Overview
Crystal Jade Group welcomes the Year of the Horse with an exquisite Lunar New Year collection that masterfully blends time-honored traditions with contemporary culinary excellence. Led by Group Executive Chef Martin Foo, this festive showcase spans multiple dining concepts and delivers an impressive array of celebratory dishes designed for reunion gatherings, corporate celebrations, and intimate family feasts.
Ambience & Dining Experience
Crystal Jade’s fine-dining and casual dining outlets provide distinct atmospheres tailored to different celebration needs:
Fine Dining Venues (Crystal Jade Palace, Golden Palace, Pavilion)
- Elegant, refined settings ideal for formal gatherings
- Sophisticated décor with festive Lunar New Year touches
- Spacious seating arrangements perfect for large family reunions
- Attentive, professional service befitting special occasions
Casual Dining Concepts (La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Hong Kong Kitchen)
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere for relaxed celebrations
- Family-friendly environment with efficient service
- Contemporary design with traditional Chinese elements
- Suitable for both small gatherings and takeaway orders
Menu Structure
Availability
- Dine-In Period: January 26 – March 3, 2026
- Pre-Order Window: December 8, 2025 onwards
- Collection/Delivery: January 26 – March 3, 2026
Set Menu Options
- Bespoke set menus for groups of 2 to 10 people
- Available across participating Crystal Jade restaurants
- Customizable based on dietary preferences and group size
Ordering Channels
- Online: store.crystaljade.com
- In-person at individual outlets
- Delivery and collection options available
Dish-by-Dish Analysis
1. Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with South African Abalone, Aburi Australian Scallop & Braised Cuttlefish
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $129 (small) / $198 (large)
Available at: Crystal Jade Palace, Golden Palace, Pavilion
Key Features
- Premium Ingredients: South African abalone, Australian scallops, Teochew-style braised cuttlefish
- Symbolic Meaning: Prosperity and abundance
- Preparation Technique: Scallops lightly torched (aburi style) for smoky depth
Texture Profile
- Crispy: Deep-fried yam strips, candied walnuts, jellyfish ‘head’
- Tender: Abalone, scallops, braised cuttlefish
- Fresh: Pomelo segments, dragon fruit cubes, mesclun leaves
- Crunchy: Shredded carrots, pickled vegetables
Flavor Components
- Sweet: Pomelo, dragon fruit, candied walnuts
- Aromatic: Preserved ginger, orange peel
- Tangy: Roselle and yuzu-based dressing
- Umami: Seafood components, jellyfish
- Smoky: Torched scallops
Analysis
This yu sheng exemplifies balance and refinement. The roselle and yuzu dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of premium seafood, while the layered textures prevent palate fatigue. The generous portion of aburi scallops adds theatrical appeal and depth of flavor.
2. Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth with New Zealand Fish Maw and ‘Stone Olive’
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $42 per person
Available at: Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Key Features
- Cooking Method: Traditional double-boiling technique
- Star Ingredient: Premium New Zealand fish maw (generous portion)
- Specialty Component: Rare ‘stone olive’ herb
- Character: Nourishing, restorative, luxurious
Texture Profile
- Silky: Rich, slow-simmered broth
- Bouncy: Fish maw with firm yet yielding texture
- Tender: Fall-apart pork ribs
Flavor Profile
- Base: Deep, savory pork essence
- Complexity: Subtle bittersweet notes from stone olive
- Depth: Layers developed through slow cooking
- Finish: Clean, comforting, warming
Analysis
The double-boiling technique preserves the pure essence of each ingredient while creating harmony. The fish maw’s impressive texture demonstrates quality sourcing, while the stone olive adds an intriguing complexity that elevates this beyond ordinary festival soups.
3. Steamed Western Australian Lobster with 20-Year Aged Huadiao, Egg White and Bonito Flake
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $30 per 100g
Available at: Crystal Jade Palace
Key Features
- Premium Protein: Western Australian lobster
- Cooking Method: Gentle steaming to preserve sweetness
- Flavor Enhancement: 20-year aged Huadiao wine
- Presentation: Steamed atop silken egg white cloud
Texture Profile
- Tender: Perfectly steamed lobster meat
- Silken: Cloud-like egg white base
- Delicate: Bonito flakes providing subtle texture
Flavor Profile
- Primary: Natural lobster sweetness
- Aromatic: Aged Huadiao wine complexity
- Umami: Bonito flake enhancement
- Balance: Light, elegant, refined
Analysis
This dish showcases the principle of ingredient-first cooking. The 20-year aged Huadiao adds sophisticated depth without overwhelming the lobster’s natural sweetness. The egg white base serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, creating visual drama while keeping the lobster moist.
4. Braised Yellow Croaker with Crispy Dumpling in Red Wine Sauce
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $58.80 for 600g
Available at: Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
Key Features
- Fish Selection: Delicate yellow croaker
- Braising Medium: Glossy red wine sauce
- Textural Contrast: House-made deep-fried wantons
- Style: Comforting yet celebratory
Texture Profile
- Tender: Braised fish with soft, flaky flesh
- Crispy: Deep-fried wantons providing crunch
- Glossy: Silky red wine sauce coating
Flavor Profile
- Savory: Rich braising sauce with wine complexity
- Delicate: Mild yellow croaker flavor
- Aromatic: Red wine aromatics
- Balanced: Softness and crunch interplay
Analysis
The pairing of tender braised fish with crispy dumplings demonstrates thoughtful textural composition. The red wine sauce adds celebratory richness while maintaining accessibility for casual dining settings.
5. Roasted French Spring Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushroom
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $45 (whole chicken)
Available at: Crystal Jade Palace
Key Features
- Protein: French spring chicken (young, tender bird)
- Preparation: Classic roasting technique
- Luxury Elements: Truffle and wild mushrooms
- Character: Comforting with refined touches
Texture Profile
- Juicy: Well-roasted, moist chicken meat
- Tender: Young chicken texture
- Earthy: Wild mushroom pieces
Flavor Profile
- Primary: Clean chicken flavor
- Luxurious: Truffle aroma and perfume
- Earthy: Wild mushroom depth
- Balanced: Indulgent yet straightforward
Analysis
This dish proves that simplicity executed with premium ingredients creates magic. The truffle elevates what could be ordinary roasted chicken into festive fare, while the wild mushrooms add earthiness that grounds the luxury.
6. Wuchang Organic Glutinous Rice with Twin Prawns and Chinese Preserved Meats
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $48
Available at: Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Key Features
- Rice Variety: Wuchang organic glutinous rice from Heilongjiang
- Proteins: Tiger prawns and sakura ebi (dried shrimp)
- Traditional Elements: Assortment of Chinese preserved meats
- Symbolism: Abundance and togetherness
Texture Profile
- Chewy: Pleasantly sticky glutinous rice
- Bouncy: Tiger prawn pieces
- Varied: Different preserved meat textures
Flavor Profile
- Floral: Signature Wuchang rice fragrance
- Umami: Layered from prawns, sakura ebi, preserved meats
- Savory: Chinese preserved meat complexity
- Rich: Satisfying, festive abundance
Analysis
The use of premium Wuchang rice demonstrates attention to ingredient quality even in humble dishes. The combination of seafood and preserved meats creates umami depth that makes this glutinous rice dish stand out from typical festival offerings.
Desserts & Festive Treats
7. Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly with Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet
Rating: 4/5
Price: $11.80 per person
Available at: Crystal Jade Pavilion
Features
- Jelly Base: Delicately floral osmanthus and jasmine
- Sorbet: Vibrant tropical mango and passion fruit
- Function: Palate cleanser and light finale
Texture & Flavor
- Gently sweet, floral jelly with wobble
- Tangy, refreshing tropical sorbet
- Clean finish that refreshes the palate
8. Golden Pumpkin Prosperity Glutinous Rice Nian Gao
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $12.80 for 6 pieces
Available at: Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Features
- Composition: Traditional glutinous rice cake layered with golden pumpkin
- Texture: Soft, chewy with natural sweetness
- Presentation: Beautiful golden color symbolizing prosperity
9. Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake
Rating: 4.5/5
Available: Festive takeaway selection
Features
- Design: Visually appealing tiered kueh
- Flavors: Coconut and pistachio layers
- Texture: Crunchy water chestnut bits throughout
- Serving Options: Chilled for refreshment, or pan-fried for aromatic golden edges
10. Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $9.90 for 3 pieces
Available at: Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Features
- Shape: Traditional gold ingot form
- Ingredients: Handmade from pumpkin puree
- Symbolism: Wealth and good fortune
- Character: Auspicious sweet treats
Recipe Inspiration & Cooking Techniques Featured
Double-Boiling Method (Demonstrated in Soup)
Traditional Cantonese Technique
- Setup: Use a ceramic pot placed inside a larger pot of boiling water
- Duration: Slow-cook for 3-4 hours minimum
- Purpose: Extracts pure essence without losing nutrients to evaporation
- Result: Clear, concentrated broth with preserved ingredient integrity
Aburi (Torch-Searing) Technique (Yu Sheng Scallops)
Japanese-Inspired Method
- Preparation: Use fresh, sashimi-grade scallops
- Technique: Lightly torch surface with culinary blowtorch
- Timing: Brief searing (10-15 seconds) to avoid overcooking
- Effect: Adds smoky aroma while maintaining raw, tender interior
Huadiao Wine Steaming (Lobster Dish)
Classic Cantonese Seafood Preparation
Ingredients for Home Version:
- Fresh lobster (500g)
- 3 tablespoons aged Huadiao wine
- 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
- Ginger slices
- Bonito flakes for garnish
- Spring onions
Instructions:
- Clean lobster and cut into sections
- Create egg white cloud on steaming plate
- Arrange lobster pieces on egg white
- Add ginger slices and drizzle Huadiao wine
- Steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes
- Garnish with bonito flakes and spring onions
- Serve immediately
Red Wine Fish Braising Technique
Base Components:
- Light soy sauce
- Red wine (Chinese cooking wine or Western red wine)
- Rock sugar for glaze
- Ginger and scallions
- Touch of vinegar for balance
Method:
- Score fish and lightly fry both sides
- Create braising liquid with wine, soy sauce, sugar
- Add aromatics (ginger, scallions)
- Simmer gently until sauce reduces and glazes
- Baste frequently for even coating
- Finish with high heat for glossy appearance
Glutinous Rice Cooking (Wuchang Rice)
Preparation Steps:
- Soaking: Soak glutinous rice 4-6 hours or overnight
- Draining: Drain thoroughly before cooking
- Steaming: Steam in lined bamboo steamer for 40-50 minutes
- Mixing: Fold in cooked ingredients while hot
- Resting: Let flavors meld for 10 minutes before serving
Culinary Aspects & Analysis
Cooking Styles Represented
- Cantonese Fine Dining: Double-boiled soups, steamed seafood, emphasis on ingredient quality
- Teochew Influences: Braised cuttlefish preparation in yu sheng
- Contemporary Fusion: Aburi technique, Western Australian ingredients
- Traditional Festival Fare: Nian gao, glutinous rice, yuan bao
- Modern Dessert Craft: Layered kueh, sorbet pairings
Flavor Philosophy
Balance Principles:
- Rich dishes paired with refreshing elements
- Heavy proteins lightened with acidic or herbal components
- Sweet desserts balanced with tangy, tropical notes
- Traditional flavors elevated with premium ingredients
Umami Layering:
- Multiple seafood elements in single dishes
- Preserved meats adding depth to rice
- Aged wines contributing complexity
- Bonito flakes providing subtle enhancement
Texture Composition
Contrast Strategy:
- Crispy elements (yam strips, wantons) against tender proteins
- Silken bases (egg white) supporting firmer seafood
- Chewy glutinous rice with varied inclusions
- Bouncy fish maw in liquid broth
Premium Ingredient Sourcing
International Selection:
- South African abalone
- Western Australian lobster
- New Zealand fish maw
- Australian scallops
- French spring chicken
Regional Specialties:
- Wuchang organic glutinous rice (Heilongjiang)
- Stone olive (rare Chinese herb)
- 20-year aged Huadiao wine
Delivery & Collection Options
Online Ordering
Platform: store.crystaljade.com
- User-friendly interface
- Advance booking available
- Secure payment options
- Order tracking available
Collection Options
Available at: All participating Crystal Jade outlets
- Self-collection from January 26 – March 3, 2026
- Designated pickup times to avoid crowds
- Proper packaging for transport
- Reheating instructions included
Delivery Service
Coverage: Check website for delivery zones
- Temperature-controlled delivery for food safety
- Scheduled delivery windows
- Contactless delivery options available
- Insulated packaging for quality maintenance
Pre-Order Advantages
- Guaranteed availability of limited items
- Early bird promotions (check with outlets)
- Better planning for festive gatherings
- Avoid last-minute rush
Essential Traits & Characteristics
Quality Markers
Ingredient Excellence:
- Premium, traceable sourcing
- Seasonal availability respected
- Traditional specialty items (stone olive, aged wine)
- Organic options where appropriate
Technical Execution:
- Precise cooking times and temperatures
- Proper double-boiling duration
- Controlled steaming for seafood
- Careful balance in seasoning
Presentation Standards:
- Visual appeal with symbolic elements
- Appropriate portioning
- Festive plating touches
- Instagram-worthy compositions
Value Propositions
Fine Dining Options:
- Justified premium pricing through ingredient quality
- Restaurant ambience and service included
- Suitable for important celebrations
- Complete dining experience
Casual Dining Options:
- Accessible pricing ($45-$58 range)
- Family-friendly portions
- Convenient takeaway options
- Maintains quality standards
Standout Features
Innovation Within Tradition
- Aburi technique applied to traditional yu sheng
- Modern plating of classic dishes
- Contemporary flavor pairings (roselle-yuzu dressing)
- Fusion dessert concepts
Symbolic Authenticity
- Yuan bao shapes for prosperity
- Nian gao for progress and growth
- Yu sheng tossing ritual maintained
- Color symbolism (golden pumpkin)
Dietary Considerations
- Range of protein options (seafood, poultry, vegetarian rice)
- Light dessert options available
- Broth-based dishes for those preferring lighter fare
- Customizable set menus
Recommendations by Occasion
Large Family Reunions (8-10 people)
- Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng (large)
- Double-boiled Pork Ribs Broth
- Roasted French Spring Chicken
- Wuchang Glutinous Rice
- Multiple dessert options
Intimate Gatherings (2-4 people)
- Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng (small)
- Steamed Lobster with Huadiao
- One main protein
- Osmanthus Jasmine Jelly dessert
Corporate Celebrations
- Multiple yu sheng for tossing ceremony
- Impressive centerpiece dishes (lobster, chicken)
- Easy-to-share items
- Professional catering options
Takeaway for Home
- Yu sheng (easy to assemble and toss)
- Pistachio Coconut Water Chestnut Cake
- Prosperity Pumpkin Yuan Bao
- Nian gao selections
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Strengths:
- Exceptional ingredient quality across the board
- Masterful execution of traditional techniques
- Thoughtful balance in flavors and textures
- Comprehensive range suiting different needs and budgets
- Strong symbolic and cultural authenticity
- Convenient ordering and delivery options
Minor Considerations:
- Premium pricing may limit accessibility for some
- Availability period relatively short (5 weeks)
- Some dishes venue-specific, requiring travel
Who This Collection Suits:
- Families seeking quality reunion dining
- Food enthusiasts appreciating culinary craftsmanship
- Those valuing tradition with modern refinement
- Corporate groups needing impressive catering
- Anyone celebrating the Lunar New Year meaningfully
Conclusion
Crystal Jade’s Lunar New Year 2026 collection exemplifies how traditional festival dining can be elevated through culinary expertise, premium sourcing, and contemporary sensibilities. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo has crafted a lineup that honors heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring each dish carries both symbolic meaning and gastronomic excellence.
From the refreshing complexity of the Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng to the comforting luxury of the double-boiled broth, from the elegant steamed lobster to the playful prosperity yuan bao, this collection offers something for every celebration style and budget.
The attention to texture composition, flavor balance, and visual presentation demonstrates Crystal Jade’s commitment to excellence, making this Lunar New Year collection a worthy choice for ushering in the Year of the Horse with abundance, elegance, and joy.
Pre-order early to secure your festive selections and celebrate with confidence.
Note: This was an invited tasting. Prices and availability subject to change. Visit store.crystaljade.com for current information.