Welcome the Year of the Sheep with the Eight Gems Yu Sheng, or “八鲜过海” Yu Sheng, made with ingredients thoughtfully selected by the talented culinary team behind Gourmet Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts.

The Eight Gems Yu Sheng goes back to the origins of Chinese script. The yu sheng depicts the word “鲜”.   鱼” (fish) and “羊” (lamb) are combined to form the character, which means “fresh” in Mandarin. According to ancient folklore, Peng Zu, an immortal known for his longevity, created a special dish “Hidden Fish in Lamb” after he discovered the terrific combination of fish and lamb. The dish became a favourite of the emperor and since then, “鲜” has been used to describe the superb flavour that we term freshness.

The chefs at Carousel transcribe the folklore with a divine pairing of Hirame (swordfish) and lamb shank. Lamb is a special ingredient in the savoury yu sheng which is significant to the Year of the Sheep. After a 5-hour slow-braise in Chinese herbs, the lamb shank is deboned, compressed, set in the fridge and then sliced thinly. The Eight Gems feature Hirame and lamb alongside a lavish selection of seafood which includes Alaskan crabs, abalone slices, lobsters, fresh Hokkaido scallops, crispy dried scallops and crispy silver fish. To embellish the flavours with a savoury note, complement the yu sheng with the homemade sauce made of spring onions, coriander roots and ginger, and top it off with a special chilli sauce accented with coriander and lemon juice. Give the Eight Gems Yu Sheng a toss with crispy yam, white and purple cabbage pickles, red and green shiso with julienne of green mango and raw papaya for a healthy and prosperous year ahead.

The Eight Gems Yu Sheng is available at $188 for a small portion (4 to 6 persons) and $228 for a large portion (8 to 10 persons).

Other festive selections include Prosperity Yu Sheng Sets, macarons, chocolate pralines, orange semolina cake and artisan cupcakes. All Lunar New Year goodies are available from 13 February to 5 March 2015, 10am to 10pm daily. Guests can log on to www.carouselbuffet.com.sg for more information or contact Gourmet Carousel at 6589 7788 or gourmet@royalplaza.com.sg. Advance orders of three days are required. The last order should be made by 3 March 2015, 12pm.

For a lavish meal with friends and family, head down to Carousel, five-time winner of Best Buffet Restaurant. Highlights include Emperor's Cod Fish Soup, Deep-fried Sea Perch with Bai Ling Mushrooms and Yuzu Glaze, Wok-fried Veal Spare Ribs with Spicy Ginger Flower Glaze, and Steamed Crab with Eight Treasures Fragrant Glutinous Rice and Garlic Ginger Emulsion.   

Lunar New Year's Eve, Wednesday, 18 February 2015

Lunch             

12pm - 2pm               

$55 (adult) $34 (child)

High tea          

3.30pm - 5.30pm       

$45 (adult) $30 (child)

Dinner            

6.30pm – 9.30pm             

$98 (adult) $58 (child)

Lunar New Year Day 1, Thursday, 19 February 2015

Lunch             

12pm - 2pm               

$55 (adult) $34 (child)

High tea          

3.30pm - 5.30pm       

$45 (adult) $30 (child)

Dinner            

6.30pm – 9.30pm            

 $80 (adult) $48 (child)

Lunar New Year Day 2, Friday, 20 February 2015

Lunch             

12pm - 2pm               

$55 (adult) $34 (child)

High tea          

3.30pm - 5.30pm       

$45 (adult) $30 (child)

Dinner             

6.30pm – 9.30pm       

$80 (adult) $48 (child)

Guests can contact Carousel at 6589 7799 or email carousel@royalplaza.com.sg for enquiries and visit www.carouselbuffet.com.sg for online reservations.

All buffet prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.