It’s time to partake of the Chinese New Year prosperity toss, better known by its Cantonese name, “lo hei”. Accompanied by all the dishes that invoke wishes for health, harmony and prosperity, of course. Beyond the epicurean enjoyment they provide, great meals also set the tone for good relationships in every sphere of our existence, whether among family and friends, or in professional circles. Nope, we’re not letting the pandemic deny us the pleasure of this. Here are some of the most scrumptious feasts on this red dot this Chinese New Year season.
Yi by Jeremy Leung, Raffles Hotel
It was tricky to get a good shot of the lo hei ritual at Yì by Jereme Leung, but it was certainly one of the best I’ve tasted. Freshness of ingredients aside (including sashimi grade salmon), I liked how a bright, tangy flavour was introduced to the dish via cranberry jelly pearls, instead of the usual pomelo sacs. This touch rendered the salad moister, and provided both gastronomic novelty and visual pleasure. The chef’s mettle was also demonstrated by the perfect steamed grouper dish. Everyone knows this is one of the most challenging things to get right – to have just the right done-ness so that the fish is still smooth and tender.
While this along with is something we’ve come to expect of top Chinese restaurants, chef also sprung surprises. These include the sauteed king prawns with spicy creamy pumpkin sauce and a fermented rice wine ice cream dessert. Whatever you order, don’t skip chef Jereme’s signature golden fried rice if you consider yourself a connoisseur of Cantonese cuisine.
In view of safety mandates during pandemic times, lo hei meals are available for dine in and home order. Check out the menu and options here.
Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental Singapore
The upside to social isolation is realising how much our relatives mean to us. That said, it’s time to gather your loved ones for a joyous reunion at Cherry Garden and indulge in specially curated Lunar New Year feasts, albeit observing safety protocol. Toss to a sweet year of good fortune and success with five auspicious lo hei platters packed with premium ingredients such as black truffle and black caviar. A symbol of prosperity and abundance, Cherry Garden’s signature luxurious pencai continues to take centre stage with a lavish pot of delicacies such as whole head abalone, lobster, scallop, king prawn, sea cucumber and more. The Mandarin Oriental Shop also presents an ensemble of traditional Lunar New Year delights alongside new creations like a golden turmeric peanut bar. They are perfect for a convivial celebration in the comfort of your home or as an ideal festive gift.
Lunar New Year feast and festive goodies are available from 8 to 26 February. Explore the menu here.
Yan, National Gallery Singapore
Usher in an auspicious Year of the Ox with Yàn’s six set menus for dine-in, ranging from five to eight courses (from $128++ to $228++ per person), including an eight-course vegetarian menu ($78++ per person). Yàn’s festive repertoire highlights premium ingredients, treasured for their symbolic significance of good luck and fortune.Toss to new heights with the elegant abalone and yellowtail with gold foil lo hei. Prepared in Yàn’s signature savoury Shunde-style, the magnificent mountain of crispy vermicelli alludes to soaring achievements and success in the year ahead, complemented by shredded purple and yellow sweet potatoes, kailan, and pickled ginger. The lofty centrepiece is surrounded by a stunning ring of vibrant vegetables and sesame seeds, and adorned with gold flakes. Slices of yellowtail fish and braised abalone herald wealth and abundance to come.
Selected items on these set menus will also be available for a la carte orders from 12 to 26 February 2021. Place your orders here.
Tablescape, Grand Park City Hall
Are all your dinner and lunch slots taken up by kwansi-building meals? Tablescape offers a mellow way to catch up with friends. Inspired by the exquisite expressions of New Year joy in Chinese culture, its Afternoon Tea Set (from $58++) is thoughtfully tweaked to include key flavours and colours of the Lunar New Year.
Rich flavours and bright colours thread through the festive-exclusive set including a sweet pink Cherry Cheesecake Mousse, and a luscious red Tomato Brioche. A Mandarin Orange Compote brightens up a buttery sable Breton, topped by a generous cut of foie gras. The sweets platter includes a zesty Mandarin Almond Cake in a soft gold colour. These join popular bites such as the Raspberry Eclairs, the Beetroot Cup and the Egg Mayo with Black Truffle tart.
The Afternoon Tea Set is available for dine-in and takeaway. Explore the menu or place your orders here.
Creamery Boutique Ice Cream
Creamery Boutique Ice Cream Singapore is offering some delightful ideas if you haven’t figured out what to impress your loved ones with this CNY. (Works for Valentine’s Day too, actually.) You can even customise your greetings to uncles, aunties, girlfriend, boyfriend with Creamery’s festive ice cream treats.
Launching for the first time ever are these gorgeous ice cream truffle balls. Bite through the pretty chocolate coating and you will discover a delectable ball of handmade ice cream. As with all of Creamery’s flavours, the ice creams offer just the right balance of sweetness. Imagine ending a hearty reunion dinner (or a romantic candlelight meal) with this refreshing hearty special. And as if that isn’t good enough, each festive gift set is wrapped elegantly to make gifting fuss-free.
See what’s available and place your orders here.