Madame Fan @ The NCO Club - A Mythical Spring Odyssey at Madame Fan this Lunar New Year

Madame Fan welcomes the Year of the Dragon by rolling out their meticulously crafted festive Spring creations. From 15 January to 25 February 2024, diners can select from dine-in Set Menus (from $108 per pax) and a la carte items, highlighting elevated modern Cantonese dishes made with premium ingredients.

Additionally, a special Lunar New Year Edition of the restaurant's Dim Sum, Drink Sum Brunch (from $118 per pax), will feature items such as Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling with Wild Mushroom and Crab Roe Har Gao alongside Madame Fan's Signature Salmon Yu Sheng and new-to-menu cocktails. This will be available from 10 to 12, 17 to 18 and 24 to 25 February 2024.

For our dinner, we sampled highlights from the various menus.

Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Exclusively available for dine-in, the Bountiful Blessings Lobster Yu Sheng ($238 serves 8 persons) is presented with the traditional Chinese character of the dragon 龍. The star here was the fleshy and sweet chunks of Australian Lobster paired with an assortment of other fresh ingredients.

This refreshing modern take was vibrant yet pleasingly light, with the combination of homemade bak kwa, crispy lotus root slices, green mango, longan, pomegranate, guava, apple, mango and grapefruit, dressed in a Honey Grain Mustard Yuzu Yogurt sauce.

Madame Fan’s Prosperity Poon Choi 4.5/5

Another must-have for Lunar New Year would be poon choi. Madame Fan's Prosperity Poon Choi (from $438 for 5 pax) contains top ingredients of abalone, sea cucumber, scallop, and tiger prawns simmered with premium yam in a homemade abalone broth. The base is slow-cooked for over four hours, further enhanced with the addition of a roasted pork knuckle.

The Poon Choi is available for takeaway as well. Diners can opt to upgrade to the Prosperity Poon Choi Bundle ($698 for 6 pax), which includes Abalone Yu Sheng, Wok Fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Sausage, Dried Shrimp and Yam as well as Pan Fried Nian Gao with Coconut Crumb.

Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, Aged Vinegar 4.5/5

The chilled Geoduck with Japanese Cucumber, Black Fungus, and Aged Vinegar ($68 per a la carte portion) was an inviting starter, with the sweet and crunchy geoduck complementing the mild acidity from the aged vinegar jelly.

Sea Urchin Shumai 4/5

Aside from the Geoduck, we also had the Sea Urchin Shumai, which is recommended to enjoy in a mouthful.

Imperial Bird’s Nest Golden Broth 4.8/5

One standout dish for me that evening was the luxurious Imperial Bird's Nest Golden Broth. This slow-cooked velvety broth boasted rich umami flavours and was elegantly adorned with bird's nest, fresh crab meat and roe. The touch of crispy shreds of scallop added an extra layer of indulgence.

Braised Giant Grouper 4/5

Chef's Braised Giant Grouper was presented with its fish skin, beancurd fupi, and chu hou sauce. While the Cantonese preparation rendered the grouper's meat tender, I personally found the braised sauce a tad too sweet.

Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice 4.8/5

Another remarkable dish was the Stewed Seafood Beancurd Rice. The base stock, enriched by Gu Yue Long Shan rice wine, created a flavourful stew that allowed the natural seafood sweetness to shine through, topped with caviar for an extra touch of lux!

Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake 4.5/5

The chef puts a creative spin on the traditional Mango Sago dessert with the Mango Fountain Chiffon Cake ($22 for a la carte). This delightful conclusion to the meal presents a medley of textures, including crumbs, ice cream, mousse, chiffon, and fresh mango slices. I appreciated the well-balanced sweetness and the added zest from Australian finger lime.

To place your dine-in reservations, email madamefan.nco@marriott.com, call 6818 1921 or visit their website at www.madamefan.sg.

For takeaways, visit www.madamefan.oddle.me to view their full range of offerings. These are available from 15 January to 25 February 2024 and must be made at least 2 days in advance. Receive a limited edition keepsake of Madame Fan's exclusive Mahjong Set with a minimum spend of $3,888 nett for dine-in or takeaways.

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.


Madame Fan
The NCO Club
32 Beach Road
Singapore 189764
Tel: +65 6818 1921
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ InterContinental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of the Dragon with Golden Resplendence

Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore invites patrons to partake in an opulent Lunar New Year feast from 15 January to 29 February 2024, promising an immersive experience that captivates the senses and ushers in good fortune.

Upholding the grand tradition, Man Fu Yuan unveils the colossal 'Dragon's Wealth' Yu Sheng 龙飞凤舞喜捞生 ($888++ serves up to 10 guests), a 60-inch spectacle that symbolizes strength, power, health, and good luck for the New Year. Packed with shredded vegetables, it is adorned with indulgent ingredients like rock lobster, sea urchin, ikura, shredded dried Hokkaido scallops, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin. A refreshing honey miso golden peach dressing and shallot oil complete this masterpiece.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

Taking centre stage is the Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($498 nett), a culinary treasure trove featuring rock lobster, premium sea cucumber, five-head whole abalone, tiger palm mushroom, dried whole scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, oysters, chicken wings, preserved Kurobuta sausage, pork liver sausage, Japanese premium flower mushroom, and more.

Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet 4.2/5

The Steamed Atlantic Cod Fish Fillet, topped with crispy preserved radish and scallions, offers a buttery and moist texture. It's paired with umami superior soya sauce, complementing the richness of the cod fish.

Oven-baked Lobster with Golden Butter Sauce and Cheese 4.5/5

The Oven-baked Lobster, bathed in golden butter sauce and cheese, presents sweet lobster meat with a finishing touch of smoky aroma from torching.

Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken 4/5

A firework of fiery flavours, the Sichuan Style Roasted Chicken features dried chilli, sesame seed, peanut, Sichuan spice, and scallion, complementing the tender chicken with crispy skin.

Lobster Mapo Tofu 4/5

Elevating Mapo Tofu with lobster meat, the dish boasts soft and silky tofu, robust flavours, and a good Sichuan spicy punch leaning towards appetizing rather than overly spicy.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice 4.5/5

A signature delight, the Roasted Suckling Pig ($528++) is stuffed with five grain glutinous rice, ensuring crackling crisp skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the delicious jus of the pig through roasting.

Chilled Pumpkin Puree, Longan, Lotus Seeds, Peach Collagen 4.5/5

Sweet Golden Nian Gao 3.5/5

To conclude the feast, the Chilled Pumpkin Puree with Longan, Lotus Seed, and Peach Collagen offers a refreshing and soothing dessert. Additionally, the symbolic Sweet Golden Nian Gao, a Chinese New Year sticky rice cake, signifies growth, progress, and the attainment of new heights.

Man Fu Yuan's Lunar New Year Extravaganza promises not just a feast but a culinary symphony of prosperity and good fortune.

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]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel Singapore - Bask In The Revelry Of The Lunar New Year Season With Auspicious Culinary Specialties

Welcome the Lunar New Year with traditional festive delights from York Hotel Singapore. The culinary team at White Rose Cafe presents an array of new and traditional creations befitting for the season of joyous reunions and feastings. 

Prosperity Lo Hei with Mini Abalone and Crispy Fish Skin 3.5/5

Besides Lunar New Year celebratory lunch and dinner menus, White Rose Cafe has put together a stellar collection of Lunar New Year takeaways. Kickstart the celebration with the Prosperity Lo Hei with Mini Abalone and Crispy Fish Skin ($58/$68) tossing to a year of prosperity and abundance.

Braised Pork Knuckle with Sea Cucumber, Black Moss, and Broccoli 4.2/5

New on the menu is the Braised Pork Knuckle with Sea Cucumber, Black Moss and Broccoli ($98). The pork knuckle is cooked perfectly to fork tender, deliciously flavoured by the braising sauce. It is paired with black moss, crunchy broccoli and bouncy sea cucumber.

Golden Treasure Seafood Pot 4/5

One of the highlights this year is the Golden Treasure Seafood Pot ($168), brimming with an assortment of seafood such as fish maw, sea cucumber, scallops, goji berry, and shark's cartilage collagen broth in a casserole pot.

Braised Chinese Spare Rib in Wuxi Style 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes is the Braised Chinese Spare Rib in Wuxi Style ($68). The tender and juicy pork ribs are braised in an aromatic ensemble of red yeast rice and Shao Xing wine. It even comes with deep-fried buns to wipe up the addictive sauce.

Osmanthus Jelly with Coconut Pudding 4.5/5

Wrapping up the meal is the new Osmanthus Jelly with Coconut Pudding ($68), handcrafted in the shape of a carp which signifies good fortune, wealth, and luck. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sofitel Singapore City Centre Welcomes The Year Of The Rabbit With A Bountiful Repertoire Of Culinary Treasures

Sofitel Singapore City Centre welcomes the spring festivities with a bountiful repertoire of culinary treasures from 9 January to 5 February 2023. Delight in heartwarming reunions with family and business associates over resplendent feasts that combines traditional culinary finesse with a touch of French flair, or choose from a curated spread of handcrafted treats to convey auspicious wishes of prosperity, abundance and longevity.

Healthy Well-being Yu Sheng 4.2/5

Available for Lunar New Year Takeaways at Sofitel Singapore City Centre is the Healthy Well-being Yu Sheng ($128+), a good change from the usual with its fruity take featuring a combination of mixed fruits such as kiwi, tangerines, cantaloupe, apples, honeydew, and shredded vegetables.

Chef Andrew's Magnifique Pen Cai 4.5/5

Chef Andre's Magnifique Pen Cai ($328+ for 6pax / $498+ for 10 pax) is loaded with premium ingredients, including abalone, scallops, prawns, roasted pork, duck breast and black truffle. The sumptuous dish will impress everyone at the dining table.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Dried Scallops and Cordyceps Blossom 4/5

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Dried Scallops and Cordyceps Blossom is a hearty and nourishing bowl of soup, whetting up the appetite for a more lavish feast on the Lunar New Year menu.

Lap Mei Fan 4.5/5

The Lap Mei Fan is well-flavoured from the waxed meat and Chinese sausage. A hearty dish packed with beautiful flavours. Give the steamed rice a drizzle of the superior soy sauce to perk up the enjoyment.

Deep Fried Cod Fish with Hot Bean Sauce 4.2/5

The Deep Fried Cod Fish is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The delicious hot bean sauce complements the buttery cod fish excellently.

Bird's Nest Egg Tart and Steamed Coconut Nian Gao 4/5

Lastly, we had the Bird's Nest Egg Tart and Steamed Coconut Nian Gao. My favourite is the soft and spongy nian gao infused with coconut and topped with roasted coconut.

Lunar New Year takeaway specials are available for purchase via https://bit.ly/sofitelcny23 from 23 December 2022 to 2 February 2023. Guests can enjoy 15% early bird savings using promo code “EBCNY15” before 16 January. 2023.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Racines
Sofitel City Centre
9 Wallich Street
5th floor
Singapore 078885
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hop Into A Bountiful Year Of The Rabbit At Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a luxurious selection of Lunar New Year delights and prosperity prix-fixe menus from 3 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan, InterContinental Singapore. Indulge in the chef's creations using the most premium ingredients and extensive Chinese delicacies catered for families, friends and business partners.

Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone 4.5/5

The Roasted London Duck with Pineapple, Chinese Spice and Abalone ($198nett) is new on the menu. The flavoursome duck is braised to perfection with Chinese spices, with a delicious layer of fats between the crispy skin and succulent meat.

Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot 4.8/5

The Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot ($468nett) is a treasure trove of prized ingredients. It comprises over 18 ingredients with highlights such as premium sea cucumber, six-head whole abalone with lobster, whole dried scallop, South Africa fish maw, goose web, pig trotters, dace fish ball, dried oysters, chicken wings and preserved Kurobuta sausage.

Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone, Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber 4.5/5

The Braised South Africa Three-head Abalone and Japanese Spiky Sea Cucumber is a lavish enjoyment paired with superior abalone sauce. The abalone is enormous and cooked perfectly to tender. The spiky sea cucumber looks scary, but it is a bouncy delicacy on its own.

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

A signature at Man Fu Yuan every Lunar New Year is their Roasted Suckling Pig with Five Grain Glutinous Rice ($488++). An advance pre-order of three days is needed. Diners will enjoy a trio of crackling skin, succulent pork and sticky rice fragrant with Chinese cured meat.

Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed, Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest 4.5/5

Wrapping up the feast is the Double-boiled Coconut with Snow Lotus Seed and Premium Sarawak Bird's Nest. A fitting dessert that is light and refreshing to wash down all the richness.

Chinese New Year goodies are available for purchase from 12 December 2022 to 2 February 2023, and can be collected from 2 January to 5 February 2023 at Man Fu Yuan Shoppe, located at the level 2, Man Fu Yuan restaurant of InterContinental Singapore. Pre-order of three days in advance is required. For enquiries or to place an order, please email sinhb-festive@ihg.com, or visit InterContinentalShoppe.sg.

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]

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