Crystal Jade Group Presents An Exquisite Lunar New Year Collection To Usher In The Year of The Horse

Crystal Jade Group ushers in the Year of the Horse with a refined and thoughtfully curated Lunar New Year collection that celebrates abundance, elegance, and the spirited vitality of the festive season. Spanning its well-loved fine-dining and casual dining concepts, the extensive line-up of celebratory set menus and premium festive delicacies is crafted to honour time-honoured traditions while embracing contemporary culinary finesse.

Led by Group Executive Chef Martin Foo, this year's Lunar New Year showcase spotlights premium ingredients, masterful cooking techniques, and signature presentations that reflect Crystal Jade's unwavering commitment to excellence. From auspicious Yu Sheng to nourishing soups, indulgent seafood highlights, and delicate festive desserts, the collection is thoughtfully designed for reunion gatherings, corporate celebrations, and intimate family feasts.

Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with South African Abalone, Aburi Australian Scallop & Braised Cuttlefish ($129/$198). A festive essential elevated with premium ingredients, the Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng is refreshingly light and well-balanced on the palate. Pristine aburi Australian scallops are lightly torched for smokiness, while meaty South African abalone and Teochew-style braised cuttlefish symbolise prosperity and abundance.

Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with South African Abalone, Aburi Australian Scallop & Braised Cuttlefish 4.5/5

The vibrant medley of fresh and home-pickled ingredients adds layers of texture and flavour — juicy pomelo segments and jewel-like dragon fruit cubes lend sweetness, while preserved ginger and orange peel provide an aromatic lift. Crunch comes from jellyfish 'head', homemade candied walnuts, shredded carrots, and mesclun leaves, all crowned with a generous mound of crispy deep-fried yam strips. The ensemble is brought together with a piquant roselle and yuzu-based dressing that adds a refreshing tang. Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway.

Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth with New Zealand Fish Maw and 'Stone Olive' 4.5/5

Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth with New Zealand Fish Maw and 'Stone Olive' ($42/pax). Comforting yet luxurious, this deeply nourishing double-boiled broth features tender pork ribs, premium New Zealand fish maw, and the rare 'stone olive' — an ingredient that brings a subtle bittersweet complexity to the soup. The fish maw is impressively generous, offering a firm yet delightfully bouncy texture that soaks up the rich, slow-simmered essence of the broth. A soothing and restorative choice for festive indulgence. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Steamed Western Australian Lobster with 20-Year Aged Huadiao, Egg White and Bonito Flake 4.2/5

Steamed Western Australian Lobster with 20-Year Aged Huadiao, Egg White and Bonito Flake ($30/100g). Showcasing pristine Western Australian lobster, this elegant dish is steamed atop a cloud of silken egg white, allowing the lobster's natural sweetness to shine. The addition of 20-year-aged Huadiao wine lends aromatic depth, while bonito flakes add a gentle umami lift. Delicate yet indulgent, it is a highlight for seafood lovers. Available at Crystal Jade Palace.

Braised Yellow Croaker with Crispy Dumpling in Red Wine Sauce 4.2/5

Braised Yellow Croaker with Crispy Dumpling in Red Wine Sauce ($58.80 for 600g). Delicate yellow croaker is braised in a glossy red wine sauce, resulting in tender flesh infused with rich, savoury notes. Served alongside house-made deep-fried wantons, the dish strikes a pleasing contrast between softness and crunch, making it a comforting yet celebratory addition to the festive spread. Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao.

Roasted French Spring Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushroom 4.5/5

Roasted French Spring Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushroom ($45 Whole Chicken). A classic done right, the roasted French Spring Chicken is tender and juicy, perfumed with the luxurious aroma of truffle and earthy wild mushrooms. Indulgent yet straightforward, this dish delivers comforting flavours elevated with a touch of finesse. Available at Crystal Jade Palace.

Wuchang Organic Glutinous Rice with Twin Prawns and Chinese Preserved Meats 4.2/5

Wuchang Organic Glutinous Rice with Twin Prawns and Chinese Preserved Meats ($48). Highly prized for its floral fragrance and pleasantly chewy texture, Wuchang organic glutinous rice from Heilongjiang is paired with tiger prawns, sakura ebi, and an assortment of Chinese preserved meats. The result is a fragrant, umami-rich dish that symbolises abundance and togetherness — a festive staple done with premium touches. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly with Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet 4/5

Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly with Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet ($11.80/pax). A light and refreshing finale, the osmanthus jasmine jelly is delicately floral and gently sweet, paired with a vibrant mango and passion fruit sorbet that adds a tangy, tropical lift. Clean and palate-refreshing, it rounds off the meal beautifully. Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion.

Golden Pumpkin Prosperity Glutinous Rice Nian Gao 4.2/5

Golden Pumpkin Prosperity Glutinous Rice Nian Gao ($12.80 for 6pc). A beautifully composed festive treat, this traditional glutinous rice cake is sandwiched between layers of sweet golden pumpkin, offering a soft, chewy texture with gentle natural sweetness. Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace.

Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake 4.5/5

Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake. A visually pleasing, tiered kueh featuring coconut and pistachio flavours studded with crunchy water chestnut bits. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing bite, or pan-fry until the edges turn lightly golden for added aroma. Available as part of the festive takeaway selection.

Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao 4.2/5

Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao ($9.90 for 3pc). Shaped like traditional gold ingots, these auspicious handmade sweet treats are crafted from pumpkin puree and symbolise wealth and good fortune for the year ahead. Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen.

Lunar New Year dining will be available from 26 January to 3 March 2026 at participating Crystal Jade restaurants, featuring bespoke set menus for groups of two to ten. Festive takeaway specialities may be pre-ordered online at store.crystaljade.com and at individual outlets from 8 December 2025, with collection and delivery options available from 26 January to 3 March 2026.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Crystal Jade's thoughtfully crafted Lunar New Year offerings, where tradition meets refined culinary artistry.


Note: This is an invited tasting.

Firebird by Suetomi @ Mondrian Singapore - An Intimate Tori-focused Wood-Fire Yakitori Omakase Experience From Japanese

Firebird by Suetomi, located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton, marks the first international outpost of acclaimed Tokyo chef Makoto Suetomi. The restaurant offers an intimate, tori-focused wood-fire yakitori omakase experience, where premium chicken takes centre stage. Cooked over a custom-built wood-fire grill, each skewer highlights different cuts — from familiar favourites to lesser-known parts — grilled with precision to achieve a delicate balance of smokiness, tenderness, and deep umami.

Beyond yakitori, the multi-course omakase is thoughtfully paced, featuring seasonal dishes and comforting highlights that add dimension and variety to the dining journey. Set within a sleek counter-style space that allows diners to watch the chefs at work, and complemented by a well-curated selection of sake and wines, Firebird by Suetomi delivers a refined yet soulful Japanese dining experience that celebrates the purity and artistry of fire-driven cooking.

Chicken Consomme 4/5

I had the 15-Course Omakase ($188++), which began with a Chicken Consomme. Light yet intensely chicken-flavoured, the clear broth gently warms the stomach and sets the tone for the courses to come, whetting the appetite without overwhelming the palate.

Chicken Thigh 4.8/5

The first skewer featured Chicken Thigh, which was meaty, tender, and exceptionally juicy. Simply seasoned and expertly grilled, it showcased the quality of the chicken and the precision of the wood-fire cooking.

Water Spinach 4.2/5

Next was Water Spinach, grilled over the wood fire. The greens retained their crunch while picking up a subtle smokiness, offering a refreshing vegetal contrast to the meats.

Chicken Breast 4/5

The Chicken Breast, paired with okra and eggplant in a light and refreshing dashi sauce, was surprisingly tender and moist. It is a testament to the careful control of heat and timing.

Chicken Neck 4.8/5

The Chicken Neck delivered a delightful crunch alongside its meatiness, offering a textural contrast that innard lovers will appreciate.

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes of the night was the Chawanmushi. Silky smooth and custard-like, it was paired with mountain yam in a gobo and burdock root sauce. Its luxurious texture reminded me of the foie gras chawanmushi from Shisen Hanten — rich yet refined.

Shiitake Mushroom 4.5/5

The Shiitake Mushroom was impressively large — unlike any shiitake I’ve encountered before. Extremely tender and juicy, it was elevated with a mushroom Mont Blanc and white wine sauce, making it one of the most memorable non-meat dishes of the meal.

Chicken Breast with Harissa Sauce 4.2/5

The Chicken Breast with Harissa Sauce introduced a bold and spicy note to the progression. The tender meat absorbed the flavours well, while the harissa added depth and a gentle kick.

Chicken Gizzard 4/5

As an innard fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Gizzard, grilled to perfection with a satisfying crunch and clean, robust flavour.

Toast with Mushroom Paste 3.8/5

The Toast with Mushroom Paste was deceptively simple yet incredibly addictive. Crisp toast paired with earthy mushroom paste made for a comforting and flavourful bite.

Chicken Wing with Fermented Chilli Sauce 4.2/5

The Chicken Wing with Fermented Chilli Sauce was another highlight. Grilled with the skin on, the wing was fragrant with rendered fat and crisped skin, while the fermented chilli sauce lent the dish a tangy, spicy edge.

Chicken Heart 4/5

For the final skewer, we were given a choice, and I opted for the Chicken Heart — unsurprisingly, given my fondness for innards. It was firm, juicy, and grilled just right, closing the yakitori sequence on a satisfying note.

Marinated Tomato 4.2/5

After the tori-heavy courses, the Marinated Tomato was a welcome palate refresher. Sweet and juicy, it helped cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the earlier dishes.

Donabe with Minced Chicken 4/5

The final savoury course was the Donabe with Minced Chicken, cooked over a piece of charcoal to infuse the rice with a subtle smokiness. The fluffy, fragrant rice could be enjoyed in multiple ways — on its own, with various condiments, or finished with an egg yolk for added richness.

Before moving on to the dessert, we are served some grapes as a palate cleanser.

Cherry Wood Smoked Sorbet 3.5/5

To end the 15-course omakase, we had the Cherry Wood Smoked Sorbet. Sour, refreshing, and lightly smoky, it was a clean, elegant finish to a thoughtfully curated meal.

Overall, Firebird by Suetomi offers a carefully curated tori-focused omakase experience that goes beyond the usual expectations of grilled chicken. Through precise wood-fire cooking, thoughtful pacing, and a deep respect for ingredients, each course showcases a different expression of tori — from comforting to refined. Combined with its intimate counter setting and attentive service, Firebird by Suetomi stands out as a destination for diners seeking a sophisticated yet soulful Japanese dining experience in Singapore, especially for those who appreciate the artistry behind fire-driven cuisine.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firebird by Suetomi
Mondrian Singapore
83 Neil Road
#01-04/05
Singapore 089813
Tel: +65 97762476
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and turn right onto Neil Road. Walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk to the end of Craig Road. Turn left onto Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the staircase behind the open-air car park. Take the staircases to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk down Duxton Plain Park. Cross the tunnel, take the stairs to the road level and walk down Neil Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time bout 6 minutes. [Map]

Torno Subito @ COMO Dempsey - Playful Italian Dining with a Riviera Twist

At Torno Subito, Italian dining takes on a playful new rhythm with refreshed menus that include a revamped à la carte selection, a renewed three-course Formula Lunch, and an updated Riviera Tour tasting experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Alessio Pirozzi and part of renowned chef Massimo Bottura’s culinary family, the Dempsey outpost continues to reinterpret classic Italian flavours through a modern, Riviera-inspired lens.

Our dinner began with complimentary freshly baked bread paired with anchovy butter. It is a comforting trio to warm the stomach before the meal proper. My favourite was the tomato sourdough, with its light tanginess that paired beautifully with the savoury butter.

Alta Marea 3.5/5

The Alta Marea ($98) was a striking platter of raw, cured and smoked seafood, akin to a “seafood charcuterie board.” Unique and rarely seen in restaurants, it offered a range of flavours and textures. The standout for me was the cuttlefish, which had a clean, sweet flavour.

Fichi 4/5

The Fichi Pizza ($38/$58) arrived topped with Fior di Latte cheese, culatello ham, marinated fig, and pecorino foam. The chewy dough base tied the savoury and sweet elements together harmoniously, making each bite a joy.

Tagliatella 4.5/5

The Tagliatella ($48) was the star of the evening. Perfectly cooked traditional egg pasta paired with a bold, richly flavoured hand-chopped Wagyu ragu, one of Massimo Bottura’s favourites. Comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Tortellino 4/5

The Tortellino ($48) featured miniature stuffed pasta in a creamy sauce made from 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Silky and luxurious, it was reminiscent of cereal in milk, but in the most decadent, cheesy way possible.

Prochetta 4.2/5

Perfect for sharing, the Prochetta ($98) showcased roasted milk-fed suckling pig rolled into a roulade, served with peach compote and Swiss chard. The sweet and bitter notes of the accompaniments perfectly balanced the richness of the meat.

Cocco Bello 4/5

For dessert, the Cocco Bello ($20) offered a refreshing finish with lemon and mint sorbet, foamy coconut, and kaffir lime meringue. Light, sweet, and zesty, it was the perfect dessert after all the richness in the meal.

Tiramisubito 4/5

The Tiramisubito ($22) reinvented tradition in a modern presentation while retaining the classic flavours of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa. Familiar yet novel, each spoonful was comforting and indulgent.

The meal concluded with a thoughtful petit four, a lovely sweet touch that served as a fitting closure to an evening that showcased Torno Subito’s ability to bring playful creativity and Riviera flair to Italian dining in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torno Subito
26 Dempsey Road
#01-01
Singapore 249686
Tel: +65 6486 1053
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Continue taking the stairs up to the hill to block 26. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

AIR CCCC @ Dempsey - Unveils New Menu and Local Kitchen Team

I returned to AIR CCCC at Dempsey over the weekend for lunch and was greeted by an exciting, refreshed menu and a new local kitchen team led by Head Chef Part Nongnuch, bringing bold flavours, renewed energy, and an inviting atmosphere that continues to unite people through food, space, and shared experiences.

The restaurant now offers a 3-course weekend lunch set at $68 (starter, main, and dessert) and a 2-course option at $58. We had the 3-course experience.

Sweet Corn from Talula 4.2/5

The Sweet Corn from Talula was an instant hit at our table. A velvety corn chutney, paired with crispy corn husk emping chips, offered a delightful combination of smooth creaminess and vibrant sweetness. Scooping the chutney with the crunchy chips was a simple yet joyful experience.

Ceviche of Local Mahi Mahi 3/5

Thick slices of fresh local Mahi Mahi were served with pink guava for crunch and a zesty sauce for a tangy lift. While the fish was clean-tasting and refreshing, the earthy garden herbs came through a little strongly, slightly overshadowing the otherwise bright and lively flavours.

Purple Potato Flat Bread 4.2/5

A must-add for bread lovers is the Purple Potato Flat Bread. It was crisp on the outside, fluffy within, and served with a deeply savoury Mushroom XO sauce that was utterly addictive.

Charred Spanish Mackerel 4.2/5

Perfectly grilled, the Spanish Mackerel retained its moist texture, with pickled onions adding a sharp brightness and zucchini providing a light, fresh balance. It is a solid choice for seafood enthusiasts.

Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai 3.5/5

Grilled to a smoky char and dressed with smoked chilli oil for a gentle spice, the Kampong Chicken from Ng Ai sat atop a bed of tropical coleslaw that helped cut through its richness. However, the chicken itself leaned slightly dry — a juicier bite would have elevated the experience.

Watermelon Sorbet 4/5

A light and uplifting dessert featuring chilled Watermelon Sorbet layered over Annie’s yoghurt, with candied cashews adding a sweet, nutty crunch. The combination of fruity freshness, creamy tang, and gentle caramel notes made for a satisfying close to the meal.

“Bubur Hitam” Gelato 3.8/5

For something richer, the "Bubur Hitam" Gelato offered earthy depth, balanced by the tanginess of AIR Garden rosella and the chew of heritage rice. It is a thoughtful nod to local flavours with a modern twist.

AIR CCCC's refreshed menu blends creativity, local produce, and global touches under the guidance of Chef Nongnuch. While a couple of dishes could benefit from fine-tuning, the overall experience, from vibrant starters to inventive desserts, makes this a worthwhile lunch destination in Dempsey.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


AIR CCCC
Dempsey Hill
25B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 8228 1528
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier Station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the stairs up to Dempsey Road. Turn left and walk to the open air carpark. Walk all the way to the end of the carpark to the entrance of AIR. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]