Executive Summary
The Year of the Fire Horse gallops in with elevated dining experiences across Singapore, with prices reflecting post-pandemic ingredient costs and enhanced service standards. CNY 2026 falls on January 29, with reunion dinners reaching their peak on February 16 (CNY Eve). Premium restaurant prices now range from $108++ to $428++ per person, representing a 5-8% increase from 2025. Notably, takeaway options have expanded significantly, with sets like Fu Yuan’s exclusive $288 for 6 persons making restaurant-quality celebrations more accessible for home gatherings.
2026 Market Trends & Price Analysis
Key Observations:
- Average premium restaurant prices: $168-218++ per person (up from $158-198++ in 2025)
- Mid-range options: $108-148++ per person
- Luxury banquet tables: up to $6,666++ for 10 persons at select venues
- Takeaway bundles: $238-628++ for complete reunion sets
- Horse-themed presentations and zodiac-inspired dishes are featured prominently across menus
Ingredient Cost Impact: Premium abalone prices have risen 8-12% due to supply constraints, while seafood like Australian rock lobster and South African abalone command premium positioning. Restaurants are offsetting costs through creative value additions like complimentary takeaway items and early bird promotions.
Updated 2026 Restaurant Reviews
1. Summer Pavilion, Ritz-Carlton Millenia – UPDATED 2026
Cuisine Style: One Michelin Star Cantonese
Price Range: $168++ per person for lunch, dinner from higher tiers
Rating: ★★★★★
2026 CNY Menu Highlights:
Six- to eight-course set lunch and dinner menus available from February 2-15, February 19-March 3, with special reunion dinner seatings on February 16. Chef Cheung Siu Kong maintains his signature approach with enhanced premium ingredients.
Signature Dish Analysis:
Steamed Dong Xing Grouper with Luffa Gourd and Black Fungus This dish exemplifies why Summer Pavilion maintains its Michelin star. Dong Xing grouper (Eastern Star Spot) ranks among Asia’s most prized reef fish, commanding $150+ per kg. The steaming technique requires precision: 8-10 minutes at high heat produces tender, flaky flesh without drying. Luffa gourd provides subtle sweetness and silky texture, while black fungus adds earthy notes and gentle crunch.
Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Thick Fish Maw and Matsutake The double-boiling technique prevents cloudiness and preserves delicate flavors. Matsutake mushrooms ($200+ per kg) provide distinctive spicy-aromatic notes. Thick fish maw indicates premium quality with substantial texture. The 4-6 hour cooking process extracts maximum collagen while maintaining clarity.
New 2026 Addition: Premium Pen Cai Ten layers of superior seafood and meats including sea perch, scallops, fish maw, and abalone. The layering sequence matters: denser proteins at bottom absorb flavors, delicate items on top maintain texture.
Special Perks: Diners celebrating the first 15 days of Lunar New Year receive limited-edition Ritz-Carlton red packets and a pair of mandarin oranges per reservation.
Verdict: Best technical execution. The $168++ lunch price point offers exceptional value for Michelin-caliber Cantonese cooking. Price increase of $10 from 2025 remains reasonable given ingredient cost inflation.
2. Fu Yuan Teochew Dining – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Teochew & Cantonese
Price Range: Dine-in sets from $488 for 4 persons to $2,988 for premium banquets; exclusive takeaway set $288 for 6 persons
Rating: ★★★★½
Standout Features:
This heritage Teochew specialist has emerged as a 2026 standout with aggressive pricing that undercuts competitors while maintaining quality. The venue’s private dining rooms accommodate up to 46 guests with cherry-red leather chairs and warm gold accents designed specifically for festive celebrations.
Signature Dish Analysis:
Teochew-Style Herbal Chicken Traditional Teochew preparation emphasizes gentle poaching in ginger-herb broth, immediate ice shocking, and sesame oil coating. Results in impossibly smooth skin with zero rubberiness and juicy, flavorful meat. The herbal component (likely dong quai, astragalus, wolfberries) provides warming properties without overwhelming chicken’s delicate flavor.
Golden Deep-Fried Dragon Tiger Grouper with Oyster Sauce “Dragon Tiger” designates specific grouper variety prized for firm, sweet flesh. The deep-frying technique requires precise oil temperature (180°C) to achieve golden, crispy exterior while keeping interior moist. Oyster sauce provides umami depth without masking fish sweetness.
Braised Ee Fu Noodles with Boston Lobster Ee fu noodles (flat egg noodles) are pre-fried, giving them unique chewy-tender texture that absorbs sauce magnificently. Boston lobster (3-4 pounds typical) provides substantial meat with sweet, firm texture. The braising liquid likely contains superior stock, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
Takeaway Value Analysis: At $288 for 6 persons ($48 per person), the takeaway set represents extraordinary value—40-50% less than dine-in equivalents elsewhere. The six-course menu maintains restaurant quality standards with proper packaging for reheating.
Verdict: Best value in the premium Teochew category. The $488 four-person dine-in represents $122 per person—competitive with mid-range options while delivering fine-dining quality. Advance reservations strongly recommended as private rooms book 3+ weeks ahead during CNY period.
3. Xin Cuisine, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Contemporary Cantonese
Price Range: From $108++ per person to $6,666++ for 10 persons
Rating: ★★★★☆
2026 Innovation Highlights:
Xin Cuisine’s aggressive luxury positioning with the $6,666++ banquet set represents bold 2026 strategy. The quadruple-six numerology (extremely auspicious in Chinese culture) targets corporate entertainment and high-net-worth celebrations.
Signature Dish Analysis:
Braised Australian 5-Head Abalone with Goose Web Five-head abalone (five pieces per 600g) sits in the premium-but-not-ultra-luxury tier. Australian abalone offers firm texture and pronounced flavor. Goose web (foot) provides collagen-rich, gelatinous texture highly prized in Cantonese cuisine. The pairing creates fascinating textural contrast: dense, chewy abalone versus soft, slippery web.
Pan-Fried Foie Gras in Red Wine with Wagyu Beef This East-meets-West creation shows culinary ambition. Proper foie gras searing (high heat, 90 seconds per side) creates caramelized crust while keeping interior creamy. Red wine reduction cuts through foie gras richness. Wagyu beef (likely A4-A5 grade) adds umami depth and fat marbling. The combination is decadent—possibly overwhelming for traditional palates but impressive for modern diners.
Braised Superior Bird’s Nest with Crab Claw and Crab Roe Premium bird’s nest ($2,000+ per kg) provides delicate, silky texture. Crab claw meat offers sweetness and substantial bite. Crab roe contributes richness and gorgeous orange-red hue. The braising liquid (likely superior stock with rock sugar) allows individual components to shine while creating harmonious whole.
$6,666++ Banquet Analysis: At $666.60 per person, this targets the same luxury tier as top hotel restaurants. The quadruple-six pricing is marketing genius—highly auspicious while creating memorable talking point. Menu likely includes 10-12 courses with premium ingredients throughout.
Verdict: Best for corporate entertainment seeking impressive presentation. The $108++ entry point makes Michelin-style cooking accessible, while the $6,666++ set positions Xin Cuisine as serious luxury contender.
4. Ya Ge, Orchid Hotel – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Cantonese
Price Range: From $108++ per person to $1,988++ for 10 persons
Rating: ★★★★☆
2026 Innovation: Horse-Themed Yu Sheng
Ya Ge’s signature Prosperity Yu Sheng features orange-flavored zodiac horse pudding on freshly shredded carrots, shredded radish, pickled ginger, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, sesame seeds, five-spice powder, with Chef’s special citrus dressing.
Unique Elements Analysis:
Orange-Flavored Horse Pudding This 2026-specific innovation shows creativity. The horse-shaped pudding (likely made from coconut milk, agar, and orange essence) provides visual wow factor and ties directly to the zodiac. Orange flavor complements traditional yusheng components while adding modern twist.
Triple-Seed Component The inclusion of pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, and sesame seeds creates textural complexity. Each seed type offers distinct flavor and nutritional profile—pumpkin (earthy, nutty), melon (mild, slightly sweet), sesame (toasted, aromatic).
Citrus Dressing Innovation Moving beyond standard plum sauce shows culinary confidence. Citrus-based dressing provides brightness and acidity that balances rich components without overwhelming fresh seafood.
Crispy Eel Addition Eel provides unique flavor profile—slightly sweet, rich, with firm texture when crisped. This sets Ya Ge’s yusheng apart from salmon-centric versions.
Value Proposition: At $108++ per person starting price, Ya Ge positions slightly below premium tier ($168++) while delivering comparable ingredient quality. The $1,988++ table for 10 ($198.80 per person) represents solid middle-luxury positioning.
Verdict: Best zodiac-themed innovation. The horse pudding shows commitment to 2026 celebration rather than generic CNY menu. Ideal for diners seeking Instagram-worthy presentations without ultra-premium pricing.
5. White Restaurant (Multiple Locations) – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Contemporary Chinese with Singaporean Influences
Price Range: Set menus from $238++
Rating: ★★★★☆
2026 Special Feature: Bee Cheng Hiang Collaboration
White Restaurant presents a special festive collaboration with Bee Cheng Hiang, bringing three creative dishes that marry heritage with modern taste, available January 13 to March 3 except February 16.
Signature Dish Analysis:
Golden Horse Bakkwa Crispy Pulled Pork Yusheng (Abalone or Gui Fei) This represents one of 2026’s most innovative yusheng offerings. The collaboration brings together two beloved Singaporean brands:
- Bakkwa Integration: Bee Cheng Hiang’s signature barbecued pork, grilled to order, provides smoky-sweet flavor and chewy texture. Breaking it into crispy pulled pork creates better integration with yusheng components.
- Abalone Version: Adds luxury element and ocean sweetness. Abalone’s firm, chewy texture contrasts beautifully with crispy bakkwa.
- Gui Fei Version: Gui Fei (imperial concubine) typically refers to premium ingredients—possibly lychees (Yang Guifei’s favorite), creating sweet-savory interplay.
The bakkwa-yusheng fusion makes cultural sense: both are CNY staples. This isn’t gimmicky but rather thoughtful integration of complementary traditions.
Golden Crabmeat Fish Maw Soup with Dry Scallops The “golden” designation suggests rich, luxurious broth—likely from long-simmered superior stock with added crab roe for color and flavor. Fish maw provides collagen-rich, slippery texture. Dry scallops (conpoy) add concentrated umami punch. This soup represents comfort-luxury balance.
VSOP Drunken Herbal Prawns VSOP cognac (12-20 year aging) brings complex fruit-spice notes. “Drunken” preparation involves brief alcohol flambé that burns off harsh alcohol while leaving aromatic complexity. Herbal component (likely goji berries, ginger, angelica root) provides warming properties. Tiger prawns retain sweetness while absorbing VSOP aromatics.
Takeaway Bundle Advantage: White Restaurant’s CNY takeaway bundles allow home celebrations with restaurant quality. The Bee Cheng Hiang collaboration items remain available for takeaway, bringing signature innovation home.
Early Bird Promotion: Valid for all CNY set menu reservations and takeaway bundles from January 13 to March 3 except February 16, 2026.
Verdict: Most creative brand collaboration of 2026. The bakkwa-yusheng fusion is culturally grounded rather than arbitrary. Best for Singaporean families seeking local twist on traditional reunion dinner.
6. Hai Tien Lo, Pan Pacific Singapore – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Award-Winning Cantonese
Price Range: Fortune Blessing Menu from $168++ per person
Rating: ★★★★☆
Signature Dish Analysis:
Sliced Barbecued Beijing Duck and Jelly Fish The pairing shows culinary sophistication. Beijing duck (Peking duck) provides rich, fatty skin with crispy texture. Jellyfish offers cooling, crunchy contrast with slightly briny flavor. The combination creates yin-yang balance—hot/cold, rich/light, soft/crunchy.
Sliced Barbecued Spanish Honey-Glazed Iberico Pork Upgrading from standard pork to Spanish Iberico shows premium positioning. Iberico pork (from acorn-fed pigs) offers superior marbling, nutty flavor, and buttery texture. Honey glazing creates caramelization while enhancing pork’s natural sweetness.
Wok-Fried Prawns, Scallops, Seasonal Mushrooms, and Green Vegetables This dish demonstrates wok hei (breath of wok)—the slightly charred, smoky flavor from high-heat wok cooking. The multi-ingredient approach (prawns + scallops + mushrooms + vegetables) creates complex flavor-texture profile. Proper execution requires precise timing: seafood cooks quickly, vegetables need longer, mushrooms fall between.
Value Analysis: At $168++ per person, Hai Tien Lo positions at the premium hotel tier alongside Summer Pavilion. The Fortune Blessing Menu likely includes 6-8 courses, making per-course cost competitive with other premium venues.
Verdict: Solid premium option for those seeking award-winning restaurant with less hype than Michelin-starred venues. The Spanish Iberico pork shows ingredient innovation while maintaining Cantonese technique purity.
7. Mimi Restaurant, Clarke Quay – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: Heritage Teochew & Cantonese
Price Range: Feast sets from $98++ per person (minimum 4 pax); vegetarian menu from $88++ per person
Rating: ★★★★½
2026 Heritage Spotlight:
This heritage restaurant set alongside the Singapore River is one of two remaining conserved Chinese mansions in Singapore, with a rich history dating back 155 years—more than twice the country’s age.
The historical setting adds immeasurable value to the dining experience. The 155-year-old mansion has witnessed Singapore’s transformation from colonial outpost to global metropolis. Dining in such preserved architectural heritage connects celebrants to Chinese immigrant traditions while enjoying modern culinary interpretations.
Signature Dish Analysis:
Claypot Prawns with Fried Buns This Cantonese classic showcases technique and timing. Prawns are briefly seared in hot claypot, creating caramelization without overcooking. The sauce (likely XO, garlic, chili) provides savory-spicy depth. Fried buns (mantou) serve dual purpose: soaking up rich sauce and providing textural contrast to tender prawns.
Steamed Star Garoupa Star garoupa (another name for grouper varieties) offers sweet, delicate flesh perfect for steaming. Traditional Cantonese steaming uses only ginger, scallions, and superior light soy sauce—allowing fish quality to dominate. Proper execution requires pristinely fresh fish and precise timing (8-10 minutes).
Double-Boiled Morel Mushroom and Bamboo Pith Soup (Vegetarian) Morel mushrooms ($150+ per kg) provide earthy, complex flavor with honeycomb texture. Bamboo pith (bamboo fungus) offers delicate, lacy texture and subtle sweetness. The double-boiling technique extracts flavors without cloudiness. This vegetarian soup rivals meat-based versions in complexity and richness.
Sweet and Sour Seaweed ‘Fish’ (Vegetarian) This creative vegetarian dish uses seaweed to mimic fish texture and ocean flavor. The sweet-sour sauce (likely vinegar, sugar, tomato, pineapple) provides familiar flavor profile while accommodating plant-based diets.
Vegetarian Value: At $88++ per person, the vegetarian menu costs $10 less than meat-based sets while maintaining ingredient quality and course count—rare fair pricing in Chinese fine dining.
Verdict: Best heritage dining experience. The 155-year-old mansion setting justifies visit alone. At $98++ per person, Mimi offers premium ingredients and historical ambiance at mid-luxury pricing. Exceptional vegetarian options make this rare inclusive choice for mixed-diet families.
8. Edge Buffet, Pan Pacific Singapore – NEW 2026
Cuisine Style: International Buffet with Chinese Highlights
Price Range: Lunar New Year Weekday Lunch from $72++ per person
Rating: ★★★½☆
Buffet Strategy Analysis:
Edge represents different value proposition: volume, variety, and flexibility over focused culinary excellence. The weekday lunch at $72++ per person positions significantly below set menu restaurants ($108-218++), making it accessible entry point for budget-conscious celebrations.
CNY Highlights:
Drunken Tiger Prawn Tiger prawns briefly poached in Shaoxing wine broth, creating sweet-savory flavor with alcohol aromatics. Buffet format allows unlimited servings—major advantage for prawn enthusiasts.
Eight Treasures Free-Range Chicken “Eight treasures” typically indicates filling of glutinous rice, chestnuts, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Free-range designation promises better texture and flavor than factory-farmed chicken.
Braised Pork Knuckle with Lotus Bun Pork knuckle (trotters) braised until gelatinous and tender. Lotus bun provides neutral vehicle for rich, fatty meat. This dish represents comfort-food excellence.
International Variety: Unlike Chinese restaurants, Edge offers sourdough pizza, sushi, seafood on ice, and Western dishes alongside CNY specials. This makes it ideal for families with diverse preferences or children who might not enjoy traditional Chinese banquet fare.
Pricing Tiers:
- Weekday Lunch: $72++ per person (best value)
- Weekend Dinner: Higher pricing but access to premium items
- Children dine at 50% adult rate
Verdict: Best for large, multi-generational families with diverse tastes. The buffet format eliminates pre-ordering stress and accommodates various dietary preferences. Not for food purists seeking technical excellence, but excellent for practical, relaxed celebrations where variety matters more than focused culinary vision.
Comprehensive 2026 Delivery & Takeaway Guide
Premium Hotel Deliveries – UPDATED 2026
1. Fu Yuan Teochew Dining ⭐ TOP PICK
- Exclusive CNY Takeaway Set: $288++ for 6 persons
- Items include: Fu Yuan Style Herbal Chicken, Golden Deep-Fried Dragon Tiger Grouper
- Abundance Koi Nian Gao: $36.80++
- Collection: February 2 to March 3, 2026, 12pm-9pm
- Value Analysis: At $48 per person, this undercuts competitors by 40-50%
2. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
- Prosperity Yusheng from $98++
- Premium Pen Cai $628, overflowing with luxurious scallops, abalone, fish maw, prawns in rich seafood broth
- Award-winning Executive Chef David Toh’s curation
- Yusheng features premium salmon sashimi, pickled greens, golden crackers
3. York Hotel (White Rose Café) ⭐ BEST BUDGET OPTION
- Reunion Dinner Buffet (Feb 16): $88++ per adult, $40++ per child (ages 5-11)
- Features: Teochew-style Braised Shark’s Fin Soup, Angelica Herb Roast Duck, Bi Feng Tang Tiger Prawn
- Each table receives Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Nordic Salmon and Sliced Abalone for tossing
- Takeaway: Flavours of Fortune Combo $298++
- Collection: February 2 to March 3, 11am-8pm; last collection CNY Eve at 4pm
4. Ban Lan (Michelin-Approved Fujian) ⭐ MOST INNOVATIVE
- Longevity Pen Cai $599++ – seven-course menu featuring abalone, spiny sea cucumber, live black tiger prawns
- Signature roasted chicken: meat so tender it falls off bone
- Order: February 9 to March 3, 2026, minimum 1 day advance
- Innovation: First Lunar New Year menu since Singapore opening in 2025
- Famous Hokkien dishes in premium pen cai format
Mid-Range Excellence – 2026 UPDATES
5. Keng Eng Kee (MICHELIN Plate)
- Premium Reunion Set: $568
- Highlights: Fortune Yusheng, Steamed Garoupa, Premium Collagen Fishmaw Sea Cucumber Soup
- Signature KEK Braised Pork Knuckle
- Delivery available with advance ordering
6. Jumbo Seafood
- CNY menus February 2 to March 8, 2026
- Reunion Set Menu (CNY Eve): Salmon yusheng, herbal poached live prawns, steamed soon hock
- Celebration Set Menu (other dates): Award-winning chilli crab with man you, Boston lobster with silky egg
- Multiple outlets: Dempsey, East Coast, IMM, Robertson Quay
- Booking essential for CNY Eve slots
7. Lao Huo Tang
- CNY Takeaway Bundles: $268-488 for 4-8 pax
- Wealth & Prosperity Pomfret
- Abundance Fortune Treasure Pot $238: abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw
- Island-wide delivery and self-collection
8. Yang Ming Seafood
- 8-10 pax sets from $688.80
- Prosperity abalone yu sheng, steamed fish, rock lobster
- January 23 to March 3, 2026
- Bishan and Ubi outlets
Value & Specialty Options – 2026
9. FoodLine Platform ⭐ BEST AGGREGATOR
- Promo code ‘ETBFL20’: $20 off with no minimum spend on CNY catering orders
- All customers receive $400 worth of HUAT! Together Vouchers
- 1000+ restaurants available
- One-stop comparison shopping for all budgets
10. Crystal Jade
- Auspicious Reunion Feast Bundle: $586.42
- Abalone pen cai, honey-glazed Spanish pork ribs, prosperity carrot cake
- Early bird promotion available
- Order online, delivery from selected restaurants
11. Dian Xiao Er
- Abundance Set for 5 pax
- Signature Herbal Roast Duck (Angelica/Ten Wonder/Wild Ginseng options)
- Superior Fish Maw Soup
- Note: February 16 pick-up only; other dates delivery available
12. Putien
- Fortune to Go Set for 6
- Prosperity Yusheng with Abalone
- Deep-fried Chicken with Garlic, Squirrel Yellow Croaker
- Island-wide delivery
Alternative Cuisine – 2026 EXPANSION
13. Ichiban Sushi (Japanese-CNY Fusion)
- Japanese-style CNY sets
- $10 off all pick-up orders
- In-store ordering: until February 12, 2026
- Delivery: January 2 to February 12, 2026
14. Siam Kitchen (Halal Thai)
- Thai-inspired mini buffet sets up to 10 pax
- Island-wide delivery ($40+ delivery fee)
- CNY Surcharge: Additional $40+ January 28-30
- Location: HomeTeam NS Khatib Clubhouse
- Advantage: Halal-certified option rare in CNY market
2026 Price-Value Analysis Matrix – UPDATED
Ultra-Premium Tier ($200++ per person and above)
Best Choice: Still Summer Pavilion or Yan Ting (if 2025 pricing holds)
- Price increase: ~$10-20 per person from 2025
- Justification: Ingredient cost inflation 8-12%, enhanced service standards
- Suitable for: High-stakes business entertainment, milestone celebrations
Premium Tier ($160-200 per person)
Best Choice: Hai Tien Lo or Fu Yuan Teochew (premium sets)
- New competitive landscape with Fu Yuan’s aggressive pricing
- Excellent ingredient quality maintained despite economic pressures
- Suitable for: Family celebrations, impressing guests without excessive cost
Mid-Premium Tier ($108-160 per person) ⭐ BEST VALUE ZONE
Best Choice: Xin Cuisine, Ya Ge, or Mimi Restaurant
- Most competitive 2026 pricing
- Interesting menu innovations (horse-themed yusheng, brand collaborations)
- Suitable for: Quality-conscious families, first-time fine dining celebrants
Mid-Range Tier ($70-108 per person)
Best Choice: Edge Buffet or York Hotel
- Buffet format provides flexibility and volume
- Ideal for mixed preferences and large groups
- Suitable for: Multi-generational families, budget-conscious groups
Home Celebration Tier (Takeaway/Delivery)
Best Choice: Fu Yuan ($288 for 6 = $48 per person) ⭐ EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
- Restaurant quality at home prices
- Eliminates service charge and GST on service
- Suitable for: Practical families, those preferring home comfort
2026-Specific Recommendations
For Year of the Horse Theming
Top Pick: Ya Ge with orange-flavored horse pudding yusheng
- Direct zodiac integration showing 2026-specific creativity
- Instagram-worthy presentations
- Suitable for: Social media enthusiasts, younger diners
For Brand Innovation
Top Pick: White Restaurant x Bee Cheng Hiang
- First major restaurant-bakkwa collaboration
- Culturally grounded rather than gimmicky
- Suitable for: Singaporean families celebrating local heritage
For Heritage Experience
Top Pick: Mimi Restaurant
- 155-year-old Chinese mansion, one of only two remaining in Singapore
- Vegetarian options at fair pricing
- Suitable for: History enthusiasts, mixed-diet families
For Michelin Quality on Budget
Top Pick: Summer Pavilion lunch ($168++)
- One Michelin Star at accessible price point
- Superior technical execution
- Suitable for: Food enthusiasts, celebrating special occasions
For Maximum Flexibility
Top Pick: Edge Buffet ($72++ weekday lunch)
- Volume, variety, and dietary accommodation
- Children half-price
- Suitable for: Large families with diverse preferences
For Home Celebrations
Top Pick: Fu Yuan Takeaway ($288 for 6)
- 50% savings vs. comparable dine-in
- Restaurant quality maintained
- Suitable for: Practical families, home-comfort preferences
Critical 2026 Booking & Planning Tips
1. Reserve IMMEDIATELY
- Fu Yuan recommends securing reservations at least 3 weeks in advance, as CNY is their most sought-after dining period
- February 16 (CNY Eve) books fastest—many venues already at 70-80% capacity
- Private dining rooms at premium venues filling rapidly
2. Understand Deposit Requirements
- A deposit is required to secure all dine-in reservations
- Amounts vary: typically 30-50% for premium venues
- Full pre-payment often required for CNY Eve (February 16)
**3. Delivery Timeline – CRITICAL
- Most require 1-3 days advance notice
- Popular takeaway slots (5-6pm) fill first
- Last collection CNY Eve: typically 3-5pm (York Hotel: 4pm)
**4. Budget Planning – 2026 ADJUSTED
- Add 17% to all ++ prices (10% service + 9% GST)
- Note: GST increased from 7% to 9% in 2024
- CNY Eve surcharges: expect $40-80 additional for delivery
- Group size optimization: sets for 10 generally offer 15-20% better per-person value
5. Early Bird Promotions
- Grand Copthorne: Book and complete full prepayment by January 27, 2026 to receive 25% discount
- Many restaurants offering 10-15% discounts for bookings before January 15
- Check restaurant websites for promo codes
6. Menu Selection Strategy
- Always include yusheng (prosperity symbolism essential)
- Balance seafood (light) with braised meats (rich) for digestive comfort
- Order one “showpiece” dish (pen cai, whole fish, suckling pig) for visual impact
- Don’t skip soup (symbolizes family completeness)
- Plan dessert (sweet ending = sweet year ahead)
7. Accommodation for Dietary Restrictions
- Mimi Restaurant offers comprehensive vegetarian menu from $88++
- Call restaurants directly for allergen-free modifications
- Halal option: Siam Kitchen (Thai) available
8. Timing Optimization
- Early seating (5:30-6pm): Better for families with children
- Late seating (8:30pm+): Adult-only celebrations, more relaxed pace
- Lunch celebrations: 30-40% cheaper than dinner for identical menus
Final 2026 Recommendations – UPDATED
Best Overall Value ⭐
Fu Yuan Teochew Dining – At $288 for 6 persons takeaway ($48 per person), this delivers restaurant-quality celebration at home prices. For dine-in, the $488 four-person set ($122 per person) undercuts competitors while maintaining premium ingredients.
Best Culinary Experience ⭐
Summer Pavilion – Despite price increase to $168++, maintains Michelin-star standards. Chef Cheung Siu Kong’s technical mastery and ingredient sourcing remain unmatched in hotel dining sector.
Best Innovation ⭐
White Restaurant x Bee Cheng Hiang – The bakkwa-yusheng collaboration represents legitimate cultural fusion. Shows how Singaporean brands can innovate while respecting tradition.
Best Heritage Experience ⭐
Mimi Restaurant – 155-year-old conserved mansion provides historical context impossible to replicate. At $98++ per person with excellent vegetarian options, offers unique value proposition.
Best Zodiac Theming ⭐
Ya Ge – Orange-flavored horse pudding in Prosperity Yu Sheng shows commitment to Year of the Horse celebration. Instagram-worthy presentation at reasonable $108++ entry point.
Best for Large Groups ⭐
Xin Cuisine – The $6,666++ banquet for 10 ($666.60 per person) targets luxury corporate entertainment with unforgettable numerology. For smaller budgets, $108++ entry point remains accessible.
Best Buffet Option ⭐
Edge, Pan Pacific – $72++ weekday lunch provides volume and variety. CNY highlights supplement international offerings for maximum dietary accommodation.
Best Early Bird Value ⭐
Grand Copthorne – 25% discount for bookings with full prepayment by January 27 represents exceptional savings on premium reunion dinners.
Conclusion: 2026 Market Outlook
Singapore’s 2026 CNY dining scene reflects post-pandemic market maturation. While prices have increased 5-8% across the board, restaurants are competing through innovation rather than just premium ingredients. The Year of the Horse brings genuine creativity: zodiac-themed presentations (Ya Ge), brand collaborations (White Restaurant x Bee Cheng Hiang), and heritage positioning (Mimi Restaurant).
Key 2026 Trends:
- Aggressive Takeaway Expansion: Fu Yuan’s $288 six-person set signals restaurants recognizing home celebrations as permanent shift, not temporary pandemic response.
- Value Polarization: Market splitting into ultra-luxury ($400++ per person) and accessible premium ($108-168++) with less middle ground.
- Cultural Innovation: Chifa-style fusion (like 2025’s Canchita) expanding to local brand collaborations showing how innovation can respect tradition.
- Booking Urgency: 3-week advance booking recommendations from premium venues indicate demand exceeding supply—book now.
- Inclusive Dining: Improved vegetarian/vegan/halal options (Mimi, Siam Kitchen) reflecting Singapore’s diverse demographics.
Final Advice: Don’t wait for “perfect” choice. Quality options exist at every price point, but availability diminishes daily. Whether choosing Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion, heritage Mimi Restaurant, innovative White Restaurant, or value-champion Fu Yuan, the best CNY celebration balances auspicious traditions with genuine quality and creates lasting memories beyond the meal itself.
Book immediately. May the Year of the Fire Horse bring prosperity, health, and exceptional dining experiences. 🐴🧧