Don’t let restaurant-hunting stress you out during the long weekend. We’ve rounded up various cuisine options for fancy feasting.
Who’s ready for the long weekend? We’re already anticipating more CNY snacking, festive fashion spotting, a healthy dose of yusheng excitement and lots of quality time with our favourite people. Not partaking in the festivities? Take advantage of the break to hit up cultural enclaves like Little India or Kampong Glam for awesome snaps. But whether you’re celebrating CNY or having holiday fun, we reckon it’ll be wise to plan your dining adventures in advance, as many restaurants (especially Chinese ones) may be closed. Thankfully, we’ve done the homework for you! Here’s a list of restaurants that open their doors during Chinese New Year.
Restaurants that stay open during Chinese New Year: Chinese food
Finding Chinese restaurants that are open over CNY is a slight challenge, but we’ve got your back. Hit up these spots for your fix.
Empress
Up the ante by dining amidst arts and culture at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Empress is known for its delectable roasted meats that are fit for royalty. Highlights include crackling roast pork, royal Peking duck and the tempting triple roast platter, which offers char siew, roast pork and sticky and sweet pork ribs.
Empress, #01-03, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555; open throughout Chinese New Year
Beauty in the Pot
This is the only time of the year when no one will give you the side-eye if you’re hankering for hot pot. Gather your family and indulge in superior broths with melt-in-your-mouth meats at Beauty in the Pot. Our faves have to be the beauty collagen soup and the nourishing spicy soup paired with ingredients like wagyu beef, sliced lamb and Kurobuta pork.
Beauty in the Pot, multiple locations including VivoCity and Westgate; open from 11:30am – 2:30pm and 6pm – 10:30pm on CNY Eve and 11:30am – 10:30pm on 12 Feb – 13 Feb
Din Tai Fung
In need of a quick xiao long bao fix? The ever-reliable Din Tai Fung has your back, even during the Lunar New Year. Beyond dim sum, dishes like hot and sour soup, fried rice with pork chop and braised Sichuan sliced beef are noteworthy too.
Din Tai Fung, multiple locations including Chinatown Point and Paragon; only selected outlets are open: 11am – 3pm on CNY Eve and 11am – 9pm on 12 Feb – 14 Feb
Min Jiang
Head to Min Jiang for contemporary Sichuan and Cantonese fare. Roast meats and dim sum aside, Beijing duck is the star of the menu, prepared with an ancient Chinese recipe for the most authentic-tasting bite.
Min Jiang, multiple locations including Goodwood Park Hotel and Dempsey Hill; open throughout Chinese New Year
Paradise Dynasty
This yum cha establishment stands out for its unusual but tasty xiao long bao flavours. Splashed in vibrant hues, brace yourself for foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe and what not. Pick your jaw off the floor and give them a go, even if you’re a traditionalist (there’s the original flavour too, if you wanna stick to your guns).
Paradise Dynasty, multiple locations including Wisma Atria and Funan Mall; open from 11am – 2pm and 6pm – 9:30pm on CNY Eve, normal operating hours throughout CNY
Restaurants that stay open during Chinese New Year: Other cuisines
From Thai to Italian, it’s business as usual for these restaurants. While you gather your foodie crew, we spotlight some great menus for your feasting pleasure.
15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
Visit this flagship restaurant of Capitol Kempinski for Asian cuisine with a twist. Drawing inspiration from his travels around Asia, chef Alvin Leung creates dishes like foie gras kaya toast, pork prime rib served bak kut teh style, and laksa with tiger prawns and smoked onsen quail eggs.
15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906; open throughout Chinese New Year
The Banana Leaf Apolo
When the briyani cravings call, this is the place to be. Have it with veggies and get communal sides to share: the chicken masala and mutton mysore are some of our faves. Alternatively, get a serious spice and flavour kick with the fiery fish curry.
The Banana Leaf Apolo, #01-32, Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959; open throughout Chinese New Year
Blue Jasmine
This Thai outpost cooks up a pretty storm with multiple butterfly pea-infused dishes (that’s what makes the steamed rice blue!). But we suggest you dive straight into the CNY a la carte buffet, which features classics like Thai salads, red and green curries, chicken basil and more.
Blue Jasmine, Level 5, Park Hotel Farrer Park, 10 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217564; open throughout Chinese New Year
Tablescape
The pastas and risottos at Tablescape will wow you, but don’t pass on the meats and bread basket either – seconds are necessary. Take it from us. There are no lack of stunners on the menu of classic European fare.
Tablescape, Level 3, Grand Park City Hall, 10 Coleman Street, Singapore 179809; open throughout Chinese New Year
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
This New York steakhouse needs little introduction. If you’re a regular, you’ll already know about the well-loved prime USDA black angus. But if you want a dish that’s only available on our shores, order up the Singapore special black pepper beef rice.
Wolfgang Steakhouse, #02-01, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909; open throughout Chinese New Year
Gordon Grill
A meal at Gordon Grill is a fine dining affair – perfect if fancy-schmancy is your mood for the weekend. The roast lunch is one for the meat lovers (think ribeye, lamb chop and the likes), while the four-course dinner menu serves delicacies like chilled pasta with king crab and caviar, and duck leg confit with foie gras. Delish!
Gordon Grill, 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221; open throughout Chinese New Year
Rumours Beach Club
While travel is still a no-no, escape the city for a quick island getaway at Rumours Beach Club. Exuding Bali vibes, the beach club boasts three swimming pools and is home to cabana, beachfront, indoor, alfresco and VIP areas. Don’t miss out on the BBQ seafood platter with lobster, red snapper, river prawns and squid.
Rumours Beach Club, 40 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 098996; open throughout Chinese New Year
Rest assured, these restaurants that stay open during the Chinese New Year weekend will satisfy your hunger pangs.