Gourmet, CNY 2025
As we get ready to bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon, we welcome the Year of the Snake, which is not only bold but is no less inspiring. Restaurants and hotels continue the tradition of drawing inspiration from the zodiac animals of the lunar calendar, and this year is no exception. Here are some snake-themed dishes that are not only Instagram-worthy but also bring a touch of elegance and grandeur to your Chinese New Year celebrations.
1. Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng, Intercontinental Singapore
Intercontinental Singapore is one of Singapore’s hotels renowned for its unique dishes during the CNY season. This year, it promises a spectacular array of CNY delights from Chinese restaurant Man Fu Yuan that promises to fill the festive seasons with indulging flavours and timeless traditions such as its grand ‘Blazing Snake Fortune Yu Sheng’, which gives the festive feast an exotic touch.
At the heart of this yu sheng lies a more profound symbolism: each of the eight snakes forms part of the Chinese character fortune, embodying blessings for the new year.
These include peace, joy, health, prosperity, harmony, wealth, support, and good fortune made up of premium ingredients such as abalone, rock lobster, ikura, Hokkaido crispy shredded dried scallop, salmon sashimi, and crispy fish skin.
In addition to the Yu Sheng, other snake-inspired dishes include the Braised Spinach Seafood Bisque with snakehead fish fillet, Fish Maw, Egg White, Crab Meat, and Scallops which honours the vibrant energy of the Year of the Green Snake with the incorporation of spinach, a symbol of renewal and vitality and the Braised Duo La Mian with Alaska King Crab, Rock Lobster, and Crab Roe that tells the story of harmonious union of two mythical beings, which symbolises love, prosperity, and renewal.
2. Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng, Orchid Hotel
The strategically located Orchid Hotel in the heart of Tanjong Pagar promises an exciting celebration in ushering in the Year of The Snake with its in-house restaurant Ya Ge set to present an exquisite fusion of tradition and modern culinary flair such as the Smoked Herb-Infused Irish ‘Pipa’ Duck and the indulgent Stir-fried Australian Lobster with White Asparagus and Truffle Oil.
One of the highlights would be the Crispy Golden Eel and Yellowtail Yu Sheng, meticulously crafted as a snake to usher in the Year of the Snake.
The Yu Sheng consists of ingredients such as savoury yellowtail, crispy eel skin and finely shredded vegetables such as carrots, radish and zesty pickled ginger with a special house-made passionfruit kumquat dressing and topped off with koi fish-shaped mango pudding.
3. Deluxe Edition “Sure Win” Yu Sheng, Fullerton Hotel
Well known for its festive dishes and treats during the CNY period, The Fullerton Hotel will set the stage for grand reunion gatherings at its Chinese Restaurant Jade.
The culinary team has curated a Deluxe Edition, “Sure Win” Yu Sheng, a wordplay on the Chinese character for ‘snake’ and an edible work of art.
Ingredients include finely sliced vegetables meticulously arranged to form a three-dimensional snake, accompanying Norwegian smoked salmon, rose wine-marinated fresh abalone, and king prawn. Served with rich shallot oil and tangy-sweet kumquat dressing, the Yu Sheng also comes with Jade’s signature champagne jelly’ gold cubes’ for a luxurious glisten.
4. Auspicious Golden Snake Yu Sheng, Shangri-La Hotel
With a medley of reunion feasts, festive treats, and family experiences, Shangri-La Hotel is set to elevate its celebrations with the Year Of The Snake, offering an array of CNY delights and memorable experiences.
This year’s a la carte menu consists of the limited-edition Auspicious Snake Yu Sheng, a captivating snake-shaped Yu Sheng masterpiece that blends symbolism with culinary artistry.
In addition, it is paired with a mango head and a body of refreshing dragon fruit layered with green and yellow Italian cucumber, which offers a vibrant and delicious feast with a perfect pairing of smoked salmon and jellyfish.
5. Tablescape Seafood Yu Sheng, Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
As the essence of celebratory classics elevated with Modern European flair, Tablescape Restaurant & Bar is not to be missed for its neoclassical elegance of the restaurant, conviviality in the comfort of home with loved ones, or the spirit of giving the new Spring.
The restaurant has created an auspiciously indulgent Tablescape Seafood Yu Sheng this year. It features a snake in honour of the year’s zodiac icon along with succulent Josper-grilled octopus and local lobster, as well as tender maguro loin and salmon sashimi, which symbolises abundance and surplus, alongside crispy fish skin and a vibrant assortment of winter melon, leek, pomelo, and lotus root, and more.
In addition, it is paired with a mango head and a body of refreshing dragon fruit layered with green and yellow Italian cucumber, which offers a vibrant and delicious feast with a perfect pairing of smoked salmon and jellyfish.
Gourmet, CNY 2025
