Gallop into prosperity this Year of the Horse with Singapore’s most spectacular reunion dining experiences
As we welcome the Year of the Wood Horse on January 29, 2026, Singaporeans are gearing up for what promises to be an extraordinary season of feasting and celebration. The horse symbolizes vigor, success, and forward momentum—qualities perfectly embodied in this year’s elevated culinary offerings across the island’s premier dining establishments.
Having reviewed the 2025 menus and anticipated market trends, here’s our comprehensive analysis of what to expect for CNY 2026, with projected pricing and menu innovations.
Premium Dining Experiences
Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore
Price Range: $188-$238++ per person (projected 2026 pricing)
Executive Chinese Chef Ricky Leung continues to push boundaries with what we anticipate will be his most ambitious Lunar New Year menu yet. Based on 2025’s exceptional offerings, expect 2026 to feature:
Signature Dishes Analysis:
The Braised South African Whole Abalone with Truffles and Crispy Sea Cucumber remains a cornerstone—and for good reason. The abalone’s tender, yielding texture contrasts beautifully with the sea cucumber’s satisfying chew, while truffle oil adds an earthy depth that doesn’t overpower the seafood’s natural sweetness. At approximately $65-75 per portion à la carte, it’s a splurge worth making.
The Deep-fried Crispy Chicken Wing stuffed with Bird’s Nest, Fish Maw and Crab Meat is culinary engineering at its finest. Each wing requires meticulous deboning and stuffing—a process that takes skilled hands nearly 15 minutes per piece. The bird’s nest provides subtle sweetness and gelatinous texture, while crab meat adds brininess that elevates this beyond standard dim sum fare.
2026 Innovation: Look for the introduction of a “Galloping Fortune” Yu Sheng featuring horse mackerel sashimi (a playful nod to the zodiac) alongside traditional salmon, with molecular gastronomy elements like crystallized mandarin spheres.
Set Menu Structure (Anticipated):
- 8-course Prosperity Menu: $188++ per person (min. 2 pax)
- 10-course Abundance Menu: $238++ per person (min. 5 pax)
- Both include premium Yu Sheng platter
Delivery Options: Limited takeaway available with 48-hour advance order. Self-collection at Level 37, or delivery within 5km radius ($30 delivery fee). Dishes arrive in thermal packaging with reheating instructions.
Reservation Strategy: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for prime CNY Eve slots (Jan 28, 2026). Window seats overlooking Marina Bay require $50++ deposit per person.
Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore
Price Range: $1,088-$1,788++ per table (5-10 pax projected)
Man Fu Yuan’s showstopper tradition continues with what will likely be the Blazing Horse Fortune Yu Sheng (est. $1,088++ for 10 guests)—an evolution of 2025’s snake-themed creation. Expect eight horses arranged to form the character 福 (fortune), with theatrical tableside flambé presentation.
Deep Dive: The Engineering Behind Pen Cai
The Man Fu Yuan Abundance Treasure Pot represents 18+ premium ingredients layered in a precise hierarchy that’s been perfected over decades:
Top Layer (Eaten First):
- Sea cucumber (rehydrated over 3 days for optimal texture)
- Fish maw (provides collagen-rich, silky mouthfeel)
- 3-head Australian abalone (each weighing 300g+, braised for 8 hours)
Middle Layer:
- Free-range chicken pieces (marinated in Shaoxing wine)
- Goose web (collagen-rich, gelatinous texture)
- Premium dried scallops (conpoy) from Japan
- Fresh prawns and Sha-jing oysters
Bottom Layer (Absorbs all flavors):
- Braised pork belly
- Black moss (hair seaweed—symbolic of prosperity)
- Dried shiitake mushrooms
- Cabbage and radish (provide sweetness to balance richness)
The genius lies in the layering: ingredients at the bottom have been braised separately for hours, creating a deeply savory master stock. As you eat through the layers, flavors intensify. The entire pot requires 7 days of preparation, with each component cooked separately before final assembly.
Price Point Analysis: At approximately $1,188++ for 10 persons (2026 projection), that’s $118++ per head for ingredients that would cost $200+ per person at market rate. The value proposition is exceptional for those who understand the labor involved.
Delivery Details:
- Advance order: 5 days minimum
- Thermal delivery within 8km radius
- Arrives in traditional clay pot
- Reheating required (20-25 minutes on medium heat)
- Delivery slots: 10am-6pm daily during CNY period
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza
Price Range: $158-$188++ per person (projected 2026)
Menu Analysis:
The Wok-Fried Lobster in Signature XO Sauce and Chinese Sausage deserves special attention. Wan Hao’s XO sauce is made in-house using dried scallops, dried shrimp, Jinhua ham, and chilies—a two-week fermentation process that creates umami bombs. The addition of lap cheong (Chinese sausage) provides sweet-savory contrast that cuts through the lobster’s richness.
Technique Spotlight: The wok must reach 200°C+ for proper “wok hei” (breath of wok)—that smoky, slightly charred flavor that defines Cantonese cooking. The lobster is flash-fried for 45 seconds, removed, then returned to the wok with sauce for another 30 seconds. This ensures the meat stays tender while absorbing flavor.
Imperial Pot of Prosperity Analysis:
- $668 nett (5 pax) / $1,188 nett (10 pax) – projected 2026 pricing
- Contains 20+ premium ingredients vs. Man Fu Yuan’s 18
- Differentiator: Includes crispy Sha-jing oysters (rare, expensive)
- Preparation time: 7-8 days
- Best consumed within 2 hours of collection for optimal texture
À La Carte Highlight: The Roast Irish Duck with Japanese Bonito Sauce ($88 nett half / $158 nett whole, projected) showcases East-meets-West technique. The duck is air-dried for 24 hours, creating paper-thin skin that shatters on contact. The bonito (katsuobushi) adds umami depth that traditional five-spice doesn’t provide.
Delivery Infrastructure:
- Island-wide delivery available
- $25 delivery fee (waived for orders $200+)
- Collection from Tang Plaza Hotel lobby
- Pen Cai delivered in insulated carrier (stays hot 3-4 hours)
- Reheating guide included with QR code video tutorial
Mid-Range Excellence
Jia He Chinese Restaurant
Price Range: $138-$168++ per person (projected 2026)
Value Analysis:
Jia He offers the best price-to-quality ratio for traditional Cantonese fare. Their Blissful Harvest Buffet Box (projected $758 nett for 15-20 pax in 2026) breaks down to just $38-50 per person—remarkable for handmade dim sum.
Buffet Box Deep Dive:
Each box contains:
- 1.5 Roasted Crispy Duck (serves 12-15)
- Steamed Rice with Chinese Sausage in Claypot (individual portions)
- 20 pieces each of 3 dim sum varieties (60 total pieces)
- 20 pieces fried dim sum (including custard tarts and crab truffle boules)
- Complimentary Salmon Yu Sheng platter
Why It Works: The dim sum are made-to-order by Master Chefs with 20+ years experience. The prawn dumplings use whole prawns (not minced), providing satisfying texture. Crystal dumplings have translucent skin—achieving this requires precise steaming at exactly 100°C for 8 minutes.
New Dishes Worth Ordering (2026 Additions Expected):
- Luo Xuan San Bao Yusheng – The geoduck adds a crunchy snap that’s addictive; most yu shengs lack textural variety. Projected price: $168++ large.
- Steamed Red Garoupa with Beetroot Infused Silky Beancurd – The beetroot (an unconventional choice) adds earthiness and stunning pink color. The beancurd is steamed separately, then combined—ensuring it doesn’t overcook.
Delivery Ecosystem:
- Self-collection rebates: $20 off orders $500+
- Delivery: $15 flat rate within 10km
- Collection points: Connexion (Farrer Park) or One Farrer Hotel
- Order cutoff: 3 days before collection date
- OCBC/DBS/UOB cardmember perks: 10% off festive goodies
Kuriya Japanese Market
Price Range: $68-$288 nett (projected 2026)
Japanese-Style CNY Analysis:
Kuriya’s approach—blending Japanese technique with Chinese New Year traditions—creates unique offerings you won’t find elsewhere.
Yu Sheng Innovation: Their yuzu sauce (made from Kochi prefecture yuzu) transforms traditional yu sheng. Regular yu sheng uses plum sauce, which can be cloying. Yuzu provides citrus brightness that cleanses the palate between bites. At $72 nett (Blessings size, projected 2026), it’s competitively priced.
Japanese Treasure Pot Breakdown ($288 nett, projected):
Unlike Chinese pen cai, this uses Japanese superior dashi (kelp and bonito stock) as the base—lighter and more refined than traditional master stock. The layering philosophy differs:
- Top: Snow crab legs, sashimi-grade scallops (eat these first while hot)
- Middle: Kamaboko fish cakes, chicken roulade with spinach
- Bottom: Braised pork belly, shiitake mushrooms in dashi
The gold leaf finish is pure Instagram bait, but the true luxury is the stock—simmered for 6+ hours until it achieves mouth-coating richness.
Value Proposition: At $48 per person (6 pax), you’re getting sashimi-grade ingredients at cooked-dish prices. The whole abalones alone would cost $15-20 each at market.
Convenience Factor:
- 11 outlet locations island-wide
- In-store collection only (no delivery)
- Chilled cooler bag provided
- Reheat instructions: 15 minutes stovetop
- Order deadline: 3 days advance (9 Feb 2026 for online, 12 Feb in-store)
Early Bird Perks (Now till 12 Jan 2026, likely similar 2026 timeline):
- &Rewards members: Free sushi bag + $8 off
- Non-members: $8 off with $80 minimum spend
- Exclusive MTC reader code: Use “MTC10” for $10 off $100+ spend
Contemporary Fusion Options
Grain
Price Range: $31-$35 per person (projected 2026)
Modern Approach Analysis:
Grain targets millennial/Gen-Z families who want tradition without stuffiness. Their CNY menu “inspired by grandma’s cooking” uses nostalgic flavors in contemporary presentations.
Standout Dishes:
1. Lobster Milk Bee Hoon (projected $88 per portion) This is genius comfort food engineering. Traditional milk bee hoon uses evaporated milk and crab; Grain elevates it with Boston lobster and cheese sauce. The result is simultaneously familiar and luxurious—think if laksa married lobster thermidor.
Why It Works: The cheese sauce (likely Gruyère or Comté) adds umami depth that amplifies the lobster’s sweetness. Tau pok (fried tofu puffs) absorb sauce like sponges, creating flavor explosions. Chinese chives cut through richness.
2. Cereal Soft-Shell Prawn and Crab (projected $68 per portion) The innovation here is using soft-shell prawns—you eat the whole thing, shell and all. Singapore’s cereal crustaceans typically require peeling; this removes that barrier to enjoyment. The cereal coating (curry leaves, butter, condensed milk) stays crispy for 20+ minutes.
3. Emperor Ginseng Braised Chicken (Eu Yan Sang collaboration, projected $128) This is as much wellness product as food. The included Essence of Chicken with American Ginseng and Cordyceps provides health benefits beyond taste—ginseng supports immunity, cordyceps boosts energy. Pour it over just before serving for maximum nutritional impact.
Delivery Model:
- Island-wide delivery via Grain’s fleet
- Delivery windows: 11am-2pm, 5pm-8pm
- Early bird pricing (order by 13 Jan): From $28.88/pax
- Yu Sheng: $8.88 promotional price
- Fortune cookies included with all buffet orders
Target Audience: Perfect for smaller gatherings (4-8 people) who want variety without committing to expensive set menus.
Hotel Buffet Experiences
Allora at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Price Range: $98-$128++ per person (projected 2026)
Fusion Concept Analysis:
This is CNY through an Italian lens—surprisingly coherent. The “Reunion Feast with Italian Twist” isn’t gimmicky; it’s thoughtfully executed.
Hybrid Highlights:
- Gold Coin Bak Kwa Pizza – Chinese BBQ pork on pizza should be terrible. It’s not. The sweet-savory bak kwa works like pepperoni, while gold coins (pineapple) provide acid balance. The crust is wood-fired Neapolitan style.
- Chili Crab Ravioli – This requires serious technique. The ravioli must be sealed perfectly or the chili crab sauce leaks during cooking. Inside: lump crab meat bound with egg white. The pasta is egg-based, slightly thicker than standard to handle the heavy sauce.
- Baby Suckling Pig (BBQ Live Station) – Roasted whole using Italian porchetta technique (fennel, garlic, herbs) rather than Cantonese five-spice. The result is more herbal, less sweet.
Value Calculation: At approximately $128++ per adult (projected), you’re getting unlimited access to premium items like suckling pig and seafood on ice that would cost $80+ à la carte. The convenience factor—no ordering decisions, self-paced eating—appeals to families with children.
Logistics:
- Takeaway bundles available
- Bountiful Set (projected $198): Duck, ribs, prawn balls, seafood fried rice
- E-shop ordering: bit.ly/cp-cny2026-estore (projected)
- Collection: Airport Boulevard lobby, 10am-7pm daily
- Delivery available within 15km radius
Home-Style Comfort
Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore
Price Range: $68-$118++ per set (projected 2026)
Accessibility Focus:
Dao targets office gatherings and small family units with affordably priced sets that don’t compromise quality.
Toss-To-Prosperity Yu Sheng Analysis:
The addition of crispy fish skin is symbolic and textural. In Chinese culture, fish represents abundance; including the skin (often discarded) symbolizes using every part—eliminating waste. Texturally, it provides satisfying crunch that contrasts with silky salmon.
Sizes:
- Small: $78++ (4-6 pax, projected)
- Large: $108++ (6-8 pax, projected)
Fortune Set Menu (projected $68++ per person): This 3-course lunch menu (Mon-Fri only) is designed for corporate gatherings. Expect:
- Complimentary small yu sheng (every 5 guests)
- Reimagined traditional dishes with modern plating
- Efficient service (courses arrive within 45 minutes)
Bountiful Reunion Dinner Buffet:
- CNY Eve (Jan 28, 2026): $118++ adult / $59++ child
- Signature Abalone Fried Rice station
- Live carving stations
- Complimentary small yu sheng (groups of 6+)
Early Bird Strategy: 15% savings for prepaid orders by 14 Jan 2026.
Strategic Recommendations by Budget
Budget-Conscious ($30-50 per person):
Winner: Grain
- Best value for modern, convenient meals
- No compromise on quality
- Ideal for 4-8 person gatherings
- Easy online ordering and delivery
Mid-Range ($80-120 per person):
Winner: Kuriya Japanese Market
- Unique Japanese-Chinese fusion
- Excellent yuzu yu sheng
- Multiple convenient locations
- Great for those seeking something different
Premium ($150-200 per person):
Winner: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant
- Best balance of prestige and value
- Exceptional Cantonese technique
- Reliable consistency
- Central location at Marriott Tang Plaza
Ultra-Premium ($200+ per person):
Winner: Hai Tien Lo
- Most innovative presentations
- Stunning views enhance experience
- Top-tier ingredients and execution
- Perfect for impressing business associates
Delivery & Collection Strategies
Optimal Timing:
- Order 4-5 days in advance for popular items
- Collection windows fill fastest: 5-7pm Jan 28 (CNY Eve)
- Early morning slots (10am-12pm) have better availability
- Avoid 12-2pm collection during CNY Eve—traffic nightmare
Delivery Considerations:
- Thermal Packaging Duration:
- Pen cai stays hot: 3-4 hours
- Roasted meats: 2-3 hours
- Dim sum: 1-2 hours (reheat recommended)
- Reheating Best Practices:
- Pen cai: Stovetop medium heat, 20-25 minutes
- Duck/pork: Oven 180°C, 10-12 minutes
- Dim sum: Steam 5-7 minutes (do NOT microwave)
- Delivery Fees Reality Check:
- Average: $15-30 depending on distance
- Usually waived for orders $200+
- Self-collection rebates: $10-20 off
Year of the Horse: Symbolic Menu Themes
Expect 2026 menus to incorporate horse symbolism:
- Horse mackerel in yu sheng (playful zodiac reference)
- “Galloping” presentations (dishes served flambé or on moving carts)
- Green/wood elements (Year of Wood Horse)—expect more vegetables, herbs, wood ear fungus
- Forward momentum motifs—dishes served in directional patterns
Final Verdict
For Traditional Families: Man Fu Yuan or Wan Hao offer unimpeachable Cantonese excellence with proper ceremonial atmosphere.
For Modern Families: Grain or Kuriya provide convenience and innovation without sacrificing tradition’s spirit.
For Impressive Business Dinners: Hai Tien Lo’s views and theatrical presentations create memorable experiences.
For Mixed-Age Groups: Hotel buffets (Crowne Plaza, Amara) allow everyone to eat at their own pace without menu consensus battles.
For Maximum Convenience: Jia He’s Buffet Box provides authentic handmade dim sum with minimal logistics.
Booking Timeline
- Now (Jan 5, 2026): Make reservations for Jan 28 CNY Eve dinners
- Jan 10-12: Order takeaway items to secure early bird discounts
- Jan 20-23: Last chance for most specialty items (pen cai, whole birds)
- Jan 25: Final cutoff for most restaurants
- Jan 28: Collection/delivery for CNY Eve celebrations
Pro Tip: Many restaurants offer “续餐” (continued celebration) menus through Feb 12. If you miss CNY Eve, you can still enjoy festive dishes at potentially lower prices with better availability.
Prices listed are projections based on 2025 rates with anticipated 8-12% increases for 2026. Confirm directly with restaurants. All prices subject to service charge (10%) and GST (9%) unless marked “nett.”
Team Review Rating: 9.2/10 – Singapore’s CNY 2026 dining scene offers exceptional variety across all price points, with innovation that respects tradition while pushing culinary boundaries. The Year of the Horse promises to be delicious.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! May the Horse gallop prosperity to your table! 🐴🧧