The best Chinese New Year takeaways in Singapore

By Red House Seafood, available from January 2 to February 5

This rabbit year, the folks at Red House Seafood bring a decadent treasure trove right to your doorstep. You’ll find quality ingredients like fresh scallops, crab, lobsters, tiger prawns, fish maw, and more swimming in an umami-rich broth of lala clams, fish bones, and pork ribs. Purists may want to include an order of a flavourful pan-fried stuffed threadfin fish – a skill-heavy dish that requires deft hands by seasoned chefs. Perfect for a small group of four to six adults, it arrives ready to eat so you won’t make a mess trying to reheat and reassemble. It’s no secret good soup takes time and when you don’t have that luxury, this might just be the pot to order to impress your guests. If you’re afraid of missing out on the joy of tossing, there are also seafood yu sheng platters (from $58) available to top up.

By Grain, available from January 9 to February 5

For this year’s reunion, there’s no need to buy truckloads of ingredients and cook up a storm in the kitchen when you have Grain’s Chinese New Year Mini Buffet (from $25.88 per guest).

Grain is known for healthy but tasty meals, and this buffet is no different with a lineup of CNY classics made new with surprising flavours and wholesome ingredients. The buffet choices are suitable for 10 guests or more and are customisable according to your friends’ and family’s favourites. 

If you’re hosting a smaller party, you can build your own feast by ordering a la carte dishes from their add-on menu too.

Tuck into crowd-favourites like pandan-scented Cereal Rolled Oats Tiger Prawn and Imperial Ginseng Herbal Chicken braised in a 12-hour chicken milk broth. Other delectable dishes include Wok Hei Pumpkin Floss Fried Rice with black barley and confit garlic, golden mantou with a chilli crab dip, and 7 Herbs Roasted Duck in wolfberry superior stock. End on a sweet note with desserts like Osmanthus Konnyaku in the shape of koi. 

All dishes come thoughtfully packaged in microwavable containers, in insulated bags so the food stays warm. Order Grain’s Chinese New Year Mini Buffet by January 19 for a discount and complimentary salmon yu sheng.

By Soup Restaurant, available from December 23 to February 5

Well, of course, the reunion dinner isn't just about the signature Samsui Ginger Chicken we've all come to love. This comforting set also comes with a baby abalone yusheng. After the customary toss, savour new dishes such as an abalone collagen treasures pot and a double happiness sweet potato steamed rice. There are even fluffy lotus-filled twin bunny buns that help end the auspicious meal with a sweet note. For busy individuals, this is a conveniently tasty feast ($438, feeds up to six persons) that won't chip a nail.

By Tablescape, available from January 9 to February 5

Yes, the yu sheng toss may be a customary mandate. But it is the roast meats that garner the most likes and this year, the Black Truffle Duck should definitely be on your shopping list. Inspired by the classic Peking Duck, expect glistening crisp skin and tender meat laced with truffle butter. All’s left to do is wrap a slice of duck with paper-thin crepes ($20) and finish with traditional condiments for that succulent satisfaction. Want variety? There are also specially curated irresistible Josper-charred BBQ pork belly ($34) and juicy orange-thyme roasted chicken ($88) to complete your extremely auspicious roast meat trio platter.

By Meadesmoore, available from January 9 to February 5

Boldly replacing raw fish with beautifully marbled beef, this unconventionally modern steakhouse presents a yu sheng for beef lovers and beef lovers only. Eight blossom Wagyu tri-tip MS-6/7 from Queensland, Australia, is first lightly charcoal grilled till smoky tender heaps and crowned upon a colourful medley of freshly shredded vegetables. Retaining the auspicious element with a twist, white-wine marinated ikura replaces fish and Japanese rice puffs for golden crackers. Finishing touches of a tangy ume and caramelised shallot dressing are then drizzled atop to complete the symbolistic holy trinity of abundance, wealth and fertility. Still not convinced? The steakhouse also offers a fish alternative with Szechuan pepper and apple-cured hamachi at the same price.

By Goodwood Park Hotel, available from January 4 to February 5

Impressively designed to resemble a bonsai plant, this statement piece is the perfect gift to your hosts this Chinese New Year. The unveiling deserves all the attention as it reveals eight dainty pairs of entremets, each meticulously into auspicious icons by in-house pastry chefs. Think mascarpone firecracker roulade, kumquat money bag pound cake, orange choux puff, golden pineapple basque tart and more. It helps that these mouth-watering treats are made bite-sized so you’ll still be able to enjoy the lavish feasting that comes after.

By Crystal Jade Group, available from November 21 to Feb 4

This deliciously fuss-free five-course feast is the ultimate convenience for the modern family as it could satiate a party of five to seven. First, herald the prosperous tidings with the reunion yu sheng blessed with an entire can of 10-head abalone. Next, tuck into the abundant treasures pot with heaps of braised seafood and meats, crispy dang gui salted chicken, prosperity carrot cake and the newest addition of a fortune fried glutinous rice with conpoy. There’s never a better time for sweet endings as there are dessert add-ons such as the joyous red bean soy milk pudding ($28.80), almond cookies ($22.80) and golden pineapple cookies ($26.80) to treat.

By Hai Tien Lo, available from December 27 to February 5

There’s no scrimping when it comes to building the ultimate Pen Cai. It is after all widely believed to attract good fortune. Fortunately, you can leave that to the master chefs at Hai Tien Lo so you won’t have to lift a finger. Simmered to fragrant perfection, the Superior Treasure Pot ($598, serves six person) overflows with 15 stellar ingredients from eight-head whole abalone, dried oysters, sea cucumber, pork knuckle, lobster, black moss (fa choy) and plenty more. Turn this treasure trove into a lavish giftset with Hai Tien Lo’s highlights for the season which include the fortune yu sheng, shacha sesame roasted chicken, premium XO chilli sauce and Chinese taro cake along with a bottle of Xanadu Exmoor Shiraz.

By Path, available from January 9 to 28

The joy of togetherness during reunions is best represented by Path’s East meets West take on a traditional French king’s cake. Encased within a buttery puff pastry is a generous mix of eight premium ingredients – think Australian abalone, iberico pork and scallops – each carrying an auspicious meaning. Wonderfully savoury and intensely umami, the glutinous rice then holds everything together. There were also morel mushrooms that added a welcomed layer of earthiness and texture while the sweet smokiness from bakkwa came as a nice surprise to finish. Symbolising wealth, abundance, and peace in every bite, this meaningful pie makes for a sincere treat for your loved ones. Just make sure you preorder three days in advance.