From The Straits Times    |

There is, arguably, no better way to usher in the year of the Monkey than with a full belly; but with the seemingly inexhaustible list of restaurants offering various packages, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve broken it into two simple categories: Set menus and affordable buffets. Here are the eleven menus to help you to book for a scrumptious Chinese New Year!

SET MENUS (from $50 per person onwards)

1. FORT by Maison Ikkuko, $48 per person

Image courtesy of FORT

What would Chinese New Year be without the drinks? If you like a drink, Fort is for you. The four-course menu they offer was conceptualised by the executive chef Ethan Leslie Leong, and each dish is paired with a drink specially concocted for an exciting dining experience. The drinks aren’t the only thing worth mentioning, of course. The dishes are creative reinventions of traditional meals that we’re all used to. A novel experience and justified drinking? We’re not turning that down!

Where: Fort Canning Hill

For reservations: 6336 0507

Available from: 1 January to 29 February 2016

Note: The cocktails are separate from the basic set menu and cost an additional $40 in total

2. Forest 森, starting from $168 per person

Image courtesy of Resorts World Sentosa

Since the Chinese New Year weekend spans four days (yay!), some of you might be done with visiting a lot earlier, especially for those with smaller families. So if you’re looking for a full-day out, or will be spending those extra few days out and about, Resorts World Sentosa is always a viable option. The best part? You don’t have to leave the island. That means your entrance fee is completely utilised! Spend the day at Universal Singapore Studios, or simply soaking up some sun at the beaches, then head down to Forest 森 for a contemporary dining experience. Its dinner set menus all offer a six-course meal, and will be serving up some extravagant dishes like its Superlative Imperial Bird’s Nest and French duck breast, pan seared and served with black truffle sauce. Um, yes please!

Where: Resorts World Sentosa

For reservations: +65 6577 7788 or forest@RWSentosa.com

Available from: 22 January to 22 February 2016

Note: They have lunch menus available that start from $88, and are all five-course meals

3. Kai Garden, starting from $98 per person

Image courtesy of Kai Garden

With eight different menus being offered, it’s pretty likely you’ll find a set menu you’ll love. Its menus range from $98 to $580 per person, which means you’ll be faced with extensive options. Set to cater to the various palates, this is the perfect option if you’re slightly … Particular. There’ll be roasted suckling pig, crispy Peking duck, steamed marble goby and the Signature Supreme Fortune pot. Yum!

Where: Marina Square

For reservations: 6250 4826

Available from: 25 January to 29 February 2016

Note: Kai Garden will be closed on 8 February 2016

4. Cassia, starting from $128 per person

Image courtesy of Capella Singapore

For those of you seeking to be marvelously wined and dined, this fine dining restaurant located in Capella Singapore has menus to usher in the new year with style. Its Prosperity Reunion Menu features various traditional favourites such as Australian abalone with seasonal and braised spare ribs and double boiled fish maw with scallops and mushroom in a thick chicken broth that’ll envelope you in warmth and sentimentality. But be quick to book – the reunion set menus are only available for a limited time!

Where: Capella Singapore

Available from: Reunion menus are available from 1 to 7 February 2016, while the traditional Chinese New Year Set menus will be available from 8 to 22 February 2016

For reservations: 6591 5045 / cassia.singapore@capellahotels.com

5. Man Fu Yuan, $2,088++ for 10 people

Image courtesy of InterContinental Singapore

The price might be looking a little scary, but bear with us for a moment! Before you completely dismiss this as an option, Man Fu Yuan also offers a five-course meal priced at $688 for a table of five. However, we’ll be focusing on the more extravagant alternative. With a price of about $210 per head, you’ll be tucking into an eight-course set menu that kicks off with Man Fu Yuan’s signature Prosperity Yusheng. There’ll be steamed garoupa, double-boiled Superior Bird’s Nest with almost cream in whole coconut, and a braised five-head South African abalone with spike sea cucumber and dried oyster. Scary number aside, it’s a pretty great deal, considering the quality (and quantity) you’ll be getting!

Where: InterContinental Singapore

Available from: 18 January to 22 February 2016

For reservations: 6825 1059 or sinhb-festive@ihg.com

6. CE LA VI, $168++ per person

Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

“A contemporary take on Chinese heritage, Ce La Vi’s Lunar New Year menu is a delight whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or your family. Highlights from the menu include oysters with mandarin orange jello and wasabi tobiko, Yu Sheng Salad (with salmon, tuna, white fish and scallop), Grilled Char Siew Pork Cheek, and of course the incredibly creative Orange Sesame Dan Gao dessert. The nine course menu also includes the option of a wine pairing (at an additional $148++ per person). The set menu is available for both lunch and dinner.” – Alyssa Dhaliwal, Beauty writer

Where: Ce La Vi Singapore, Marina Bay Sands

Available from: 28 January to 12 February 2016

For reservations: 6688 7688 or reservation-sg@celavi.com

7. Mitzo Restaurant & Bar

Image courtesy of Grand Park Orchard Hotel 

“If you are looking for Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary twist, Mitzo is the place to go.  

They serve an array of quintessential festive dishes but spice things up with their innovative use of ingredients. I like how they added lychee caviar to the traditional Yu Sheng, making it really refreshing. My personal recommendation would be the superior fortune pot. It is chock-full of classic chinese delicacies including braised lobsters, abalone, dried scallop, just to name a few. This luxurious pot is braised to perfection, and is all set to impress. Mitzo’s curated set menus cater from groups of four to ten people, and range from $118++ per person to $1688++ per table.” – Cheng Jee Yan, Fashion writer

Where: Grand Park Orchard, Level 4

Available from:  23 January to 22 February 2016

For reservations: 6603 8855 or rsvn@mitzo.sg

8. Summer Pavilion at the Ritz-Carlton, starting from $68++ per person

Image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

“The newly revamped Summer Pavilion is a wonderful place to celebrate Chinese New Year with family and friends, I particularly loved the private dining rooms for an intimate and aesthetic experience. From the Italian-made porcelain in bubblegum colours to the baby-blue lacquered tables, the interior design is as sumptuous and fresh as the food. The set lunch and dinner menus are extensive and range from five to eight-courses, making them perfect for reunion dinners, and an à la carte menu is also available. A must-try on the menu is Chef Cheung’s sautéed dong xing grouper ($65 serves two to four pax) which was deliciously tasty and refreshing, and a personal recommendation would be the smoked duck which was fragrantly cooked with Chinese Tea leaves. For those wanting to sample king scallops, salmon caviar yu sheng and wagyu beef-fried rice delicacies in one menu, opt for the seven-course Platinum menu at $2888++ for 10 people.” – Jennifer McGeever, Fashion writer

Where: Level 3, Ritz-Carlton Millenia hotel

Available from: 25 January to 22 February 2016 (see here for seating details)

For reservations: 6434 5286 or rc.sinrz.summerpavilion@ritzcarlton.com

AFFORDABLE BUFFETS (under $100 per person)

9. Rise, $98++

Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

We love our buffets. Going back for seconds, thirds, even fourths amidst a vast spread … Whoever said “heaven can wait” clearly never experienced a good buffet. The three day special will see traditional Chinese New Year dishes being served, such as Chinese crab meat soup with abalone, Hainanese chicken rice and even a carving station serving fresh roast duck! And for those who want more options, fret not – its spread will also include fresh seafood and dishes from local, Western and Japanese cuisines. You’ll definitely be leaving with full bellies and spirits.

Where: Marina Bay Sands

Available from: 7 to 9 February 2016

For reservations: 6688 5525 or rise@marinabaysands.com

Note: Lunch buffets are also available for $88++

10. Window on the Park, $106 for two

Image courtesy of Holiday Inn Orchard

If there’s one thing we love more than food, it’s a good deal. So hold on to your bibs and empty stomachs because, get this, Window on the Park is offering a 1-for-1 buffet deal. That’s right – free food­. Go on a date, or bring along a friend; Usher in the year of the monkey with company and great food for half the price. Savour its braised abalone, content with the richness of the meal, and in the knowledge that you’re saving money. After all, nothing tastes better than the food you get from a great deal!

Where: Holiday Inn Orchard

Available from: 18 January to 29 February 2016

For reservations: 6733 8333 or wop.hisinorchard@ihg.com

Note: a lunch buffet is also available for $86. Prices will also be $10 more on the 6 and 7 February 2016

11. Carousel, $65 for lunch, $48 for high tea, dinner starts at $86

Image courtesy of Royal Plaza on Scotts Hotel

Of course, we couldn’t call this a comprehensive list if we left Gourmet Carousel out. The six-time winner of Best Buffet Restaurant award in AsiaOne People’s Choice Awards rounds up our Chinese New Year list with its lavish spread. Some highlights include a double boiled fish maw soup with bamboo fungus and winter melon, miso-glazed cod with seafood egg white sauce and a delectable imperial seafood crispy rice porridge. Its buffet will be held over three days during the Chinese New Year weekend, so make sure to get your reservations in before they book out!

Where: Royal Plaza on Scotts Hotel

Available from: 7-9 February 2016 for lunch, high tea and dinner

For reservations: 6589 7799 or carousel@royalplaza.com.sg