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12 Best Abalone Brands for Chinese New Year Feasting
When it comes to Chinese New Year, abalone is the king of festive ingredients. It symbolises wealth, abundance, and prestige, making it a must-have for reunion dinners, gifting, and premium dishes like pen cai and braised mushrooms with abalone.
But with so many brands on the shelves, from Japanese to Australian, South African to New Zealand, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a seafood stock exchange.
Here’s a lively, helpful guide to the 12 best abalone brands for Chinese New Year, whether you’re going for melt-in-your-mouth luxury or value-for-money deliciousness.
12 Must-Try Abalone Brands This Chinese New Year in Singapore
1. New Moon Abalone
The household favourite. New Moon is known for consistency, tenderness, and rich natural brine. A safe and premium choice for gifting or pen cai.
Best for: Families wanting quality without risk
Taste profile: Mild, tender, easy to cook with
2. Skylight Abalone
Skylight’s global sourcing makes it one of the most reliable brands in Singapore. Their abalone tends to be bouncy, juicy, and flavourful.
Best for: Hotpot, steamboat spreads
Taste profile: Slightly firmer, great bite
3. Golden Chef Abalone
A rising favourite. Golden Chef offers premium Japanese and Australian abalone without a shocking price tag. Stylish packaging makes it great for gifting.
Best for: Hampers, corporate gifts
Taste profile: Smooth texture, light brine
4. Fortune Abalone
Affordable and flavourful, Fortune abalone is the budget hero of CNY. The taste holds up well in stir-fries and braised dishes.
Best for: Big families, large gatherings
Taste profile: Softer texture, absorbs sauces beautifully
5. Calmex Abalone
The Rolls-Royce of abalone brands, premium Mexican abalone with a firm, luxurious bite. The price is steep, but the flavour is incomparable.
Best for: Food connoisseurs, special celebration dishes
Taste profile: Rich, firm, gourmet-level
6. On Hing Abalone
A trusted Hong Kong brand known for premium Japanese abalone. The flavour is deep and sweet, perfect for traditional dishes.
Best for: Classic braised abalone dishes
Taste profile: Intense “abalone sweetness”
7. Oceanus Abalone
Sustainable and consistently good, Oceanus delivers South African abalone with a slightly chewier bite. Great value.
Best for: Steamboat, claypot dishes
Taste profile: Chewy, flavour-packed
8. Madamara Wild Polar Abalone
A value-for-money Western brand that often surprises with quality. Their Australian abalone is firm and plump.
Best for: Cooking experiments, modern fusion dishes
Taste profile: Clean, firm texture
9. Dragon Horse Abalone
A popular CNY treat thanks to its auspicious packaging and sweet taste. Usually softer and great for elderly diners.
Best for: Gifting elders or relatives
Taste profile: Soft, mild, tender
10. Eu Yan Seng Abalone
Surprisingly good quality at an excellent price point. Ideal for people who want abalone without burning their ang bao budget.
Best for: Everyday cooking during CNY season
Taste profile: Balanced, straightforward
11. Kinohimitsu Japanese Abalone
Premium Japanese abalone with an ultra-delicate texture. Ideal for sashimi-style serving or high-end dishes.
Best for: Gourmet plating, modern CNY feasts
Taste profile: Silky, lightly briny
12. Golden Bridge Brand Abalone
A well-known brand known for big portions and soft texture. Excellent choice for large gatherings and pen cai.
Best for: Pen cai feasts, large family dinners
Taste profile: Soft, soaks up gravy well
How to Choose the Best Abalone for Chinese New Year
To pick the perfect can, consider:
1. Country of Origin
Japan → premium, soft
Mexico → premium, firm
Australia → clean flavour
South Africa → firm, value-for-money
2. Type of Abalone
Whole abalone → best for presentation
Baby abalone → great for stir-fry or hotpot
Sliced abalone → ready-to-eat, convenient
3. Brine vs. Dry
Brine → more tender
Dry canned → firmer, concentrated flavour
How to Cook Abalone Like a Pro
No matter the brand, abalone tastes best when cooked simply:
- Slice and drizzle with sesame oil + soy sauce
- Stir-fry with mushrooms
- Add to pen cai
- Serve over noodles
- Steam lightly with ginger
(Overcooking = rubbery texture. Avoid!)
Our Final Thoughts
Abalone is more than just a CNY delicacy, it’s a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and celebration. Whether you choose a premium Japanese can or a budget-friendly favourite, the right abalone makes your reunion dinner richer in flavour and meaning.
