Recipes for Prosperity: Sofitel Ushers in the Year of the Earth Pig with 12 New Chinese Dishes - Food & Travel

You can always count on Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for bespoke food events that will tickle your taste buds. This February, the expert master chefs at Spiral buffet have something special planned for those looking to celebrate Chinese New Year in style the luxury hotel.

To usher in the Year of the Earth Pig, Spiral’s new Chinese master chef Yui So Chan will be creating dishes for prosperity this February 4 to 8 at Spiral. His upcoming offerings features 12 new dishes that represent wealth, health and abundance in Chinese cuisine (complete prices for the buffet can be found at the end of the article).

Apart from the famous Spiral buffet, intimate restaurant Le Bar is also joining in on the Chinese Year fun. They will be offering a selection of Chinese dishes featuring Cantonese Style Braised Beef, Kung Pao Mixed Seafood and Steamed Pork Ribs in Black Bean Sauce. Diners can also opt to do hot pot, or order their choice of stir-fried dishes and dim sum for PHP 799.00 nett per dish.

“This year, we celebrate prosperity and good fortune as represented by the energetic and enthusiastic personality of the Earth Pig. There is no better way to usher in a new year of life and happiness together with family and friends than with a grand feast,” shares Chef So, who has been in the culinary business for 36 years. Scroll down to see all 12 dishes by Chef Yui So Chan available during Sofitel’s Recipe for Prosperity promo (food write-ups and captions courtesy of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila)…  

Slow-braised Abalone with wild mushrooms
Slow-braised Abalone with wild mushrooms

Braised Abalone with Mushroom

Abalone is believed to bring good fortune and wealth. Its Chinese translation also signifies assurance and surplus hence partaking of this dish leads to an abundance of wealth.

Long Life Noodles in 8 Treasure Sauce

Eating noodles is believed to bring long life. This belief has been practiced in most Chinese occasions particularly birthdays, New Year’s and anniversaries. It represents happiness and good health for one’s life.

Steamed whole fish with soya sauce
Steamed whole fish with soya sauce

Traditional Hong Kong Steamed Fish

The Chinese believe that eating the whole fish with the head and tail intact symbolizes a year’s beginning all the way to its end. The Chinese translation for fish also sounds similar to their word for “abundance.”

Braised oysters with sea moss in superior sauce
Braised oysters with sea moss in superior sauce

Ho Se with Spinach and Sea Moss

Braised dried oysters with sea moss is believed to bring positivity in business and entrepreneurs. Black moss translates to “strike rich.”

Pork Floss Bun

Pork Floss is a dried meat product with a light and fluffy texture that is usually used for toppings. It is believed that adding pork floss to bread, congee, rice and tofu adds flavor and color to these basic dishes which impacts a positive outlook in one’s daily life.

Scallop locking seafood cooked in X.O. sauce
Scallop locking seafood cooked in X.O. sauce

Half Shell Scallop in X.O. sauce

Eating sautéed scallop in X.O. sauce is believed to be a symbol of fertility, life, as well as new opportunities. X.O. sauce is packed with luxurious ingredients and aroma making it one of the sauces of the rich.

Minced pork stuffed in wanton wrap flavored with spicy vinegar sauce
Minced pork stuffed in wanton wrap flavored with spicy vinegar sauce

Traditional Pork Dumplings with Spicy Vinegar Sauce

As one of the foundations of Chinese delicacies, traditional dumplings are known to bring in togetherness. It has been a belief that the dish urges unity and harmony in families. They are a symbolism of intact relationships and unbreakable bonds.

Cua Pao filled with Glazed Pork Belly

Cua Pao has been part of China’s rich history and cuisine. It is traditionally eaten during breakfast to welcome a new day and a brighter future.

Buddha Soup - an authentic seafood and herbal soup with bamboo shoots, ginseng, wild mushrooms and star anis
Buddha Soup – an authentic seafood and herbal soup with bamboo shoots, ginseng, wild mushrooms and star anise

Buddha Soup

The Buddha soup is famous for its auspicious ingredients. Its translation in Chinese means “house filled with silver and gold” thus the dish brings out good wealth and fulfillment. Mushrooms and bamboo shoots are believed to bring longevity while ginseng is popular for healing.

Malaysian style prawns cooked with crispy cereal crumbs
Malaysian style prawns cooked with crispy cereal crumbs

Cereal Butter Prawn

Prawns are one of the important festive Chinese seafood dishes. In Chinese, the word “prawn” is a symbol of liveliness and cheerfulness. Cereal butter prawns incorporate modern flavors to tradition.

Crab cooked with creamy style sauce
Crab cooked with creamy style sauce

Creamy Butter Crab

Crabs are believed to be a sign of higher achievements and greater possibilities. As the New Year comes, it symbolizes that every year is an opportunity to grow.

Chocolate stuffed mantou dimsum bread
Chocolate stuffed mantou dim sum bread

Steamed Chocolate Pig Buns

As the Year of the Pig draws near, pig-shaped buns have added color into this festivity. With its bright color and exquisite details, these dim sums are used to pray for favorable weather and abundance.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with family, friends and loved ones at Spiral available at the following rates:  

February 4, 2019: Php2,850 nett per person for lunch and Php3,888 nett per person for dinner
February 5, 2019: Php3,588 nett per person for lunch and Php3,888 nett per person for dinner
February 6-7, 2019: Php2,850 nett per person for lunch and Php3,600 nett per person for dinner
February 8, 2019: Php2,850 nett per person for lunch and Php3,450 nett per person for dinner

For more information on Recipes for Prosperity: Sofitel Celebrates The Year Of The Earth Pig, please call +63 2 832 6988 or email [email protected]

RELATED READS: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Has Everything You Need for a Staycation in the City

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