Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) @ Sultan Gate - Enticing Lunar New Year Menu Alongside Its Signature Curry Fish Head

After nearly a decade since my first visit to Yu Cun Curry Fish Head's (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头) inaugural outlet at Upper Paya Lebar in 2015, I decided to explore its second outlet at Sultan Gate. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Yu Cun has rolled out an enticing festive menu alongside its signature dishes that continue to attract fans. Here's a detailed look at my dining experience.

Yu Cun Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without tossing Yu Sheng for abundance and prosperity. Yu Cun's Prosperity Yu Sheng ($55++) is a vibrant dish, but compared to other Yu Sheng offerings in the market, it lacked a wow factor in terms of taste and textural interplay. While the flavours are enjoyable, I found them more ordinary than memorable.

Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus 4.2/5

The Braised Chicken Soup with Creamy Red Lotus ($78++) is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavours, perfect for rainy, chilly weather. The broth, brimming with chicken, red lotus, and white fungus, showcases depth and warmth, making it a standout in their menu.

Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck 4.5/5

The Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck ($98++) is a delightful surprise and an absolute highlight of the meal. The tender, well-braised duck is stuffed with fragrant glutinous rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavours. This dish exudes festive indulgence and is a must-try for anyone looking for something special on the menu.

Pen Cai 4.2/5

The Pen Cai ($298++) is a decadent celebration pot filled with premium ingredients such as 10-head abalone, prawns, fish maw, dried scallops, sea cucumber, roasted meats, and vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. The generous portions and luxurious ingredients make it a festive centrepiece. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a 15% discount on the Pen Cai with any purchase of Yu Cun's CNY package.

Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth 3.8/5

Fish is an auspicious symbol of abundance during Chinese New Year, and Yu Cun's Steamed Red Grouper in Golden Broth ($118++) is well-executed. The delicate grouper fillets, sandwiched with ham and carrot, are tender and flavorful. While the ham adds richness, the overall dish is satisfying but not groundbreaking.

Bonito Flake Pork Ribs 4/5

The Bonito Flake Pork Ribs ($78++) are fork-tender and marinated in a luscious, sweet sauce. While the addition of bonito flakes adds visual appeal, they don't significantly elevate the flavour profile. That said, the ribs themselves are delicious and worth trying.

Lobster Combinations 3.8/5

The Lobster Combinations ($218++) offers lobster cooked in two styles. The first is deep-fried lobster meat in a sweet orange sauce, while the second is paired with a tangy, spicy Thai-style salad. While the contrasting flavours are enjoyable, the dish felt slightly predictable and lacked the wow factor compared to other seafood options on the menu.

Claypot Curry Fish Head 4.8/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly Yu Cun's Claypot Curry Fish Head. Revisiting this signature dish after almost a decade, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in flavour. The curry is now richer, creamier, and more lemak than I remembered. The dish is loaded with fresh vegetables like long beans, lady's fingers, and tau kee, making it a hearty and satisfying offering. It's clear that Yu Cun has refined its recipe over the years, and this dish alone is worth the visit.

Yu Cun Curry Fish Head continues to be a go-to spot for hearty, comforting Chinese cuisine, especially during the festive season. While some dishes on the CNY menu could use a touch more creativity, signature items like the Claypot Curry Fish Head and Prosperity Eight Treasure Duck shine brightly. Whether planning a celebratory feast with family or revisiting old favourites, Yu Cun's offerings will surely make your meal memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yu Cun Curry Fish Head (渔村砂煲咖喱鱼头)
29/31 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198477
Tel: +65 6038 0391
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to the end. Walk along Beach Road towards Sultan Gate road. Turn right onto Sultan Gate road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, A Wyndham Hotel - Bringing Joy and Prosperity with a Curated Festive Menus

For this Chinese New Year, The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, a Wyndham Hotel, has curated festive lunch and dinner menu sets available from 8 January to 12 February 2025. The selection features signature dishes crafted to bring joy and prosperity to your table.

"Everlasting Prosperity" Yu Sheng 4/5

We began with the "Everlasting Prosperity" Yu Sheng with Smoked Salmon and Crispy Fish Skin, a refreshing dish enhanced by subtle kaffir lime leaves and a delightful crunch from the crispy fish skin.

Fish Maw Soup 4/5

The next course, Fish Maw Soup with Crab Meat and Conpoy was flavorful and well-balanced, boasting just the right consistency.

Steamed Ginseng Chicken 5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Steamed Ginseng Chicken. The chicken was incredibly tender, and the nourishing ginseng broth was both comforting and aromatic.

Baked Prawns with Buttermilk & Pumpkin Purée 4/5

The Baked Prawns with Buttermilk & Pumpkin Purée are allured by their vibrant colours and garlicky aroma. While the prawns were slightly overcooked, the creamy and tangy buttermilk-pumpkin sauce elevated their texture, making them finger-licking good.

Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soya Sauce 4.5/5

Braised Abalone with Chinese Mushroom & Broccoli 4/5

Two classic dishes followed: Steamed Marble Goby with Superior Soya Sauce and Braised Abalone with Chinese Mushrooms and Broccoli. The fish had a pleasingly firm texture, its natural sweetness beautifully complemented by the savoury soya sauce. The abalone dish was also well-executed, providing a rich and elegant touch.

Fried Fragrant Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 5/5

My favourite was the Fried Fragrant Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf — arguably the most memorable lotus leaf rice I've had. The umami-packed sausages appeared to have their casing removed, making them easy to chew and mix seamlessly with the rice. Each bite delivered a symphony of savoury, smoky, and umami flavours.

Chilled Mango Cream 4/5

Dessert was a refreshing Chilled Mango Cream with Aloe Vera, Strawberry, and Pearl Sago. Its sweet and tangy profile rounded off the meal perfectly.

Prosperity Menus (Available from 8th January to 12th February 2025):
From $688++ per table (For 6 persons) to S$1,188++ per table (For 10 persons)
Reunion Dinner Menu (Available only on 28th January 2025) only three signature sets from the Prosperity Menu will be available to celebrate the traditional Reunion Dinner.
Reservations are open from 6th January to 12th February 2025. Please contact 6416 1231

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, A Wyndham Hotel
Peninsula Shopping Complex Singapore
5 Coleman Street
Singapore 179805
Tel: 6337 2200
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to traffic junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]