Stirring up a New Year: Singapore’s Foodie Scene Rings in the Rat
As the city‑state ushered in a fresh decade, the Lunar Year of the Rat made its grand entrance. The board‑room plans, the symbolic new coin, and the wish for a prosperous 2024 are all on the table, but the real focus for many families is the feast. Let’s dive into what the top restaurants in Singapore are offering to make your reunion dinner unforgettable.
Imperial Treasure – “Fatt Choy” for the Fat‑Ivy Rat
- Fatt Choy Yu Sheng – 4 flavours (Abalone, Salmon, Vegetarian, fresh Hamachi) starting at $32.80. Think “mixed‑up” death a-okay, not a good food pun!
- Abalone Treasure Pot – from $348, packed with whole abalone, fish maw, Japanese dried scallops, Chinese oysters and more.
- Desserts like Glutinous Rice Cake, Chestnut Cake, and Yam Cake, all playground‑ready for the kids (and the adults).
- Key dates: 2 January – 8 February for Fatt Choy; 2 January – 24 January for the Treasure Pot.
Yan Ting – “Pun Choy” the Platonic Eat‑lence
- Pun Choy – a big pot ($488) for 6 people, brimming with abalone, roast duck, pork shank, sea cucumber, desiccated oysters, and black moss. Great for sharing the wealth… or the weight.
- Make it a package: “Prosperity Yu Sheng” with Ten‑Head Abalone ($118) and a vegetarian “Sea Coconut” ($68) that still looks like a lagoon.
- Other show‑stoppers: Braised Duck with Black Fungus ($88), and a range of glutinous rice cakes styled as koi fish.
- Take‑away opens 6 January 10:30‑10:00 pm; order 3‑weekday notice is required.
Grand Hyatt Singapore – Sustainable Yu Sheng with a Splash of Plum
- Chef Nelson’s twist replaces plum sauce with calamansi juice + extra‑virgin olive oil; less oil, more “green” flourish.
- Menus include almond sugee cookies, prawn rolls, colourful New Year pralines, and charcoal bamboo sesame love letters.
- “Double Happiness” teas and “Good Luck” Yu Sheng start at $55.
- All online orders 10 % discount until 27 January; collection slots extend to 31 January.
yì by Jereme Leung – New‑Kid, Big Flavours
- Fortune Yu Sheng – Smoked Salmon + Yunnan Rose Dressing, serving 7‑10 people for $168.
- Prosperity Yu Sheng – Asian Live Lobster + Yunnan Rose Dressing, service at $198.
- Chubby special: set the mood with a 10‑minute adventure in the kitchen.
- Takeaway windows: 10 January – 8 February; 2‑day advance notice.
Cherry Garden – Traditional at the Chin‑Shop
- Steaming + grilling: Slow‑cooked Beef Brisket Stew, Traditional Steamed Chicken with pork sausage and black moss.
- Takeaway goodies: Special Radish Cake, Golden Pumpkin Nian Gao mixed with nuts for the festive extras.
- Direct contact: e‑mail or phone in March (e‑mail: mosin‑[email protected], tel: 6885 3081).
Janice Wong – Chip‑Shead Chocolate
- Hampers featuring 5‑, 6‑, or 9‑with‑cookie sets for $168–$238.
- Chocolate Bar options: Mandarin Orange, Hae Bee Hiam flavour, plus a special “Mr. Rat” chocolate mouse for $35 per pair.
- Available online 1 January – 10 February.
15 Stamford – Yu Sheng & Chocolate A‑La‑Boutique
- Yu Sheng platter (salmon + vegetable slaw) starts with optional kingfish, scallops, lobster or abalone.
- Lucky chocolate: Mahjong Set Pralines at $38, lavish hamper at $298 featuring house‑made pineapple tarts and 90‑Day Organic Premium Grain rice.
- Take‑away period: 1 January – 8 February.
Wrap‑up – The Year of the Rat Gets Delicious
Whether you’re craving the opulence of abalone, the depth of pork shank, or a sweet surprise from the Hermes‑like oval chocolate, Singapore’s culinary scene has a feast for every fortune‑seeker. In the Year of the Rat, spin that “lo hei” bowl, toss the fish – the family banquet is fit for a sovereign (or a very hungry rat!). Cheers to a prosperous, delightful and, without doubt, palate‑pleasing Lunar New Year.
