7 jubilant ways to usher in the Chinese New Year this 2019

Growing up, I noticed that Chinese New Year is often one of the busiest and most stressful periods. We’ve got to clean and decorate the house, pick out CNY clothes and even prepare a grand feast for reunion dinner. Alas, there are now alternatives to help save time so that we can truly focus on what really matters.

Elsie’s Kitchen

For those catering to a large group of people, Elsie’s Kitchen might be what you’re looking for. With their large selection of food items and gorgeous décor, Elsie’s Kitchen ensures that there is something for everyone this Chinese New Year. Their CNY menu comprises many dishes ($15.88 to $34.88). We were especially dazzled by their Ayam Buah Keluak Fried Rice, Burmese Golden Pumpkin Curry infused with Tamarind, Crispy King Soon Hock with Spicy Tamarind Glaze & Garlic Chips. We thought that the Pumpkin curry stood out with its smooth chunks of sweet pumpkin coated in a tantalizing tamarind-infused curry. For Chinese New year, the Auspicious pair of Koi Fish Yu Sheng with Jasmine Tea Home-cured Salmon is also a must!

Mr Popiah

Popiah might not really shout Chinese New Year but Mr Popiah might just change your mind with their new release — Salted Egg Yolk Prawn popiah ($3.50)! Their use of salted egg yolk with breaded prawns in a popiah was really interesting. From the popiah skin to the turnip fillings, Mr Popiah makes it all from scratch ensuring its consistency and quality. In fact, they’re so good that most of the popiah stalls and even restaurants use their products!

Peach Garden

For a more private dining option with your family and friends, go for Peach Garden. Coupled with excellent service staff, Peach Garden really gives other restaurants a good run for the money. Dive into their specially-curated Chinese New Year set which includes items like Prosperity Salmon Yu Sheng, Steamed Fillet of Silver Sea Perch with Crispy Mushrooms in Superior Soya Sauce and even Tamarind Iced Tea ($3.50++)! If I had to pick, I’d think the star of the show was the Silver Sea Perch with crispy fried mushrooms! The fish fillets carried a pleasant sweetness that complemented the deep flavors of the soya sauce.

Mr Bean

Celebrate your Chinese New Year with Mr Bean! Mr Bean is now offering patrons delectable CNY-inspired snacks including the Vegetarian Bak Kwa Eggwich ($3.50/pc, $16.80/box of 6 U.P $17.50), Golden Soya Milk ($2.50) and even Golden Salted Egg Ice Cream ($2.80)! It’s really heartwarming to see familiar Chinese New Year goodies merged into our favorite Mr Bean snacks and drinks! My personal favorite would definitely be the Vegetarian Bak Kwa Eggwich. Sink your teeth into their delicious eggwich made from quality farm eggs to unveil the flavorful vegetarian bak kwa filling. Wash everything down with a cup of their Golden Salted Egg Ice Cream which sees the same beloved soya soft serve topped with crunchy salted egg topping for added texture.

Wok Master

Now with their third and newest outlet at Changi City point, there’s no reason not to celebrate Chinese New Year with Wok Master! Wok Master excites with its refreshed CNY menu ($388++) which is good for 6 pax. The CNY set includes their 发财鱼生 which comes with 贵妃鲍鱼, instead of the more common salmon slices. Another noteworthy dish on the menu is their 冰花蜜汁大虾皇. The dish comes served with 6 large prawns so that everyone can have 1 each! Don’t be fooled by its spicy appearance for the prawns are actually coated with rock sugar honey to bolster the fresh sweetness from the prawns. A real treat for anyone!

Kimly Seafood

Conveniently located in coffeeshops throughout Singapore, Kimly Seafood has been offering quality tze char at affordable prices for years. What sets them apart is their adventurous spirit and their daringness to explore different flavors and ingredients. We tried a few of the dishes on their CNY menu — the Steamed Herbal Chicken in Cordyceps Flower ($68), 盆菜 ($168 for 6pax, $268 for 10pax) and the Salted Egg Prawns ($18). Kimly’s盆菜comes with lots of abalone, fish maw slices and mushrooms drenched in a deep-flavored gravy. Another standout was their salted egg prawns! Cleverly engineered with milk powder, Kimly’s salted egg prawns is not to be missed.

Popeyes

Chinese New Year wouldn’t be complete without some Parmesan Golden Chicken from Popeye’s! Savor the same juicy fried chicken dusted with rich parmesan cheese and savory salted egg. Finish your meal with some corn bites too! Think nuggets with a crunchy corn filling instead of chicken.

Note that all the food items mentioned are only available during the Chinese New Year period. Chinese New Year only comes once a year so let’s make it count! Remember to share with us which of the 7 options is your favorite!