Stuck At Home Valentine’s Day Ideas

Romance does not have to fade just because you are at home. Considering the impact of the pandemic and the need to practice social distancing, you have probably struggled to keep your indoor dates exciting. Fret not! There are a myriad of creative date activities that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home.

Spend Valentine’s Day with your special someone with these fun ideas.

#1: DO YOGA TOGETHER

Stretch the night away by practicing couples yoga with your partner. Now is the time find your inner Zen. Poses suitable for couples are more intimate and challenging. It is a shared experience focused more on the connection with one another, rather than just yourself.

#2: MAKE DELICIOUS PIZZA

Add spice to your Netflix and chill by making your own pizza. Try different recipes such as baguette pizza and Marinara pizza.

#3: TEST YOUR SINGING ABILITIES

Do you have a favorite love song? Challenge your partner to a melodious night of karaoke. Sing your hearts out by searching karaoke videos on YouTube. Singing some of your favorite tunes is guaranteed to boost your spirit.

#4: TRY A VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOUR

Whether you are a fan of Vincent van Gogh or cultural art, you can find a virtual museum tour for both of your interests. I recommend watching the National Museum of Singapore’s Zoom Into History Video series. It is an insightful look at the artifacts and everyday objects that have defined our nation’s past. You can also watch the virtual tours streamed on the National Gallery of Singapore’s Facebook Live.

#5: CREATE FUN COCKTAILS

Show off your bartending skills in the comfort of your own space by making a cocktail together with your loved one. Make the Love Potion #9. It is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pomegranate juice. Enjoy!

#6: START A BOOK CLUB

Encourage your friends to join your book club. Bring your partner along too. Choose a book to read together with the group and then pick an evening to discuss it over wine and cheese on Zoom or Skype.

#7: HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT

Spare a few hours for an at-home photoshoot. Ensure that your pictures have backdrops and decorations that fit your theme. You can have these photos printed and gathered into an album.

#8: SET THEMATIC NIGHTS

Whether you want to indulge on a game or movie night, you can set February 14 as your “best day ever”. You can forgo dinner by turning the lights out and preparing snacks that can boost your movie night experience. If you cannot agree on a movie you both want to watch, consider the first movie you ever watched together. Alternatively, you can play video games. Your partner can either be impressed by your mad skills on screen or will think it is adorable to see you consistently losing.

#9: INDULGE IN A SPA DATE

Drop in your nearest Lush outlet or create your own DIY bath bombs to enjoy a spa date. Have a bath together with bath salts and bath bombs. Afterwards, you can give each other massages with aromatherapy oils. Lastly, you can give your partner a manicure or a pedicure. Complete the experience with matching robes!

Image credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Useful Employment Support Guides (that you probably didn’t know) on LifeSG App

The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives of many families and caused a loss of jobs. To help retrenched workers and jobseekers, GovTech collaborated with Workforce Singapore (‘WSG’), e2i, TADM, TAFEP and SkillsFuture Singapore (‘SSG’) to develop new modules on the LifeSG App (rebranded from Moments of Life). These employment support modules take a user-centric approach to show relevant information in a bite-sized manner that is easy to understand for the everyday man on the street. It informs target audience on the assistance and job opportunities available to them. Simply look for these modules under “Discover your next career steps and find support” section under the home page of your LifeSG App.

Here’s a summary of each employment support module that you will find on LifeSG App and how they can be of help.

1. Know Your Retrenchment Benefits and Measures

Workers who have been retrenched or are at-risk of retrenchment may not be aware of the resources available to help them during this difficult period. They may also be unaware of the benefits due to them when faced with an impending retrenchment. Some of the benefits that retrenched workers may be eligible are the following:

  • a notice period,
  • retrenchment benefits,
  • alternatives to retrenchment, and
  • help in finding a new job

As employees, it is critical for us to understand our rights so that we know what precautions to take and what to do if there is a dispute.

2. Support for Your Job Search

The “Support for your job search” module helps retrenched individuals and job seekers to:

  • Find opportunities for new jobs via career fairs, access government support schemes and convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch. These enable the job search process to be more efficient, as well as increase the number of job opportunities that they can access.
  • Access customised advice and forge career plans from career coaches at WSG, e2i etc. These professionals will help you to understand your personality, area of interests as well as strengths and weaknesses. All these are useful to guide you to better understand your career objective in life
  • Explore courses to upskill/reskill to ensure that you are always ready for your next role in this fast-changing world. Armed with the relevant professional certifications, you will be one step closer to landing the job that helps you achieve your career goal.

Do not underestimate the toll that every unsuccessful job application takes on a job seeker’s morale. Therefore, having a well-thought-out strategy advised by the professionals and executing it is half the battle won in your job search.

3. Financial Support for Workers and the Self-Employed

Ever since COVID-19 struck, the Singapore government has been quick to dole out relief measures to provide financial support in an unprecedented manner to ensure that no one is left behind. This specific module is handy in allowing individuals across the different employment categories to browse the various listings of government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures:

  • Unemployed (including retrenched) individuals
  • Lower-income individuals
  • Individuals with reduced income
  • Self-employed persons

Here is a case study of how an unemployed individual can tap on the various government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures to tide him through this difficult period. Mr Tan is a 40-year-old Singaporean who works in the travel industry. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been placed on involuntary No-Pay leave by his company. He can apply for the COVID-19 Support Grant and receive up to $800 per month for 3 months which would be credited directly into his bank account. In addition, he can receive Job and Training Support by Workforce Singapore (WSG) or The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to help him upskill and reskill. This allows him the option of convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch should he decide to. Understanding the various schemes and grants available to him, he can conveniently apply for them online via the mobile app.

With information organised in a succinct manner, it is easier for them to know what financial schemes they are eligible for, as well as information on the application process. This ensures that those who need financial aid gets them in the shortest possible time so that the disruption to their daily lives is mitigated.

https://articles.life.gov.sg/financial-support-workers-self-employed/

Scan the QR code for more articles on the type of support available for Singaporeans affected by COVID-19.

Download the LifeSG App Today

Government has set aside plenty of help so that Singaporeans can tide through this pandemic and emerge stronger. Download the LifeSG App today to get a firm grasp of this helpful information. Also keep a look out for more features related to providing employment support that will be rolled out in subsequent phases.

https://go.life.gov.sg/XwD9

Discover your next career steps and find support with the Employment Support modules on LifeSG App!

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How to deal with a micromanager professionally

colleagues at work

Micromanagement is such a pain in the arse. At a point in our careers, we might have been faced with a micromanager some time, somewhere. But many out there may not even know that they are being micromanaged.

So what are the common signs of micromanagement? Here are eight common ones from such bosses:

  • Little or no work delegation
  • Always asking you for updates
  • Show a reluctance in mentoring
  • Finding fault in everything you do
  • Famous for one-way conversations
  • Sole decision-maker even for the littlest of tasks
  • Like to focus on the small details but miss out on the big picture
  • Delay project deadlines because everything requires their “yes”

If you suspect that you’re whirled up in such a situation and it’s taking a toll on you, act on it before you explode.

Here are some ways to deal with a micromanager (or colleague) tactfully. Fictitious names included!

#1: Have an honest heart-to-heart talk
coffee conversation

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As a micromanaging superior, Peter might not be very welcoming of criticisms. Be sensitive when dealing with this. When we say to have an honest heart-to-heart talk, we mean a candid but specific conversation.

Bill Gardner, founder and managing partner of Noetic Outcomes Consulting, suggests this with over 40 years of experience coaching executives. You want to describe your feelings when Peter’s behaviours directed at you make you feel X, Y, and Z. Then, go ahead and list some specific actions you hope to see going forward.

Now, some of you must be thinking this is impossible. As Asians, we may not like to confront head-on. But grow some guts, and you never know positive outcomes could snowball out of your truthfulness.

#2: Be direct with your requests
young-businessman-and-businesswoman-sitting-outdoors

Image Credits: Freepik

During your conversation with a micromanaging boss, you want to be direct with your requests. Ask Sally what you can do better to address her needs. Even if she responds with a “but you’re already doing well”, don’t stop there.

Share with Sally your intention of improving collaboration with her. If you’re the sort that requires time and space to prove your work capabilities, let Sally know.

Instead of her chasing you for updates as and when she pleases, take the initiative by scheduling weekly check-ins. This can become your silent way of saying, “Please stop checking in for information outside of our scheduled meetings.”

#3: Ask questions to understand their point of view
an asian woman asking questions at a business meeting

Image Credits: londonimageinstitute.files.wordpress.com

When you’re pulled into a project meeting, don’t just let John do the talking and then complain about him during lunch hours. To attempt to make your life a little better, you want to understand your manager’s perspective.

To do so, ask questions.

Katharina Schmidt from the Forbes Coaches Council shares that these questions might guide you towards a better working relationship:

  • What are your deal breakers?
  • What are your success hypotheses?
  • What are your key objectives for this initiative?
  • How, and how often, do you want to be informed?
#4: Focus on behaviour and impact
two-business-people-wearing-face-masks-while-discussing

Image Credits: Freepik

When having any conversations with Zelia, you want to avoid the “m” word – that is, “micromanaging”. What you can do is to focus on the behaviour and impact it has on you.

For example, Zelia’s need for constant updates on your progress is one such behaviour that has impacted you. Let her know that these updates are taking extra time off your productivity and attention on your urgent projects at hand.

See if both of you can negotiate an alternative solution to that. Maybe setting a fixed time for updates can help you better manage your working hours?

Don’t be afraid to offer new ideas.

#5: Identify your superior’s end goal
Two young businessmen discussing new project

Image Credits: Freepik

Conflicts often arise when two people are not on the same page. To stand on the same ground as Raju, you want to align with his end goal. April Armstrong, CEO of AHA Insight, notes the power of the “then what” question.

Ponder over these:

  • After I complete this assignment, what happens next?
  • If this were to be a big success, what would the ideal outcome be?

When your destinations are in line, Raju may see you in a different light. It can also prompt him to release his grip on his control over you and your teammates.

#6: Keep your eye on the curveballs and overdeliver
asian woman drinking coffee while working in a cafe

Image Credits: Freepik

For folks currently facing your first micromanager in your job, the whole experience can be daunting. But don’t waddle in the toxicity and put yourself at risk of being sour over it.

Understand that micromanagement is often a result of these two reasons:

  • The fear of being disconnected leads Carrie to find out as much as she can through countless updates like reports, meetings, and one-on-one conversations.
  • Carrie finds it difficult to transit from a position of doing to a trusting and coaching managerial position.

Jill Hauwiller, the founder, principal consultant, and lead executive coach at Leadership Refinery urges us to find out what our manager values and wants. Anticipate the unexpected and overdeliver on your promises.

This is because even if you can’t change their micromanaging behaviour at the end of the day, you have your great results to back you up. Your successful work output is something no one can take away from you.

Put on a little smile
two women having a conversation

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember our recent article on “Strategies on how to cope with someone you dislike at work”? When working with people you find difficult working with, communicating your points across calmy without being defensive is essential.

Jeff Altman, a career coach from The Big Game Hunter, said that smiles and laughter often go a long way toward making a point with people. So put on that big, friendly smile before you enter into any discussion with a micromanager.

Career and people skills take time and deliberate effort to develop. Don’t quit your job on impulse.

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Some answers to your questions about safe sex during pregnancy

asian-young-pregnant-woman-with-her-husband

Being pregnant is tough.

But it’s even more challenging to keep up with the sex drive, for both you and your partner. Whether you’re a first-time dad looking for some answers to your questions on sex during pregnancy or a mum-to-be looking to spice things up while expecting, this article might help.

Here are some common questions and answers about safe sex during pregnancy.

#1: Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
man waiting for a woman to enter the bedroom

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In short, yes. But if you’ve been advised otherwise by your doctor, heed the medical professionals’ opinions.

We’re glad to have Aleece Fosnight’s opinion on this. Fosnight is a physician assistant and sex counsellor in urology, women’s health, and sexual medicine. She shares that the uterus may shift a little during penetration, and the mum will feel it.

Now, don’t freak out. Think of the uterus as a mobile home for your little bean. “The baby is super protected and has its own filter system that’s really selective about what goes in and comes out,” Fosnight highlights.

Sex during pregnancy is safe unless the lady has incompetent cervix or placenta previa and need to let the pelvic rest. Read more about pelvic rest here.

#2: Will pregnancy sex cause miscarriage?
a pregnant woman in despair

Image Credits: tag24.com

Many believe that having sex and orgasms might lead to early labour or cause a miscarriage. This is not true. A study done in 2011 on sex in pregnancy reveals that sex doesn’t induce premature labour in low-risk pregnancies.

According to the NHS, your partner’s penis cannot penetrate beyond your vagina. Thus, this means that the penis will not hurt the baby. However, it may lightly bump onto the baby protected behind the cervix, uterus, and amniotic fluid. But it’s no massive cause for concern.

Stephanie Buehler, an author, psychologist, and certified sex therapist adds that some couples have intercourse up until the woman goes into labour. Parties can do as they please if they are comfortable with it.

#3: Is bleeding after sex normal?
pregnancy-and-early-bleeding

Image Credits: wehavekids.com

Most of the time, post-sex light spotting or bleeding shouldn’t be a concern. It could happen because of an increase in the superficial veins and capillaries in the cervix and vaginal area. These capillaries are often very delicate, and even the slightest friction can cause them to rupture during sex.

But if there’s one thing you can do, it is to journal down the blood colours – whether it is bright red, deep red, brown, or a mixture of it.

With that said, expectant mothers who are spotting blood over days or weeks after sex should consult a doctor. It could be a case of placenta previa. Mayo Clinic identifies this phenomenon as a situation where the “baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the mother’s cervix — the outlet for the uterus”.

“It’s always best to talk with one’s physician regarding any concerns,” Buehler advises.

#4: Should sex hurt during pregnancy?
an expectant couple sitting on a bench

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By right, sex should not hurt during pregnancy. “Sex should never hurt, and it’s best to talk openly,” Buehler says.

But by left, it can occur due to certain conditions. Julie Lamppa, a certified nurse-midwife at Mayo Clinic, notes that bladder infections, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis are some culprits leading to painful intercourse.

If it hurts too much, know that intimacy doesn’t always mean intercourse must happen.

Dennis Sugrue, PhD, past president of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists, sheds light on the issue. “Stroking and caressing, and sometimes just getting naked together and sharing the way that vulnerability feels, can help keep bonds of intimacy strong between partners – even if intercourse isn’t occurring.”

#5: Is there anything sexual that’s unsafe?
holding a rose in handcuffs

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Some of you parents-to-be must be wondering about BDSM.

For folks who aren’t exactly sure what BDSM is, Cosmopolitan describes BDSM as a term used to describe these sex elements: bondage and discipline, domination and submission, sadism and masochism.

While light BDSM may be okay, using rope or any tight forms of constraints around the abdominal area should be avoided. 

Dr Corey Babb, an OBGYN and Professor at Oklahoma State University, tells us that some couples should avoid aggressive nipple play as nipple stimulation can cause the release of oxytocin (a contraction-causing hormone) from the brain. This is especially so for women who are between 34 to 39 weeks pregnant.

You may want to read more about BDSM during pregnancy here.

#6: What are the best sex positions to try out?
pregnancy sex positions

Image Credits: babycenter.com

Even without BDSM, intercourse can still feel wonderful if both of you engage in positions that help maintain the belly’s pressure and weight.

Here are 12 pregnancy sex positions to try as advised by medical professionals.

First Trimester
  • Scissor
  • X-Files
  • Cross Buttocks
  • Edge-of-Couch Missionary
Second Trimester
  • Doggy Style
  • LeapFrog
  • The Hot Seat
  • Cowgirl
  • Spider
Third Trimester
  • Spooning
  • Reverse Cowgirl
  • Table Top

Want a visual illustration of how to work the above moves? Click here to view the positions.

Sex drive changes during pregnancy are normal
expectant parents

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The ebbs and flows of your sex drive during pregnancy is normal. On days you might get the full steam ahead while at times you just want to lie in bed and be alone.

Yes, hormones are to be blamed in this case. For those who are engaging in more sex than ever, great for you! But expectant mothers with a lack of libido should not feel guilty at all. Have an honest conversation with your partner about it and read up on ways to keep sex alive while preggers.

This too, shall pass. Here’s wishing all expectant mothers a joyful pregnancy journey and a smooth delivery to come!

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8 CNY Sets on Delivery and 10 Pencais to complete the CNY feast

It’s tough enough trying to figure out your CNY plans whilst adhering to recent regulations. Give yourself a break this Chinese New Year, skip the fuss and hassle of cooking and treat your friends and family to a Chinese New Year feast all the same with these delivery options!

For those looking for a Pencai to complete their feast, search no further too! Symbolising an abundance of prosperity and wealth, we’ve rounded up the best Pencai for you.

8 CNY Sets on Delivery

1. Shiok Kitchen SK Catering

With a minimum of 9 dishes from each set, savour Shiok Kitchen SK Catering’s Prosperity Yu Sheng with Smoked Salmon, Trio Platter of Cocktail Prawn Fruit Salad, Marinated Jellyfish and Money Bag Dumplings, alongside mains such as Salt Baked Kampong Chicken, Wok-fried Whole Mala Chicken, Whole Barramundi Fish, Steamed Broccoli with Shiitake Mushroom, and many more!

Choose from three different sets (min. 10 pax):

  • Golden Treasures Set (S$22+ per pax)
  • Bountiful Harvest (S32+ per pax)
  • Imperial Delights (S$58+ per pax)

Available from 2 Jan through 6411 4994 or [email protected], with delivery fee of $20.

2. Crave

Crave, the Original Adam Road Nasi Lemak by Selera Rasa, has launched a specially curated Chinese New Year Party Pack, featuring their signature favourites nasi lemak and teh tarik!

The festive bundle ($108) comes with signature staples prepared using Abdul Malik Bin Hassan’s (owner of Selera Rasa) family recipe that has been passed down over generations, including the fluffy and fragrant coconut basmati rice, crispy chicken wings, fish fillet, chicken otah meatloaf, bergedils, fried eggs, fragrant sambal chilli, and Rafee’s Corner’s teh Tarik. The bundle is ideal for up to 8 persons.

Call +65 9189 9747 or [email protected] for the full delivery menu and placement of orders.

3. Shilin Taiwan Street Snacks

Shilin Taiwan Street Snacks introduces the Prosperity Family bundles, which includes the signature XXL Crispy Chicken, Egg Crepes, Handmade Oyster Mee Sua, Sweet Plum Potato Fries and Lemon Ai-Yu Jelly (with Honey)! All bundles include the limited-edition red packet, which features the brand’s very own adorable XXL Crispy Chicken mascot, Handmade Oyster Mee Sua mascot, Happy! Ricebox mascot and other cute snack mascots riding on an ox!

Enjoy over 28% savings when you order the CNY Bundle from its website (https://sg.shihlindelivery.com.tw/), and over 37% off Prosperity Family bundles on the delivery platforms of Grabfood, foodpanda and Deliveroo.

4. Jumbo Seafood

JUMBO Seafood returns with set menus centred around its Award-Winning Chilli Crab 获奖辣椒蟹 that features live crabs drenched in a mouth-watering sauce expertly fused by the culinary team with a myriad of over 10 different Southeast Asian spices, including chillies, turmeric, lemongrass, candlenuts and tau cheo (Chinese fermented bean paste).

Its Reunion Sets (from $298 for 4pax) are available on the eve of Chinese New Year (11 February) for those looking to enjoy a one day-exclusive menu. The Reunion Set Menus include Chinese New Year staples such as Prosperity Salmon ‘Yu Sheng’ 发财三文鱼鱼生, Seafood Soup Braised with Fish Maw and Crab Meat 海鲜蟹肉鱼鳔羮, Live ‘Soon Hock’ (Marble Goby) Steamed with Soya Sauce 清蒸活笋壳, 5-Head Abalone and Shiitake Mushroom Braised with Spinach and ‘Fa Cai’ in Oyster Sauce 发菜五头鲍鱼花菇扒菠菜, and Rice Steamed with Braised Pork and Whole Conpoy Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 摇柱卤肉荷叶饭.

Available from 25 January to 28 February (except 11 February), its Celebration Sets (from $258 for 4 pax) are specially put together with signature seafood dishes and crowd favourites such as its Award-Winning Chilli Crab with Deep Fried Mini Buns 获奖辣椒螃蟹配炸馒头, 10-Head Abalone Braised with Broccoli and Shiitake Mushrooms 十头鲍鱼花菇扒西兰花, Live Boston Lobster Steamed with Minced Garlic and Glass Vermicelli 蒜茸粉丝蒸开边活波士顿龙虾, and Supreme Seafood Fried Rice with X.O. Sauce X.O. 酱海鲜皇炒饭.

5. Zui Teochew Cuisine

Relish in their Reunion Sets (available only on 11 February), starting from S$318! The menus feature Teochew Prosperity Salmon ‘Yu Sheng’ 潮式发财三文鱼鱼生, Whole 3-head Abalone Braised with Broccoli 原粒三头鲍鱼西兰花, and Live Prawns Boiled with Chinese Wine 花雕白灼活虾.

From 25 January to 28 February 2021 (except 11 February), diners can revisit classic Teochew dishes with loved ones with a choice from nine Celebration Sets (from S$219), catering to 4, 6, and 8 pax. Highlights for these special menus include the Teochew ‘Puning’ Fermented Bean Chicken 普宁豆酱走地鸡, Teochew Steamed Pomfret 潮蒸鲳鱼, Scallops Sautéed with Broccoli and Squid 油泡苏东带子西兰花, and Wok-Fried ‘Mee Pok’ with Braised Duck in X.O. Sauce X.O. 酱鸭丝面薄.

6. Singapore Seafood Republic

Its Reunion Sets, available exclusively on 11 February, include the Prosperity Salmon ‘Yu Sheng’ 发财三文鱼鱼生, Seafood Soup Braised with Fish Maw and Crab Meat 海鲜蟹肉鱼鳔羮, Boiled Live Prawns and Wolfberries in Superior Stock 上汤杞子灼活虾, and Fried Rice Steamed with Braised Pork and Whole Conpoy Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 摇柱卤肉荷叶饭. Choose from 6 types of set menus catering to 4, 6 and 8 pax, starting from S$298.

The Celebration Sets feature unique highlights that diners can look forward to such as Live ‘Long Hu’ Garoupa Steamed with Preserved Radish 菜脯蒸活龙虎斑, Singapore Chilli Crab with Deep Fried Mini Buns 新加坡辣椒螃蟹配炸馒头, Deshelled Prawns Served Two-Ways (Fried with Cereal/Tossed with Salad Cream) 双味虾球 (麦片/沙律) and Braised Vermicelli with Seafood 海鲜焖米粉. The sets, which will be available from 25 January to 28 February (except 11 February), from S$258 for 4 pax.

7. White Restaurant

In their Bountiful, Fortune & Prosperity Sets, expect Chinese New Year staples such as Abalone & Foie Gras Wonton Collagen Soup 鲍鱼鹅肝云吞浓汤, boasting 14-head abalones and foie gras shrimp wontons in a rich, nourishing broth base yielded from simmering a winning combination of fish bones, chicken skulls and bones, pork bones, lean pork and chicken feet for over 6 hours; Ancient-style Steamed Red Grouper 古法蒸红斑, where a whole red grouper is steamed together with shredded pork, mushroom, ginger and preserved greens; XO Sauce Prawns with Broccoli XO 酱虾球西兰花, Fragrant Glutinous Rice with Conpoy in Lotus Leaf 瑶柱荷香糯米饭; Signature Orh Nee with Lotus Seeds 天山雪莲粟米芋泥; Red Bean with Lotus Seed & Lily Bud 红豆沙莲子百合羹 and more.

Prices:

  • Bountiful Sets

$238 (4pax), $518 (8pax)

  • Fortune Sets

$288 (4pax), $568 (8pax)

  • Prosperity Sets

$328 (4pax), $628 (8pax)

8. Soup Restaurant

Available from 12 January 2021 to 28 February 2021, Soup Restaurant’s Celebration, Prosperity and Reunion Sets include Singapore’s first pumpkin collagen Pencai, Golden Collagen Treasure Pot with Abalone, Traditional Steamed Rice with Baby Abalone as well as familiar dishes by Soup Restaurant such as Samsui Ginger Chicken. Each set also comes with Handmade Longevity Bun and Snow Pear Aloe Vera Dessert.

Prices: from $118 (2pax) to $868 (10pax). To order, contact  www.souprestaurant.com.sg or call hotline 66459330 (Monday to Friday (9am to 6pm).

10 Pencais to complete the CNY Feast

1. Ya Lor Braised Duck

An offshoot of the famous Sean Kee Duck Rice from Geylang Lorong 35, Ya Lor is launching Singapore’s first-ever Braised Duck Reunion Treasure Pot at an affordable price! Priced at $168 ($138 from 15 – 29 Jan 2021), the treasure pot consists of its signature braised duck meat and hearty braised duck sauce – a recipe with over 40 years of history, together with abalone, prawn, shiitake mushroom, dry scallops, enoki mushroom, Chinese cabbage, broccoli and carrot.

The Braised Duck Reunion Treasure Pot is available for pre-order from 15 January to 5 February 2021 at Ya Lor Braised Duck Guoco Tower outlet or via its website at www.yalorbraisedduck.com/order. Collection Period: 8 – 26 Feb 2021 at Ya Lor Braised Duck Guoco Tower, #B2-32.

2. The Real Peranakan

At The Real Peranakan, Chef Philip Chia rounds up the freshest ingredients with an abundance of auspicious items while imbuing the Prosperity Pencai (from $198++) with his distinct Peranakan flavours and Midas touch. Diners will be treated to Chef’s Special Crab Meat Ball and Chef’s Special Roasted Pork which are unusual pencai suspects, artfully held together with Chef’s unique seafood broth simmered for hours to extract the essence of abalone, scallop, prawns and crab.

3. ZUI Teochew Cuisine

The Teochew Festive ‘Pen Cai’ stands out with its Teochew Additions such as dried oysters and pig’s tendon. It also comes with luxurious ingredients such as 10-head abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, live prawns, fresh scallops, conpoy, ‘fat choy’ and roasted duck – all slow – braised to perfection in a superior stock. As this dish is one that requires intricate preparation, advanced orders are highly recommended to ensure availability.

Available in both Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine and Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine, from $288 (pre-order one day in advance)

4. Soup Restaurant

A first-of-its-kind dish in Singapore, the Golden Collagen Treasure Pot with Abalone (from $298) features pumpkin collagen. Pumpkin and chicken are simmered over low heat for over eight hours to produce a moreish supreme stock. Nourishment for the skin, each sip of the stock is packed with a palate-enveloping sweet and savoury note. The pen cai also features a splendid array of ten other ingredients: abalone, fish maw, fresh scallops, sea cucumber, shitake mushrooms, prawn, broccoli, roasted pork, lotus roots and cabbage.

 5. Kam’s Roast

This is the first time Kam’s Roast is launching a CNY Prosperity Treasure Pot (from $288++) – a collaboration between legendary Chefs Lee Chiang Howe of popular Teochew Huat Kee and Wong Kwan Sang of Kam’s Roast. Enjoy the best of both worlds – Hong Kong-style roasts as well as Teochew-style seafood delicacies in one pot! The pot is beautifully arrayed with luxurious ingredients including Kam’s Roast signature Roast Duck and Roast Pork, Chestnut, Fried Fish Maw, Dried Fish Maw, Shiitake Mushrooms, XL size Dried Oyster, Premium Black Moss and Australian Abalone. The premium golden broth in the Prosperity Treasure Pot is made using a secret recipe which includes pork bones and chicken, boiled for over 16 hours.

Kam’s Roast Prosperity Treasure Pot is available only for takeaway, from $248++.

6. YUNNANS

The wildly popular dish is making a comeback and is now updated with even more premium ingredients! The golden broth for the hot pot is made with a medley of high-grade ingredients: jinhua ham, old hens, chicken feet, pork bones, lean pork, pork trotters, dried scallops and carrots. The soup is brewed for six hours, and during this time all the natural essences and goodness of the ingredients are extracted. Ingredients for the hot pot include wild morel, wild golden fungus, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mushrooms, fish maw and chong cao hua (cordyceps). The wild morel used for the YUN NANS Prosperity Treasure Hot Pot, touted as the king of edible mushrooms, is a delicacy, costing more than S$800 per kg. All the ingredients are cooked and presented in an earthen pot that is specially imported from Yunnan. The porosity and natural insulation properties of the earthenware allows heat and moisture to circulate throughout the pot – this in turn helps to bring out the best flavours of the high-grade ingredients.

7. Ichiban Boshi

Ichiban Boshi’s first-ever Japanese Treasure Pot (Pen Cai), features a splendid array of premium ingredients. Whole abalone, sashimi-grade scallops from Hokkaido, snow crab leg meat, prawn, homemade Japanese chashu, homemade chicken roulade with cabbage and spinach, kamaboko fish cake and shiitake mushroom are braised in a superior stock for hours. Unlike the thick stock used in traditional pen cai, the slurp-worthy superior stock has a soupier consistency and can be enjoyed as a comforting broth. Then, for a touch of sophistication, this unique Japanese-style pen cai is topped with gold leaves.

Available for self pick-up and delivery at https://festive.ichibanboshi.com.sg at $188 nett (serves 4-5pax), packed in a chiller bag which includes a casserole and ladle.

8. JUMBO Seafood

JUMBO Seafood’s Festive ‘Pen Cai’ features luxurious ingredients such as 10-head abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, live prawns, fresh scallops, conpoy, premium shiitake mushrooms, ‘fat choy’ and roasted duck – all slow-braised to perfection in a superior broth combined with the sweetness of ‘tianjin’ cabbage. As this dish is one that requires intricate preparation, advanced orders are highly recommended to ensure availability.

Available at all outlets from $288 (pre-order one day in advance)

9. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

The Capitol Kempinski’s Signature “Treasures in a Pot Pen Cai” ($268+) is an opulent offering perfect for 5 persons and is generously loaded with premium ingredients and a smorgasbord of traditional delights. This savoury pot comes packed with Abalone 10 head, sea cucumber, fried fish maw, oysters, black moss, flower Mushrooms, roasted duck, pork knuckles, cabbage, lotus root , yam, bean cake, black fungus, dried scallops and succulent prawns.

Available for preorder at: https://shop-capitolkempinski.com/collections/chinese-new-year from $268++

10. Paradise Teochew & Taste Paradise

The 10-head Abalone Treasure Pot is a glorious showcase of exquisite dishes stewed in our special housemade sauce. Choose from the Teochew style 10-head abalone treasure pot from Paradise Teochew which features 10-head abalones and Teochew specialties such as braised duck, prawn rolls, crispy pig skin and waxed sausages; OR Cantonese style 10-head abalone treasure pot from Taste Paradise with 10-head abalones, pork trotter, fish maw, sea cucumber, roasted duck etc.

Preorder is available at the respective Paradise Teochew and Taste Paradise (ION Orchard) restaurants. Collection begins from 11 January to 28 February 2021, from 11.30am to 3pm on eve of Chinese New Year (11 February 2021), and from 11.30am to 8pm on other days.

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