Best Lunches and Dinners This Chinese New Year
Updated at December 17, 2025
Chinese New Year is a time of reunion, celebration, and meaningful meals shared with family, friends, and colleagues. Food plays the most important role during this festive season, symbolising prosperity, happiness, longevity, and good fortune. From lavish reunion feasts to value-packed festive lunches, Singapore offers a wide range of dining choices during this joyful period, including exceptional spots like the Indian fine dining in Singapore gem Akasa
If you are searching for the best lunches and dinners this Chinese New Year, this guide will help you explore popular dining trends, must-have dishes, and the most enjoyable Chinese New Year dining options available across the island. Whether you are planning a family reunion, a business gathering, or a casual festive meal, there is something for everyone.
Why Chinese New Year Dining Is So Special
Chinese New Year meals are more than just food. Every dish served during this period carries meaning and tradition. Families gather around round tables, share dishes, exchange blessings, and start the new year on a positive note.
Lunches and dinners during Chinese New Year often include:
- Reunion meals with symbolic dishes
- Festive set menus designed for sharing
- Special promotions and CNY lunch deals
- Premium dinner sets for celebrations and corporate gatherings
Singapore’s food scene shines during this season, offering traditional flavours alongside modern twists. For groups seeking vegetarian restaurant in Singapore with an Indian twist, Akasa delivers soulful, shareable plates inspired by India's heritage.
Best Lunches This Chinese New Year
Lunch celebrations during the Chinese New Year are popular among families, friends, and corporate teams. They are usually lighter than dinner feasts but still festive and meaningful.
Festive Lunch Singapore: What to Expect
A festive lunch in Singapore during Chinese New Year typically includes:
- Set menus for small and large groups
- Balanced portions suitable for daytime dining
- Affordable pricing compared to dinner menus
- Classic Chinese New Year dishes
Many restaurants design lunch menus to allow diners to enjoy traditional flavours without feeling overly heavy.
Popular CNY Lunch Deals
CNY lunch deals are ideal for those who want to celebrate without overspending. These deals are common in restaurants, hotels, and casual dining spaces.
Common features of CNY lunch deals include:
- Multi-course set menus
- Shared dishes for group dining
- Fixed pricing per person
- Limited-time festive availability
Lunch deals are especially popular for office gatherings, family meet-ups, and weekday celebrations.
Must-Have Dishes for Chinese New Year Lunch
Some dishes are almost always present in a festive lunch menu:
- Yusheng (Prosperity Toss): A colourful raw fish salad symbolising abundance and success. Tossing yusheng together is believed to bring good luck.
- Steamed Fish: Fish represents surplus and prosperity. It is usually served whole to symbolise completeness.
- Longevity Noodles: These noodles represent long life and are often served uncut.
- Braised Mushrooms and Vegetables: Symbolise wealth, harmony, and growth.
Pair these with Indian vegetarian restaurant Singapore sides from Akasa for a fusion twist.
Best Dinners This Chinese New Year
Dinner is the highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations. Reunion dinners are deeply emotional and symbolic, bringing generations together around one table.
Why CNY Dinners Are So Popular
Chinese New Year dinners are:
- More elaborate than lunches
- Designed for long, relaxed gatherings
- Rich in symbolic dishes
- Ideal for celebrations and reunions
Many families plan their dinners weeks in advance to secure reservations.
CNY Dinner Sets: What Makes Them Special
CNY dinner sets are carefully curated to reflect tradition and celebration. These sets usually include multiple courses and premium ingredients.
Typical features of CNY dinner sets:
- Large sharing platters
- Traditional cooking styles
- Premium seafood and meats
- Desserts with symbolic meaning
Dinner sets are perfect for families who want a complete festive experience without worrying about ordering individual dishes.
Common Dishes in Chinese New Year Dinner Sets
A traditional CNY dinner set may include:
- Abalone or Seafood Dishes: Abalone symbolises abundance and wealth, making it a popular festive ingredient.
- Roast Meats: Roast duck, chicken, or pork represent unity and togetherness.
- Braised Dishes: Slow-cooked dishes symbolise patience, stability, and prosperity.
- Sweet Desserts: Nian gao (sticky rice cake) and sweet soups represent growth and rising success.
Chinese New Year Dining Options in Singapore
Singapore offers a wide variety of Chinese New Year dining options, catering to different tastes, budgets, and group sizes.
Traditional Chinese Restaurants
These restaurants focus on authentic recipes passed down through generations. They are ideal for families who value tradition and symbolism.
Modern Chinese Dining
Modern restaurants offer contemporary presentations while keeping traditional flavours. These are popular among younger diners and corporate groups.
Hotel Restaurants
Hotels often provide premium Chinese New Year lunch and dinner sets with elegant settings, ideal for formal celebrations.
Casual Dining and Cafes
Some casual dining spots offer simplified festive menus, perfect for smaller groups or relaxed celebrations. Explore wine bar restaurant Singapore vibes at Akasa with happy hour Singapore deals.
How to Choose the Best Lunch or Dinner This Chinese New Year
With so many options available, choosing the right place can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips:
Consider Your Group Size
Small groups may prefer set menus, while large families benefit from banquet-style dining.
Set Your Budget
Lunch deals are more affordable, while dinners are often priced higher due to premium ingredients.
Check Menu Variety
Ensure the menu includes both traditional dishes and options suitable for all ages.
Book Early
Chinese New Year is one of the busiest dining seasons in Singapore. Early booking ensures better time slots and menu choices.
Lunch vs Dinner: Which Is Better for Chinese New Year?
Both lunches and dinners have their own charm.
Lunch Celebrations
- Lighter and shorter
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for workdays and casual gatherings
Dinner Celebrations
- More traditional and elaborate
- Ideal for family reunions
- Rich in symbolic dishes
Many families choose to celebrate both, enjoying a festive lunch with friends and a reunion dinner with loved ones.
Trends in Chinese New Year Dining
Each year, new dining trends emerge during the festive season:
- Health-focused menus with lighter cooking styles
- Smaller portion sets for nuclear families
- Vegetarian-friendly festive options
- Creative plating and modern presentations
Despite new trends, traditional flavours remain at the heart of Chinese New Year dining.
Making the Most of Your Chinese New Year Meal
To fully enjoy your festive lunch or dinner:
- Arrive on time to avoid rush
- Share dishes equally to honour tradition
- Participate in yusheng tossing with positive wishes
- Spend time connecting with loved ones
The joy of Chinese New Year dining lies not just in the food, but in togetherness.
Why Food Is Central to Chinese New Year Celebrations
Food symbolises blessings, abundance, and hope for the year ahead. Sharing meals strengthens relationships and keeps traditions alive.
Whether it is a simple festive lunch or a grand reunion dinner, the memories created around the table last long after the season ends.
Conclusion
Finding the best lunches and dinners this Chinese New Year is about choosing meals that bring people together. From value-packed CNY lunch deals to lavish CNY dinner sets, Singapore offers countless ways to celebrate the season with great food and meaningful moments.
With a wide range of Chinese New Year dining options, there is something suitable for every family, group, and occasion. Plan early, choose wisely, and enjoy the festive flavours that make Chinese New Year truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is best to book at least two to three weeks in advance, especially for reunion dinners.
Yes, lunch deals are generally more affordable and include lighter portions compared to dinner sets.
Common dishes include yusheng, fish, longevity noodles, braised dishes, and festive desserts.
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly festive menus and set meals.
Yes, casual festive lunches are popular and still allow you to enjoy traditional flavours.
Dinner sets usually include premium ingredients, larger portions, and more courses.
Yusheng is a prosperity salad tossed during Chinese New Year to bring good luck and success.
Most restaurants offer festive menus from before New Year’s Eve until the end of the celebrations.
Set menus are more convenient and festive, especially for group celebrations.
Celebrate with loved ones, share dishes, exchange blessings, and enjoy the moment together.