Where to Find the Best Chinese New Year Buffet in Penang 2026

Last updated: 25 January 2026

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort serves Penang’s top Chinese New Year buffet at Spice Market Café, with prices starting from RM228 nett per adult. The resort’s Fortune Reunion Dinner on 16 February 2026 features premium dishes like Wok Fried Lobster and Roasted Prime Rib, while their sister property, Shangri-La Golden Sands, offers a more budget-friendly Fortune Seafood Dinner at RM198 nett per adult. Both resorts provide extensive spreads that combine traditional Chinese New Year favourites with modern culinary takes, making them the go-to spots for festive dining in Penang.

What Makes Shangri-La’s CNY Buffet Stand Out?

The buffet quality comes down to three things: variety, premium ingredients, and location.

Spice Market Café serves over 20 specialty dishes across their Chinese New Year offerings. You get restaurant-quality items like Wok Fried Crab with Pumpkin Puree and Salted Egg, Singapore Chilli Crab and Yabbies, and Abalone and Tobiko Fried Rice. These aren’t dishes you typically see at standard hotel buffets.

The beachfront setting adds to the experience. You’re dining at Batu Ferringhi, one of Penang’s most popular beach areas. The resort sits on 30 acres of tropical gardens, so you get proper ambience alongside your meal.

Free-flowing beverages come with every buffet session. Most buffets charge extra for drinks, but Shangri-La includes them in the price.

How Much Does the CNY Buffet Cost?

Here’s the pricing breakdown across all five buffet options:

All prices include 10% service charge and 6% government tax. Children aged 6-12 years pay half price. Children below 6 years eat free.

The Fortune Seafood Dinner at Shangri-La Golden Sands gives you the best value at RM198 nett per adult. You still get quality seafood dishes like Nyonya Steamed Fish and Nestum Prawn, but at a lower price point than Rasa Sayang’s offerings.

What Dishes Can You Expect at Each Buffet?

Each buffet session features different menus. Here’s what you’ll find:

Fortune Reunion Dinner (16 Feb, 6pm-10pm)

• Wok Fried Lobster
• Wok Fried Crab with Pumpkin Puree and Salted Egg
• Roasted Prime Rib with Black Pepper Sauce
• Sweet and Sour Prawn with Capsicum and Pineapple
• Noodle Meat with Spicy Sauce
• Live entertainment by Chinese Classical Duo

Spring Flavours Brunch (17 Feb, 12pm-3pm)

• Roasted Lamb Shoulder Bone in Mala Flavour Sauce
• Herbal Black Chicken Soup
• Stew Angelica Herbs Angus Brisket
• Stir Fry Chicken with Szechuan Chilli

The Great Spring Feast (17-18 Feb, 6pm-10pm)

On 17 February:

• Salmon Roulade with Ikura Dressing
• Singapore Chilli Crab and Yabbies
• Abalone and Tobiko Fried Rice
• Chinese BBQ with Roasted Duck and Roasted Chicken

On 18 February:

• Golden Pumpkin Soup with Ciabatta Crouton
• Steam Seabass Tofu with Sichuan Pepper
• Braised Assorted Mushroom with Hong Kong Choy Sum
• Beef Wellington
• Prawn with Kam Heong Sauce

Fortune Seafood Dinner at Golden Sands (16-18 Feb, 6pm-10pm)

• Nyonya Steamed Fish
• Nestum Prawn
• Bok Choy
• Flying Noodle with Oyster and Seafood
• Lamb Bak Kut Teh

Each buffet runs for four hours, giving you plenty of time to sample everything.

When Should You Book Your Table?

Book at least two weeks ahead. Chinese New Year dinners at popular hotels fill up fast, especially reunion dinner slots on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

The resort recommends advance reservations for all sessions. Based on past years, reunion dinners (16 February) and first-day brunches (17 February) sell out first.

If you’re flexible with timing, the Spring Flavours Brunch on 17 February offers better availability than dinner sessions. Lunch buffets typically see less demand than dinners, even during festive periods.

Avoid last-minute bookings. Hotels often implement premium pricing or minimum spending requirements for walk-ins during peak festive dates.

How Do You Make a Reservation?

You have three booking options:

1. Phone: Call (04) 888 8788 for Shangri-La Rasa Sayang or (04) 886 1911 for Shangri-La Golden Sands
2. WhatsApp: Message +6019 4090 460 (Rasa Sayang) or +6019 4090 726 (Golden Sands)
3. Walk-in: Visit the hotel concierge desk (not recommended during CNY period)

WhatsApp works best if you’re booking outside business hours. You can send your preferred date, time, and number of guests, and the team typically responds within a few hours.

When booking, specify:

• Date and buffet session
• Number of adults and children
• Any dietary requirements
• Preferred seating area (if applicable)

Payment terms vary, but most festive bookings require full prepayment or a deposit to confirm your reservation.

Which Buffet Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on three factors: budget, timing, and food preferences.

Choose Fortune Reunion Dinner if:

• You want the full reunion dinner experience with live entertainment
• Premium dishes like lobster and prime rib matter to you
• Budget isn’t your main concern

Choose Spring Flavours Brunch if:

• You prefer daytime dining
• You want a lighter meal compared to dinner spreads
• You’re looking for the most affordable option at Rasa Sayang

Choose The Great Spring Feast if:

• You’re celebrating on the first or second day of CNY
• You want variety (menu changes between the two days)
• You prefer dinner timing but missed the reunion dinner slot

Choose Lunar Joy BBQ Feast if:

• You want a different dining format (BBQ instead of buffet)
• You prefer the beachfront setting at Pinang Bar & Restaurant
• You’re looking for a mid-range option at Rasa Sayang

Choose Fortune Seafood Dinner if:

• Budget is your priority
• You still want quality hotel dining
• Seafood is your main preference

What’s the Difference Between Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands?

Both resorts belong to the Shangri-La Group and sit next to each other at Batu Ferringhi. The main differences:

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang:

• Higher pricing (RM228-RM328 nett per adult)
• More premium menu items
• Three different buffet options across two restaurants
• Includes live entertainment at reunion dinner
• More formal dining atmosphere

Shangri-La Golden Sands:

• Lower pricing (RM198 nett per adult)
• Single buffet option across three days
• More casual, family-friendly setting
• Consistent menu throughout the three days
• Better value for money

Both serve quality food. The price difference reflects the menu variety and dining experience rather than food quality alone.

Are There Any Special Perks or Extras?

The Fortune Reunion Dinner includes live entertainment from a Chinese Classical Duo. This adds cultural atmosphere to your meal, something you won’t get at most CNY buffets.

The Lunar Joy BBQ Feast comes with a welcome mocktail per person. Small touch, but it starts your meal nicely.

All buffets include free-flowing beverages. This covers soft drinks, juices, and selected hot beverages. Alcohol typically costs extra unless specified otherwise.

Children below 6 years eat free at all sessions. If you’re bringing young kids, this saves you money compared to restaurants that charge for all children.

The beachfront location means you can walk along Batu Ferringhi beach before or after your meal. Not many CNY buffets give you beach access.

Common Questions About the CNY Buffet

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes, but inform the restaurant when booking. They can prepare vegetarian, halal, or allergy-friendly options with advance notice.

Is there a dress code? Smart casual works fine. Avoid slippers and beachwear, but you don’t need formal attire.

Can you combine multiple buffet sessions? No restrictions on this. You can book the reunion dinner and return for brunch the next day if you want.

Do prices include drinks? Prices include free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol costs extra.

How long can you stay at the buffet? All sessions run for four hours. You can stay for the full duration.

Is parking available? Yes, both resorts have parking.

Can you take food away? Buffets are dine-in only. Takeaway isn’t allowed for food safety and licensing reasons.

What to Do Next

Follow these steps to secure your spot:

1. Pick your preferred buffet based on budget and timing
2. Check your calendar for the date (16-18 February 2026)
3. Count your group size (adults, children, and age ranges)
4. Contact the resort via WhatsApp or phone with your details
5. Confirm payment method and complete deposit if required

Book early. Reunion dinner slots fill up fastest, followed by first-day brunch. The earlier you book, the better your table placement and time slot options.