The air is buzzing with excitement over red packets, cherished reunions, and lavish feasts as Lunar New Year approaches. While many are busy with traditional preparations, Singapore’s finest chefs are crafting culinary masterpieces to make this festive season truly memorable. From traditional delicacies to elevated takes on yu sheng platters, we’ve discovered some of the finest restaurants that will bring you an unforgettable evening.
Fireplace
You’ll find hosting your reunion dinners here at Fireplace pretty cosy. Situated in the bohemian enclave of Holland Village, this steakhouse prides itself on its signature cooking style of open wood fire grilling. From now until 12 February, enjoy a modern twist of traditional Chinese dishes infused with the steakhouse’s rustic aesthetic. The highlight of their special menu is their Citrus-Fed Wagyu Yusheng featuring a blend of wood-fire grilled citrus-fed Sir Harry Wagyu beef, pistachios, and a medley of julienned carrots.
If you’re craving a little sweetness, the steakhouse also offers its unique take on the classic bak kwa (candied bacon), which is flavoured with maple syrup, brown sugar and crushed black pepper.
Fireplace is located at 7 Holland Village Way.
Chen’s Kitchen
This latest Japanese eatery is a must-visit on our radar. Helmed by Michelin chef Chen Kentaro, Chen’s Kitchen introduces bold flavours of chuka ryori—a fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisine—to the table, along with his signature Szechuan dish, mapo tofu. In celebration of the lunar season, the four-time awardee of Michelin Bib Gourmand also presents a special lineup of festive dishes, such as Bao You’ll Huat Abalone Yu Sheng, Six Blessings Feast and Fortune from 8 Winds.
Chen’s Kitchen is located at 6A Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery.
Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental ushers in the Lunar New Year with a special feast at Cherry Garden. The luxury hotel offers a variety of Cantonese delicacies, including two prosperity yu sheng and wok-fried rice with miyazaki wagyu beef, elevated with their homemade XO sauce. A distinct feature of Cherry Garden’s festive feast is the pairing of rich and complex flavours of Hennessy to delight your taste buds.
Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental is located at 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square.
LeVeL33
Celebrating Chinese New Year, LeVeL33 presents executive chef Jake Kowalewski’s sustainable twist to cultural Chinese dishes. The main highlight is their signature yu sheng, featuring a refreshing salad of locally sourced leaves, topped with sustainably farmed Australian ocean trout and kingfish sashimi. Also a must-try at this homegrown microbrewery is their Five-Spice Bangalow Free-Range Pork Tomahawk and Sustainably Farmed Pearl Grouper—a delicate combination of prawn dumplings and fork-tender steamed fish. Available until 30 January, diners can enjoy these dine-in exclusives for lunch and dinner with a two-day advance reservation.
LeVeL33 is located at 8 Marina Boulevard Downtown Core.
Smoke & Mirrors
Ranked 60th in Asia’s 50 best bars in 2022, Smoke & Mirrors is the place to be. Perched atop National Gallery Singapore, the bar boasts a spectacular skyline view and cocktail experiences, made perfect for reunion dinners. In collaboration with Maya Pistola Agavepura Spirits, Smoke & Mirrors presents four artisanal cocktails—January Season, Like Me Or Not, Morning Sunshine, and Señorita—to celebrate the new year. Available until 31 January, the exquisite pairing of cocktails and breathtaking scenery promises a night to remember.
Smoke & Mirrors is located at 1 St. Andrew’s Road.
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