As someone who rarely eats meat by personal preference, I often find myself navigating menus with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. When it comes to Chinese cuisine – where meat is such a staple – it’s easy for vegetarians to feel like they might be missing out on the heart and soul of traditional dishes. So, you can imagine my intrigue when Chopsuey Cafe invited me to try the specially curated vegetarian selection from their upcoming Lunar New Year menu.
With their Joyous Reunion Set Menu (S$138++ per person, minimum of four) and a range of à la carte and vegetarian offerings, no one is left out at gatherings here. But could Chopsuey Cafe truly honour the season with their plant-based take on Chinese fare? Well, stick around to find out through my taste buds!
My Chopsuey Cafe Experience
I’m no stranger to the charming ambience of Dempsey Hill – and Chopsuey Cafe was no different, tucked away in its cosy corner.
With its colonial-style decor and the warm hum of conversation as diners awaited their meals, it had a homely, inviting atmosphere – ideal for gatherings and a welcome escape from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’
First up was Chopsuey Cafe’s signature Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’, a colourful ritual of tossing to health and wealth. This dish came with a rainbow of baby romaine, white radish, beetroot, and carrot julienne. Adding to this kaleidoscopic mix were juicy touches of pomegranate and pomelo, a generous sprinkle of toasted peanuts and sesame, fresh blueberries, and the pièce de résistance – a golden garnish of crispy calamansi wonton skin.
While this dish also includes cured salmon – which we didn’t mix in, naturally – the other components held their own. The calamansi wonton skin, in particular, had an airy, golden crunch that was so addictive I found myself reaching for more without realising!
The sweet plum sauce was thankfully quite balanced, steering well clear of the cloying territory I’ve encountered with some Lo Hei in the past. It did mask some of the individual flavours, but this dish wasn’t about pulling apart each note – it was all about the textures for me, so I didn’t mind!
All in all, I’d say things started on the right foot. The Lucky Lunar ‘Lo Hei’ was bright, playful, and full of crunch, setting an auspicious tone to kick things off for the meal ahead.
Rating: 8/10
Hot & Sour Soup
Next up was the Hot & Sour Soup. It was my first time trying this well-loved concoction of tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, vinegar, and chilli oil, and I wasn’t sure what to expect – but this bowl turned out to be a quiet sort of comfort. The sour notes came through as a gentle tang that lingered with a little buzz at the back of my throat after I’d finished. In terms of taste, it wasn’t overly bold, but it wasn’t bland either – just soft-spoken in its approach.
What I especially liked was the smooth consistency of the soup itself. It was thick but not heavy, with a velvety texture that made each spoonful soothing, especially with the tender tofu and surprisingly palatable enoki mushrooms. I’m not usually a fan of enoki due to their typically stringy feel, but here, they were pretty soft and enjoyable. I could see myself turning to a soup like this for a warm remedy on a dreary day or when I’m feeling under the weather.
If I had one wish, it would be for just the lightest pinch of extra salt to coax out the flavours and elevate the dish. As it is, though, it has its appeal; maybe not a starter I’d down immediately at the very beginning of a meal – but as a palate reset between dishes and a cosy companion at the table? Absolutely.
Rating: 8.5/10
Spicy Mushroom Spring Rolls
Crispy, smoky, and downright scrumptious. That’s how I recall the Spicy Mushroom Spring Rolls. Encasing smoky wild mushrooms in a beautifully golden shell, these spring rolls managed to strike just the right balance of textures. The mushrooms inside were wonderfully tender without any of that irksome chewiness that mushrooms can sometimes have. Clearly, Chopsuey Cafe knows their way around textures – I mean, they nailed it every time!
The shell itself wasn’t hard or tough, giving a perky crackle every time my teeth sunk in. That combination of the delicate filling and the crisp shell was lovely. The sauce, however, leaned a little on the sweet side for me. I couldn’t help but crave for a tad more heat to fulfil the promise in its name.
That said, the rolls were still full of flavour and incredibly appetising – it successfully opened the floodgates for the rest of my meal. Apart from the absence of the spicy kick I was hoping for, these spring rolls were absolutely delish and left me excited to dig in more.
Rating: 9/10
Smoky Ma Po Tofu
When the Smoky Ma Po Tofu arrived, I was ready for my taste buds to be set alight – and wow, this dish didn’t hold back. A medley of eggplant, leek flowers, and edamame nestled in a silky tofu base, the flavours managed to feel both robust and refined. And the savoury sauce was a lovely match with the layer of smoky undertones that hugged every morsel.
I will say though, there was a slight pungence that caught me off guard at first – but it’s something I’ll attribute more to my own unfamiliarity with Chinese flavours than to any fault of the dish itself. By the time I was halfway through my portion, I was too swept up in the rich, spicy, flavours to notice the pungence anymore – they made up for it entirely!
In fact, I’d say this was my favourite dish of the night, without a doubt. The dance of textures and flavours was simply magical, and my words just don’t do it justice. I’m already missing it!
Rating: 9.5/10
Jade Fried Rice
Finally – time for my first main! I tried the Jade Fried Rice, featuring jasmine rice tossed with chopped spinach, basil, and egg. While it wasn’t a particularly show-stopping dish that had me gasping with awe, I’ll admit it was still fragrant, thanks to the aroma of the jasmine rice and fresh herbs. Each morsel carried a gentle herbaceous note – though as I chewed, I couldn’t help but wish the eggs were a tad fluffier to elevate the textures in my mouth.
As a whole, I found it too mild for my palate. While I understand the appeal of simple comfort food, in my opinion, a bit more seasoning or a splash of soy sauce would have given this dish the extra oomph it needed. As it stands, it felt too safe. Great for kids, most likely, but not quite the culinary experience I was hoping for.
Rating: 7/10
Long Life Vegetarian Noodles
Then came the Long Life Vegetarian Noodles – wok-fried “mi swa” noodles – symbolising longevity and prosperity – tossed with a heap of spinach, snap peas, sprouts, radicchio, and egg. I find that it’s rare for noodles to disappoint in Chinese cuisine, and this dish certainly lived up to that legacy.
Every bite had a satisfying crunch to it, courtesy of the generous array of vegetables. The radicchio added a hint of bitterness that anchored the dish – and the vibrant purple cabbage? It practically tasted like it had been plucked straight from the fields and into my mouth. I love it when a dish feels fresh yet filling, easing my hunger without leaving me uncomfortably stuffed.
The noodles themselves had a chewy, slightly springy texture that paired beautifully with the crisp veggies. Everything tangled together seamlessly, a well-executed testament to a timeless classic. My only small qualm is that a touch of spice would have really knocked it out of the park – but for a dish that was delicious and symbolic, I couldn’t have been more pleased choosing this as my main dish!
Rating: 8.5/10
Golden Prosperity Punch
Of course, I had to wash down everything with something just as yummy – and what better way to do that than with the Golden Prosperity Punch? This refreshing drink, crafted with Black Tears White Rum, Black Tears Spiced Rum, lime, rambutan, pineapple, mango, and a splash of ginger ale, was a load of tropical goodness suited for the beach.
Now, while I was expecting a strong rum kick, I was pleasantly surprised by how subtle the alcohol was. The punch was sweeter than I had anticipated, with the rambutan and mango bringing lush, fruity notes. The pineapple and lime added a citrusy zing, and the ginger ale shone with a light fizz that gave the drink a refreshing sparkle.
Depending on your preference, that lack of an alcohol bite could be a pro or con. Personally, I found it made this cocktail feel more like juice – which meant I could happily sip on it throughout the meal without it being too overwhelming.
There wasn’t anything necessarily complex about this, but it’s great for anyone who’s looking for a drink that doesn’t steal too much attention from their meal. For me, it was a nice and easy complement to the flavours of the dishes. No fancy bells and whistles, but still a wonderful toast to a prosperous Lunar New Year!
Rating: 8/10
Golden Pineapple Tart
And to wrap up my meal on a sweet note, I helped myself to the Golden Pineapple Tart – a decadent pastry served alongside vanilla ice cream. From the moment it arrived at the table, I was smitten by the sight in front of me. The pineapple topping, gorgeously caramelised to a golden hue, looked like a dream – and tasted like it too. No shockingly sharp zing that pineapple often rudely imparts – just a mellow tang that was easy to bite into.
Initially, I struggled with the hard base, unable to get a full bite of the crust and the rest of the tart together, which was a little frustrating. But after deconstructing it and piling a bit of everything on my spoon, it was a delightful experience. The tart itself was soft and rich, and the crust was unexpectedly flavourful, buttery, and flaky. And the crust had this somewhat “sandy” feel that fascinated me. Yes, that’s a compliment – I have no better way to describe it!
Still, I found the overall dish a bit too heavy, especially after the feast I’d just had. This is a dessert I can’t imagine not sharing! The vanilla ice cream, though, won major bonus points. I mean, it can never go wrong, can it? The chilled creaminess distracted my taste buds from the tart’s heaviness, providing a stimulating contrast to the warm, caramelised pineapple and buttery pastry.
The play between textures – the creamy ice cream, soft tart, crisp crust, and slightly sticky pineapple – was quite the adventure. While I do wish this dessert was lighter and more airy to give space for the elements to bounce off each other more, it was undeniably satiating. So if you have a separate stomach for desserts, you’ll find this a fitting finale to your meal!
Rating: 8/10
Join the Lunar New Year Celebrations Here!
After all that indulgence, it’s evident that Chopsuey Cafe offers a dining experience full of festive flair. Whether you’re in the mood for a twist on tradition or something hearty, all bases are covered here.
So if you’re after a memorable Lunar New Year meal that brings people together around the table and leaves your tummy happily full, this spot hits the spot!
🗓️Date: 20 January – 12 February 2025
📍Location: Chopsuey Cafe, 10 Dempsey Road, #01-23, Singapore 247700
⏰Opening Hours:
- 11am – 5pm on 28 January 2025 (LNY Eve)
- 11am – 11pm on 29, 30 January and 1 February 2025
- 11am – 11.30pm on 31 January 2025
Ready to feast? Hop over to Chopsuey Cafe’s official page to make your reservations and find more details. Have a lovely Lunar New Year!
Photos By Kristen Ong of the DANAMIC Team.
