How to Host CNY Gathering In Singapore?

Written By Creative Eateries

As Chinese New Year approaches, it’s time to prepare for a festive reunion with family and friends. Hosting guests for a reunion dinner can feel daunting, but with careful planning, you can host CNY gatherings with ease. Tables filled with symbolic dishes invite everyone to share the joy of the season, from braised mushrooms and prawns to pomelos and longevity noodles.

Guests gather around, laughter and chatter filling the air, while the host ensures every detail adds warmth and comfort. This guide shows how to prepare, serve, and celebrate. It will make  make your CNY reunion dinner in Singapore memorable for all.

Easy, Stress Free Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Chinese New Year Gathering in Singapore for CNY 2026

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How to Host Chinese New Year Gathering in Singapore?

If you’re looking for a friendly guide on how to celebrate Chinese New Year, this is for you. Learn how to organise and plan every detail, from preparation to hosting guests at home. Discover tips to elevate your hosting reunion dinner and make your CNY gathering seamless and joyful.

Easy Tip: Book Restaurant for Festive CNY Reunion

Hosting a Chinese New Year gathering at a restaurant in Singapore is a great way to save time, but it can be very stressful if you don't plan well. Here is how to handle the "Restaurant Plan" like a pro using simple steps.

Simple Tips for Booking a Place

1. Book Very Early: In Singapore, people start booking CNY tables as early as November or December.

  • Tip: Don't wait! Once you know how many people are coming, call to reserve a table immediately. If you wait until the week before, you might end up with no place to go.

2. Check the Menu First: During CNY, many restaurants only serve "Set Menus." You might not be able to order your usual favorite dishes.

  • Tip: Ask the restaurant to send you the menu through WhatsApp or email before you confirm. Make sure everyone in your family likes what is on the list.

3. Choose a Good "Time Slot" Restaurants often have two timings for dinner (for example: 5:30 PM or 8:00 PM).

  • Tip: If you have elderly family members or young kids, the earlier slot (around 5:30 PM) is usually better. It is less crowded, and you won't feel as rushed to leave.

4. Be Clear on the Pax (Number of People) Tables in Singapore restaurants have strict limits.

  • Tip: If your group size changes, let the restaurant know immediately. Adding "just one more person" to a full table on CNY Day 1 is often impossible because the restaurant is packed.

How to Choose Perfect Restaurant for CNY Gatherings?

f the idea of hosting guests at home feels like too much work, booking a professional venue is a great way to welcome the festive season. Here is a simple guide on how to choose the perfect spot to impress your guests and ensure everyone has a great time.

1. Start with Early Planning

The most important rule for CNY is early planning. In Singapore, the best spots are snapped up months in advance. Booking early ensures you get a seat at a restaurant that is used to hosting large groups, so you won’t have to worry about bad service during the rush.

2. Prioritize Comfort for Every Relative

When you have a big group, the environment matters as much as the food.

  1. Comfortable Chairs: Your aunt and elderly loved ones will appreciate a sturdy, comfortable chair rather than a cramped stool.

  2. Space: Make sure the restaurant can cater to your group size without squeezing everyone in. A spacious table allows for a better auspicious Lo Hei (toss) without making a mess on your clothes!

3. Look for the Right "Vibe" and Decor

A good CNY restaurant should feel like a celebration.

  1. Festivity & Decor: Choose a place that puts effort into their decor. A visually bright room with red and gold decoration adds to the festivity and makes for great family photos.

  2. Versatile Rooms: If your relatives like to talk loudly, look for a restaurant with private rooms. This makes the enjoyment of the night much better for your family.

4. Small Details Make a Big Difference

A "perfect" restaurant thinks about the small things so you don't have to:

  1. The Essentials: Check if they provide a warm towel before the meal and keep the drink glasses full.

  2. Snack Selection: It is a must-have to have some festive snack options on the table while waiting for the main culinary dishes to arrive.

5. Think About the Menu

While most places offer a fixed set, look for a menu that offers a balance of flavors. Alternatively, if some family members have diet needs, check if the kitchen can be versatile with their cooking.

Easy Ideas: Host CNY Gathering at Sarai Fine Thai

If the idea of hosting guests at home for Chinese New Year feels overwhelming, why not let the experts handle it? This festive season, Sarai Fine Thai is 100% the ideal choice to impress your guests. From the beautiful décor to an auspicious culinary experience, here is why you should host your loved ones here.

Also read:

The Perfect Setting for Groups

Sarai is designed for comfort and elegance. Instead of a crowded, noisy hall, you get a refined atmosphere that is perfect for long conversations.

  1. Private Dining Rooms: They have three private rooms. Each can hold about 10 to 12 people. If you have a larger group, two of these rooms can be combined to create a big, exclusive space for your party.

  2. Main Dining Hall: If you enjoy a more lively feel, the main area is spacious and beautifully decorated, making it great for family photos.

A Unique "Lo Hei" Experience

Start your meal with the Prosperity Thai-Style Yu Sheng. It is different from the usual versions because it uses fresh Thai herbs and a tangy dressing that is light and refreshing.

  1. Small (2–4 pax): $38++

  2. Large (5–6 pax): $48++

  3. What’s inside: Smoked salmon, green mango, and aromatic herbs that add a bold Thai twist to the traditional toss.

Highlights of the Prosperity Set ($88++ per pax)

The menu is carefully planned by Chef Lisa, who has over 27 years of experience. Every dish has a meaning for the New Year:

  1. The Starters: The Thai Fortune Dumplings (Kiao Nam Chok) are shaped like little bags of wealth, filled with roast duck and water chestnut.

  2. The Soup: Fish Maw Broth is a classic luxury item for CNY, served here with handmade crab meat balls.

  3. The Mains: You get "Big Fish and Big Meat" for abundance. The Deep-fried Garoupa with three-flavoured sauce and the Southern Yellow Crab Curry are the highlights. The curry uses fresh wild betel leaves for a rich, spicy kick.

  4. The Dessert: Bua Loy Chom Mung are beautiful purple, flower-shaped dumplings in warm coconut cream. The perfect sweet ending for a harmonious year.

Important Information for Booking

  1. Address: 163 Tanglin Road, #03-122 Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933.

  2. Timing: They are open for both Lunch (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM) and Dinner (5:30 PM – 10:00 PM).

  3. Booking Tip: Since Sarai is a popular spot for both family reunions and business lunches, it is highly recommended to call or book online as soon as you have your guest count.

Chinese New Year is the perfect time to bring family and friends together, and hosting a reunion dinner in Singapore can be easy and enjoyable with the right planning. The restaurant, preparation, thoughtful details, and festive dishes make the celebration memorable. Start organising your CNY gathering today and share the joy with your loved ones. Book your spot at Sarai Fine Thai or begin planning your home reunion to make CNY 2026 a seamless, festive, and joyful experience.

Creative Eateries
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