Ya Ge (雅阁) Welcomes the Year of the Horse with “Prosperity in Full Bloom” – A Refined Chinese New Year 2026 Celebration

Ushering in Chinese New Year 2026 with quiet confidence and understated luxury, Ya Ge (雅阁) at Orchid Hotel Singapore presents Prosperity in Full Bloom, a thoughtfully curated festive showcase that honours tradition, craftsmanship and auspicious flavours. Available for both dine-in and takeaway from 1 January to 3 March 2026, the offering spans six meticulously designed set menus, à la carte highlights, and an extensive range of festive takeaway delicacies, making it equally suited to intimate family gatherings or grand reunion feasts.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel 4.2/5

The celebratory journey begins, as tradition dictates, with the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel. Visually vibrant and texturally engaging, the platter layers silky yellowtail sashimi with crisp eel and dried shredded codfish over a bed of freshly shredded vegetables, nuts and seeds. What truly elevates the toss is Chef’s house-made citrus dressing — freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice gently reduced for intensity. Bright, aromatic and refreshing, it sets an uplifting tone of abundance and good fortune.

Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum 4/5

A clear standout among the festive offerings is the Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum. Slow-simmered old hen forms a deep, full-bodied broth that cradles prized fish maw and Asian moon scallop, perfumed with Huangshan wild tribute chrysanthemum. Silken in texture and deeply restorative, this soup speaks of patience, tradition and indulgent well-being. It is a luxurious expression of festive nourishment.

Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel 4.2/5

Seafood lovers will appreciate the finesse of the Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel. Marinated for hours with fennel, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, the fish is gently steamed in a rich chicken broth, resulting in flesh that is delicate yet flavourful. Clean, subtly aromatic and elegantly restrained, the dish showcases Ya Ge’s precision-driven approach to classic Cantonese techniques.

Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce 4.2/5

For a bolder expression, the Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce delivers festive indulgence with restraint. Inspired by Beijing-style stir-fry traditions, fermented glutinous rice wine and Pi Xian broad bean paste lend warmth and complexity, enhancing rather than overpowering the lobster’s natural sweetness. The flavours are layered and fragrant, making this a celebratory centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe Salad 4.5/5

Texture and crunch come into play with the Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn, coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe, and served with a Shrimp Roe Salad. Golden and crisp, the prawns are tossed in a savoury-sweet house dressing enriched with shrimp roe and fish floss, offering immediate satisfaction and an addictive interplay of flavours.

Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom 4/5

Vegetarian offerings are no afterthought here. The Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom wrapped in Lotus Leaf is quietly luxurious. A medley of premium ingredients — from ginkgo nuts and lotus seeds to macadamia nuts, white fungus and bamboo shoots — is gently wrapped in lotus leaf and steamed, releasing a delicate fragrance when unveiled at the table. It is elegant, nourishing and deeply comforting.

Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat 4/5

Anchoring the feast is the Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat. Fragrant jasmine rice and sticky glutinous grains absorb the savoury richness of Chinese sausage and waxed meat, offering familiar comfort and balance, a gentle reminder that prosperity is best shared.

Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn, Mandarin Orange Mochi 4/5

Desserts provide a refreshing close, from the Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn to Mandarin Orange Mochi filled with custard and mandarin pulp, ending the meal on a light, sweet-tart note.

Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato

Prosperity Lion Nian Gao

Steamed Radish Cake with Conpoy and Chinese Sausage

Beyond the dining room, Ya Ge extends the festivities with an impressive lineup of takeaway and gifting options. Highlights include the generously layered Ya Ge Prosperity Pen Cai, Prosperity Yu Sheng in two sizes, roasted boneless suckling pig, dry-aged Irish duck, premium roast platters and handcrafted radish cake. New festive additions such as Prosperity Lion Nian Gao, Duo Happiness Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato, Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan, and a delicately balanced Red Bean Pudding add variety to the offerings. Curated takeaway reunion sets make hosting effortless, with 15% savings on pre-orders, ideal for early planners and corporate gifting.

Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan

Ya Ge’s Chinese New Year menu will be available for dine-in from 1 January to 3 March 2026, with reservations highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand. The takeaway sets and goodies can be made online 3 days in advance at https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com or at the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a 15% discount on pre-orders. For more information on all Chinese New Year menus and takeaway festive goodies, please log on to https://www.orchidhotel.com.sg/offers/yage-2026-chinese-new-year.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Ya Ge (雅阁)
Orchid Hotel Singapore
1 Tras Link
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6818 6831
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight towards the Orchid Hotel. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Im Jai by Pun Im @ Icon Village - Where Thai Comfort Food Meets Refined Techniques

Tucked in the heart of Tanjong Pagar at Icon Village, IM JAI by Pun Im is the casual Thai dining concept from chef-owner Vincent Pang, the culinary mind behind private-dining outfit Pun Im. Opened in September 2025, IM JAI, which translates to “a full heart” in Thai, reflects Pang’s personal journey from finance to food, blending soulful Thai flavours with refined techniques honed at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit and during his stints in Michelin-starred kitchens in Bangkok. The menu spans comforting classics alongside thoughtful reinterpretations, offering diners a deeper dive into Thai cuisine beyond the usual crowd favourites.

Appetiser Platter - Tom Yum Crab Ball, Crispy Pork Belly, Moo Ping, Popcorn Chicken Saap 3/5

We kick-started our lunch with the Appetiser Platter, a medley of bite-sized snacks ideal for sharing while waiting for the mains. The Tom Yum Crab Ball carried a gentle tang, the Moo Ping delivered familiar smoky sweetness, while the Crispy Pork Belly and Popcorn Chicken Saap provided crunchy, savoury satisfaction. While enjoyable overall, the platter leaned more towards being a safe opener rather than a standout.

Crispy Cloud Egg 3.8/5

IM JAI’s playful twist on the traditional Thai omelette sees kampong egg whites deep-fried to achieve maximum fluffiness, paired with six pieces of five-hour house-cured sweet-savoury egg yolks. Served with lime, raw shallots and chilli padi, the Crispy Cloud Egg is undeniably crisp and airy. While many may enjoy its cloud-like texture, it leaned a little too light for my preference. I missed having a more substantial bite.

Grilled River Prawn with 2 Sauces 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal is the jumbo wild-caught Grilled Thai River Prawn (approximately 330g per piece), flown in from Southern Thailand and flash-frozen at peak freshness. The result is a firm, bouncy texture with natural sweetness and creamy richness that farmed prawns simply cannot replicate. Served with two sauces, including a deeply umami prawn roe, this was easily one of our favourite dishes of the day.

Pineapple Fried Rice with Wild-Caught Black Tiger Prawns 4/5

A long-requested dish finally makes its appearance here. Fragrant Thai jasmine rice is wok-charred and seasoned with turmeric and curry powder, then tossed with raisins, Chinese sausages, roasted cashew nuts and fresh pineapple cubes. Topped with three succulent wild-caught black tiger prawns and crowned with IM JAI’s signature IM Sabaai pork floss, the Pineapple Fried Rice with Wild-Caught Black Tiger Prawns strikes a satisfying balance between sweet, savoury and smoky.

Stir-fried Melinjo Leaves with Eggs 3.5/5

A classic Southern Thai vegetable dish, the melinjo leaves are stir-fried with eggs and finished with deep-fried dried skewered shrimps. Flavourful yet straightforward, the Stir-fried Melinjo Leaves with Eggs offered a pleasant bitterness and umami lift, though it played more of a supporting role alongside the richer mains.

Signature Duck Confit Red Curry 4.2/5

The Signature Duck Confit Red Curry reimagines Thai red curry through a French lens, featuring duck confit marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked in oil for four hours. The house-made red curry paste delivered depth and aroma, while seasonal fruits such as Candy Heart grapes and fresh pineapple added brightness and gentle sweetness. Rich without being overwhelming, this dish is best shared among two to three diners.

Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup 4.5/5

The Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup is a standout Issan dish that goes beyond the usual pork ribs by incorporating pork soft bones and tendons, resulting in a luxuriously layered mouthfeel. The highlight lies in the artisanal toasted rice powder — a labour-intensive blend of three herbs toasted and ground in-house — which adds fragrance, crunch and complexity to the tangy, punchy broth.

Khao Soi Chicken 4.2/5

IM JAI’s take on the Chiang Mai classic Khao Soi Chicken features a tender chicken drumstick simmered in a rich, aromatic curry gravy. Served with both soft and crispy egg noodles, and accompanied by pickled mustard greens, fresh shallots, lime and chilli oil, the dish delivers a harmonious interplay of creamy, savoury, tangy and crunchy textures.

Black Sticky Rice Pancake 4.2/5

A nostalgic Thai street snack done well, the grilled Black Sticky Rice Pancake boasts a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, chewy centre filled with young coconut flesh and coconut milk. Comforting and satisfying without being overly sweet.

Bualoy 4/5

The Bualoy features chewy house-made glutinous rice balls swimming in fragrant, sweetened coconut milk. The addition of salted egg lava cream introduces a rich, savoury contrast that elevates the dish beyond tradition.

Red Ruby with Smoked Coconut Sorbet 4/5

A refreshing end to the meal, the Red Ruby with Smoked Coconut Sorbet combines traditional red rubies, Thai sweet glass noodles, jackfruit and attap seeds in jasmine-scented syrup, finished with smoked coconut sorbet. Light, aromatic and well-balanced, it cleanses the palate nicely.

Overall, IM JAI by Pun Im offers a thoughtfully curated Thai dining experience that balances comfort with creativity. While not every dish is a showstopper, the kitchen’s strengths shine through in its seafood, soups and curries, making it a worthwhile stop for diners seeking Thai flavours beyond the usual repertoire.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Im Jai by Pun Im
Icon Village
12 Gopeng Street
#01-78/81
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6518 3151
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 4pm - 930pm
(Closed on Sat & Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street. Cross the road at the junction of Peck Seah Street and Gopeng Street. Walk to ICON village. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Group Celebrates SG60 with a Delicious Culinary Tribute

To mark Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee, the Crystal Jade Group has unveiled a limited-time menu titled ‘SG60 Flavours’, a delicious tribute to the nation’s 60th birthday. The celebratory offerings span across various Crystal Jade dining concepts, featuring dishes inspired by local flavours, patriotic red and white colour themes, and bold, fiery spice profiles. We had the opportunity to savour a selection of these unique creations.

Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai 4.5/5, Steamed Prawn Dumpling 4.2/5

We began our dinner with two dim sum items that were as innovative as they were delicious. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling topped with Chilli Crab Sauce ($9.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a delightful fusion of the classic har gow and Singapore’s iconic chilli crab. The result was a harmonious pairing of sweet prawns with a spicy, umami-laden sauce that added just the right punch.

Equally memorable was the Singaporean Chicken Rice Siew Mai ($8.80 for 4pcs, Crystal Jade Golden Palace). This bite-sized dim sum reimagines the beloved chicken rice into a dainty morsel, with all the familiar flavours of ginger, garlic, and fragrant chicken in one savoury parcel. A clever and tasty interpretation that left a strong impression.

Duo Cheong Fun 4/5

The Duo Cheong Fun ($8.80 per portion, Crystal Jade Golden Palace) impressed with its red-and-white visual play, resembling the Singapore flag. The white version featured diced chicken and mustard greens, while the red cheong fun was filled with egg and tomato. It’s a dish that not only looks patriotic but also brings layered textures and flavours to the palate.

Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth 5/5

If there was one dish that stole the night, it was the Wild Coral Trout Poached in Hot & Sour Tomato Broth ($28 per 100g). Served tableside, the fresh coral trout was delicately poached in a vibrant broth brimming with sour, spicy, and umami notes. The fish was incredibly tender, soaking up the flavours of the broth beautifully. This dish drew so much praise that all of us went for second servings. It was easily one of the most outstanding dishes I’ve had this year.

Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style 4.2/5

Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants, the Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice Roll in Traditional Style ($88 whole) is an impressive centrepiece. The glutinous rice stuffing was fragrant and packed with flavour, while the roasted chicken was cooked to perfection with wonderfully crisp skin. A well-executed classic that evoked nostalgic flavours in a celebratory format.

Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf 4.5/5

The Dry Curry Prawn with Yoghurt served in Banana Leaf ($26.80 per portion) was another standout, presenting an Indian-inspired local dish in a modern way. The prawns were plump and coated in an aromatic dry curry, with the yoghurt adding a lovely tang and richness. Presented in a banana leaf, it was a great representation of Singapore’s multicultural culinary heritage.

Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat 5/5

From Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the Youpo Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles with Minced Meat ($20.80 regular) delivered comfort and character. The hand-cut noodles had a satisfying chew, topped with fragrant minced meat and finished with sizzling hot oil poured tableside. The aroma of spices was enticing, and the julienned vegetables added freshness and crunch. A hearty, flavour-packed bowl not to be missed.

Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk 3.8/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, the Red Ruby Sago with Coconut Milk ($6.80 per pax, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen) was a refreshing treat. Crunchy red rubies and soft sago pearls bathed in creamy coconut milk made for a delightful texture contrast and a light finish.

Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi 4.2/5

The final bite came in the form of the Cute Animal Pastry with Brown Sugar Mochi ($12.80 for 3pcs, Crystal Jade Pavilion). Not only was it visually adorable, but the pastry also delivered on flavour — with a crisp exterior and a chewy mochi centre filled with deep, caramel-like brown sugar. It is a fun and sweet end to a memorable meal.

Crystal Jade’s SG60 Flavours is more than just a festive menu — it’s a thoughtful and well-executed culinary tribute to Singapore’s rich food culture. Each dish showcases creativity while staying true to local flavours. Whether you’re after dim sum, noodles, or a show-stopping whole chicken, there’s something in this celebration menu to love.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Group
Facebook
Instagram
Website

Fi Woodfire Thai @ Shaw Centre - Modern Thai Restaurant Focusing On Woodfire-driven Dishes

Fi Woodfire Thai (ไฟ) is a modern Thai restaurant that focuses on using woodfire oven to create dishes that bring both familiarity and excitement. Newly relocated to the Shaw Centre earlier this month, Fi continues its signature woodfire cooking with an expanded menu.

Son-in-Law Eggs 4.5/5

We began our meal with a few new appetisers. A standout appetiser was the Son-in-Law Eggs ($10 for 3). Perfectly executed with crispy edges and oozy, lava-like yolks. The eggs were drizzled with a housemade strawberry tamarind glaze. I would have loved a bit more of that glaze to deepen the flavours.

Grilled Green Mango Salad 2.8/5

The Grilled Green Mango Salad ($12) offered a different take on a Thai classic, using mango chunks instead, and charred them over the woodfire. However, the intended smokiness didn't quite come through, and the grilling unfortunately softened the mango to a texture reminiscent of a non-crunchy apple. The dish overall was also too salty.

Watermelon with Fish Floss 3/5

The Watermelon with Fish Floss ($14), on the other hand, was far more refreshing. Topped with housemade tom yum–seasoned fish floss, the sweet-savoury contrast made it incredibly moreish. However, it felt like it was missing an element to make it more substantial as a dish.

Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib 5/5

The true highlights at Fi come from its woodfire oven, where meats and vegetables are grilled over lychee wood. A must-try is the Signature Moo Ping Pork Rib ($48 for 500g bone-in). Fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribs were richly charred with caramelised edges from rendered fat, giving both texture and flavour a boost. The accompanying nam jim jaew offered a tangy contrast that cut through the richness. I also enjoyed the side of char-grilled sticky rice cake glazed with coconut sugar, which paired well with the hearty meat.

French Poulet 5/5

As much as the ribs impressed, the French Poulet ($32 for half) may be even more crowd-pleasing. Incredibly succulent, it boasted clean, natural flavours. Fi uses organic GGTM French Poulet, freshly delivered daily from Toh Thye San Farm. The chicken is served with a bold chicken liver jaew, though alternatives are available if you prefer to skip the touch of gaminess.

Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant 2.8/5

We also tried the Basil Minced Pork on Charred Eggplant ($18), which leaned a little too sweet and saucy, overpowering the eggplant. I also couldn't quite detect the basil in this rendition.

Pineapple Rice Stack 4/5

From the wok section, we had two hearty dishes, Pineapple Rice Stack ($24) and Drunken Noodles ($14). The fried rice was wholesome with shrimp, spicy chicken floss, crispy egg, and pineapple, which made it satisfying on its own. Hence, I found the topping of ikura and tobiko unnecessary and excessive.

Drunken Noodles 3.8/5

The Drunken Noodles, so named as they pair well with beer, delivered on their promise of rich flavours, packed with garlic, soy sauce, and chilli padi. While it was slightly too sweet for me, overall, I liked how generous it was, loaded with a hearty mix of shrimp, squid, straw mushrooms, baby corn, and long beans.

Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice 4.5/5

Desserts were refined and beautifully presented. The Fresh Mango with Butterfly Pea Sticky Rice ($12) paired two varieties of mango - Australian (in compote form) and Thai (fresh) - offering a contrast in both sweetness and texture, which worked perfectly with the butterfly pea-stained sticky rice.

Red Ruby 4/5

The Red Ruby ($12) was a great one to refresh the palate with its light and refreshing profile, delighting a mixture of handmade rubies, sago, strawberries, jackfruit, chia seeds, and coconut flesh, topped with a scoop of coconut gelato. However, the plating felt a bit too shallow for such a dessert.

Steamed Tapioca 4/5

The Steamed Tapioca ($12) may appear more straightforward, but it had a wonderfully sticky, starchy texture that was deeply satisfying.

All in all, while some dishes need more balance and refinement, the well-executed woodfire-driven dishes and some of the more intense flavours offered on the plates carve out a strong identity for Fi Woodfire Thai, which in turn allows the brand to establish a strong foothold at its new location.

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.


Fi Woodfire Thai
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#03-14/15
Singapore 228208
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours :
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]