Best Chinese New Year dumplings in Singapore
For years, Singaporeans have celebrated Chinese New Year with dumplings that are as meaningful as they are delicious. Each wrap holds a rich filling made from carefully selected ingredients, following recipes handed down through generations. During the festival, these dumplings appear on tables alongside other Chinese New Year dishes, helping families gather and celebrate.
The taste is comforting, the texture satisfying, and the aroma instantly festive. From classic pork and prawn to modern twists, every dumpling is a small bundle of tradition and good fortune. They’re not just food they’re a way to savor the festival while keeping tradition alive.
Where to Get Iconic Chinese New Year Dumplings in Singapore for 2026: Must-Try CNY Dishes Full of Flavor and Fortune
In This Article
Why dumplings are a traditional Chinese New Year dish in Singapore
Symbolism behind different dumpling fillings and ingredients
Spotlight on Sarai Fine Thai and its signature Kiao Nam Chok (Thai Fortune Dumplings)
Why Sarai Fine Thai is ideal for 2026 CNY celebrations: atmosphere, premium ingredients, and festive flair
Why are Dumplings a traditional dish for Chinese New Year?
Dumplings are a traditional dish for Chinese New Year because they carry rich cultural symbolism and have been part of festive celebrations for centuries. Originating in northern China, dumplings, or jiaozi, resemble ancient silver and gold ingots, making them a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Families gather to prepare and eat them, reinforcing bonds and the spirit of reunion.
The tradition around dumplings includes meaningful ingredients and practices:
Pork, beef, or seafood fillings represent prosperity and success
Vegetables symbolize growth, health, and renewal
Sweet fillings convey happiness and joy for the coming year
Folding and shaping dumplings is a shared family ritual
Eating dumplings at midnight or during early lunar new year days is believed to bring good fortune
Dumplings is not just about the CNY snack. it’s about celebrating heritage, honoring ancestors, and passing down culinary knowledge. Across China and in overseas Chinese communities, dumplings remain a centerpiece of Chinese New Year meals, linking taste, tradition, and cultural identity.
Best Places to Enjoy Chinese New Year Dumplings in Singapore for 2026
As Singapore gears up for the Year of the Horse in 2026, the search for the ultimate reunion dinner is officially on. While traditional Chinese restaurants are the usual go-to, Sarai Fine Thai is stealing the spotlight this year. Known for its elegant approach to authentic Thai cuisine, Sarai has crafted a festive menu that perfectly blends lunar traditions with bold, royal Thai flavors.
If you are tired of the same old flavors and want to impress your guests with something sophisticated yet easy to love. The Kiao Nam Chok Sarai Fine Thai signature "Fortune Dumpling" is the dish you need to try.
The Star Starter: Kiao Nam Chok (Thai Fortune Dumplings)
In Chinese culture, eating dumplings during the New Year is a way to "wrap in" wealth. Sarai Fine Thai takes this beautiful sentiment and gives it a luxurious upgrade. Our Kiao Nam Chok is not your average dumpling. It is a carefully crafted bite of Thai culinary art.
Why these dumplings are a must-try:
A Unique Twist on Protein: Instead of the usual pork and cabbage, We uses succulent roast duck. The duck adds a rich, savory depth that feels much more celebratory and decadent.
The Perfect Crunch: To keep the texture exciting, the chefs add finely chopped water chestnuts and carrots. This provides a refreshing "snap" that balances the richness of the duck meat.
Royal Presentation: These dumplings are part of the starters on the set menu, designed to look as good as they taste. They represent "Good Luck" (Chok), making them the perfect symbolic start to your 2026.
By moving away from tradition and incorporating these Thai elements, Sarai offers a flavor profile that is familiar enough to enjoy but unique enough to remember long after the festive season ends.
The Full Feast: The Prosperity Set Menu
To experience the dumplings and more, Sarai Fine Thai has unveiled its Prosperity Set ($88++ per pax). This multi-course menu is a curated journey through premium ingredients, designed to bring luck and satisfaction to every diner.
The Starters: A Trio of Luck
The meal begins with three vibrant dishes:
Kiao Nam Chok: The famous roast duck and water chestnut fortune dumplings.
Lab Gai: A zesty chicken salad served elegantly in a cucumber cup for a refreshing, bite-sized crunch.
Neua Satay: Tender beef skewers paired with a unique tomato chilli jam that offers a sophisticated sweet-heat.
The Soup: A Symbol of Health
Gra Poh Pla: This traditional fish maw broth is elevated with handmade crab meat balls and bamboo pith. In CNY tradition, fish maw represents health and prosperity, making this a warm, soothing addition to the table.
The Mains: Abundance in Every Dish
The main courses are served family-style, highlighting the theme of "having more than enough":
Pla Gao Sam Rod: Deep-fried garoupa served with a "three-flavoured" sauce. Serving a whole fish is vital for CNY as it symbolizes a surplus of wealth.
Gaeng Lueng Poo: A spicy Southern yellow crab curry. The addition of wild betel leaves adds an authentic, aromatic punch that Thai food lovers will adore.
Neua Pad Krapao: Stir-fried beef cubes with chili, garlic, and hot basil. A classic Thai comfort dish made with premium cuts.
Khao Kluk Kapi: Shrimp paste fried rice served with a colorful array of dragon fruit, sweet pork, shallots, mango, and egg. It’s a beautiful, lucky "rainbow" of food.
The Dessert: A Sweet Ending
Bua Loy Chom Mung: These flower-shaped glutinous dumplings are filled with peanut and sesame. They are soft, sweet, and symbolize the "togetherness" of the family.
Why Choose Sarai Fine Thai for 2026?
Located in a prime spot for a classy celebration, Sarai Fine Thai offers an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand. At $88++ per person, the Prosperity Set provides high-end ingredients like crab, garoupa, and roast duck, offering excellent value for a fine-dining experience.
Booking Advice:
For the 2026 reunion period (February 17 onwards), Sarai is expected to be a top choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional Chinese food. We recommend booking your table by mid-January to ensure you don't miss out on those lucky duck dumplings!
For Chinese New Year 2026, dumplings are taking a luxurious twist at Sarai Fine Thai. Singaporeans can discover a delectable way to celebrate with the restaurant’s homemade, handcrafter signature Kiao Nam Chok, featuring roast duck, water chestnuts, and carrots wrapped in a delicate dough. Each bite offers a hearty texture with a tangy finish, complemented by a delightful dipping sauce. More than just a dish, these dumplings honor tradition while adding a modern flavor profile. With a recipe for a quick cook and careful preparation in Singapore’s finest kitchens, Sarai Fine Thai makes festive dining both memorable and indulgent.
Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road #03-122 Singapore 247933 Tel : 3125 5142