Chinese New Year 2026 marks a significant chapter for Cherry Garden by Chef Fei. Its first Lunar New Year celebration since unveiling its refreshed concept. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Fei, the restaurant presents a refined expression of Cantonese culinary elegance interwoven with Teochew heritage, where tradition, precision, and seasonality come together in graceful harmony.
Four Chinese New Year set menus are available, with prices starting from S$188++ per person. We experienced the Fortune Menu (S$688++ per person) . A lavish multi-course showcase that embodies Chef Fei’s meticulous craftsmanship and culinary philosophy, one that celebrates clarity of flavour, balance, and deep respect for premium ingredients.
The meal opens with Chef Fei’s Prosperity Toss (辉耀狮城捞起), a celebratory Lobster Yu Sheng (龙虾捞起) that sets an auspicious tone for the feast ahead.
A series of elegant appetisers follows each offering a distinct interplay of texture and flavour:
Marinated Celtuce with Pickled Chilli (冰爽泡椒脆玉笋) — crisp and refreshing
Pan-fried Lotus Root Patties Stuffed with Crab Meat (酥酿马踏湖蟹肉莲藕饼) — aromatic with delicate sweetness
Crispy Roasted Pork Belly (岭南脆皮烧肉) — beautifully roasted with a satisfying crunch
Marinated Jellyfish Head with Caviar (鱼子酱琥珀珊瑚花冻) — refined and textural
Marinated Cherry Radish with Vinegar and Soy Sauce (椒麻樱桃小萝卜) — light, bright, and palate-cleansing
A comforting highlight arrives in the form of Geoduck Clam Soup, Chaoshan-style (头水紫菜冲浪象拔蚌). Clean and nourishing, the soup reflects the essence of Teochew cuisine, allowing the natural sweetness of the geoduck to shine.
Seafood courses continue the narrative of restraint and finesse. The Charcoal-grilled New Zealand Live Abalone (炭烧新西兰黑金鲍) is smoky and tender, easily standing out as one of the best abalones I’ve had in recent memory.
The Poached Leopard Grouper with Yellow Bean Paste, Chaoshan-style (潮式豆酱煮东星斑) showcases gentle seasoning that honours the integrity of the fish.
For richer flavours, the Sautéed Diced Wagyu Beef with Sichuan Peppercorn and Chilli (煎烹椒麻雪花和牛粒) delivers depth with restraint. The wagyu is remarkably tender and juicy, soaking up the fragrant peppercorn notes while remaining refined and well-balanced.
Next, we had the Wok-fried Garden Greens (健康时蔬) for balance.
The savoury courses conclude with Wok-fried Seafood Fried Rice with Sakura Ebi (樱花虾海鲜炒饭) .Fragrant, comforting, and layered with umami.
Dessert is served in a light yet indulgent finish: Double-boiled Bird’s Nest with Yuzu Honey (柚子风味炖官燕), offering gentle sweetness with a refreshing citrus lift.
With its elegant setting, thoughtful service, and a menu that honours both heritage and modern refinement, Cherry Garden by Chef Fei stands out as a distinguished destination for Lunar New Year celebrations. The Fortune Menu is a graceful showcase of abundance, culinary artistry, and timeless tradition. It is ideal for those seeking a refined and meaningful reunion dining experience this festive season.
Just two hours from the bustling streets of Hanoi lies a place that feels worlds away. Ninh Binh is where time slows, landscapes soften, and nature quietly takes centre stage. Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land”, this peaceful province offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. It is ideal for a day escape from the city.
From limestone karsts rising dramatically above emerald rice fields to tranquil boat rides through ancient caves, Ninh Binh reveals Vietnam at its most poetic.
Alternatively, you can just book a suggested day trip tour with pre-purchased tickets via the proposed itineraries below S$50.00 only.
Our journey began at Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam. Tucked amid mountains and rice fields, this former royal city dates to the 10th century. Walking through the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, you can feel the weight of history in the air — weathered stone courtyards, intricate carvings, and a quiet dignity that speaks of Vietnam’s early dynasties.
It’s a gentle reminder that Ninh Binh is not just about landscapes, but also deep-rooted heritage.
Next came the highlight of the day. The Trang An boat ride, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an experience that feels almost surreal.
Floating along calm emerald waters, we drifted through a series of caves, limestone tunnels, and open valleys framed by towering karsts. The silence is broken only by the sound of oars gliding through water and the occasional echo from within the caves. It’s peaceful, cinematic, and utterly mesmerising. The kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention, but quietly stays with you.
For those willing to work a little harder, Mua Cave Viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views in Ninh Binh. The climb up nearly 500 stone steps is no easy feat, especially under the sun but the reward at the top is worth every step.
From above, the sweeping panorama of winding rivers, patchwork rice fields, and dramatic limestone peaks unfolds below. It’s one of those moments where you pause, catch your breath, and simply take it all in.
Best Time to Visit:
Morning hours are ideal — the weather is cooler and the lighting softer for photos.
Avoid noon, as the stairs can get slippery and the heat is intense.
Visit between May and July to catch the rice fields at their most vibrant green or golden yellow.
If time allows, there’s still so much more to see in Ninh Binh:
Tam Coc – Endless rice fields framed by towering cliffs, especially stunning during harvest season
Bai Dinh Temple – Majestic, serene, and one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia
Each spot offers a different rhythm, but all share the same sense of calm that defines this region.
Just a short ride from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect day trip for those craving nature, culture, and a slower pace .All without venturing too far. Whether you’re gliding through caves, standing atop viewpoints, or wandering ancient capitals, this hidden paradise offers a refreshing contrast to city life.
Sometimes, the most memorable journeys are the ones that feel quietly unforgettable and Ninh Binh is exactly that.
Meta Description:Discover the best places for digital nomads in Singapore. There are cafés, coworking spots, libraries, and parks, each with practical tips.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Spaces in Singapore Working remotely in Singapore feels a little like having the city as your co-worker: everything runs smoothly, the Wi-Fi is reliable, and good food is never more than a few steps away. It’s pricier than Bali or Chiang Mai, but the dependability and safety more than make up for it. After spending plenty of days wandering with my laptop, here are the places I’d actually return to for work, play, and a bit of inspiration.
Coworking in the CBD: The Hive Carpenter When I need a focused, full-day work sprint, The Hive Carpenter is my go-to. The space feels warm and bright, with lots of natural light bouncing off the minimalist décor. I love that the seating ranges from communal tables to private nooks, so you can switch up your environment when your energy dips. And if your remote routine includes keeping an eye on markets or even the occasional forex trading check-in, you’ll appreciate how stable and reliable the city’s connectivity is. Wi-Fi here is consistently strong, and there are plenty of plugs. Being right next to Clarke Quay MRT makes it an easy commute, and you can grab affordable meals from the nearby hawker stalls at lunchtime. Cost-wise, it’s on the premium side, but the comfort and convenience justify it for full-day work sessions.
Stylish Coworking in Tanjong Pagar: Our Space Our Space has a calm, polished vibe that makes you feel instantly productive. I’ve found it particularly good for days when I want a mix of deep work and a little networking. People are friendly without being overly chatty, and the lounge-style seating is surprisingly comfortable for long stretches. The location is ideal: Tanjong Pagar MRT is a short walk away, and the neighbourhood is packed with Korean eateries, cafés, and bakeries. It’s a mid- to high-budget workspace, but it’s great if you prefer a more “grown-up” atmosphere.
Best Café for Long Laptop Days: The Glasshouse At CHIJMES If you love clean, airy cafés, The Glasshouse will steal your heart. With its floor-to- ceiling glass panels, lush greenery, and soft ambient music, it’s one of the prettiest places to work in the city. I usually come early in the morning when it’s quieter, grab a flat white, and settle into a corner table.
The Wi-Fi is reliable and there’s no strict time limit, but it does get busy at lunch, so I try to be considerate and keep my table tidy. Prices are mid-range for Singapore, and the pastries are worth the splurge. CHIJMES itself is lovely to wander during a break.
Café With Local Flavour in Joo Chiat: Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat has a nostalgic, Peranakan charm, and Common Man Coffee Roasters fits beautifully into that vibe. It’s lively without being too noisy, and the long communal tables make it easy to work comfortably for hours. The brunch crowd can be intense, so I like coming mid-afternoon when it slows down. Wi-Fi is steady, and the coffee is excellent. Joo Chiat is one of my favourite neighbourhoods for nomad life, colourful shophouses, indie boutiques, and hawker stalls all within walking distance. Cost-wise, it’s mid to premium, but the experience feels special.
Quiet Productivity At National Library (Bugis)
Whenever I need absolute silence, I head to the National Library. The upper floors have dedicated study areas where you’ll see students, freelancers, and remote workers quietly typing away. The Wi-Fi is strong, seating is comfortable, and there are plenty of power points. It’s completely free, which is a blessing in a city where café bills can add up quickly. Bugis MRT is right downstairs, and you’ll find lots of affordable food options in the area. Libraries are such underrated digital-nomad hubs in Singapore, and this one is a gem.
Neighbourhood Library Escape: Tampines Regional Library If you prefer working outside the city centre, Tampines Regional Library feels like a breath of fresh air. The vibe is relaxed, with cosy corners, good lighting, and good Wi-Fi. I love coming here when I want a slower-paced workday away from the bustle. The library sits within a massive community hub, so you’ve got cafés, food courts, and even a climbing wall nearby. It’s free, comfortable, and great for those wanting a quieter, more local experience.
Work With a Sea Breeze: East Coast Park
Some days, the only thing that keeps me motivated is being outdoors. East Coast Park is perfect for that. I usually bring a fully charged laptop, pick a shaded bench or sit at a beachfront café like East Coast Commune, and chip away at lighter tasks. Wi-Fi can be spotty outdoors, so I stick to work that doesn’t require constant connectivity. The atmospheric waves, cyclists passing, and families enjoying the park always reset my mind. It’s a free, refreshing alternative to indoor spaces.
Green Calm in the City: Singapore Botanic Gardens So this is not a traditional workspace, but the Botanic Gardens is ideal for an “inspiration day.” I sometimes sit near the Symphony Lake or the quieter paths to journal, plan content calendars, or brainstorm ideas. It’s peaceful, with plenty of benches and open grassy areas. The Gardens MRT station drops you right at the entrance, and the area is easy to explore on foot. Bring snacks or grab something at the nearby cafés. It’s free, beautiful, and good for balancing screen time with fresh air.
A Colourful Cultural Hub: Kampong Glam Kampong Glam is one of my favourite neighbourhoods for wandering between work blocks. Think vibrant murals, indie shops, Middle Eastern cafés, and the iconic Sultan Mosque. Many cafés here are laptop friendly in the mornings, though some introduce time limits during busy afternoons. When I need a mid-day pick-me-up, I grab a teh tarik or explore Haji Lane’s boutiques. The area is lively and full of character, great for people-watching when you’re feeling creatively stuck.
Retro Charm And Café Hopping: Tiong Bahru I have a soft spot for Tiong Bahru with its art-deco flats, leafy streets, and charming cafés. Places like Tiong Bahru Bakery are perfect for short laptop sessions (though plugs are limited), while smaller indie cafés offer more work-friendly seating. The vibe here is relaxed, almost village-like, yet still central. It’s excellent for days when you want to balance productivity with slow travel. You’ll find affordable hawker meals at Tiong Bahru Market, which helps offset café spending.
Take It Easy and Enjoy the Options Singapore may not be the cheapest remote-work destination, but it rewards you with reliability, comfort, excellent infrastructure, and a wonderfully diverse culture. Whatever your preference, cosy cafés, polished coworking spaces, green parks, or culturally rich neighbourhoods, the city has a spot for every kind of workday mood.
Mix and match these places, explore at your own pace, and you can build a rhythm with the city as a digital nomad.
![[SG EATS] Welcoming the Year of Prosperity at Cherry Garden by Chef Fei, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore](https://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Cherry-Garden-by-Chef-Fei-Charcoal-grilled-New-Zealand-Live-Abalone.jpg "[SG EATS] Welcoming the Year of Prosperity at Cherry Garden by Chef Fei, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore")
![[VIETNAM TRAVELS] A Day Trip from Hanoi: Exploring the Beauty of Ninh Binh](https://hazeldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mua-Caves-Dragon-Mountain-Ninh-Binh.jpeg "[VIETNAM TRAVELS] A Day Trip from Hanoi: Exploring the Beauty of Ninh Binh")
