Ah, yes. Chinese New Year—the time where tossing grated carrots and radish into the air while shouting auspicious phrases (that sometimes feel just shy of expletives) is only rivalled by the act of gathering with loved ones around a roundtable, bound together by the charming yet lazy susan. For those looking to experience this (and then some), here's an intimate list of restaurants we'd actually bring our families to this CNY.
Switch things up this CNY with the Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, as they bring their unique Korean-American twist to the table. The festive menu is anchored by the Bluefin Tuna Yu Sheng, tossed among an assortment of perilla leaves, bright plum, yuja vinaigrette, hazelnuts, and toasted sesame seeds for that nutty depth. A complimentary shot of Jinro Green Grape Soju accompanies after, further awakening the palate for the course ahead.
Across five curated cuts of USDA Prime, Australian Wagyu, and Korean 1++ Hanwoo BMS 9 Ribeye from Jeju Island—all of which will be grilled tableside—you’ll get to taste profiles of buttery richness, contrasted with textures of bounce and tenderness. Each bite subtly differs from the next, building towards an indulgent, full-bodied steak experience.
Though the meal wouldn’t be complete without sides. Of which, a generous spread of Ban-Chan, Scallion Salad, comforting Egg Soufflé, and Kimchi and Doenjang Stews fills each empty corner on the table. Oh, and don’t forget about dessert. The meal concludes with COTE’s signature (and highly addictive) Vanilla Soft Serve with soy sauce caramel.
Vibe: Discreet, dark, and handsome—also, my clothes don’t smell like beef.
Price: From SGD178++ per pax
When: Until 3 March
COTE Singapore is located at level 3, COMO Orchard, 30 Bideford Road, Singapore 229922
If you're unable to gather the people needed for some yu sheng tossing, Bottega di Carna is open to do a customisable lohei according to how many tossers there are (hmmm, this might come across rude in the UK). And yes, they can even do a Prosperity Toss Yu Sheng (shredded vegetables, crispy fish skin, topped with king salmon and a sweet plum dressing) for one; you do you.
There's also the Longevity Abalone Pasta, which the presser stated was one continuous 388cm-long strand of pasta. It's not as long as the gastrointestinal tract but a 388cm-long noodle is still impressive. The massive strand is swirled and served in a Capone consommé and a South African abalone is placed at the acme of this pasta mount.
Vibe: Toss like a lonely boi or in a group, we don't judge.
Price: From SGD
When: Until 3 March
Bottega di Carna is located at Mondrian Singapore, 16A Duxton Hill, #03-01, Singapore 089970
I'd remember Tim Ho Wan as one of the first few Michelin-starred restaurants that I ate at back when the idea of a cha chaan teng* getting a Michelin was revolutionary. Now Tim Ho Wan seems less brighter as its lost in a constellation of Michelin-starred eateries, but it still burns, damn it. And stoking the flames, is the restaurant's Lunar New Year menu.
We begin with a festive staple, the Glutinous Rice with Steamed Chicken. Cooked in a wine broth, the chicken is tender and the rice is as fragrant as it is chewy. Have it with the Steamed Scallops with Green Sichuan Peppercorn that's buoyed by the Sichuan spice. The Crispy Noodles with Prawn and Abalone Sauce (crunchy noodles topped with prawns and a rich abalone sauce), took the cake, with an oddly satisfying contrast of textures. End off with the Lucky Crispy Chinese New Year Cake; it's pan-fried and doesn't taste too jelak.
Vibe: For that festive cha chaan teng experience without the side-eye
Price: From SGD4.80++ onwards
When: Until 3 March
Tim Ho Wan's Chinese New Year menu is available only at Marina Bay Sands, Jewel Changi Airport, Plaza Singapura, Westgate, and Waterway Point.
*I know that Tim Ho Wan isn't a traditional cha chaan teng. Save your angry letters for something else, mmmkay?
Titled "Spring in Shimmer", Madam Fan throws down the gauntlet with a Hamachi Yu Sheng. Only available for dine-in and serves up to eight guests, this yu sheng has premium fruits with fine hamachi sashimi, dressed in Madame Fan’s signature honey grain mustard yuzu yoghurt. It's an unusual taste that you're quickly won over by.
For the Lunar New Year Set Menus, at the top sits the Eminence Menu. Signature highlights include the decadent Suckling Pig with Caviar and Steamed Live Boston Lobster with Glass Noodles in Premium Hong Kong Soy.
Vibe: If you want some canto in your meal
Price: From SGD108++ per pax
When: Until 3 March
Madame Fan is located at Mondrian Singapore, 16A Duxton Hill, #03-01, Singapore 089970
Across Violet Oon's three restaurants at Dempsey Hill, ION Orchard and National Kitchen, the brand’s Private Dining Rooms are for gatherings with family, friends or colleagues. Four exclusive Chinese New Year Set Menus are available, beginning, of course, with the VO Fragrant Yu Sheng. Oon’s rendition has a tropical lift to the traditional lohei, weaving in kaffir lime leaves, pink ginger flower, sweet beetroot, crispy fish skin and nutrient-rich ice plant, alongside premium smoked salmon or abalone. Guests are encouraged to place their orders at least three days in advance when making reservations.
Here's another rare seasonal speciality: Hee Peow Soup. Slow-simmered and served individually, this nourishing Nyonya classic brims with abalone (for prosperity), fish maw (for vitality) and hand-formed crab balls (for unity). This contains as much symbolism as a bowl of alphabet soup.
There are other signatures like Kuay Pie Tee, Ayam Buah Keluak, Chap Chye and Nasi Ulam, but as a weak man of sugary persuasions, I kowtow at the feet of handmade kuehs. A standout is the VO Pineapple Tart Cake—a limited-edition 6” creation that reimagines the beloved pineapple tart. Layered with slow-cooked pineapple jam and brûléed pineapples atop a cookie-like tart base, and finished with gold flakes.
If you can't opt for the Private Rooms, there's always the privacy of your own home; festive cakes are available for collection at the ION Orchard restaurant, while party trays can be collected at National Kitchen.
Vibe: Like eating in Violet Oon's own kitchen... except you'll have to pay at the end of it.
Price: From SGD118++ per pax.
When: Until 3 March
Violet Oon Singapore is located at 7 Dempsey Rd, #01-05, Singapore 249671 and ION Orchard #04-12, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801. National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore at National Gallery is located at 1 St. Andrew's Road, #02–01, National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing), Singapore 178957
