If you’re reading this on Chinese New Year, it either means your CNY gathering is bored af, or that you are alone this CNY. No worries, because this post will keep you occupied for like 5 minutes!
Back in the 1990s, if you die on the road during CNY Day 1, your body will most likely be found only on Day 3. Literally all shops were closed during the first 2 days of CNY and families lived close to one another, so there was no one walking on the streets (trust me, I did that on CNY Day 1 in 1998). Work-life balance was so good, it was OK not to get in touch with your colleagues or boss during CNY.
Not today.
Even NTUC is open on CNY! Here are some of the food places opened during the first 2 days of CNY weekend that you can kill time with.
Liao Fan Hawker Chan Soy Sauce Chicken Noodles
This Michelin-star eating place is always teeming with people. Given that most of its clientele is busy with CNY visits, the crowd should ease a bit on the CNY weekend.
Even better, try the outlet at Tai Seng station on Circle Line. As I had mentioned earlier, the standard is no different!
#01-02
18 Tai Seng St
6386 2000
Colonial Club
Another place that will be open 24/7 throughout the CNY holiday will be Changi Airport. Here at Colonial Club, it’s easy to have a taste of local cuisine at one location. From Kueh Pie Tee to Yong Tau Foo, there’s plenty of comfort food to make one feel like huat!
And there’s the whole airport for you to walk off that heavy meal!
AOne
In case satay and popiah isn’t your cup of tea, Changi Airport Terminal 3 also has AOne Claypot House that serves up yummy Chinese food. Most likely you can lou hei (by yourself) too!
My favourite is Honey Glazed Chicken, though the cooking is so good, everyone will have their personal favourite.
The Mad Sailors
Serving up fragrant Fish and Chips in Haji Lane, it’s a respite from all the dong dong chiang that has lasted the whole month and will last for another 2 weeks.
I can’t guarantee that they don’t play CNY songs in their restaurant, though!
24 Haji Lane
Singapore 189217
www.themadsailors.sg
8768 0465
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elemen 元素
This is a great choice for vegetarians and if you are feeling greasy from all the office year-end-CNY gatherings, the light and healthy fusion items will definitely be pleasing for the palate!
I particularly liked their plating, which made it feel like we’re eating a fancy meal, but with Chinese vegetarian food.
9 Raffles Blvd
#01-75A/76 Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
www.elemen.com.sg
6238 0511
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GoroGoro Steamboat and Korean Buffet
The weather forecast said it will be raining throughout the CNY weekend, so a piping hot meal will warm your tummy up to your lonely-stricken heart. There’s a whole variety of hotpot ingredients to choose from. And if you’re not a fan of having everything-boiled, they also serve up tasty fried food a la Korean style.
In fact, go for the Fried Chicken Wings before you stuff yourself silly!
218 Orchard Road
Orchardgateway@emerald
#04-01
Singapore 238851
Take the lift inside Crate&Barrel
Tiger Sugar
No one can resist a cup of bubble tea, not even when Tiger Sugar! It’s the best comfort food one deserves, before meals, after meals, without meals. The outlet at Chinatown Point basment will be open and is still free from long queues!
The Peranakan at Orchard Hotel
A meal here will cost a bit more, but your tummy will forgive you. Nothing speaks more local than a hearty meal of authentic Peranakan high tea!
However, this one will require one of your kakis to accompany you, since it is really impossible to finish off the whole platter alone. Of course, there’s also the chance to shop at Orchard Road after high tea with your kaki!
442 Orchard Road
Level 2 Claymore Connect
Singapore 238879
https://www.theperanakan.com/
6262 4428
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Beach Road Kitchen by JW Marriott
I didn’t give the service a high score then, but sometimes, buffet wins. Buffet places is where you get to enjoy some warmth from a crowd, we must admit. Their staff was also friendly and well trained, which means a lot for us lonely folks during CNY!
Again, a good after-meal activity can involve a walk around Padang, before popping over to Fullerton Bay Hotel for an evening high tea.
30 Beach Rd, Singapore 189763
http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/sinjw-jw-marriott-hotel-singapore-south-beach/modules/5885674/home-page.mi
6818 1913
The Landing Point
Again, I didn’t give Landing Point a good review, this place offers a superb evening view of the Marina Bay when you have Sundown Soiree with your lonely kakis. It’ll be a great place to take and post insta-worthy photos, making it seem like you are rocking a life when others are stuck with answering stupid questions from their relatives!
No other reason! Sometimes, we just need such superficial purposes to spice up our boring CNY lives!
80 Collyer Quay, 049326
fullertonhotels.com
6597 5277
I hope these recommendations can help you pull through your lonely CNY. No fear! You should be meeting many like minded people at these places!
Till then, stay hungry!