What To Eat for Reunion Dinner Singapore for CNY 2026
Festive CNY Reunion Dinner in Singapore: Best CNY Mini Buffet Recommendation 2026
Bangkok Jam | 2026
This Chinese New Year, February 16, 2026, is shaping up to be a reunion feast to remember. Sure, it marks the start of the lunar new year. But really, it’s about gathering loved ones over a Chinese New Year reunion dinner filled with festive food and signature dishes.
Across Singapore, families balance tradition and convenience with options like CNY set menus or takeaway mini buffets. From classic favorites to dishes celebrating prosperity, every table can enjoy a feast that suits their gathering. Here’s a guide to choosing the best Chinese New Year reunion Mini buffet options to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 with ease and uniqueness.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What to Serve for a CNY Reunion Dinner at Home: Traditional vs Modern Options
Planning a Chinese New Year reunion dinner at home for CNY 2026 can be both exciting and challenging. Traditional spreads focus on symbolic dishes that represent prosperity, happiness, and longevity. These meals often involve multiple courses, each carefully prepared to bring luck and abundance to the family table.
Traditional CNY Reunion Dinner
Image credit: Siam Kitchen
A classic reunion dinner typically features:
Steamed fish – symbolizes surplus and a year of good fortune.
Abalone and sea cucumber – premium ingredients representing wealth and prosperity.
Braised pork and pork knuckle – hearty dishes that add richness and depth.
Roast duck and scallop – indulgent proteins that are often the highlight of the table.
Prawn dishes – associated with happiness and celebration.
Seafood such as crab or fish maw – adds luxury and texture to the feast.
Yu sheng / lo hei – the iconic salad for tossing, symbolizing prosperity.
Longevity noodle dishes – wish for a long and healthy life.
We all know that traditional meals at Chinese restaurant are rich in meaning and flavor. Preparing a full set menu can take hours and require extensive kitchen space. It is a challenging for smaller or modern households.
Modern CNY Reunion Dinner: Mini Buffet and Takeaway
For contemporary families, modern alternatives like mini buffets or la carte takeaway meals provide convenience without compromising festive flavors:
Mini buffet setups – pre-prepared dishes in self-serve trays, perfect for intimate gatherings.
Takeaway packed meals – include favorites like braised seafood, smoked salmon, or yusheng, ready to serve.
Portion-friendly dishes – avoid waste while ensuring everyone gets a taste of all items.
Self-heating or disposable options – maintain temperature and simplify cleanup.
Variety without fuss – classic dishes like abalone or prawn sit alongside lighter options like noodle and fish maw.
Flexible serving – guests can help themselves, making the dining experience relaxed and interactive.
Choosing the Best Option
Traditional spread – ideal for large families who value ceremony, indulgence, and symbolic ingredients like crab, sea cucumber, or braise-style dishes.
Mini buffet or takeaway – perfect for smaller gatherings, busy hosts, or those who prefer stress-free hosting while still enjoying signature dishes like roast duck, scallop, or smoked salmon.
By combining traditional favorites with modern convenience. You can curate a reunion dinner that’s festive, meaningful, and practical for CNY 2026. Letting everyone enjoy the celebration without the kitchen chaos.
2026 Suggested Mini Buffet Set Menu for Chinese New Year 2026
Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse is all about inviting good energy and fresh starts into your home. Just as you’d sweep away the old dust before the clock strikes midnight, your reunion meal should be a bright, joyful centerpiece that brings everyone together without the stress of a messy kitchen. If you're looking for a feast that feels both modern and auspicious. Bangkok Jam 2026 Mini Buffet is a beautiful way to share a meal that’s as vibrant as the red lanterns hanging by your door.
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The Prosperity Set: A Taste of Good Fortune
$26++ per pax (Min. 10 pax)
In Chinese tradition, we fill our homes with bright, cheerful colors and sweet snacks to ensure a "sweet" year ahead. This set follows that same spirit. Offering a balanced 5-course meal that is light, aromatic, and perfect for a cozy family gathering.
Appetisers to Start the Luck: Choose one handmade delight. The Handmade Prawn Cakes are golden and round. Symbolizing wholeness while the Crispy Springrolls offer a satisfying crunch to kick off the festivities.
Mains for Abundance: Pick two dishes to anchor your table. The Deep-Fried Crispy Pork Belly brings a richness that feels like luxury, while the Green Curry Chicken adds a pop of vibrant color. For those keeping traditions lean and clean, the Vegan Stir-Fried Thai Basil Tofu is a wonderful, flavorful choice.
Vegetables for Growth: A choice of Stir-Fried Broccoli with Shiitake Mushrooms or Morning Glory ensures there’s something green on the plate to symbolize health and vitality.
Staples to Stay Grounded: Whether it’s the Wok-Hei Pineapple Fried Rice (with its golden hue for wealth) or the Signature Phad Thai, these hearty bases ensure no guest leaves hungry.
The Golden Abundance Set: A Premium Celebration
$32++ per pax (Min. 10 pax)
If you really want to impress your relatives and avoid any "yelling or shouting" over who gets the last bite. This expanded menu offers even more variety and a touch of extra luck.
Double the Joy: Choose two appetisers instead of one. Adding the Thai Style Grilled Pork Skewers to your platter is a sure way to keep the conversation happy and pleasant.
The Symbol of Surpluses: In Lunar New Year tradition, "Fish" sounds like the word for "Surplus." This set includes the Deep-Fried Barramundi with Sweet and Sour Sauce, ensuring you have more than enough luck to carry you through the year.
A Full Table: Choose two mains from a list that includes everything from Classic Minced Basil Chicken to Sweet and Sour Tofu, ensuring every palate at the table is catered to.
Staples & Greens: Complete the feast with your choice of stir-fried greens and a wok-fired staple like the Olive Fried Rice. Perfect for those who love a smoky, savory finish.
Festive Reminders for 2026
Just as you wouldn't wash your hair on New Year's Day to keep your luck from rinsing away, you shouldn't have to spend your first day of the year scrubbing pots and pans! These mini buffets arrive in convenient trays. It allows you to focus on what really matters: wearing your new red clothes, handing out red envelopes, and enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Pro-Tip: Chinese New Year 2026 falls on February 17th. To keep your celebrations smooth and stress-free, be sure to place your order at least a week in advance. After all, starting the year organized is the best way to ensure the rest of it follows suit!