If you didn’t manage to snag your preferred venue, “huat” are the ways to still enjoy your festive family feast? Here are 8 lucky solutions to keep the celebration going.
The Lunar New Year, falling on 29 and 30 January (1st and 2nd days) this year, is all about family, food, and celebration. With popular restaurants often fully booked months in advance, finding a dining spot can feel like a race against time.
The good news? You don’t need a restaurant reservation to enjoy a meaningful reunion dinner. Whether it’s a cosy home-cooked meal, a buffet spread, or a creative alternative, these ideas will help you host a feast filled with joy and togetherness.
Organising a steamboat dinner at home is a timeless option, symbolising reunion thanks to the communal pot’s round shape. This hassle-free meal only requires raw ingredients that each guest can cook by themselves, fostering lively conversations around the bubbling broth.
Tip: Save time by purchasing pre-sliced ingredients like shabu-shabu meats from Don Don Donki or your local supermarket, and consider soup bases from Haidilao Delivery for an authentic touch.
Many caterers offer festive packages, complete with yusheng, roast meats, traditional Chinese dishes and delectable desserts. These services cater to groups of all sizes, with some even providing express delivery or self-collection. Orange Clove, for instance, offers a range of yusheng platters, from single servings to impressive 28-metre-long creations for grand celebrations, while Grain specialises in healthier takes on auspicious dishes.
Tip: Choose caterers with all-in-one packages that include tableware for a fuss-free clean-up.
Feeding a large, multigenerational family can be tricky, especially with differing tastes. Instead of serving course by course, go for a buffet-style meal that lets everyone choose their favourites while saving you time.
Lighten your hosting duties even more by preparing just your signature dishes and ordering the rest. If space is an issue, consider booking a community venue like a party room in your condominium or an HDB multi-purpose hall via the Town Council. The ManCaves located at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir and Khatib feature private outdoor BBQ patios equipped with hassle-free electric grills, ideal for hosting festive gatherings with barbecued delights. Alternatively, let professionals handle the food preparation by engaging your preferred Singapore Food Agency (SFA)-licensed caterers at no additional levy charges.
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For those who prefer dining out, staying flexible is key. Reach out to restaurants directly to check for last-minute cancellations, or consider booking early or late dining slots.
If you’re open to exploring different cuisines, this is the perfect chance to enjoy festive dishes at fusion or international dining spots. Consider the Thai-inspired sets at Siam Kitchen located at HomeTeamNS Khatib for bold, vibrant flavours, or the Japanese fusion offerings at the newly opened Thirsty Neko at Civil Service Club (Tessensohn), complete with relaxed alfresco vibes.
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Stock up on ready-to-eat festive dishes from supermarkets, perfect for freezing until you’re ready to heat and serve. Look to NTUC FairPrice Finest, Cold Storage, and Don Don Donki for pre-made staples like roast duck, braised pork, poon choi and yusheng kits. You can also find options from manufacturers like Pin Si Kitchen on Shopee. For added convenience, explore online grocery platforms such as RedMart or PandaMart, which offer same-day or express delivery for fresh and pre-packed dishes.
Tip: Visit food factories in Woodlands that open their doors to festive shoppers in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.
Divide up the work and ask family or friends to each contribute a dish or dessert, making the meal feel more collaborative and less stressful for you.
Let your guests choose their contributions — be it their signature chicken curry, a home-baked treat, or something unique from their culture if you’re hosting an international group. To ensure variety, have everyone coordinate in advance to avoid duplicates.
Abundance is central to the Lunar New Year, but dealing with leftovers for days can be overwhelming. Instead of exhausting yourself with a dozen dishes, focus on a few symbolic ones like a treasure pot, packed with luxurious ingredients such as abalone, fish maw, and sea cucumber. Pair this showstopper with simple crowd-pleasers like fried rice, spring rolls, or a fresh fruit platter to complete the meal.
Don’t worry, no one will go hungry — there’s always a wide variety of festive snacks like pineapple tarts, melon seeds, and arrowhead chips to keep everyone satisfied.
Uh-oh, did surprise visitors just drop in or had someone requested a spontaneous gathering? With restaurant bookings hard to come by, turn to apps like Foodpanda, GrabFood, and Deliveroo for quick food delivery or pick-up options. You might even find yusheng and festive dishes from select restaurants to elevate the celebration.
At the heart of it, the reunion dinner — whether a grand feast or a simple meal — is about togetherness. What matters most are the meaningful conversations and quality time shared with loved ones. Happy Lunar New Year!
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