CNY 2025 Dining Guide

by | Jan 8, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Overview

With most traditional Chinese establishments closed during Chinese New Year, Singapore’s dining landscape shifts to a diverse mix of cuisines. Here’s an in-depth analysis of what’s available and what’s worth ordering.

Premium Seafood Experiences

Red House Seafood ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Nanyang-style seafood
Price Range: $$ – $$ (Mains: $25-65, Set menus available)

Standout Dishes:

  • Abalone Yusheng – A luxurious take on the traditional prosperity toss, elevated with premium abalone
  • Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou – The quintessential Singapore dish, perfect for festive gatherings
  • Chinese Sausage Lotus Leaf Rice with Crab Meat – Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying

Analysis: Red House offers the most authentic CNY dining experience on this list, with festive menus that balance tradition and indulgence. The Nanyang-style preparations showcase robust, confident flavors. However, be prepared for higher prices and limited seating during peak hours.

Best For: Family gatherings, impressing guests, traditional CNY celebration

Jumbo Seafood ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Singaporean seafood
Price Range: $$ – $$ (Chilli crab: $50-90/kg, Set menus from $238+ for 2-3 pax)

Must-Order:

  • Chilli Crab – The signature dish that made them famous; non-negotiable
  • Cereal Fried Prawns – Addictively crunchy with sweet-savory coating
  • Scallops Wrapped in Yam Ring – Theatrical presentation, delicate flavors

Analysis: Jumbo delivers consistently excellent seafood with slightly more tourist-friendly flavors than Red House. The chilli crab is justifiably famous, though service can be rushed during festive periods. The varied opening hours across outlets require careful planning.

Best For: First-time visitors, reliable crowd-pleasers, Instagram-worthy presentations

Comfort Food Heroes

Soup Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Homestyle Chinese
Price Range: $ – $$ (Mains: $15-35, Signature chicken: $20-30)

Signature Dishes:

  • Samsui Ginger Chicken – Tender chicken with punchy ginger sauce; comfort in every bite
  • Double-Boiled Waisan and Ginseng Roots with Chicken Soup – Nourishing and restorative
  • Hometown Fried Fish Belly – Crispy exterior, melt-in-mouth interior

Analysis: Soup Restaurant strikes the perfect balance between home-cooking warmth and restaurant quality. The Samsui ginger chicken is a masterclass in simplicity, while the double-boiled soups showcase traditional Cantonese techniques. Consistent across all outlets and fully operational throughout CNY.

Best For: Those missing home-cooked meals, multi-generational dining, health-conscious eaters

White Restaurant ⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Hainanese-style Chinese
Price Range: $ – $$ (CNY 2026 set menus from $238 for 4 pax, a la carte from $38)

Featured Dishes:

  • White Bee Hoon – The signature dish with delicate, refined flavors
  • Hainanese Chicken Rice – Classic done right
  • Salted Egg Sotong – Rich, indulgent, dangerously addictive

Analysis: White Restaurant excels at unpretentious comfort food with a Hainanese twist. The white bee hoon is distinctive and lighter than typical noodle dishes. However, limited opening on the first day of CNY and multiple outlets closed may require flexibility.

Best For: Casual family meals, those seeking lighter fare, Hainanese cuisine enthusiasts

Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Teochew bak kut teh
Price Range: $ (Bak kut teh: $8-12, Braised items: $4-8 each)

Recommended:

  • Teochew Bak Kut Teh – Peppery, herbal broth that warms the soul
  • Braised Pig’s Trotter – Gelatinous, flavorful, perfectly tender
  • Braised Onsen Egg – Silky yolk enriches the broth

Analysis: The Teochew-style bak kut teh offers a lighter, more peppery alternative to the Hokkien version. The broth is complex yet clean, with herbal notes shining through. Only the Clarke Quay outlet operates during CNY, which may limit accessibility.

Best For: Bak kut teh purists, those seeking warming comfort food, intimate dining

Dim Sum & Dumplings

Din Tai Fung ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Taiwanese dim sum
Price Range: $ – $$ (Xiao long bao: $8-14/basket, Mains: $12-25)

Essential Orders:

  • Xiao Long Bao – The gold standard; perfectly balanced soup-to-dumpling ratio
  • Hot and Sour Soup – Tangy, spicy, deeply satisfying
  • Fried Rice with Pork Chop – Unexpectedly excellent, crispy pork elevates simple fried rice

Analysis: Din Tai Fung’s reliability is unmatched. The xiao long bao remains consistently excellent across all outlets, with paper-thin skins and flavorful broth. Limited hours and varying outlet availability require advance planning.

Best For: Dim sum lovers, those wanting quality without fuss, lunch gatherings

Paradise Dynasty ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Modern Chinese dim sum
Price Range: $ – $$ (Colored xiao long bao: $18-22/basket, Mains: $15-30)

Unique Offerings:

  • Coloured Xiao Long Bao Collection – Foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe variations
  • Traditional Xiao Long Bao – For purists who appreciate the original

Analysis: Paradise Dynasty brings innovation and Instagram appeal to traditional dim sum. The colored xiao long bao are surprisingly well-executed despite their novelty factor. The black truffle and crab roe versions particularly impress. However, some may find the concept gimmicky.

Best For: Adventurous eaters, social media content, trying something different

Dian Xiao Er ⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Traditional Chinese
Price Range: $ – $$ (CNY takeaway sets from $183 for 3 pax, Herbal duck: $20-35)

Highlights:

  • Smoked Salmon Yusheng – Contemporary twist on traditional prosperity toss
  • Herbal Roast Duck – Signature dish with aromatic herbal infusion
  • Fish Maw Soup with Sea Cucumber – Luxurious texture, nourishing properties

Analysis: Dian Xiao Er offers solid traditional Chinese fare with festive specials. The herbal roast duck stands out with its unique preparation. Very limited operations during CNY (mainly Jewel Changi) makes this less convenient.

Best For: Airport dining, traditional Chinese meals, those near Jewel Changi

Hot Pot Haven

Beauty In The Pot ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Chinese hot pot
Price Range: $$ – $$ (Per person: $40-70, Premium ingredients additional)

Signature Element:

  • Collagen-Rich Broth – Infused with ginseng, wolfberries, and red dates
  • Premium Ingredients – Fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables
  • Beauty Collagen Soup Base – The star of the show; nourishing and flavorful

Analysis: Beauty In The Pot elevates hot pot to a wellness experience. The collagen-rich broths are genuinely delicious while claiming health benefits. Operating 24 hours during CNY is a major advantage for flexible dining. Premium pricing reflects quality ingredients.

Best For: Hot pot enthusiasts, health-conscious diners, late-night gatherings, long celebratory meals

International Alternatives

Papi’s Tacos ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: $ – $$ (Tacos: $8-12 each, Mains: $18-28)

Top Picks:

  • Smoked Pork Belly Tacos – Tender, smoky, perfectly seasoned
  • Braised Beef Cheek Tacos – Melt-in-mouth richness
  • Margaritas – Necessary accompaniment

Analysis: Papi’s offers a refreshing break from Chinese cuisine overload. The authentic Mexican flavors are bold and satisfying. Generous portions and vibrant atmosphere make this ideal for casual gatherings. Limited lunch hours may restrict timing.

Best For: Mexican food lovers, casual dining, those seeking non-Asian alternatives, margarita enthusiasts

PizzaExpress ⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Italian/Pizza
Price Range: $ – $$ (Pizzas: $18-28, Pasta: $16-24)

Worth Trying:

  • Impossible Teriyaki – Unique fusion approach with plant-based protein
  • Hawaii-Not – Ham with pineapple chutney on béchamel base; controversial but interesting
  • Classic Margherita – Simple, reliable, well-executed

Analysis: PizzaExpress provides solid, familiar comfort for those experiencing CNY food fatigue. The unique flavors like Impossible Teriyaki show creativity, though traditionalists can stick to classics. Quality is consistent but not exceptional.

Best For: Families with picky eaters, those tired of traditional CNY food, reliable Western option

True Cost ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Modern European
Price Range: $ – $$ (Mains: $22-38, plus cover charge at lunch/dinner)

Recommended:

  • Scallops & Oysters – Fresh, high-quality seafood starters
  • Pasta Plates – Well-executed European classics
  • BBQ Pork Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone tender

Analysis: The rooftop setting at Suntec City provides a pleasant escape from CNY crowds. Modern European dishes are affordably priced considering the location and quality. The cover charge at lunch and dinner adds to the final bill. Excellent wine selection enhances the experience.

Best For: Date nights, rooftop dining, wine lovers, escaping the CNY rush

Tajimaya Yakiniku ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Cuisine: Japanese yakiniku
Price Range: $$ (A5 Wagyu: $50-120 per portion, Set menus from $80++ per person)

Premium Experience:

  • A5 Wagyu Beef – Top-grade Kagoshima and Miyazaki beef; exceptional marbling
  • Charcoal Grill Experience – Authentic Japanese grilling method
  • Sake & Shochu Selection – Extensive Japanese beverage menu

Analysis: Tajimaya delivers an authentic high-end yakiniku experience. The quality of beef justifies premium pricing. The interactive grilling adds entertainment value. Private dining rooms suit intimate celebrations. This is the splurge option on the list.

Best For: Special occasions, beef lovers, Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, private celebrations

Japanese Options

Ippudo ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Japanese ramen
Price Range: $ – $$ (Ramen: $16-22, Sides: $6-12)

Must-Have:

  • Tonkotsu Ramen – Rich, creamy pork-based broth with perfect noodle texture
  • Gyoza – Crispy, juicy, essential accompaniment
  • Fried Chicken – Surprisingly excellent side dish

Analysis: Ippudo’s ramen remains consistently excellent with rich, complex tonkotsu broth. Limited outlets open during CNY requires checking specific locations. Quick service makes this ideal for efficient dining.

Best For: Ramen cravings, quick meals, Japanese comfort food, noodle lovers

Umisushi ⭐⭐⭐

Cuisine: Japanese sushi & rice bowls
Price Range: $ – $ (Bento sets: $8-15, Donburi: $10-18, Sushi plates: $2-8)

Value Options:

  • Bento Rice Sets – Excellent value for money
  • Donburi Bowls – Filling and satisfying
  • Udon & Soba – Comforting noodle options
  • Sushi Selection – Fresh and varied

Analysis: Umisushi excels at providing accessible, affordable Japanese food. While not haute cuisine, the quality-to-price ratio is excellent. Delivery available throughout CNY including all public holidays is a major convenience factor. North-side outlets have better availability.

Best For: Budget-conscious diners, delivery orders, casual Japanese food, last-minute planning

Overall Recommendations by Scenario

Traditional CNY Celebration: Red House Seafood or Soup Restaurant
Maximum Convenience: Beauty In The Pot (24-hour operations) or Umisushi (delivery)
Best Value: Umisushi or Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh
Special Occasion Splurge: Tajimaya Yakiniku or Jumbo Seafood
Non-Asian Alternative: Papi’s Tacos or True Cost
Reliable Crowd-Pleaser: Din Tai Fung or Ippudo
Most Unique Experience: Paradise Dynasty or Beauty In The Pot
Family-Friendly: Soup Restaurant or White Restaurant

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s CNY dining scene in 2025 offers remarkable variety despite many closures. The mix of traditional Chinese establishments and international alternatives ensures no one goes hungry. Advance booking is essential for popular spots like Red House Seafood and Jumbo Seafood, while walk-in friendly options like Umisushi and Ippudo provide flexibility.

The standout trend is the continued operation of hot pot restaurants like Beauty In The Pot, recognizing that communal dining aligns perfectly with CNY gatherings. Meanwhile, international options increasingly cater to those experiencing festive food fatigue.

Pro tip: Check specific outlet availability before heading out, as many chains operate limited locations during the public holiday. Make reservations where possible, and have a backup plan for peak dining hours.