Stay-home reunion dinners need not be dull, boring or even complicated. Instead of cooking tirelessly for hours, try ordering Chinese New Year takeaways to satisfy your guests and loved ones. Below, we list some of the best places to get pen cai (a braised one-pot dish), yu sheng, nian gao (glutinous rice cake) and even sharing set menus for your family gatherings this 2021.
Pen Cai
Lime Restaurant at Parkroyal Collection Pickering
If you’re looking to impress your guests this CNY, look no further than Lime Restaurant’s e-shop exclusives which offer a range of quintessential festive eats and treats. The Reunion Pen Cai (from $298) is a must-have, and that entails the delivery of a claypot packed with everything from baby abalones and sea cucumbers to roasted duck and pork. Other noteworthy dishes to consider include the Traditional Nian Gao, Carrot Cake with Preserved Meat and Dried Shrimps as well as Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage.
Back by popular demand, Yun Nans’ iteration of the traditional pen cai returns, only to be taken to a whole ‘nother level. Look forward to digging into indulgent ingredients like wild morel, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns and fish maw, all served in a massive hotpot when you order the Yun Nans Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot (from $288). Order it as part of the value-for-money Special Chinese New Year Set ($338); other dishes included in the feast are the Traditional Salt Baked Chicken, Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng and Steamed Glutinous Rice Wrapped with Lotus Leaf.
Yu Sheng
Celebrate in the comfort of your own home with takeaway highlights from this restaurant. The Auspicious Abundance Lo Hei ($268) comprises a refreshing mix of ingredients including steamed Alaskan crab leg meat, baby abalones, flying fish roe, peaches, crunchy rice crackers, romaine lettuce, and other vegetables. It’s finished off with plum sauce dressing for a light touch of sweetness and tartness.
Other must-haves are the Five Fortune Appetiser Platter; and Braised Pork Belly, Meatball with Crabmeat in Beancurd Pockets and Sea Treasures in Claypot. These indulgent classics will satisfy at least six people.
Choose from a variety of four yu sheng platters with The Westin Singapore’s to-go delights. The All-Year Fortune Yu Sheng (from $78) is the property’s signature toss, and that comes with smoked salmon, roe, and crispy fish skin. Otherwise, try the Flourishing Prosperity Yu Sheng (from $58) which is a vegetarian-friendly option brimming with sea coconut, dried berries, honey walnuts and more; or the Double Happiness Yu Sheng (from $78) which is an appropriate selection for families who enjoy seafood.
Yi by Jereme Leung, Raffles Singapore
Toss to abundance with a choice of three exquisite yu sheng specials (each serves eight to 10 persons). Artfully packaged in a multi-tiered red box for convenience and ease, choose between Fortune ($168) with salmon and crispy fish skin; Longevity ($208) with abalone, Arctic surf clam and salmon; and Prosperity ($198) with Asian live lobster. The auspicious selection of ingredients are brought together by Master Chef Jereme Leung’s signature Yunnan rose dressing.
Continue the celebration with the Auspicious Home Dining Set ($728 for eight persons) that includes gourmet delights such as Chef Leung’s Signature Golden Fried Rice with Preserved Meats, and the Bountiful Seafood Treasure Pot brimming with a delectable trove of 10-head abalones, scallops, dried oysters and other delicacies.
Nian Gao
These petite Fortune Koi Fish ‘Nian Gao’ with Red Bean Paste are a treat for both the palate and eyes. Available in a box of eight pieces ($45.80), they are great for sharing at gatherings or gifting to send wishes for great success.
Besides perennial favourites, also trust Mandarin Oriental Singapore for all your takeaway needs. Not only is there the classic Nian Gao ($38) that needs no introduction, but the hotel is also offering a Chinese Wolfberries, Osmanthus and Chestnut Nian Gao ($48) for those seeking something different. Simply visit their e-shop for more Chinese New Year delicacies.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
For more nian gao options, try The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Part of their Lunar New Year hamper and goodies line-up, the Nian Gao (500g) is available at a mere $28. Now you won’t have to go through the hassle of making it yourself.
Set Menus
An unostentatious takeaway menu, Taste Paradise’s Abundance Takeaway Set is sure to satisfy grandparents and children alike. Not only can families tuck into the 10-Head Abalone Treasure Pot and Stir-fried Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, but diners can enjoy the Crispy Roasted Duck and lo hei with the Abalone Yu Sheng included too.
A six-course, traditional Cantonese feast is possible this CNY thanks to the National Gallery’s Yan. Available at $88 nett per person (with a minimum of four to order), the Lunar New Year Family Feast highlights festive dishes such as the classic Salmon Yusheng, succulent Barbecue Honey Pork & Roast Pork Belly, and flavourful Steamed Black Cod Fillet with Truffle Oil and Minced Garlic.
Complementing the hearty spread are items like the Braised Spring Chicken with 6-Head Whole Abalone and Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with Preserved Meat as well. Finally, end the joyous reunion affair on a sweet note by savouring the Double-boiled Lily, White Fungus, Wolfberry and Lotus Seed dessert, accompanied by some Deep-fried Sesame Rice Balls.
