The past month has been incredibly busy but a fulfilling one , with a series of events, including the HOTC Bye Bye Dragon, Hello Snake Lunar New Year Walking Food Tour.
With this tour series, we wanted to celebrate Lunar New Year by highlighting the cuisines and cultures that honour this festive occasion. It wasn’t just about the food - it was about storytelling, tradition, and the spirit of the season.
Organising the tour came with its challenges, from getting the right mix of eateries to coordinating logistics and getting restaurants involved. Some of the participating restaurants embraced the theme wholeheartedly, with some even went the extra mile by creating special dishes just for the occasion which was very heartwarming.
The Tour
Chamate – We kicked off with a seafood degustation: a platter of fresh seafood infused with Asian flavours, symbolizing abundance and happiness for the year ahead.
Che Viet – A special treat, as we were among the first to experience this soon-to-open Vietnamese eatery, offering guests an exclusive first taste of their upcoming menu.
My Dear Eatery – Skewers of BBQ lamb, chicken soft bone, and prawns added a modern twist to the festive meal.
Zhou Alley – Guests participated in the prosperity toss of (La Pi, 拉皮), a refreshing and symbolic dish representing good fortune and prosperity.
Taste of China – A highlight was Jiangsu sweet and sour pork, a dish associated with joy and celebration, offering a different take on the sweet and sour pork we all know and love.
Biang Biang City – We showcased the significance of hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles, with their long, ribbon-like strands symbolising longevity and prosperity for the new year.
Sumthin Dumplin – This beloved dumpling spot created two special edition dumplings exclusively for our tour, honouring the tradition of dumplings as symbols of wealth and good fortune.
Hazy Tiger – Our grand finale at this modern Korean fusion hotspot featured Tteokguk, the traditional Korean rice cake soup enjoyed during Lunar New Year, along with a Korean mixed grain panna cotta, all specially made for the walking food tour.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this tour was witnessing the dedication and passion of some of the restaurant owners. Many put in extra effort to create special dishes and make the celebration even more meaningful.
Our guests didn’t just enjoy incredible food - they also discovered the stories behind each dish, learning how they connect to Lunar New Year traditions and what they symbolise. Their positive feedback and excitement made all the effort worthwhile.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And next time, with even more hidden gems and insider stories to share.
