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.

Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) @ Scotts Square - Michelin-Selected Fujian Cuisine Makes Its International Debut in Singapore

Ban Lan (班岚), one of Suzhou's most celebrated Fujian restaurants and a MICHELIN Selected establishment, has made its long-awaited international debut in Singapore. Located at Scotts Square, Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) brings refined Min (Fujian) flavours to Orchard Road, led by Chef Sun Xiaoyang, a Fujian native with more than 18 years of experience. A disciple of one-Michelin-starred Chef Wu Rong, Chef Sun presents Fujian cuisine with both tradition and finesse.

First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin 4.2/5

Inspired by a traditional Eastern Fujian pairing of dried shrimp and seaweed, the First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin ($36/$49) elevates the classic with premium bafun uni. Served hand-roll style with thin cucumber slices, it balances umami richness with refreshing crunch.

Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula 4.2/5

The Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula is an off-menu item. It is a refined take on a Zhao'an street snack. The pork jowl is slow-braised, lightly smoked, then tossed with Luxi pickled greens and rocket leaves. The result is tender, aromatic pork uplifted by bright, sweet-tangy notes, making it an excellent appetite opener.

Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch 4.2/5

The Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch ($32) features free-range black chicken, thin-sliced conch, and crispy, shredded taro, offering a trio of contrasting textures. The flavours are gently savoury with a natural sweetness that unfolds with each bite.

Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol 5/5

Prepared using the Fujian "aged drunken" method, the Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol ($49/$66) are steeped in aged wine for deep, aromatic flavours. The tomalley turns luxuriously creamy, while the prawn flesh remains bouncy and sweet. It is a standout dish showcasing the elegance of Fujian alcohol-based cooking.

Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.8/5

The Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($156 per serving) is a legendary centrepiece of Fujian cuisine. Ban Lan's version features premium sea cucumber, abalone, fish maw and more, slow-braised for over 10 hours. Diners are encouraged to inhale the wine-perfumed aroma, admire the clear amber broth, and savour its velvety richness. A deeply indulgent bowl that stays true to tradition.

Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto 4.8/5

The Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto ($59/$109) features line-caught tube squid from Dongshan, which is flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen to preserve freshness. Gently poached and chilled, the squid is paired with a fragrant scallion-numb-spice sauce that enhances its natural sweetness and crisp texture.

Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake 4.5/5

The Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake ($89 for 1 crab/ $169 for 2 crabs) reinterprets the traditional one-pot braise. Drawing from classic Southern Fujian banquet cooking, glutinous rice is stir-fried, layered in lotus leaf, and steamed with fresh crab meat and roe. The rice absorbs every drop of seafood essence — sticky, aromatic, and exceptionally satisfying.

Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato 4.5/5

The Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato features tender Wagyu cubes paired with sweet potato in a dish reminiscent of Western steak and carrots — but executed in a distinctly Chinese manner, with savoury depth and subtle sweetness.

Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy 5/5

The Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy ($36) is a modern Fujian braised taro dish that uses only the prized centre cut. The taro becomes creamy and delicately sweet, absorbing the rich pork gravy. Finished with crispy shallots, this comforting yet elegant plate is one of the evening's best.

Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming 5/5

The Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming ($32) features Fujian red mushrooms braised with traditional fire-cooked tofu, enriched with dried shrimp and smoked, cured pork. The result is a full-bodied broth packed with umami and earthy sweetness. It is a beautiful representation of the region's "mountain and sea" philosophy.

Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol 4.2/5

The Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol ($29/$36) is inspired by Fuzhou's "Ten-Spice Drunken Ribs." These lightly battered ribs are fried to crispness and finished with a refined sweet-savoury sauce. Cleaner and more delicate than the classic version, yet still flavourful.

Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck 4.8/5

The Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck is another off-menu dish. It is a nourishing Fujian speciality featuring semi-dried female squid filled with roe, slow-braised with Muscovy duck and Rehmannia root. Morel mushrooms add earthy depth. Traditionally eaten postpartum, but here presented as a deeply comforting, flavour-laden soup.

Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli 4.5/5

The Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli ($79) features premium yellow croaker from the East China Sea steamed with fermented Yong'an yellow chilli, adding gentle heat and a fermented tang. The fish is tender, with a clean sweetness typical of high-quality croaker.

Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken 4.8/5

Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken ($46/$79) is an outstanding dish. This original creation combines techniques from traditional sesame chicken and hanging-roasted chicken. The bird is marinated with Tie Guan Yin tea leaves for a delicate tea fragrance, then meticulously prepared over 12 hours, air-dried, brushed with skin glaze, coated with sesame, roasted and finally flash-fried. The result is irresistibly thin, crispy skin with tender, juicy meat beneath, offering savoury richness layered with a gentle tea aroma.

Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots ($26) features first-harvest seaweed from Dongshan stir-fried with tender pea shoots, resulting in a clean, umami-rich side with subtle brothiness.

Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles 4.5/5

The Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles ($19) is a reimagined version of Quanzhou braised noodles, using a rich prawn stock blended with seafood, Xiamen Gulong pork trotters, and peanut-sesame paste. The springy noodles soak up the deeply savoury broth. It is hearty and addictive.

Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly 4.2/5

The Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly ($12 per potion) is a classic Fujian dessert made from locally sourced Sea Stone Flower (hai shi hua). The jelly is simmered, shaved, and served with fresh pomegranate juice and finger lime. Light, refreshing, and elegantly tangy — a fitting end to a rich Fujian meal.

Ban Lan's arrival in Singapore signals a new chapter for Fujian cuisine on our shores. With a MICHELIN pedigree and a chef trained under one of Fujian's most respected masters, the restaurant delivers elevated, meticulously prepared dishes that honour tradition while showcasing refined technique. From exquisite seafood to luxurious soups and beautifully executed staples, Ban Lan presents a polished, authentic, and occasionally innovative interpretation of Fujian flavours. Prices tilt premium, but the craftsmanship and ingredient quality deliver a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚)
Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
#02-01/02
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 80676688/ 62988866
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pi Food (香江小厨) @ Dhoby Ghaut - Teochew Menu Revamp Led by New Esteemed Chef from China’s Teochew Region

Renowned Chef Chen Kai Bin, hailing from China's Teochew region, has recently joined Pi Food, bringing with him a wealth of culinary expertise. Boasting an impressive culinary background, Chef Chen served as the Head Chef at the Garden Hotel's 4-star restaurant for eight years.

With his arrival, Pi Food has undergone a menu revamp, featuring a diverse selection of Teochew dishes.

Teochew Raw Marinated Crab 4.5/5

Marinated for four hours in a unique mix of Teochew fish sauce, lemon, garlic, chilli and coriander, this Teochew Raw Marinated Crab ($25) will appeal to seafood fans. I especially enjoyed the freshness of the coriander and the zesty-spicy flavours paired with the sweet crab meat. Apart from crab, the restaurant also offers Prawns ($24) and Clams ($16), which are prepared similarly.

Teochew Braised Platter 4.2/5

The Teochew Braised Platter ($32) offers a variety of braised duck, pork belly, intestine and soft beancurd. Carefully infused with over 20 herbs and spices, it results in a comforting depth of flavour.

I especially enjoyed the succulent duck slices and my dining companion liked how clean the intestines were.

Teochew Seafood Claypot Congee 4.2/5

Chef Chen's Teochew Seafood Claypot Congee ($48) combines a medley of prawns, crab and dry scallops in congee. This comforting main was served bubbling hot in the claypot with housemade chilli dips on the side. While the congee leaned more bland than I expected, the freshness and sweetness of the seafood shone through, complemented by the tang of the chilli sauce.

Steamed Yellow Croaker with Puning Soybean Sauce 4/5

For our fish dish, we had the Steamed Yellow Croaker with Puning Soybean Paste Sauce ($28), which was infused with Puning soybean paste sauce before steaming, complementing the sweetness of the fish.

Deep-fried Prawn Paste Pork Ribs 4.5/5

The Deep-fried Prawn Paste Pork Ribs ($22) is reminiscent of our local favourite Har Cheong Gai. I thoroughly enjoyed these tender and crisp pieces which were so flavourful!

Teochew Fried Oyster Omelette 3.8/5

I was less of a fan of their Teochew Fried Oyster Omelette ($16) as it was much more oilier than I preferred. This rendition by Pi Food has a higher ratio of starch to egg.

Braised Sweet Potato & Yam 4.5/5

Finally, we ended our meal with the Braised Sweet Potato & Yam ($10). It is a lovely dessert for us, with the strips of sweet potatoes and yam encased in a sweet and ultra-thin crust drizzled with a dash of fragrant shallot oil.

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.


Pi Food 香江小厨
9 Penang Road
#01-18
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 9239 0686
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk straight to Penang Road. Cross the right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]