Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) @ Sultan Gate - Enticing Lunar New Year Menu Alongside Its Signature Curry Fish Head

After nearly a decade since my first visit to Yu Cun Curry Fish Head's (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) inaugural outlet at Upper Paya Lebar in 2015, I decided to explore its second outlet at Sultan Gate. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Yu Cun has rolled out an enticing festive menu alongside its signature dishes that continue to attract fans. Here's a detailed look at my dining experience.

Yu Cun Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without tossing Yu Sheng for abundance and prosperity. Yu Cun's Prosperity Yu Sheng ($55++) is a vibrant dish, but compared to other Yu Sheng offerings in the market, it lacked a wow factor in terms of taste and textural interplay. While the flavours are enjoyable, I found them more ordinary than memorable.

Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus 4.2/5

The Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus ($78++) is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavours, perfect for rainy, chilly weather. The broth, brimming with chicken, red lotus, and white fungus, showcases depth and warmth, making it a standout in their menu.

Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck 4.5/5

The Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck ($98++) is a delightful surprise and an absolute highlight of the meal. The tender, well-braised duck is stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. This dish exudes festive indulgence and is a must-try for anyone looking for something special on the menu.

Pen Cai 4.2/5

The Pen Cai ($298++) is a decadent celebration pot filled with premium ingredients such as 10-head abalone, prawns, fish maw, dried scallops, sea cucumber, roasted meats, and vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. The generous portions and luxurious ingredients make it a festive centrepiece. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a 15% discount on the Pen Cai with any purchase of Yu Cun's CNY package.

Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth 3.8/5

Fish is an auspicious symbol of abundance during Chinese New Year, and Yu Cun's Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth ($118++) is well-executed. The delicate grouper fillets, sandwiched with ham and carrot, are tender and flavorful. While the ham adds richness, the overall dish is satisfying but not groundbreaking.

Bonito Flake Pork Ribs 4/5

The Bonito Flake Pork Ribs ($78++) are fork-tender and marinated in a luscious, sweet sauce. While the addition of bonito flakes adds visual appeal, they don't significantly elevate the flavour profile. That said, the ribs themselves are delicious and worth trying.

Lobster Combinations 3.8/5

The Lobster Combinations ($218++) offers lobster cooked in two styles. The first is deep-fried lobster meat in a sweet orange sauce, while the second is paired with a tangy, spicy Thai-style salad. While the contrasting flavours are enjoyable, the dish felt slightly predictable and lacked the wow factor compared to other seafood options on the menu.

Claypot Curry Fish Head 4.8/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly Yu Cun's Claypot Curry Fish Head. Revisiting this signature dish after almost a decade, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in flavour. The curry is now richer, creamier, and more lemak than I remembered. The dish is loaded with fresh vegetables like long beans, lady's fingers, and tau kee, making it a hearty and satisfying offering. It's clear that Yu Cun has refined its recipe over the years, and this dish alone is worth the visit.

Yu Cun Curry Fish Head continues to be a go-to spot for hearty, comforting Chinese cuisine, especially during the festive season. While some dishes on the CNY menu could use a touch more creativity, signature items like the Claypot Curry Fish Head and Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck shine brightly. Whether planning a celebratory feast with family or revisiting old favourites, Yu Cun's offerings will surely make your meal memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头)
29/31 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198477
Tel: +65 6038 0391
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the end. Walk along Beach Road towards Sultan Gate road. Turn right onto Sultan Gate road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - A Lunar New Year Filled with Prosperity, Happiness, and Unforgettable Flavours

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in opulence at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. Their meticulously curated Cantonese set menus, indulgent à la carte dishes, and exquisite takeaway treasures promise cherished reunions with loved ones. The restaurant's offerings deliver a harmonious blend of tradition and modern elegance, ensuring an unforgettable festive dining experience.

Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng 4.8/5

Toss to a year of abundance and happiness with the Wan Hao Prosperity Yu Sheng. This luxurious creation features a medley of premium ingredients: Japanese Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Rock Lobster, Hokkaido Scallop, Irish Smoked Salmon, Sturgeon Caviar, and Salmon Roe, paired with vibrant shredded vegetables and crispy fried vermicelli. Each bite is perfectly complemented by the refreshing and zesty dressing, symbolising prosperity and abundance.

Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe 4.5/5

The Barbecue Suckling Pig with Crepe makes a grand entrance. The suckling pig boasts perfectly roasted, crispy skin that crackles with every bite. Paired with soft, fluffy crepes, the dish achieves a delightful contrast of textures that is both indulgent and satisfying.

Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot 5/5

The highlight of the feast is the Wan Hao Bird's Nest Eight Treasure Pot, a dish that showcases the epitome of luxury. This treasure trove includes delicacies such as 5-Head South African Abalone, Bird’s Nest, Fish Maw, Premium African Sea Cucumber, Black Moss Dace, Fish Bean Curd Skin Bag, Live Prawn, Pork Tendon, Free-Range Chicken, and Japanese Shiitake Mushroom, all steeped in a rich collagen-infused broth. Every spoonful of this dish feels like a celebration of prosperity and nourishment.

Stewed Scampi Prawn in Black Truffle Cheese Sauce 4.5/5

Initially mistaken for lobster, the Steamed Scampi Prawn surprises with its immense size and tender, bouncy meat. Paired with a decadent black truffle cheese sauce, the scampi's natural sweetness shines through, creating a bold and luxurious dish.

Cantonese Style Claypot Rice 4.8/5

A staple at Wan Hao, the Cantonese Style Claypot Rice is a comforting favourite elevated to new heights. The fluffy, fragrant rice is tossed in a superior light soy sauce and paired with foie gras and yellow eel for a refined touch. Add Chinese sausage and cured duck for an extra layer of umami, making this dish a must-try.

Double-Boiled Bird's Nest, Pineapple Pastry, Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate 4.5/5

The meal concludes with an exquisite trio of desserts. The Double-Boiled Bird's Nest with American Ginseng and Rock Sugar in Whole Coconut is light and refreshing, a perfect palate cleanser after the rich dishes. The Golden Nian Gao Tart with Yuzu Chocolate is a delightful twist on a festive classic, with the tang of yuzu balancing the sweetness. Finally, the new Pineapple Pastry impresses with its buttery, biscuity texture and luscious pineapple filling, offering a modern take on a traditional favourite.

Available from 26 December 2024 to 12 February 2025, Wan Hao’s Lunar New Year menus feature 6- and 7-course set menus, starting at $138.80++ per person. For festive takeaways, online pre-orders begin on 26 December 2024 at Celebratory Delights, while walk-in purchases can be made at the Lunar New Year booth located at the hotel forecourt from 26 December 2024 to 28 January 2025.

Whether dining in or bringing the feast home, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant ensures a Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, happiness, and unforgettable flavours.

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]

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]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Embering Abundance

Ring in the Year of the Snake with an opulent dining experience at Man Fu Yuan, located in the heart of InterContinental Singapore. From 15 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, the restaurant presents a grand celebration of Lunar New Year traditions, offering meticulously curated menus and luxurious à la carte dishes. Whether you're dining in or indulging in takeaway treasures, Man Fu Yuan promises a feast of abundance and joy.

Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng

The highlight of this year's celebrations is the Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng ($988++, serves up to 10 guests), a spectacular creation featuring an intricate design of eight "snakes," each symbolizing blessings like Peace, Prosperity, Health, and Good Fortune. Grilled eels, signifying renewal, take centre stage alongside premium ingredients like abalone, rock lobster, salmon sashimi, crispy skin, ikura, and Hokkaido shredded dried scallops. Drizzled with golden wafu, roasted sesame dressing, and fragrant oil, this magnificent 60-inch yu sheng is the perfect way to usher in a prosperous year.

Braised 'Kao Fu' Beancurd with Superior Soy Sauce 3/5

The meal began with a delicate amuse-bouche: Braised 'Kao Fu' Beancurd with Superior Soy Sauce. A bite-sized delight, it offered a glimpse of the refined craftsmanship that Man Fu Yuan brings to its Lunar New Year menu.

Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw 4.2/5

A departure from the usual broths, the Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with Fish Maw features a light yet flavourful broth infused with seafood essence. Paired with premium fish maw that boasts a firm and bouncy texture, this dish is both refreshing and luxurious.

Braised South African 6-head Abalone with Iberico Pork Collar, Flower Mushroom 4.2/5

This trio of indulgences includes Braised South African 6-head Abalone enriched with a luscious braising sauce, tender Iberico Pork Collar, and earthy Flower Mushrooms. The abalone, cooked to perfection, and the Iberico pork, with its delightful crunch, made this dish a standout.

Braised Whole Guan Dong Sea Cucumber Stuffed with Minced Pork and Prawn 4.2/5

The Braised Whole Guan Dong Sea Cucumber is a true delicacy stuffed with a savoury blend of minced pork and prawn. The sea cucumber's gelatinous texture complements the flavourful stuffing, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is unique.

Steamed Greenland Halibut with Preserved Citrus Golden Chilli Sauce and Scallion 4.5/5

The Steamed Greenland Halibut was tender and moist, with the preserved citrus golden chilli sauce adding a sweet, tangy, and spicy kick that elevated the dish. The balanced flavours paired harmoniously with the fish’s delicate texture.

Braised Duo La Mian with Alaska King Crab, Rock Lobster and Crab Roe 4.2/5

This luxurious noodle dish features Braised Duo La Mian soaked in a rich crab roe sauce, offering an umami-packed finish. The addition of Alaska king crab and rock lobster makes it a decadent treat perfect for the festive season.

Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice, Lobster Bisque, Garlic, Ginger 4.8/5

A must-try is the Braised Rock Lobster with Golden Crispy Rice, where fragrant rice absorbs the robust flavours of the lobster bisque. The garlic and ginger lend a subtle warmth, making each mouthful rich and satisfying.

Chilled Osmanthus Flower Tea 4.2/5

To conclude the meal, the Chilled Osmanthus Flower Tea offers a refreshing endnote. This light, sweet soup is brimming with nourishing ingredients like red dates, snow lotus seeds, dried longan, lily bulbs, and golden bird's nest, embodying both tradition and indulgence.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot

For a communal feast, the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot is a treasure trove of over 18 premium ingredients, including 6-head whole abalone, rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, fish maw, and more. Available for both dine-in and takeaway, it's the ultimate centrepiece for any Lunar New Year celebration.

Steamed Rock Lobster with Glutinous Rice, Crabmeat and Crab Roe

Beyond the prix-fixe menus, Man Fu Yuan offers exquisite à la carte options for those seeking specific indulgences:

- Steamed Rock Lobster with Glutinous Rice, Crabmeat, and Crab Roe ($158++) – A delicately steamed lobster atop fragrant glutinous rice infused with sweet crabmeat and umami-rich crab roe.

- Flambé Eight Treasure Duck with Abalone ($198++) – A stunning whole duck stuffed with auspicious ingredients, crowned with tender abalone and flambéed for dramatic flair.

Flambe Eight Treasure Duck with Abalone

Lunar New Year takeaway goodies are available for pre-order from 15 December 2024 to 12 February 2025. For reservations and enquiries, call +65 6825 1008 or email sinhbmanfuyuan.manfuyuan@ihg.com. Alternatively, browse the takeaway options online at InterContinental Singapore Festive Goodies.

Man Fu Yuan once again raises the bar with its impeccable Lunar New Year offerings, blending timeless traditions with modern flair. Whether you're dining in or taking home a festive feast, this culinary destination ensures a prosperous and indulgent start to the Year of the Snake.

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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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]

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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