As the Lunar New Year approaches, are you looking for a convenient and sumptuous feast to celebrate with family and friends?
How’s Catering steps in with its fuss-free Chinese New Year iHEAT Mini Buffet sets.
I last ordered a similar set for last Christmas, and my family enjoyed the dining experience with both quality and convenience.
And portions are generous, making it value-for-money. We have decided to order the same again.
Another appeal lies in the self-heating boxes, which ensure that each dish can be served hot, just as if it were freshly prepared in your own kitchen.
Here’s how the iHEAT concept works: After adding water from provided pouches, the packs generate steam, heating the food container above. This ensures that the food is hot and fresh for consumption.
The package comes with all the necessary party wares, including disposable utensils, bowls, plates, tongs, large spoons, napkins, and a table cloth, making it a fuss-free experience.
The food is also delivered in thermal bags, ensuring it stays warm until ready to serve. Cleaning-up after is quite a breeze too.
Designed for gatherings for 10 people, there are three Halal-certified Mini Buffet sets you can choose from – the Auspicious Beginnings ($298+), Auspicious Prosperity ($398+) and Auspicious Success ($498+).
This time I had the Auspicious Prosperity CNY iHEAT Mini Buffet ($398+, $433.82 with GST) suitable for 10 people, offering a variety of 11 courses, including both CNY classics and more modern dishes:
Prosperity Yu Sheng with Condiments 发财富贵捞鱼生
A staple for any Lunar New Year celebration, the Yu Sheng is a mix of fresh vegetables, crunchy pok chai crackers, slices of salmon, and specially-created sweet plum sauce.
It is also conveniently presented in a box. After the “lo hei”, the cleanup is easy and hassle-free.
Braised Fish Maw Crab Meat Soup 黄焖鱼鳔蟹肉羹
Moving on to a heartier choice, the Braised Fish Maw Crab Meat Soup was one of my favourites – warm and comforting, rich but not overpowering.
The soup boasted a thick, velvety texture, with generous chunks of crab meat and soft, spongy fish maw.
Angelica Root Steamed Herbal Chicken 当归药材清蒸鸡
The chicken was tender and infused with the aromatic qualities of angelica root and other herbs.
The base created from the steaming could be drunk like soup. It was a light, nourishing broth that carried the combined flavours of the herbs and the savoury essence of the chicken.
Braised Barramundi Fillet with Yam, Garlic & Leeks 香芋葱蒜焖鲈鱼片
The barramundi fish was cooked just right – flaky and moist.
Another highlight was the yam which added a hint of richness and sweetness; while the garlic and leeks brought a mild, earthy flavour.
Wok-Fried Hawaiian Prawn with Pineapple 夏威夷菠萝炒虾
Not the usual prawn dish, the pineapple added a tropical sweetness that complemented the prawns, making the dish a refreshing change from the usual heavy flavours.
Japanese Egg Tofu with Sweet Sour Chili Sauce & Pomelo 日式豆腐酸甜酱
This was another of my favourites due to the velvety spicy-sweet sauce, which kind of reminded me of chilli crab sauce – which you would drizzle over the rice or noodles.
The addition of pomelo also gave a burst of citrusy freshness.
Stir-Fried Shanghai Green with Bai Ling Mushroom 上海青拌百灵菇
The greens were crisp and fresh, stir-fried just enough to retain a slight crunch; while the mushrooms added a chewy texture (which could remind some of abalone slices).
Flavour-wise, the dish was seasoned lightly – a lighter dish in comparison.
Deep-Fried Prawn Twisters with Garlic Chili Sauce 炸虾卷配蒜辣酱
The prawns were encased in a crispy coating (I thought could have been a little crunchier – but understandably after delivery), which would be best to be dipped in the accompanying garlic chilli sauce.
Steamed Olive Vegetable Rice with Crispy Yam & Dried Shrimps 橄榄菜脆芋蒸饭
Customers can choose between the Steamed Olive Vegetable Rice with Crispy Yam & Dried Shrimps or Braised Ee Fu Noodle with Mushroom & Chives for the carb dish. My family chose the rice.
There were sizable pieces of yam which provided a satisfying varied texture which contrasted with the soft rice.
The rice itself wasn’t overly salty, allowing other ingredients such as the shrimp and preserved vegetables to shine.
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Tart 黄金焦糖南瓜塔
Moving on to the desserts, you should enjoy the pumpkin filling which was smooth and creamy, with the sweetness nicely balanced by the salted caramel. Though the tart crust was a bit on the softer side.
Tropical Mango, Pineapple & Coconut Layered Cake 热带风情千层糕
A nice end to the meal: the layers were moist, while the tropical flavours of mango and pineapple shone through, complemented by the subtle hint of coconut.
A light, refreshing dessert, perfect after the heavier main courses.
The How’s Catering CNY iHEAT Mini Buffet is available from 22 Jan 2024 to 25 Feb 2024.
The self-heating technology ensures that the food is served hot, fresh, and flavourful, making it a convenient option for small group gatherings.
What my family also enjoyed was the variety, portions and quality of the dishes, from appetisers to the desserts, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Check out How’s Catering for other festive menus, delivery options, and T&Cs.
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with How’s Catering. Photos by Nicole Poi @pinkypiggu, written by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary.
