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As we gallop into the Year of the Horse in 2026, the Chinese New Year reunion dinner is more than a feast. It is a plateful of wishes for prosperity, health, and unity. Each dish served carries deep symbolic meaning, derived from homonyms, words that sound like auspicious phrases, or from their shape.

But knowing why you eat a dish is only half the story. The other half is knowing where to find it. This guide pairs the symbolism of eight essential lucky foods with specific 2026 reunion dinner offerings from Singapore’s top restaurants, transforming tradition into a tangible booking experience.

1. Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss): For Abundant Good Fortune

The vibrant centrepiece that kicks off the meal. The higher you toss this raw fish salad, the greater your luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Symbolism: Growth, abundance, vigour.

Where to Find It in SG (2026):

• Canton Paradise: Their Abundance Takeaway Set features a special Abalone Yu Sheng.
• PUTIEN: Their Prosperity Set Meal includes a signature Prosperity Abalone Yusheng.
• Madame Fan: Offers a luxurious Hamachi Yu Sheng with honey grain mustard yuzu dressing for a modern twist.

2. Fish (鱼 – Yú): For Surplus & Prosperity

A reunion dinner is incomplete without a whole fish. The Chinese word for fish, “yú,” sounds like “surplus” (余), symbolising abundance that carries over into the new year.

Symbolism: Annual surplus, wealth.

Where to Find It in SG (2026):

• Yang Ming Seafood: A specialist in fresh seafood, their value-packed set menus prominently feature premium fish dishes.
• Ban Heng Restaurant: Their lavish set menus include steamed live garoupa.
• VivoCity’s PAUL: For a fusion option, they are introducing a festive Red Snapper dish.

3. Dumplings (饺子 – Jiǎozi): For Wealth

Resembling ancient gold ingots, these are direct edible tokens of wealth. Legend says the more you eat, the more money you’ll make.

Symbolism: Wealth, treasure.

Where to Find It in SG (2026): While often a homemade staple, look for them in dim sum offerings during the festive period. Shang Palace will feature special Chinese New Year dim sum from 17 Feb – 3 Mar, which may include auspicious dumpling varieties.

4. Nian Gao (年糕): For Promotion & Growth

This sticky-sweet cake’s name sounds like “year high” (年高). Eating it expresses a wish for higher achievements, whether in business, career, or personal growth.

Symbolism: Rising success, progress.

Where to Find It in SG (2026):

This timeless festive favourite is commonly found as a gift or dessert. For a classic option, Crystal Jade offers their Fortune Glutinous Cake (7 Inch) for S$31.39 (inclusive of GST) for takeaway or delivery from their E Store, while stocks last.

Many other restaurant takeaways also feature Nian Gao. For example, Hai Tien Lo offers early bird discounts on festive goodies, which traditionally include this auspicious cake.

5. Whole Chicken: For Family Togetherness & Luck

Served whole to represent family unity, the chicken (鸡, jī) is also a homophone for “good luck” (吉, jí). It signifies a complete, fortunate beginning and end to the year.

Symbolism: Completeness, family harmony, luck.

Where to Find It in SG (2026): For a tender and flavourful option, Crystal Jade offers a Whole Soya Sauce Chicken for S$53.19 (inclusive of GST). It is available for takeaway or delivery from their Hong Kong Kitchen, La Mian Xiao Long Bao, and GO outlets.

Other excellent choices include:

• Dian Xiao Er: Their takeaway bundles are built around their famous Herbal Roasted Duck, a poultry centrepiece that carries similar symbolic weight for family nourishment.

• Canton Paradise: Their set includes comforting classics like Herbal Duck with Chestnut.

• Soup Restaurant: Famous for its heritage Samsui Ginger Chicken.

6. Spring Rolls: For Wealth (Again!)

Their golden, cylindrical shape is a direct visual metaphor for gold bars. A crispy bite is a bite into fortune.

Symbolism: Gold bars, wealth.

Where to Find It in SG (2026):

Often featured as a starter or appetiser in restaurant set menus. Check the detailed menus of Ban Heng Restaurant or The Black Pearl, which offer extensive set and à la carte options.

For a convenient and affordable homemade option, NTUC FairPrice offers its own FairPrice Spring Roll (500g for S$5.60). These are cholesterol-free with no artificial preservatives or colourings, making them a great choice for preparing your own auspicious feast.

7. Pen Cai / Treasure Pot: For Extreme Abundance

The ultimate symbol of opulence. This layered pot brimming with luxury ingredients represents overflowing abundance and wealth for the family.

Symbolism: Extreme prosperity, unity, bounty.

Where to Find It in SG (2026):

• Canton Paradise: Their set includes a luxurious 10-Head Abalone Treasure Pot.
• PUTIEN: Features a Pot of Goodies with Abalone and Sea Cucumber in their Fortune Set Meal.
• Madame Fan: Offers an Abundance Poon Choi in their Home Reunion Bundle.

8. Sweet Tang Yuan (汤圆): For Family Reunion

Eaten more during the Lantern Festival, these round rice balls symbolise family togetherness (“tuányuán”) and sweetness in life.

• Symbolism: Reunion, harmony, sweetness.

• Where to Find It in SG (2026):

  For an authentic taste of this traditional dessert, you can visit 75 Ah Balling, a famous and long-standing local brand since 1947. Their tangyuan are served in classic sweet soups like house-made peanut or ginger soup, with popular fillings such as black sesame and peanut. You can find them at hawker centres, including Golden Mile Food Centre and Chinatown Complex.

  This dessert is also commonly served in reunion menus at restaurants. It is a staple in traditional Cantonese feasts, making it a likely feature in the dessert course at fine dining establishments like Shang Palace or Hai Tien Lo.

Secure Your Auspicious Feast for the Year of the Horse

Understanding the symbolism makes your reunion dinner more meaningful. Now, with this direct link to Singapore’s 2026 dining scene, you can plan a feast that’s both auspicious and convenient.

Pro Tip for 2026: The common thread across all restaurant promotions is the early bird discount. To secure both your favourite symbolic dishes and the best price, book your dine-in table or pre-order your takeaway from recommended spots like Dian Xiao Er, Hai Tien Lo, or PUTIEN well before their deadlines.

May your Year of the Horse be filled with joy, prosperity, and delicious fortune!