5 Peranakan Dishes to Impress Your Family this Reunion Dinner
The yearly reunion dinner is often at the heart of Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations, bringing families and friends together with symbolic dishes and heartfelt wishes. Over mouthwatering steamboats and indulgent buffet spreads, loved ones share a meal that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories – welcoming the New Year that lies ahead.
But let’s face it, figuring out what to prepare for reunion dinner can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy that special meal this CNY, Chilli Manis has the perfect solution.
Embrace Both Tradition & Inclusivity for This Year’s CNY Celebrations
Chinese New Year becomes even more special when everyone is able to partake in the festivities. Beyond just immediate family, extending the warmth of the season to friends and chosen family truly embodies the spirit of togetherness that the New Year is all about.
With a halal reunion dinner, you can extend a heartfelt invitation to all your loved ones, ensuring that no one misses out on the joy and delicious traditions of this special occasion. It’s a wonderful way to foster togetherness, create lasting memories, and spread the festive cheer to everyone you hold dear.
That’s where Chilli Manis comes in. We offer halal-certified Chinese New Year catering in Singapore to ensure that everyone can partake in the joyous feast regardless of dietary preferences.
We’ve taken classic reunion dinner dishes and infused them with our signature Peranakan flair, honouring the tradition of CNY while creating a unique culinary experience for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re wondering where to order from this New Year, look no further! With our halal buffet catering services, you can focus on what truly matters – spending quality time with your loved ones and creating new memories.
5 Auspicious Dishes for a Prosperous New Year
Many reunion dinner dishes carry symbolic meanings, representing wishes for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Similarly, Peranakan cuisine is also rich in symbolism, with many dishes carrying auspicious meanings that perfectly match the spirit of Chinese New Year. So when considering what to eat for reunion dinner, these auspicious Peranakan dishes are a must-try! After all, who wouldn’t want to impress their family with a spread that not only tastes amazing but also brings extra luck in the new year? Here are a few of our signature Peranakan dishes that would be perfect for a halal reunion dinner:
1. Signature Buah Keluak Ayam
This iconic Peranakan dish features tender chicken braised in a rich and flavourful sauce made with buah keluak nuts, known for their earthy and slightly bitter taste. The buah keluak nuts themselves are a symbol of prosperity, as their hard shells resemble ancient Chinese coins. This dish symbolises good health and longevity, making it a perfect centrepiece for your reunion dinner.
2. Signature Kampong Dry Laksa
A unique twist on a classic favourite, our dry laksa features thick noodles coated in a flavourful coconut gravy with fresh udang (prawns) and telur (egg). In Chinese culture, the length of the noodles symbolises longevity, making this dish a particularly auspicious choice for the new year. Along with its vibrant colours and variety of ingredients, our Signature Kampong Dry Laksa is sure to bring good luck for the new year!
3. Itek Sio
This classic Peranakan dish is a true celebration of flavour and tradition. Itek Sio features slow-cooked tender duck in a rich, aromatic broth infused with fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both savoury, sweet, and slightly spicy. Duck symbolises fidelity and togetherness in Chinese culture, making Itek Sio a perfect dish to share with loved ones during this special occasion.
4. Curry Assam Fish
Get ready for a burst of flavour with our Curry Assam Fish! This dish is a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and savoury notes. We use the freshest catch of the day, simmered in a tangy tamarind-based gravy with aromatic spices and vegetables. The vibrant yellow colour of the gravy symbolises gold and prosperity, making it an auspicious addition to your Reunion Dinner spread. Plus, the abundance of fish represents a year overflowing with good fortune and blessings.
5. Udang Masak Nenas
Last but not certainly least, we have our Udang Masak Nenas. This dish, both delicious and auspicious, features succulent prawns cooked in a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy sauce made with pineapple, tamarind, and chillies. The pineapple, with its golden colour, symbolises wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, making this dish a perfect addition to your Reunion Dinner spread. Plus, the vibrant flavours and colours represent a year filled with joy and excitement!
Setting the Stage: Creating a Festive Peranakan-Inspired Ambiance
Want to elevate your reunion dinner experience? In addition to traditional Chinese New Year decorations, like lucky lanterns, vibrant red banners, and auspicious ornaments, why not add a unique twist this year by incorporating some Peranakan elements?
Here are a few ideas to blend the vibrant colours and patterns of Peranakan culture with your classic CNY décor:
- Decorations: Adorn your dining area with vibrant table runners featuring traditional batik patterns, hang colourful lanterns, and display auspicious ornaments like the “Fu” symbol for good fortune.
- Thematic Setups: Use Peranakan-inspired tableware and centrepieces to create a visually stunning table setting. Consider incorporating traditional porcelain or intricately designed serving dishes.
- Floral Arrangements: Include batik embroidered or decorated with symbolic flowers and plants like orchids, peonies, and bamboo to symbolise good luck, prosperity, and longevity.
While these touches can certainly enhance your celebration, with Chilli Manis, you can skip the decorating hassle! Our setup is always themed to suit the occasion, with beautiful Peranakan-inspired décor and table settings. We take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the celebration with your loved ones.
Create A Reunion Dinner to Remember with Chilli Manis
With Chilli Manis, you can enjoy a stress-free and truly memorable reunion dinner. Our Chinese New Year buffet catering takes the hassle out of preparing an elaborate feast, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones. And to further enhance your CNY celebration, we offer auspicious additions like Yusheng platters, symbolising abundance and good fortune, and Treasure Pots brimming with delicious ingredients, representing wealth and prosperity. To secure your preferred date and time for your Chinese New Year reunion dinner, visit our website and book your catering with Chilli Manis today!
