Ready to saddle up for a feast this Chinese New Year? Singapore’s dining scene is charging ahead to welcome the Year of the Horse with renewed energy and creativity! From symbolic dishes representing strength and vitality to buffets that’ll have you galloping back for seconds, there’s an incredible spread waiting for you.
In this updated guide, we’ve rounded up the most exciting Chinese New Year dining experiences across the city for 2026, complete with new menus, updated pricing, and our honest takes on what’s worth your hard-earned dollars!
YÀN’s Cantonese Delights
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
2026 Updates
YÀN continues to impress with seven specially curated set menus this year, expanding their offerings to include more contemporary Cantonese interpretations while maintaining traditional roots.
2026 Pricing:
- Seven set menus: S$158++ to S$318++ per person (up from S$138-288++)
- Yu Sheng: S$98++ (small), S$168++ (large)
- Harvest Pen Cai: S$388++ (up from previous pricing)
New Menu Highlights
Galloping Prosperity Yu Sheng The 2026 iteration features a stunning horse-shaped presentation with crispy fried vermicelli forming a flowing mane. Premium yellowtail is now complemented by Hokkaido uni and Alaskan king crab, elevated further with truffle oil and 24k gold flakes. The tangy plum dressing adds a refreshing dimension that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Dish Analysis: The theatrical presentation is Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, the ingredient quality justifies the premium pricing. The uni adds a creamy umami depth that previous versions lacked. However, the truffle oil can be slightly overpowering for traditionalists. Rating: 4.5/5
Supreme Treasure Pen Cai (New) This year’s pen cai has been upgraded to 20 premium ingredients, including Japanese sea cucumber, Brittany blue lobster, and Iberico pork collar. Each component is masterfully prepared before being layered in the claypot and finished with a 12-hour superior stock infused with dried scallops and Chinese ham.
Dish Analysis: The depth of flavor in this pot is extraordinary. The stock alone is worth the price of admission, with each ingredient absorbing those complex, savory notes. The Iberico pork collar is a brilliant addition, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the firmer seafood. At S$388++, it’s expensive, but feeds 6-8 people generously. Rating: 5/5
Braised Whole Abalone with Sea Asparagus and Black Truffle A new addition to their à la carte menu, this dish showcases 6-head South African abalone braised for 8 hours until butter-soft, served on a bed of sea asparagus with shaved black truffle.
Dish Analysis: The abalone is cooked to absolute perfection—tender without being mushy, with a subtle ocean sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the earthy truffle. The sea asparagus provides a delightful textural contrast and slight brininess. However, at S$128++ per piece, it’s a splurge. Rating: 4.5/5
Double-Boiled Cordyceps Flower Soup with Fish Maw A nourishing soup featuring cordyceps flowers, premium fish maw, and free-range chicken, double-boiled for 6 hours.
Dish Analysis: This is comfort in a bowl. The broth is crystal clear yet deeply flavorful, with the cordyceps adding an earthy, slightly sweet note. The fish maw is properly prepared—soft and gelatinous without any fishy taste. It’s traditional Chinese wellness cooking at its finest. Rating: 4/5
Wok-Fried Boston Lobster with Ginger and Spring Onion Fresh Boston lobster prepared with the classic Cantonese technique, featuring young ginger and scallions.
Dish Analysis: The lobster is incredibly fresh and the wok hei (breath of the wok) is evident in every bite. The ginger-scallion sauce is well-balanced, enhancing rather than masking the natural sweetness of the lobster. Execution is flawless. Rating: 4.5/5
Desserts
Osmanthus Jelly with Wolfberries and Longan A refreshing end featuring delicate osmanthus-infused jelly with sweet wolfberries and fresh longan.
Deep-Fried Sesame Balls with Salted Egg Custard (New) A modern twist on the classic, featuring a flowing salted egg yolk custard center.
Dish Analysis: The desserts strike a nice balance between tradition and innovation. The osmanthus jelly is light and fragrant—perfect after a heavy meal. The sesame balls with salted egg custard are dangerously addictive, with the sweet-savory contrast working beautifully. Just arrive hot! Rating: 4/5
Overall Verdict
YÀN has raised the bar for 2026. While prices have increased by roughly 15-20%, the quality improvements and portion sizes justify the premium. The new dishes show creative evolution while respecting Cantonese traditions. Service remains impeccable, and the National Gallery setting adds elegance to the experience.
Best For: Special occasions, impressing guests, authentic high-end Cantonese cuisine Skip If: You’re on a tight budget or prefer more casual dining
📅 Date: 13 January to 12 February 2026
📍 Location: #05-02 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
⏰ Time: 11:30am-2:30pm (Lunch), 6pm-8:30pm (Dinner)
💡 Tip: Book at least 3 days in advance for set menus during peak CNY period
Chatterbox’s CNY Set Menu
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
2026 Updates
Chatterbox maintains its accessible approach to Chinese New Year dining while refining its offerings. The venue’s casual sophistication makes it ideal for those who want quality without the intimidating formality.
2026 Pricing:
- Lunar New Year Yusheng: S$98++ (up from S$88++)
- CNY Set Menu: S$88++ per guest, minimum 2 (up from S$80++)
- Mini Bak Kut Teh add-on: S$12++ (up from S$10++)
- Mini Lobster Laksa add-on: S$18++ (up from S$15++)
Menu Analysis
Lunar New Year Yusheng Chatterbox’s version stays true to tradition with fresh salmon, crispy crackers, pickled vegetables, and a house-made plum sauce with hints of kumquat.
Dish Analysis: This is a solid, well-executed yusheng without unnecessary frills. The ingredients are fresh, portions are generous, and the sauce has a nice balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It won’t blow your mind, but it won’t disappoint either—reliable comfort food. Rating: 4/5
Mini-Trio Appetiser Golden Crumb Scallop, Kueh Pie Tee, and Chicken Satay provide a nice variety of textures and flavors to start.
Dish Analysis: The scallop is sweet and properly seared with a satisfying crunch from the crumb coating. The kueh pie tee shells are crispy and filled generously with turnip and shrimp. The satay is tender with authentic peanut sauce. A well-composed starter that showcases different cooking techniques. Rating: 4/5
Wok-Fried Prawns with Butter and Cereal Large tiger prawns coated in a buttery cereal mixture with curry leaves.
Dish Analysis: This is where Chatterbox shines. The prawns are fresh and cooked just right, while the cereal coating is addictively crispy without being greasy. The curry leaves add an aromatic punch. Easily the standout of the set menu. Rating: 4.5/5
Braised Sea Cucumber with Abalone and Mushrooms (Updated) The 2026 version now includes baby abalone alongside the sea cucumber, braised in a rich oyster sauce with shiitake mushrooms.
Dish Analysis: The addition of abalone elevates this classic dish significantly. The sea cucumber has a wonderful texture—soft yet with a pleasant chew. The braising liquid is thick and flavorful, making it perfect over rice. Good value for money given the premium ingredients. Rating: 4/5
Mandarin Chicken Rice Chatterbox’s legendary signature dish needs no introduction.
Dish Analysis: This remains one of Singapore’s best chicken rice preparations. The chicken is poached to silky perfection, and the rice is fragrant with chicken fat and ginger. Even during the festive rush, quality control remains tight. If you haven’t tried it, this set menu is a great excuse. Rating: 5/5
Deep-Fried Trout with Sweet and Sour Sauce Whole trout, deep-fried until crispy and topped with a tangy sweet and sour sauce with bell peppers and pineapple.
Dish Analysis: The fish is fried well—crispy skin with moist, flaky flesh. The sauce is a bit too sweet for my taste, leaning more toward a Westernized Chinese-American style rather than authentic Cantonese. Decent, but not memorable. Rating: 3.5/5
Coconut Ice Cream Their signature dessert featuring house-made coconut ice cream.
Dish Analysis: Refreshing and not overly sweet, with genuine coconut flavor rather than artificial essence. Perfect for cooling down after the feast. Simple but effective. Rating: 4/5
Overall Verdict
Chatterbox offers reliable quality at mid-range prices. While the menu doesn’t push boundaries, the execution is consistently good and the familiar favorites hit the spot. The 10% price increase is reasonable given inflation, and the set menu remains good value for what you get. Service is efficient, though the space can get noisy during peak hours.
Best For: Families, first-time CNY diners, fans of the classic chicken rice
Skip If: You want more adventurous or refined flavors
📅 Date: 29 January to 9 February 2026
📍 Location: 333 Orchard Rd, #05-03 Hilton, Singapore 238867
⏰ Opening Hours: 5:30pm-10:30pm (Mon-Thu), 5:30pm-11pm (Fri-Sun)
💡 Tip: The mini lobster laksa add-on is worth it if you’re a laksa fan
Tablescape’s Abundant Feasts
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
2026 Updates
Tablescape continues to bridge East and West with sophisticated modern European techniques applied to Chinese New Year traditions. This year’s menu shows even more confidence in fusion execution.
2026 Pricing:
- Tablescape Seafood Yu Sheng: S$208++ (up from S$188++)
- Prosperity in a Pot: S$248++ (up from S$218++)
- Tablescape Prosperity Set: S$338++ for 4-6 pax, S$478++ for 6-8 pax (up from S$299/S$428)
- Auspicious Treasures Set Menu: S$98++ per person, minimum 2 (up from S$88++)
Menu Highlights
Tablescape Seafood Yu Sheng The 2026 horse-themed presentation (evolved from last year’s snake) features Josper-grilled octopus, Boston lobster, maguro and salmon sashimi, with crispy wonton skin “horseshoes,” tobiko, ikura, and edible gold leaf. The honey yuzu dressing has been refined with a touch of champagne vinegar.
Dish Analysis: This is where Tablescape truly differentiates itself. The Josper-grilled octopus adds a smoky dimension rarely found in yusheng, while the champagne vinegar in the dressing provides sophisticated acidity. The presentation is breathtaking—genuinely art on a plate. However, at S$208++, it’s positioned firmly in the luxury category. The flavors justify it, but your wallet might disagree. Rating: 5/5
Prosperity in a Pot The pen cai reimagined with Italian acqua pazza influences. This year’s version includes whole Boston lobster, Hokkaido scallops, New Zealand green-lipped mussels, abalone, sea prawns, and roasted chicken, all swimming in a broth made with cherry tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and herbs.
Dish Analysis: This is fusion done right. The acqua pazza broth is lighter and more aromatic than traditional pen cai, with the tomatoes providing brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness. The seafood is pristinely fresh, and the cooking technique ensures nothing is overcooked. The roasted chicken adds depth and makes it more substantial. It’s unconventional, but absolutely delicious. Portion serves 6 comfortably. Rating: 4.5/5
Auspicious Treasures Set Menu – Selected Dishes
Morel Mushroom Chicken Soup with Truffle Foam A clear chicken consommé enriched with morel mushrooms and topped with a delicate truffle foam.
Dish Analysis: The consommé is crystal clear with intense chicken flavor—clearly made from quality stock. The morels add earthiness, and the truffle foam provides aromatic luxury without overwhelming the soup. Elegant and refined. Rating: 4.5/5
Pan-Seared Cod with XO Sauce and Crispy Garlic Atlantic cod with house-made XO sauce, served with pak choi and crispy garlic chips.
Dish Analysis: The cod is perfectly cooked—flaky and moist. The XO sauce brings umami punch and controlled heat, while the crispy garlic adds textural contrast. This is East-West fusion that actually makes sense. The pak choi is a nice touch for freshness. Rating: 4.5/5
Honey Soya Sauce Chicken with Asian Herbs Free-range chicken marinated in honey and soy, roasted until the skin is lacquered and crispy, served with a medley of Asian herbs.
Dish Analysis: The skin is gorgeously caramelized with a sweet-savory glaze, while the meat remains juicy. The herb medley (cilantro, Thai basil, mint) adds freshness and helps cut through the richness. Well-executed modern take on soy sauce chicken. Rating: 4/5
Lotus Leaf Fried Rice with Dried Scallops and Lap Cheong Fragrant fried rice wrapped in lotus leaf, studded with dried scallops, Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms.
Dish Analysis: The lotus leaf imparts a wonderful herbal fragrance to the rice. Each grain is separate (the mark of good fried rice), and the ingredients are distributed evenly. The dried scallops provide umami depth, while the lap cheong adds sweetness. Comforting and satisfying. Rating: 4/5
Champagne Gel with Forest Berries and Yuzu Sorbet A light dessert featuring champagne gel, mixed berries, and a palate-cleansing yuzu sorbet.
Dish Analysis: This dessert is refreshing and sophisticated—perfect after a multi-course meal. The champagne gel is delicate with pleasant bubbles, the berries provide tartness, and the yuzu sorbet is the ideal cleanser. Not too sweet, beautifully balanced. Rating: 4.5/5
Overall Verdict
Tablescape delivers one of the most interesting Chinese New Year experiences in Singapore. The fusion approach isn’t gimmicky—it’s thoughtful and well-executed. The price increases are steeper than average (15-20%), but the quality and creativity justify it. If you want something beyond traditional Chinese New Year fare without sacrificing flavor, this is your spot.
Best For: Adventurous diners, fusion food lovers, special occasions
Skip If: You’re a CNY traditionalist or want pure Cantonese flavors
📅 Date: 13 January to 12 February 2026
📍 Location: Level 3, 10 Coleman Street, Grand Park City Hall, S179809
⏰ Time: 12pm-2:30pm (Lunch, Tue-Sun), 6:30pm-10pm (Dinner, Tue-Sun)
💡 Tip: The takeaway sets are excellent if you’re hosting at home
Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
2026 Updates
The Michelin-starred restaurant maintains its exceptional standards while introducing new elements to the Abundant Fortune Pot. This remains one of the most prestigious CNY dining options in Singapore.
2026 Pricing:
- Shisen Hanten Abundant Fortune Pot: S$588++ (up from S$518+)
- Complimentary items: Premium Salmon Yu Sheng, Wok-fried Glutinous Rice, Signature Chilli Sauce
Dish Analysis: Abundant Fortune Pot
This is not just a dish—it’s an experience. The 2026 version includes:
- Braised whole pork knuckle (slow-cooked for 8 hours)
- Char siu glazed roasted duck
- 8-head South African abalone (two pieces)
- Japanese Hokkaido scallops (6 pieces)
- Live bamboo prawns (6 pieces)
- Premium sea cucumber from Hokkaido
- Braised pork belly with preserved mustard greens
- Fish maw
- Dried oysters
- Sea moss
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Black moss (fat choy)
- Napa cabbage
- And more…
The Breakdown:
Pork Knuckle: The star of the show. After 8 hours of braising, the meat falls off the bone, and the skin has that gelatinous, collagen-rich quality that melts in your mouth. The five-spice marinade penetrates deep, providing warmth and complexity. 5/5
Roasted Duck: The char siu glaze is brilliant—sweet, sticky, and caramelized with a hint of star anise. The duck itself is succulent with crispy skin. This alone would be a main dish at most restaurants. 5/5
Abalone: These 8-head abalones are luxurious. Braised until tender with a slight chew, they’ve absorbed the rich braising liquid beautifully. At this quality level, each piece could easily cost S$40+ elsewhere. 5/5
Scallops and Prawns: Impeccably fresh. The scallops are sweet and buttery, while the bamboo prawns have that characteristic firm snap and intense prawn flavor. Both are cooked just until done—no rubbery overcooked seafood here. 5/5
Sea Cucumber: Properly prepared sea cucumber is a luxury, and Shisen Hanten’s is textbook perfect. Soft, gelatinous texture that’s absorbed all the flavors from the pot, providing that unique mouthfeel that’s prized in Chinese cuisine. 5/5
The Broth: This is where mastery shows. The broth ties everything together—rich, deeply savory with layers of umami from dried seafood, pork, and the collective juices from all ingredients. It’s the kind of liquid gold you want to drink by the spoonful or pour over rice. 5/5
Complimentary Salmon Yu Sheng: Fresh, well-portioned, and comes with quality house-made sauce. It’s not the most innovative yu sheng, but it’s properly executed and serves its symbolic purpose. 4/5
Wok-fried Glutinous Rice: Fragrant and studded with Chinese sausage and crispy sakura shrimp. The texture is perfect—sticky but not mushy, with good wok hei. A comforting way to round out the meal. 4.5/5
Signature Chilli Sauce: A jar of their famous chilli sauce to take home. Spicy, garlicky, and addictive—great with dumplings, noodles, or just about anything. A nice touch. 4/5
Overall Verdict
At S$588++, this is the most expensive single-dish offering on our list, and it’s worth every cent. The quality of ingredients, the precision of cooking, and the thoughtfulness of composition are all Michelin-starred caliber. This pot easily feeds 6-8 people, making the per-person cost more palatable (roughly S$80-100 per person). The 13.5% price increase from 2025 is steep, but given the quality and inclusion of complimentary items, it remains competitive with other high-end CNY offerings. If you’re looking to splurge on one CNY meal, this should be it.
Best For: Special occasions, impressing VIPs, Michelin-starred quality at home
Skip If: Budget is a primary concern
📅 Date: 13 January to 12 February 2026
📍 Location: 333 Orchard Rd, Level 35 Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore 238867
⏰ Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm daily
💡 Tip: Pre-order at least 5 days in advance during CNY period
Final Thoughts: Is CNY Dining Worth It in 2026?
The Price Reality Check
Let’s be honest—prices have gone up across the board, with increases ranging from 10% to 20% compared to 2025. The average CNY set menu now costs S$90-120++ per person at mid-range establishments, while luxury options can easily exceed S$150++ per person. Takeaway pen cai ranges from S$250-600++ depending on the restaurant.
Our Take: While the sticker shock is real, most restaurants have justified increases with improved ingredients, larger portions, or enhanced presentations. Inflation, rising ingredient costs (especially premium seafood), and increased labor costs all play a role.
Value Champions:
- Best Overall Value: Chatterbox (S$88++ per person for solid execution)
- Best Premium Value: Shisen Hanten’s Abundant Fortune Pot (S$588++ feeds 6-8, includes complimentaries)
- Best Fusion Value: Tablescape (creative, generous portions, Instagram-worthy)
Value Traps:
- Buffets priced above S$120++ per person often disappoint with standard hotel buffet fare disguised as CNY specials
- Restaurants adding 15-20% to prices without meaningful menu improvements
- “Premium” yu sheng over S$150++ that don’t offer significantly better ingredients than S$100++ options
What’s Actually Worth It:
- High-Quality Pen Cai: If you’re hosting 6+ people, a premium pen cai from YÀN or Shisen Hanten is more cost-effective and impressive than cooking yourself or ordering multiple dishes.
- Signature Dishes from Specialists: Chatterbox’s chicken rice, Shisen Hanten’s anything, Tablescape’s fusion creations—when you’re paying for expertise in specific cuisines.
- Convenience: Takeaway sets save massive time and stress. If you value your time at S$50/hour, spending an extra S$100 on a takeaway set vs. cooking is absolutely worth it.
What to Skip:
- Generic Hotel Buffets: Unless it’s under S$80++ per person or features specific dishes you love, hotel buffets often recycle standard fare with minimal CNY-specific offerings.
- Overpriced Yu Sheng: A S$200++ yu sheng doesn’t taste twice as good as a S$100++ one. There’s a point of diminishing returns around the S$120++ mark for most palates.
- À La Carte CNY Menus: Often end up costing more than set menus with less variety and no guaranteed availability of specific dishes.
Quick Recommendation Guide
For Traditionalists:
- YÀN (Cantonese authenticity, generous portions)
- Shisen Hanten (if you appreciate Szechwan-Cantonese fusion done masterfully)
For Adventurous Eaters:
- Tablescape (confident fusion, beautiful presentations)
- Fireplace by Bedrock (if you want something completely different)
For Families with Kids:
- Chatterbox (familiar flavors, reliable quality, not too formal)
- 21 on Rajah buffet (variety for picky eaters)
For Impressing Clients/In-Laws:
- Shisen Hanten (Michelin star speaks for itself)
- YÀN (elegant setting, impeccable service)
For Hosting at Home:
- Shisen Hanten Abundant Fortune Pot (showstopper centerpiece)
- Tablescape Prosperity Sets (complete meal solution)
Budget-Conscious (Under S$100++ per person):
- Chatterbox CNY Set Menu
- Dao by Dorsett 3-course Fortune Set Menu
The Verdict
Chinese New Year dining in 2026 offers more creativity and quality than ever before, but you’re definitely paying for it. The best experiences come from restaurants that either excel at traditional preparations (YÀN, Shisen Hanten) or bring genuinely innovative fusion approaches (Tablescape).
The price increases are frustrating but largely justifiable given the quality delivered by top-tier establishments. However, mid-tier restaurants that raised prices without improving their offerings should be avoided.
Our advice? Pick one splurge meal at a top restaurant for the actual reunion dinner, then keep other CNY meals casual and budget-friendly. Your wallet and your taste buds will both thank you.
Gong Xi Fa Cai, and may the Year of the Horse bring you prosperity, health, and incredible meals! 🐴🧧
Reviewed in January 2026. Prices and menus subject to change. All prices quoted include service charge and GST unless otherwise stated. Reservations strongly recommended for all establishments during the CNY period.