A Comprehensive Dining Experience Review
Restaurant Overview
Location: Orchid Hotel Singapore, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867
Availability: 1 January – 3 March 2026
Contact: +65 6818 6831
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Exit A – 3 minutes walk
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Ambience & Atmosphere
Ya Ge embodies the essence of refined Cantonese dining within the elegant confines of Orchid Hotel Singapore. The restaurant creates an atmosphere of quiet luxury and understated sophistication, perfectly suited for both intimate family celebrations and grand reunion feasts during the festive season.
The dining space reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities—expect warm lighting that flatters both the food and the company, thoughtfully spaced tables that allow for private conversations, and subtle festive decorations that honour the Year of the Horse without overwhelming the senses. The ambience strikes a balance between celebratory energy and tranquil refinement, making it an ideal setting for multi-generational gatherings where tradition meets modern comfort.
Featured Dishes: In-Depth Analysis
1. Prosperity Yu Sheng with Yellowtail and Crispy Eel
Rating: 4.2/5
Flavor Profile
This auspicious starter bursts with complexity—the silky, clean sweetness of yellowtail sashimi contrasts beautifully with the umami-rich, crispy eel. The house-made citrus dressing, crafted from freshly squeezed and gently reduced orange and lemon juice, delivers bright, aromatic notes that cut through richness while enhancing freshness.
Texture Dynamics
- Silky yellowtail sashimi (smooth, buttery)
- Crispy eel (crunchy, satisfying snap)
- Dried shredded codfish (firm, chewy)
- Fresh vegetables (crisp, refreshing)
- Nuts and seeds (crunchy, toasted)
Key Aspects
- Tradition: Follows lo hei customs symbolizing abundance
- Balance: Sweet-tangy-savory harmony
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant colors representing prosperity
- Aroma: Citrus-forward with subtle marine notes
2. Double-boiled Golden Fish Maw with Asian Moon Scallop and Imperial Tribute Chrysanthemum
Rating: 4/5
Flavor Essence
This soup represents the pinnacle of Cantonese patience and technique. The slow-simmered old hen creates a deeply savory, full-bodied foundation with natural sweetness and umami depth. Imperial Huangshan wild tribute chrysanthemum adds delicate floral notes and subtle herbal complexity.
Texture Profile
- Fish maw: Silken, gelatinous, luxurious mouthfeel
- Moon scallop: Tender, sweet, succulent
- Broth: Smooth, coating, restorative
Culinary Traits
- Cooking Method: Double-boiling preserves delicate flavors
- Nourishment: Highly restorative, collagen-rich
- Refinement: No heavy seasoning, ingredient-focused
- Philosophy: Patience as a culinary virtue
Cooking Technique Notes
Double-boiling involves placing ingredients in a ceramic pot with water, which is then placed in a larger pot of boiling water. This gentle, indirect heat method (typically 3-4 hours) extracts maximum flavor while maintaining clarity and purity of taste. The result is a supremely clean, concentrated broth where every ingredient shines.
3. Steamed Yellow Croaker in Chicken Broth with Fennel
Rating: 4.2/5
Flavor Architecture
The extended marination with fennel, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf infuses the fish with aromatic complexity while maintaining its delicate natural flavor. The chicken broth adds savory depth without overpowering the seafood’s subtle sweetness.
Textural Excellence
- Fish flesh: Delicate, tender, flaky
- Finish: Clean, light, refined
Style Characteristics
- Approach: Precision-driven Cantonese technique
- Restraint: Elegantly understated flavoring
- Method: Gentle steaming preserves moisture
- Aromatics: Western herbs meet Chinese technique
Home Cooking Instructions (Simplified Version)
- Marination (3-4 hours): Rub fish with salt, fennel seeds, fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaf
- Broth Preparation: Simmer chicken carcass with ginger and scallions for 2 hours, strain
- Steaming Setup: Place marinated fish in deep plate, pour hot chicken broth over
- Cooking: Steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes (depending on size)
- Finishing: Garnish with fresh fennel fronds and light drizzle of quality soy sauce
4. Stir-fried Australian Lobster with Glutinous Rice Wine Sauce
Rating: 4.2/5
Flavor Complexity
Inspired by Beijing-style stir-fry traditions, this dish layers fermented glutinous rice wine’s mellow sweetness with Pi Xian broad bean paste’s savory, slightly spicy funk. The result enhances the lobster’s natural sweetness rather than masking it.
Taste Elements
- Primary: Sweet lobster meat
- Secondary: Fermented wine complexity
- Tertiary: Broad bean paste umami
- Overall: Warm, fragrant, celebratory
Textural Features
- Lobster: Firm, bouncy, succulent
- Sauce: Rich, coating, slightly sticky
Culinary Style
- Regional Influence: Beijing wok techniques
- Balance: Bold yet restrained
- Festivity: Worthy centrepiece presentation
- Technique: High-heat stir-frying for wok hei
5. Deep-fried Deshelled Prawn coated with Fish Floss and Shrimp Roe Salad
Rating: 4.5/5 (Highest Rated)
Flavor Profile
This dish achieves addictive umami-forward satisfaction. The house dressing enriched with shrimp roe delivers concentrated seafood essence, while fish floss adds savory-sweet complexity with a hint of toasted nuttiness.
Texture Symphony
- Outer coating: Golden, crispy, shattering crunch
- Prawn interior: Juicy, sweet, tender
- Fish floss: Light, airy, dissolving
- Salad: Fresh, crisp contrast
Key Facets
- Immediate Satisfaction: Instant textural pleasure
- Layered Umami: Shrimp roe + fish floss depth
- Contrast: Hot crispy prawns meet cool salad
- Addictiveness: Sweet-savory balance creates moreish quality
6. Sautéed Eight Treasures Vegetables with Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom
Rating: 4/5
Ingredient Composition
- Yunnan Black Tiger Palm Mushroom (meaty, earthy)
- Ginkgo nuts (slightly bitter, buttery)
- Lotus seeds (starchy, mild sweetness)
- Macadamia nuts (rich, creamy)
- White fungus (crunchy-gelatinous)
- Bamboo shoots (crisp, fresh)
- Additional premium vegetables
Flavor Essence
Quietly luxurious vegetarian fare that celebrates ingredient quality over heavy seasoning. Each component maintains distinct character while harmonizing in gentle, nourishing unity.
Aromatic Experience
The lotus leaf wrapping creates a theatrical moment at the table—when unwrapped, delicate herbal fragrance escapes, signaling both tradition and care.
Textural Diversity
Multiple textures create interest: crunchy (white fungus, bamboo), creamy (macadamia), tender-firm (mushroom), and soft (lotus seeds).
7. Steamed Lotus Leaf Jasmine and Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausages and Wax Meat
Rating: 4/5
Comfort Food Essence
This dish anchors the feast with familiar warmth and nostalgia. The combination of jasmine rice’s fragrance and glutinous rice’s sticky chew creates satisfying textural comfort.
Flavor Building
- Base: Fragrant jasmine rice (floral, clean)
- Body: Glutinous rice (sticky, slightly sweet)
- Richness: Chinese sausage (sweet-savory, fatty)
- Depth: Waxed meat (umami, preserved complexity)
- Enhancement: Lotus leaf (herbal, aromatic wrapper)
Cultural Significance
Represents shared prosperity and family unity—meant to be served communally, reinforcing bonds and togetherness.
8. Desserts
Chilled Red Ruby with Jackfruit and Corn
Rating: 4/5
Flavor Profile: Sweet-fresh with tropical notes
Texture: Chewy water chestnut “rubies” in creamy coconut milk
Temperature: Refreshingly chilled
Purpose: Palate cleanser after rich meal
Mandarin Orange Mochi
Rating: 4/5
Filling: Custard with mandarin pulp
Wrapper: Soft, pillowy mochi
Taste: Sweet-tart citrus brightness
Symbolism: Oranges represent luck and prosperity
Complete Menu Overview
Dine-In Set Menus
Ya Ge offers six meticulously designed set menus for various party sizes, allowing customization based on guest count and preferences. Each set incorporates traditional auspicious dishes while showcasing seasonal ingredients and chef specialties.
À La Carte Highlights
Individual dishes can be ordered separately for those preferring to curate their own feast or add specific items to set menus.
Takeaway & Delivery Options
Pre-Order Benefits
- 15% discount on all pre-orders
- Order online 3 days in advance at: https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com
- Also available for order at the restaurant directly
Featured Takeaway Items
Premium Centrepieces
- Ya Ge Prosperity Pen Cai (盆菜): Generously layered treasure pot with premium ingredients
- Prosperity Yu Sheng (available in two sizes)
- Roasted Boneless Suckling Pig
- Dry-aged Irish Duck
- Premium Roast Platters
Traditional Festive Cakes (Nian Gao)
- Prosperity Lion Nian Gao: Traditional sticky rice cake with festive presentation
- Ya Ge Ingot Nian Gao with Dried Longan: Shaped like gold ingots, symbolizing wealth
- Duo Happiness Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato: Modern twist with Peranakan flavors
- Nian Gao with Gula Melaka and Sweet Potato: Classic preparation with coconut palm sugar
Savory Options
- Steamed Radish Cake with Conpoy and Chinese Sausage (萝卜糕): Traditional turnip cake with dried scallops
- Handcrafted Radish Cake: Chef’s special preparation
New Additions
- Red Bean Pudding: Delicately balanced, subtly sweet
Corporate Gifting
Curated takeaway reunion sets make hosting effortless and are ideal for corporate gifting during the festive season. The elegant packaging and thoughtful selection reflect well on gift-givers.
Delivery Logistics
- Pre-orders recommended for guaranteed availability
- Collection times to be arranged upon ordering
- Special packaging ensures food arrives in optimal condition
Culinary Philosophy & Style
Core Principles
Precision-Driven Technique: Ya Ge demonstrates mastery of classic Cantonese methods—steaming, double-boiling, stir-frying—executed with contemporary finesse.
Ingredient Focus: Premium components are selected for quality and allowed to shine without excessive manipulation or heavy-handed seasoning.
Balanced Restraint: Flavors are layered and complex yet never overwhelming, showing confidence in simplicity.
Traditional Innovation: While honoring festive customs, the kitchen introduces subtle modern touches (like Western herbs with Chinese fish) that feel natural rather than forced.
Flavor Philosophy
The menu celebrates the Cantonese principle of “鲜” (xian/freshness) where natural ingredient flavors are paramount. Seasoning enhances rather than dominates, and umami depth is built through technique (long simmering, fermentation) rather than MSG shortcuts.
Recipe: Simplified Home Version of Steamed Yellow Croaker
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 whole yellow croaker (or substitute: sea bass, snapper), 500-600g, scaled and gutted
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
For the Broth:
- 500ml chicken stock (preferably homemade)
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 stalks scallions, white parts only
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
For Finishing:
- Fresh fennel fronds or dill
- Light soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Julienned ginger and scallions
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Fish (3-4 hours ahead)
- Pat fish completely dry with paper towels
- Make 2-3 diagonal cuts on each side (helps marinade penetrate)
- Rub inside and outside with salt and white pepper
- Stuff cavity with crushed fennel seeds, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
- Place additional herbs on top of fish
- Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours
Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Broth
- In a pot, bring chicken stock to simmer
- Add ginger slices and scallion whites
- Add Shaoxing wine
- Simmer gently for 10 minutes
- Strain and keep hot
Step 3: Steam the Fish
- Remove fish from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking
- Place fish on a heat-proof plate deep enough to hold broth
- Pour hot aromatic broth over and around fish
- Set up steamer with boiling water
- Steam fish over high heat:
- 8-10 minutes for 500g fish
- 12-15 minutes for larger fish
- Fish is done when flesh is opaque and flakes easily
Step 4: Final Presentation
- Carefully transfer fish to serving plate
- Strain the steaming liquid, adjust seasoning if needed
- Pour some liquid over fish (discard excess)
- Garnish with fresh fennel fronds
- Drizzle with light soy sauce and a few drops sesame oil
- Top with julienned ginger and scallions
- Serve immediately
Chef’s Tips
- Don’t overcook—the fish continues cooking from residual heat
- The fish should be just opaque, still moist and tender
- Use the freshest fish possible for best results
- The broth should taste well-seasoned but not salty
Ordering & Reservation Guide
Dine-In Reservations
- Highly recommended due to limited seating and high festive demand
- Book early, especially for weekends and eve of Chinese New Year
- Call: +65 6818 6831
- Special requests (dietary restrictions, private areas) should be mentioned when booking
Takeaway Pre-Orders
- Online: https://eshop-yage.myshopify.com (3 days advance notice)
- In-person: Visit restaurant directly
- Discount: 15% off all pre-orders
- Ideal for: Early planners, corporate gifting, hosting at home
Collection & Delivery
- Arrange collection time upon ordering
- Peak collection times: 28-29 January 2026 (Chinese New Year Eve)
- Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress
Final Verdict
Ya Ge’s “Prosperity in Full Bloom” Chinese New Year 2026 offering successfully marries tradition with refinement. The menu demonstrates technical mastery, ingredient respect, and cultural authenticity without feeling stuffy or overly formal.
Strengths:
- Exceptional execution of Cantonese classics
- Premium ingredients handled with care
- Balanced flavors that appeal across generations
- Comprehensive takeaway options for convenience
- Elegant ambience suitable for celebration
Considerations:
- Premium pricing reflects quality ingredients and skilled preparation
- Advance booking essential during peak periods
- Some dishes may be too subtle for those preferring bold, aggressive flavors
Best For:
- Multi-generational family reunions
- Those appreciating refined Cantonese cuisine
- Business entertaining during festive season
- Hosts wanting quality takeaway options
- Anyone seeking an elevated CNY dining experience
Overall Experience: Ya Ge delivers a Chinese New Year celebration that honors heritage while embracing contemporary refinement—prosperity presented with quiet confidence and genuine care.
Getting There
Address: 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867 (Orchid Hotel Singapore)
By MRT:
- Alight at Tanjong Pagar Station (EW Line)
- Take Exit A
- Walk straight towards Orchid Hotel
- Journey time: approximately 3 minutes
Alternative: Taxi/ride-hailing to Orchid Hotel Singapore main entrance
Note: This review is based on an invited tasting. Ratings reflect honest assessment of food quality, execution, and value.