Man Fu Yuan unveils a once-in-a-lifetime feast: An authentic Manchu-Han Imperial Banquet
CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie
Man Fu Yuan at InterContinental Singapore is set to deliver one of the most exclusive and elaborate culinary experiences of the year: the legendary Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, available for just two nights only—8 and 9 November 2025. Revered as the “Auspicious Clouds” banquet, this rare showcase marks the first authentic presentation of the Manchu-Han Banquet Cuisine in Singapore and offers diners a privileged glimpse into the grandeur once reserved for China’s emperors.
The Manchu-Han Imperial Feast is a pinnacle of Chinese culinary history, blending over 20 intricate dishes from both Manchu and Han traditions. Executive Chinese Chef Aaron Tan, formally trained in this historic art by Master Chef Qi Jinzhu, brings the essence of Qing dynasty court cuisine to life. Chef Aaron is the first Singaporean to be formally appointed as a disciple by Master Chef Qi, whose expertise traces directly to Tang Keming, the last imperial chef of the Qing court—a lineage that underscores the authenticity and exclusivity of this experience.
Each dish in the feast is a testament to tradition, creativity, and painstaking preparation that spans days. The evening begins ceremoniously with a Cantonese tea ritual before diners are treated to a brilliant cold Auspicious Platter featuring Braised Duck Gizzard, Beef Shank, and Wasabi Pork Tripe—each bite designed to awaken the palate with intensified natural flavors. The double-boiled bird’s nest, called “The Phoenix Returns to the Nest,” is a poetic marvel marrying tender chicken mousse, slices of prized Jinhua ham, and delicate white fungus in a silky broth—heightening the bird’s nest’s sweet subtlety and offering a near ethereal mouthfeel.
Seafood lovers will find the Kun Lun Abalone unforgettable: premium Xu Rong abalone gently braised alongside nearly two meters of dried grouper skin, yielding tender, juicy shellfish with layers of deep umami. Chef Aaron’s innovative approach takes center stage with the Orchid Bear Paw, a reimagined forbidden classic: pig skin is artfully lined within a custom mould, filled with minced pork and beef tendon, then simmered gently for hours. This method achieves the iconic gelatinous texture and rich depth of the traditional bear paw, honoring imperial techniques in a modern way.
The showstopping centerpiece is the Roasted Whole Lamb, lavishly marinated in a robust blend of Mongolian aromatics and perilla leaf, then slow-roasted for succulence. Each mouthful is richly spiced yet perfectly balanced, reminiscent of the royal banquets once served in the palace halls of the Qing dynasty. The finale arrives with the Pearl White Jade Soup, a delicate offering of baby spinach, silken tofu, and rice—cleansing and comforting before guests’ finish with a final cup of Cantonese tea.
What truly sets this banquet apart is not just the complexity and refinement of the dishes, but the immersive atmosphere: a live orchestra performing evocative courtly pieces, master calligraphers crafting elegant scrolls, and graceful dancers spinning tales of imperial glory—all enveloping guests in the splendor and artistry of ancient China.
The Manchu-Han Imperial Feast at Man Fu Yuan is more than a meal; it is a unique and exclusive celebration of cultural legacy and culinary mastery, artfully crafted for a limited few who seek a taste of true Chinese imperial tradition, interpreted by Singapore’s finest. Reservations are essential—this is an experience as rare and precious as the court recipes themselves. Come with an empty stomach- as this 5 hour long feast will test your mettle as well as your ability to eat as much as possible!
The Manchu-Han Banquet “Auspicious Clouds” Edition (S$588++ is available for dinner from 5.30pm to 10.30pm on 8 and 9 November 2025. Reservations are highly recommended.
Man Fu Yuan is located at 80 Middle Road, InterContinental Singapore, Singapore 188966
