oysters are known for their briny sweetness and prized as a symbol of good fortune, while the "fa choy" (black moss) brings an earthy, slightly sweet flavour.

Steamed Spotted Garoupa 4.8/5

The Steamed Spotted Garoupa with Chicken Essence, Luffa Melon, Cured Meat, and Shao Xing Wine is cooked to bring out the delicate flavours of the fish and showcase just how fresh it is. The flesh is firm and flaky, and the addition of chicken essence and Shao Xing wine enhances the taste and aroma of the dish beautifully. This was my favourite dish of the evening!

Steamed Green Asian Lobster with Yellow Pepper Sauce 4.5/5

The Steamed Green Asian Lobster with Yellow Pepper Sauce was truly impressive, featuring half of a generously sized lobster. The lobster itself was wonderfully sweet and tender, perfectly complemented by the vibrant yellow pepper sauce. The sauce added a bold, piquant kick, balancing the rich, savoury flavours of the lobster with a good amount of spice, resulting in a deliciously memorable dish.

Hong Kong-style Macaroni filled with Cuttlefish Paste 4.2/5

As we all know, the final main dish of a Chinese banquet typically features a staple to end the meal on a satisfying note, such as rice or noodle. However, the Chef took a creative twist with this course, serving up Hong Kong-style Macaroni filled with cuttlefish paste, minced meat, black moss, cheese, and fresh basil. This dish is a playful deviation from the traditional, blending familiar Chinese ingredients with a Western-inspired touch. The macaroni is presented almost like little toadstools, which adds a whimsical presentation to the dish. Whilst this dish strays from the usual Chinese banquet offerings, I found it quite enjoyable.

Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream & Egg White 4.5/5

We all agreed that this Double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream & Egg White dessert was fantastic. The fresh almond cream was exceptionally fragrant and velvety smooth, offering a delicate, nutty sweetness that went so well with the silky texture of the bird’s nest. The egg white added a light, airy quality to the dish, creating a gentle contrast to the richness of the cream.

Steamed Red Date “Nian Gao” and Homemade “Yuan Bao” Water Chestnut Cake 3.5/5

The Steamed Red Date "Nian Gao" and Homemade "Yuan Bao" Water Chestnut Cake with Nostoc Pearl is a delightful combination of tradition and symbolism. The "Nian Gao," a classic sticky rice cake, is infused with the natural sweetness of red dates, offering a rich and comforting flavour. The water chestnut cake, shaped like a gold ingot to symbolise prosperity and good fortune, is light and subtly sweet. The addition of Nostoc pearls provides a slightly crunchy texture. Best enjoyed with a pot of Chinese tea for a soothing conclusion to this rich and celebratory meal.

In conclusion, dining at 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung provides a wonderful experience to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Each course highlights the restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence and artistry. In addition to the set menus, 藝 Yì by Jereme Leung also offers a Lunar New Year 2025 à la carte menu, allowing diners the flexibility to choose their preferred dishes and create a personalised dining experience tailored to their tastes.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. 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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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]

Min Jiang @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Charms In The Golden Year of The Snake

Min Jiang and Min Jiang at Dempsey welcome the Golden Year of The Snake with new additions to their festive menus and creatively crafted festive goodies for this joyous occasion.

Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei'

Auspicious Abundance 'Lo Hei' (Available only at Min Jiang at Dempsey Takeaway/Delivery: $292.10 nett per large portion/ Dine-in: $268++ per large portion) is a vibrant Yu Sheng featuring salmon sashimi, abalone topped with tobiko, succulent shrimps and crispy eel, and refreshing with a medley of fruits like watermelon and kiwi.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Abalone, Bamboo Pith stuffed with Japanese Eel & Handmade Shrimp Balls in Claypot (Available only at Min Jiang at Dempsey, $324.80 nett for 6 pax) is a nourishing soup that is prepared by double-boiling fresh chicken, pork, and dried scallops over four hours. A unique ingredient is the earthy bamboo pith, which is filled with Japanese eel.

Typhoon Shelter Turbot Fish

Typhoon Shelter Turbot Fish showcases expertly prepared fish cut into bite-sized pieces, then lightly battered before being fried. These golden morsels are then tossed with a fragrant blend of aromatic curry leaves, dried chilli, and a spicy shrimp paste, followed by a coat of crispy, savoury mix of fried garlic, shallot, and breadcrumbs to elevate its crunch.

Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Dace Fish stuffed in Radish, Goose Web and Sea Treasures Pot

Min Jiang introduces a wholesome Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Dace Fish stuffed in Radish, Goose Web and Sea Treasures in Pot ($422.90 nett for 6 pax). The whole spring chicken, fried and steamed in a rich sauce infused with aromatics for over an hour, delighted with its utmost tenderness, and the goose web was certainly a rare treat for this occasion.

Ingot ‘Nian Gao’ with Purple Sweet Potato

Ingot 'Nian Gao' with Purple Sweet Potato ($56 nett, 8 pcs Dine-in at Min Jiang and Min Jiang at Dempsey: $16++, 2 pcs). Symbolising wealth and fortune, this traditional nian gao ingot is elevated with a sweet purple sweet potato filling.

Fortune ‘Fa’ Cake

Blooming Prosperity Roll

Blooming Prosperity Roll ('Mao Shan Wang' Durian Roll Cake - $148 nett, 800g) resembles a spring-inspired log cake, visually pleasing with pink and red spring blooms, with layers of rich, creamy 'Mao Shan Wang' durian between almond sponge cake, wrapped in vanilla cake and coated in white chocolate. An ideal centrepiece for gathering, the Fortune 'Fa' Butter Cake ($128 nett, 1.5kg), enrobbed in its prosperous outlook, offers a classic combination of butter cake layered with buttercream. The quintessential Lucky Pineapple Ingot Tarts ($68 nett, 8 pcs) pleased with its melt-in-your-mouth buttery pastry.

Other evergreen and moreish festive delights include the all-time favourite Goodwood 'Bak Kwa' ($66 / $98 nett, 600g / 1kg), popcorn-like Water Lily Pops with Sour Cream ($32.80), Kueh Bangkit ($32.80) made with inhouse pandan leaves, nostalgic Charcoal-Grilled Love Letters ($38.80) and the savoury Spicy Salted Egg Yolk Lotus Root Chips with Chicken Floss ($36.80)

The above-mentioned Lunar New Year festive selection will be available for takeaway from The Deli, Min Jiang (Goodwood Park Hotel) and Min Jiang at Dempsey (7A & 7B Dempsey Road). Availability for all Lunar New Year specials is from 6 January 2025. An advance order of five days is required for takeaways; the last pre-order date is 7 February 2025.

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.


Min Jiang
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel:6737 7411
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Min Jiang At Dempsey
7A and 7B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249684
Tel 6774 0122
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Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel - Usher In The Year of the Dragon with A Reunion of Bountiful Blessings

As the Wood Dragon graces us with its presence, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel invites you to embrace the Lunar New Year at the esteemed Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Renowned for its culinary finesse, Wan Hao presents specially curated set menus, exquisite a la carte dishes, and a delectable range of takeaway treasures, promising an auspicious start to the Year of the Dragon.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing

The Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng with Bayberry Dressing kicked off the celebration — an opulent rendition featuring rock lobster, scallop, Irish smoked salmon, yellowfin tuna, caviar, and salmon roe. The bayberry dressing, meticulously crafted from the best harvest between March and June, adds a refreshing touch with its sweet and tart notes. Toss to abundance and prosperity with this vibrant and flavourful Yu Sheng.

Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot

Diverging from the traditional Pen Cai, Wan Hao presents the Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot — a collagen-rich concoction brimming with indulgence. Laden with Bird's Nest, 5-Head Australia Abalone, Fish Maw, African Premium Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, this modern interpretation symbolizes harmony and prosperity. A lighter, healthier twist on a Lunar New Year classic. Roast

Duo Style Turbot Fish

Fish, a symbol of abundance, takes centre stage with the Sauteed Turbot Fish Fillet. It is served with fresh lily bulb, pan-fried lotus root stuffed with minced dace fish, and barbeque sauce. The dish captures the essence of prosperity and good fortune. It is a delightful addition to the Lunar New Year set menus.

Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce

The Braised Lobster with Passion Fruit Custard Sauce is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours. The succulent lobster, coated in a luscious custard sauce, creates a harmonious balance that delights the palate.

Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce

The Claypot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Cured Duck in Superior Soya Sauce is a highlight that resonates with simplicity and comfort. The richness of preserved meats infuses the fluffy rice, and a drizzle of superior soya sauce elevates the aroma — a bowl of pure comfort that captures the essence of traditional Lunar New Year feasting.

Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart

Dessert unveils a trio of delights—Osmanthus with Water Chestnut Jelly and Wolfberry, Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar, and the star of the show, the Golden Pandan Nian Gao Tart with Gula Melaka & Grated Coconut. Wan Hao's perennial favourite, Nian Gao Tart, takes centre stage this year with a golden pandan twist that garners raving approval. The tart is a delightful creation that deserves applause and, perhaps, a standing ovation.

Double-boiled Bird's Nest with Whole Coconut and Rock Sugar

Available from 4 January to 24 February 2024, toss up good fortune with an exquisite 6 or 8-Course Lunar New Year Chinese Set Menu – prices start from $138.80++ per person. For gourmet takeaway treasures, guests can pre-order online beginning on 26 December 2023 at https://celebratorydelights.com/cny or visit our Lunar New Year booth at the hotel's forecourt starting 4 January 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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