SINGAPORE – I still have fond memories from 2024 of digging into the pencai from Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant. It had two important ingredients – slow-cooked pork belly and abalone. 

In 2025, the restaurant debuts an Opulent Treasure Pot ($238 or $318, takeaway only) with the same two key ingredients, as well as deer sinew, fatt choy (black moss) and tender chunks of yam, lotus root and radish.

It is as satisfying as before, and adding the less common deer sinew is a refreshing textural touch to the usual seafood elements.  

If you want the more traditional pencai – albeit at a higher price – the Longevity Poon Choi ($488 or $788, takeaway only) features ingredients such as scallops, sea cucumber and dried oysters. 

The Abundance Pack ($658, takeaway only) offers the best deal. It comprises the Longevity Poon Choi, abalone yusheng, soya sauce chicken, Wah Lok’s XO sauce and traditional nian gao. 

If you choose to dine in, there are eight set menus (from $88 a person) to pick from, along with the signature Hamachi Soon De Yu Sheng ($118 or $198).

Where: Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant, Level 2 Carlton Hotel Singapore, 76 Bras Basah Road MRT: City Hall When: Till Jan 28, order six days in advance by Jan 22. Last day for collection is Feb 12, before 6pm Tel: 6349-1292 Info: Go to celebrations.carltonhotel.sg or e-mail [email protected] 

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