Kowloon Shangri-La: Lunar New Year goodies galore

The Year of the Snake has slithered up on us and Kowloon Shangri-La has you covered with bites and other delights for the Lunar New Year. David Ho checks out what's on offer

The Michelin-starred culinary team at Kowloon Shangri-La’s Shang Palace have prepared an exquisite collection of festive puddings, various seasonal hampers and assorted goodies to help you usher in the new year with a full tummy and tastebuds totally sated.

The selection of puddings alone is tantalising enough. One of the highlights is a Pudding with Rose, Bird’s nest, Trehalose and Coconut Juice (HK$438). With its soft texture and spring flavours, this treat is sure to add a sweet bounce to the celebrations. 

Those that like their puddings a bit more savoury will love the Pistachio Pudding (HK$398), which combines the traditional texture of rice cake with the rich and nutty flavours of pistachios.

Then of course, we know Asians like their desserts to be “not too sweet” so the Red Bean Pudding with 30-Year Tangerine Peel (HK$438) is a must-have. The extra-aged Mandarin peel adds some zestiness and fragrance to the natural sweetness of the red bean filling. Thus, the team at Shang Palace have recommended that this be serve sliced and slightly pan-fried on both sides to bring out the deep and mellow citrus flavours. 

Also see: Kowloon Shangri-La: Enchanted Wonders for Christmas

But puddings are just one part of the Lunar New Year’s festivities. Meals on the winter solstice and the reunion dinner are also occasions that bring the family together. Keeping this mind, Shang Palace have several Poon Choi options that are infused with auspicious ingredients. 

The Shang Palace Poon Choi (HK$1,888 and suitable for four) is a frozen for guests to enjoy in the comfort of their home. Those with a bigger gathering can opt for the Shang Palace Luxury Poon Choi Takeaway (HK$4,888) that serves eight.  

Those that love to partake in the messy and mesmerizing tradition of lo hei (the prosperity toss that is also known as yusheng or lou sang) should think about ordering the Shang Palace Abalone Lo Hei Takeaway (HK$988) that is suitable for a party of six.

It has been thoughtfully constructed with over twenty auspicious ingredients, including a twelve-head abalone symbolizing wealth, sweet potato shreds representing good fortune, jade cucumber shreds for eternal youth, crispy crackers symbolizing prosperity, crushed peanuts for abundance, and sour plum sauce representing sweetness in life. 

Finally, don’t forget about the gifts for the Year of the Snake. You can pick up two exquisite Chinese New Year hampers available at Kowloon Shangri-La: the Shang Palace Chinese New Year Hamper (HKD 3,888) and the Shang Palace Deluxe Fruit Hamper (HKD 2,888). These elegant hampers are perfect for conveying heartfelt New Year wishes to your loved ones, friends, and business partners. Beautifully packaged, they serve as sincere blessings for prosperity and harmony in the coming year. 

If your new year’s resolution is to procrastinate less, then Kowloon Shangri-La has the right incentive for you with their early bird offers. One can enjoy a 25 percent discount on Chinese New Year puddings purchased from the Shangri-La Boutique before January 5, 2025, while the Poon Choi and other festive goodies are available at a 20 percent discount. Visit this link to see what’s available at the Shangri-La Boutique.

Also see: Where to eat in Hong Kong this December