Embu @ Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Welcomes the Year of The Horse With a Lineup of Festive and Indulgent Delights

Mandarin Oriental Singapore welcomes the Year of the Horse with a lineup of festive and indulgent delights. At Embu, from 2 February to 3 March 2026, the restaurant's extensive local and international buffet is made even more sumptuous with the addition of Lunar New Year specials.

Lobster and Beetroot Cured Salmon Yu Sheng 4.8/5

Guests dining in groups of four or more are treated to a complimentary Lobster and Beetroot Cured Salmon Yu Sheng. For the first time, Embu introduces its own Japanese fusion rendition of Yu Sheng, a nutrient-rich interpretation topped with wakame, shibazuke, and roasted sesame, served with a house-made tangy yuzu ponzu sauce. Refreshingly restrained and not doused in oil, this lighter and healthier version delighted with its freshness and satisfying textural crunch.

Golden Pumpkin Crab Meat Soup 3/5

A more luxurious soup option follows in the form of Golden Pumpkin Crab Meat Soup. While the bowl was generous with sweet crab meat, it leaned slightly on the saltier side.

Prosperity Yam Basket with Sweet and Sour Pork 5/5

Next up was the Prosperity Yam Basket with Sweet and Sour Pork. The yam basket was a highlight. It was fluffy on the inside, with a light, delicate crust and subtle seasoning. It paired beautifully with the juicy, tangy morsels of sweet-and-sour pork, creating an indulgent yet well-balanced bite.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms and Seasonal Vegetables 4/5

To encounter a dish like Braised Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms and Seasonal Vegetables on a buffet spread is nothing short of extravagant. The sea cucumber was gelatinous and tender, while the accompanying ingredients were well-cooked through, flavoursome without being overwhelmed by sauce.

Chinese Preserved Meat Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 5/5

The Chinese Preserved Meat Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf didn't disappoint. The rice was deeply fragrant, generously studded with preserved meats and layered with chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, and mushrooms, offering a delightful interplay of flavours and textures.

Crispy Nian Gao 4/5

Desserts were divine, but the one that truly signalled the arrival of the Lunar New Year was the Crispy Nian Gao with Sweet Potato and Yam. Warm and oozy nian gao sandwiched between sweet potato and yam made for a comforting and nostalgic treat, a homely classic not to be missed.

The Lunar New Year special is priced at SGD 78++ per person for lunch and SGD 98++ per person for dinner.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Embu
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 68853500
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Marina Square. Follow the signage to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Ushers in The Year of The Horse with an Impressive Line-up of Seven Festive Set Menus

Man Fu Yuan at Fraser House by a Luxury Collection Hotel ushers in the Year of the Horse with an impressive line-up of seven thoughtfully curated festive set menus, starting from $168++ per person. Designed to cater to celebrations of all scales – from intimate family reunions to large corporate gatherings – the menus also include a refined vegetarian option, reflecting both inclusivity and finesse in their festive offerings.

Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng 4/5

A definite showstopper of the season is the spectacular 88cm Celestial Auspicious Yu Sheng ($1,288++, serves up to 10), dramatically crowned with a 1.2m mythical horse in mid-leap, symbolising strength, vitality and boundless possibilities for the year ahead. Beyond its visual impact, the Yu Sheng impresses with its lavish selection of premium ingredients – abalone, rock lobster, ikura, crispy shredded dried Hokkaido scallop, salmon sashimi, crispy fish skin and auspicious condiments – tossed in a fragrant golden peach–passion fruit sauce and shallot oil. The combination delivers both textural contrast and a well-balanced sweet-tangy finish, making it a festive centrepiece worthy of the occasion.

Cantonese Lobster Soup, Crab Meat, Crab Roe, Premium Fish Maw 4.2/5

The luxurious bowl of Cantonese Lobster Soup is an umami-laden delight. Rich with crab meat, crab roe and premium fish maw, the broth carries deep crustacean sweetness, elevated further by the briny richness of the roe. The tender, gelatinous fish maw adds an indulgent textural contrast, making each spoonful comforting yet opulent.

Steamed Alaskan King Crab, Egg White, 15-Year Chinese Wine, Scallion 4.5/5

Another elegant seafood dish follows: Steamed Alaskan King Crab, served on a silky bed of egg white. Lightly perfumed with 15-year Chinese wine and finished with scallions, the dish highlights the crab's natural sweetness. The egg white, steamed with the crustacean, absorbs its essence beautifully, resulting in a refined, aromatic plate.

Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine, Dongjiang Style 4.2/5

The Salt-baked Chicken with Red Rice Wine is baked to tender perfection, retaining its succulence beneath a gently seasoned exterior. The addition of red rice wine enhances the aroma and adds a subtle fermented sweetness, lending depth and complexity to this comforting classic.

Steamed Silver Cod Fillet, Duo Garlic, 15-Year Preserved Radish, Superior Soya Sauce 4.2/5

A delicate showcase of technique, the Steamed Silver Cod Fillet highlights the fish's buttery richness and flaky texture. The pairing with duo garlic, aged preserved radish and superior soya sauce accentuates its natural sweetness, creating a clean yet deeply satisfying flavour profile.

Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly, 18-Head South African Premium Dried Abalone 4.8/5

One of the standout dishes of the evening is the duo of Wuxi-style Braised Iberico Pork Belly and 18-head South African Premium Dried Abalone with broccoli. The pork belly, with its perfect ratio of fat to lean, is wobbly tender and melts in the mouth – indulgent yet not greasy. The abalone is equally impressive, cooked to tender perfection with a molten centre, a clear testament to the chef's mastery of this prized ingredient. This dish alone justifies the menu's premium nature.

Golden Fried Rice, Crispy Premium Spiky Sea Cucumber, Preserved Leek Sauce 4/5

As with all traditional Chinese banquets, the meal concludes with a comforting carbohydrate dish. The Golden Fried Rice is satisfying and well-executed, complemented by crispy premium spiky sea cucumber in preserved leek sauce. The sea cucumber offers a delightful firm, and bouncy texture, adding interest to this hearty finale.

Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, Red Osmanthus Honey, Golden Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is a light, refreshing dessert of Mandarin Kumquat Sorbet, paired with Red Osmanthus Honey and Golden Bird's Nest. Clean, aromatic and gently sweet, it provides a refreshing close to a rich and indulgent Lunar New Year feast.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Man Fu Yuan
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie @ Momentus Hotel Alexandra - Welcomes the Year of The Horse with a Scrumptious Buffet Spread of Over 30 Auspicious Dishes and Signature Roasts

For the upcoming Chinese New Year 2026, Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie at Momentus Hotel Alexandra welcomes the Year of the Horse with a celebration themed around bountiful harvest and new beginnings. A scrumptious buffet spread of over 30 auspicious dishes and signature roasts awaits, complemented by tableside service and live carving stations.

14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye 4.5/5

Taking centre stage at the Signature Roast Station is the 14-Day Shio Kombu Butter Aged Angus Ribeye. Fire-grilled over charcoal, each slice boasted a beautifully charred exterior that further amplified the beef’s naturally rich flavours.

‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Next to it is an impressive lineup of live carving roasts, including ‘Sha Pi’ Suckling Pig and Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly. It was a rare treat to enjoy such a well-executed suckling pig, available exclusively on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of Chinese New Year.

Vanilla-Scented Crackling Pork Belly 5/5

Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken 4/5

The crackling pork belly satisfied with every crunch into its perfectly crisped skin layered over succulent meat. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Black Truffle “Phoenix” Chicken, which stands out for its lightly crisped skin and tender, juicy meat.

Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi 5/5

Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’ 4.5/5

Available for takeaway, the Twice-Cooked Black Garlic Pork Belly Char Siew captivated with its glossy glaze and smoky charred edges, offering a richly flavoursome, melt-in-the-mouth bite. Other restaurant-quality takeaway offerings include the unctuous Dong Po Wagyu Beef Karubi, a dish I kept returning to and that lingered in my memory for days. It pairs exceptionally well with the umami-packed Fragrant Cured Meat ‘Lap Mei Fan’.

Cold Pork Trotter Jelly 4.5/5

Drunken Chicken 4.5/5

At the Seafood & Cold Appetisers Station, an interesting lineup of cold seafood with familiar flavours is showcased. Highlights for me were the Poached Tiger Prawns with ginger-scallion dip and the roulade of Drunken Chicken with aged Shaoxing wine and wolfberries. The Cold Pork Trotter Jelly was also snapped up quickly.

Longevity Noodles 4.5/5

An elevated classic is the Longevity Noodles with crab roe and trout caviar. While the sauce looked relatively rich at first glance, it turned out to be well-balanced, coating the noodles with savoury depth without overwhelming them.

Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber 4/5

Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster 2.8/5

Tableside service includes Golden Lava Cheese Baked Lobster and Braised Eight-Head Abalone with Sea Cucumber. The lobster was slightly too mushy for my liking, though the abalone dish was nicely executed.

Yam Purée

The dessert spread leans wholesome and nostalgic. The most popular item was undoubtedly the Yam Purée with caramelised pumpkin, served alongside other Chinese New Year favourites such as Steamed Nian Gao, pineapple tarts, and green pea cookies.

The Chinese New Year 2026 buffet at Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie offers a well-rounded and generous festive spread. Other than the excellent signature roasts, the festive mains are well-executed with consideration.

Early Booking Perks
- 10% off food bill for reservations confirmed before 16 Jan 2026
- Complimentary Yu Sheng for tables of 4+ adults
- Bonus bottle of wine for bookings with 6+ adults

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie
Momentus Hotel Alexandra
Level 7
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 90215192
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Buffet (Daily): 6:30am – 10:30am
A La Carte Menu (Daily from 2 May): 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Semi-Buffet Lunch (Daily): 12 noon – 2:30pm
Semi-Buffet Dinner (Daily): 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 2 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue walking to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Walk towards Ikea. At Ikea, continue to walk to the destination. Journey time is about10 minutes. [Map]

York Hotel Celebrates The Year of The Hourse With Timeless Chinese New Year Flavours

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, York Hotel has curated a range of takeaway offerings featuring both festive classics and new creations, perfect for cosy home celebrations or gifting.

Prosperity Lo Hei 4/5

The Flavours of Fortune Combo ($298, serves 4–5 pax) is a wholesome yet luxurious spread of festive delicacies ideal for home celebrations. The set includes a Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Nordic Salmon and Sliced Abalone (large), as well as a thoughtful selection of mains and a dessert to round off the feast.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.5/5

One standout from the set is a vegetarian rendition of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($98 à la carte). This meatless version was no less flavourful than its traditional counterpart. The slow-simmered medley of morel mushrooms, cordyceps flowers, shark fin melon, chestnut, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, carrot, radish, Shanghai greens, yam, and red dates resulted in a deeply nourishing dish for all.

Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber in Orange 3/5

The Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber in Orange Plum Sauce ($98 à la carte) is a returning favourite, elevated with a tangy orange plum sauce that adds a pleasant citrusy lift. That said, the portion I had was slightly dry despite the rich, flavoursome sauce, and the sea cucumber could have been more tender.

Steamed Multigrain Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the combo, and of the evening as well, was the Steamed Multigrain Rice ($58 à la carte). Every bite was deeply umami, enriched with Chinese sausage and an enjoyable mix of textures from chestnut, lotus seed, black-eyed peas, and savoury sakura shrimp.

Golden Treasure Seafood Pot 4.2/5

Among the popular takeaway items is the Golden Treasure Seafood Pot, brimming with premium seafood such as rock lobster, crab claw, scallops, and prawns. The shellfish broth was vibrant and robust. While most ingredients were well-cooked, the rock lobster was slightly overdone.

Fortune Herbal Chicken 4/5

For something comforting and homely, the Fortune Herbal Chicken with Red Dates and Goji Berries ($68) delivered precisely that. The chicken was succulent, soaking up the gentle, nourishing flavours of the herbal broth.

Honey-glazed Pork Ribs in Hawthorn Berry Sauce 2.8/5

A meatier option is the Honey-glazed Pork Ribs in Hawthorn Berry Sauce, served with deep-fried mini mantou ($68). The sauce was tantalisingly tangy and sweet, though the ribs didn’t take on the glaze evenly, leaving some parts a little bland and dry.

Stir-Fried Tomato Garlic Prawn 4.5/5

The Stir-Fried Tomato Garlic Prawn ($68 nett, serves 4–5 persons) injected the meal with joyous, nostalgic flavours. Succulent prawns were coated in a thick, tomatoey sauce fragrant with garlic, evoking a comforting taste of home.

Traditional Yam Paste 5/5

Dessert was the Traditional Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Ginkgo Nuts, which was easily one of the best versions I’ve had in a long time—smooth, well-balanced, and a satisfying end to the meal.

All takeaway dishes require a three (3) working-day advance order. Customers can self-collect at White Rose Café from 2 February to 3 March 2026, from 11 am to 8 pm. The last collection on the eve of Chinese New Year (16 February 2026) is at 4 pm. For dine-in, prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Citibank, DBS/POSB, and UOB cardholders enjoy the following:

Early Bird Offer: Enjoy 15% off Lunar New Year takeaway items in a single receipt, with orders and full payment received by 9 February 2026. Regular Offer (10 February to 3 March 2026): Enjoy 10% off Lunar New Year takeaway items

Pre-order link for takeaway: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/york-hotel-white-rose-cafe

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


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]

Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩) @ Resorts World Sentosa - Jumbo Group’s First Foray into Premium Cantonese Cuisine

Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩), located at Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa, marks Jumbo Group’s inaugural venture into premium Cantonese dining. Showcasing the artistry of traditional Cantonese cuisine while embracing modern refinement, the restaurant offers a repertoire of curated executive set lunches alongside an extensive à la carte menu that celebrates the depth and finesse of this much-loved cuisine.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

Dinner commences with an elegant Amuse Bouche, a delicate scallop and prawn salad encased in a crisp housemade kueh pie tee shell. Served with a ceremonial cup of Honeycomb Ruby Tea, a soothing blend of jujube and Formosa oolong, this refined pairing sets the tone for the meal.

Double-boiled Fish Maw & Kampung Chicken Soup 4.8/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw & Kampung Chicken Soup ($38) exemplifies Cantonese soup mastery. Prepared through a meticulous two-hour steaming of old hen, pork, and chicken feet, followed by careful boiling, the broth develops a luxuriously creamy body. Enriched with premium fish maw, scallops, morel mushrooms, and wolfberries, the soup is deeply nourishing, offering layers of umami richness in every spoonful.

Dong Po Pork Belly in Hakka Style 4.8/5

The Dong Po Pork Belly in Hakka Style ($38 per pax) is a standout. Each portion of pork belly undergoes a precise, multi-step process — blanched, torched, steamed, and bound in a bamboo leaf string — before being braised for six hours in a proprietary soy sauce. The result is melt-in-the-mouth pork layered with flavours that pay homage to authentic Hakka culinary tradition.

Flambéed Drunken Live Prawns 4.5/5

The Flambéed Drunken Live Prawns ($48 per portion, 300g) deliver both spectacle and flavour. Premium live prawns are flambéed tableside in Er Guo Tou Baijiu before simmering in a herbal broth infused with goji berries and angelica root. Cooked in minutes, the prawns emerge juicy and aromatic, laced with subtle wine and herbal notes.

Xing Yue Xuan Fuss-Free Crab in Signature Black Pepper (Half Crab) 4.5/5

For crustacean lovers, the Xing Yue Xuan Fuss-Free Crab ($78 per pax, Half Crab) is not to be missed. Available in three renditions that pay tribute to JUMBO Group’s celebrated seafood heritage, diners can choose from the robust Signature Black Pepper, the iconic award-winning Chilli Crab, or an elegant steamed version topped with velvety custard egg and caviar. We opted for the Signature Black Pepper, where the punchy, aromatic spice balanced beautifully with the natural sweetness of the crab, delivering a dish that was both fiery and indulgent.

Whole 3-Head Abalone & Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Rice 4.2/5

Served in a sizzling hot stone pot, the Whole 3-Head Abalone & Sea Cucumber in Fragrant Rice ($68 per pax) impresses with its contrasting textures. The rice, wok-fried with a house soy blend, develops a smoky fragrance before being topped with tender sea cucumber and a whole 3-head abalone — a dish that marries comfort with luxury.

Classic Chinese Duo Pastry Platter 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Classic Chinese Duo Pastry Platter ($16) showcases rotating heritage-inspired creations. Options may include a tangy Fresh Vanilla Mousse with Passion Fruit Sauce or an Awakening Lion pastry with tangerine peel red bean filling, offering a refined conclusion to the meal.

Xing Yue Xuan successfully captures the essence of Cantonese fine dining while weaving in the JUMBO DNA of seafood mastery. Whether for a business lunch or a celebratory dinner, it’s a destination worth seeking out at Resorts World Sentosa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xing Yue Xuan (星粤轩)
Weave Mall
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-201
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 80310096
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]