In Chinese culture, abalone is a treasured delicacy symbolising good fortune and prosperity. Here in Singapore, it’s a must-have at reunion dinners, whether braised with mushrooms or served atop lo hei. As a seafood lover who has tasted countless canned abalones, I know that a great can of abalone can elevate your festive feast.
How to pick the best canned abalones for Chinese New Year
Choosing the best canned abalones for Chinese New Year comes down to a few key factors: origin, texture, size, and how you plan to serve them. After tasting and comparing many brands over the years, these are the points I always consider.
Start with the region of origin. Mexican and Japanese abalones are prized for their firm, premium bite, while Australian and New Zealand abalones offer a more balanced, versatile texture. Chilean abalones, especially baby abalones, are softer and more budget-friendly.
Next, choose between brine or braised. Brine highlights natural sweetness and suits home cooking, while braised options are comforting and convenient. Finally, match the abalone to the occasion: premium whole abalones for gifting, and smaller ones for family meals.
Which abalones are best by region?
| Region | Abalone Characteristics | Best For | Common Brands You’ll See in Singapore |
| Japan | Firm, refined texture with clean sweetness | Premium hosting, gifting, braised dishes | Good Lady Yoshihama |
| Mexico | Large, meaty, chewy bite with deep flavour | Luxury centrepieces, special occasions | Calmex |
| Australia | Balanced texture, mildly sweet, versatile | Family reunion dinners, gifting | Chuen Jia Fu, Skylight |
| New Zealand | Tender with subtle ocean flavour | Light braising, simple preparations | New Moon, Skylight |
| Chile | Smaller, tender, absorbs sauces well | Stir-fries, noodles, value buys | Golden Chef, Golden Ocean, Fortune |
1. Calmex Abalone (Mexico)
Wild-caught connoisseur’s choice
If you’re after the best abalone brand Singapore gourmets rave about, Calmex often tops the list. Calmex is a famous brand of wild-caught Mexican abalone, prized for its superb flavour and firm yet tender bite. After trying it, I was blown away by how meaty and flavourful each slice was – it has a sweet oceanic taste that stands out even in a simple braise.
It is on the pricier side, but many feel it’s worth the splurge for special occasions. In fact, food experts note that these large Mexican abalones are often the gold standard that abalone connoisseurs prefer for unmatched taste and texture.
2. Chuen Jia Fu Abalone (Australia)
Auspicious premium gift
Chuen Jia Fu is another top abalone brand well-loved in Singapore. I tried the Chuen Jia Fu Australian abalone and found the pieces to be plump, tender, and richly flavoured. The natural sweetness of the abalone really shines, especially when lightly braised with oyster sauce. Many people choose Chuen Jia Fu as gift abalones during CNY because of its prestige – even the name in Chinese implies bringing wealth and fortune.
From my tasting, I can vouch that it’s not just about symbolism: the quality is genuinely excellent. Each bite was smooth and delicate, with that distinct briny aroma of premium abalone. If you’re looking for a classy gift or centrepiece for your reunion dinner, this brand will not disappoint.
3. New Moon Abalone (New Zealand/Australia)
Household favourite
When it comes to canned abalone in Singapore, New Moon is a household name. New Moon offers abalones sourced from places like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, and they have a long-standing reputation for quality and consistency. I grew up with New Moon abalone at our family reunions – it was the go-to brand my mum trusted. After tasting it again recently, I understand why. The abalone is tender yet toothsome, with a mild savoury flavour that appeals to all ages. It may not be the absolute top-tier in rarity, but New Moon’s products are reliably good and value-for-money.
Their New Zealand abalone, for instance, has a unique, subtle flavour that many enjoy. New Moon also packs their abalones in brine (for a cleaner taste) or braised sauce (for convenience). Whether you’re preparing pen cai or a simple steamed abalone dish, New Moon delivers a crowd-pleasing bite every time. It’s no wonder this brand remains one of the best canned abalone brands in Singapore.
4. Skylight Abalone (Australia/New Zealand)
Award-winning quality
Skylight is an internationally acclaimed abalone brand that many Singaporeans have come to trust. In fact, Skylight has won awards for its quality – it’s a Western Australian company operating since the 1970s. Their canned abalones are often sourced from Australia or New Zealand waters, known for being plump and succulent. I recently opened a can of Skylight New Zealand Superior abalone, and it was fantastic. The pieces were sizable with a smooth, tender texture that almost melted in my mouth, yet still had that satisfying abalone bite.
One thing I love is that Skylight often comes in brine form, which lets you taste the natural sweetness of the abalone without heavy seasoning. A quick tip: the broth in the can is liquid gold – I used it to braise vegetables, and it added a lovely umami! Many reviews mention that Skylight offers better quality than some more expensive brands, making it a smart choice if you want premium results without overpaying.
5. Flying Wheel Abalone (Braised Whole Abalone)
Value-for-money delight
If you’re budget-conscious but still want enjoyable abalone, Flying Wheel is a brand that offers great value. This brand provides braised whole abalones at a more affordable price point than many competitors. I was curious and did a Flying Wheel abalone review of my own – opening a can of their braised abalone. The aroma of the savoury sauce was the first thing that hit me (it made my kitchen smell like a restaurant!). The abalone pieces were on the smaller side, but they were tender and well-infused with the braising sauce.
The sauce itself was a highlight: full of umami, slightly sweet, and it complemented the abalone’s mild taste perfectly when poured over rice. Texture-wise, I’d say Flying Wheel’s abalone is softer than some premium brands, but not mushy. It’s actually great for those who prefer abalone that isn’t too chewy. And while it may not have the prestige of Calmex or New Moon, Flying Wheel holds its own as a festive crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank.
6. Fortune Baby Abalone
Budget-friendly festive pick
Fortune is a local brand that offers canned baby abalones, and it’s very popular for those on a budget. A typical can of Fortune baby abalone contains multiple small pieces and is one of the most affordable options in stores. I remember grabbing a few cans of Fortune Mala Baby Abalone last year when they were on sale – they were a hit in my spicy steamboat. The baby abalones are naturally not as thick or large as premium ones, but they are tender with a mild, sweet flavour.
While Fortune might not top any luxury list, it holds a special place as a value-for-money pick that still brings the abalone joy to the table. If you’re cooking for a big family and need multiple cans, Fortune lets you indulge everyone without overspending..
7. On Hing Abalone
Traditional favourite
On Hing is a brand that has a long history, known among the older generation and chefs. The brand offers canned abalones that are considered reliable and high-quality. I managed to try On Hing abalone at a relative’s place. The abalone inside was a medium-large whole abalone, packed in a light brine. What struck me was the nice balance of texture – it was not too soft, not too firm, just a pleasant al dente chew that reminds you of dried abalone that’s been lovingly rehydrated and braised. The flavour was subtly briny with a depth that suggested these abalones might be wild-caught or from good stock.
On Hing doesn’t advertise flashy branding, but it’s known in Chinatown circles as a trustworthy traditional brand. If you appreciate a bit of old-school authenticity, On Hing is a great option to consider. Do note that supply can be limited (it sells out fast during CNY), so grab it early if you see it.
8. Golden Ocean Abalone (Chile)
Sustainably farmed & delicious
Rounding off our list is Golden Ocean, a brand that offers Chilean abalone, renowned for its flavour and sustainable farming. Golden Ocean’s Chilean abalones are slightly smaller in size but come from clean, cold waters and are farmed with care. I tried the Golden Ocean abalone in a salad and was delighted by its chewy yet tender texture – there’s a pleasant bite to it that makes each mouthful satisfying. The taste is rich and ocean-sweet, which pairs wonderfully with a light sesame dressing.
What’s special about Golden Ocean is their focus on quality farming practices; as a result, the abalone has consistent tenderness, and you get a generous number of pieces per can. Plus, these abalones are premium quality without the wild-catch price tag. They’re perfect if you plan to cook a luxurious pot of pen cai – you can layer these abalones in and trust they’ll impress with both texture and taste.
9. Good Lady Yoshihama Abalone
Well-approved Japanese classic
Good Lady Yoshihama Abalone is a familiar and trusted name in Singapore, especially among families who value traditional flavours during Chinese New Year. This brand features Japanese Yoshihama abalone, a variety long prized for its superior texture and refined taste. What makes Good Lady stand out is its Ah Ma Series, available in both brine and braised versions. The Ah Ma Brine Yoshihama abalone highlights the natural sweetness of the abalone, with a clean, firm bite that works beautifully in classic dishes like abalone with broccoli. The Ah Ma Braised Yoshihama abalone feels comforting and homely, with a rich, savoury sauce that tastes slow-cooked and familiar.
In terms of texture, the abalone is firm yet tender, never rubbery, and reheats well without losing its bite. This makes Good Lady Yoshihama Abalone a reliable choice for hosts who want a premium Japanese abalone that still feels warm, nostalgic, and well-suited to a Chinese New Year reunion table.
Is canned abalone good for health?
Canned abalone is generally healthy and retains most of the nutritional benefits of fresh abalone. It is high in protein, low in fat, and provides essential minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Abalone also contains Omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health, along with B vitamins and vitamin E.
Because canned abalone is usually preserved in brine or sauce, it can be higher in sodium, so the liquid should be consumed in moderation. Like other seafood, it contains some cholesterol, but this is typically not an issue when eaten occasionally. Overall, canned abalone is a nutritious and suitable choice for festive meals when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Is canned abalone real abalone?
Absolutely. If you’re buying canned abalone from a reputable brand or store in Singapore, you are getting real abalone (the mollusc from the Haliotis family). It can be either wild-caught or farmed, then cleaned, cooked, and preserved in brine or seasoned broth to keep it shelf-stable.
There is no fake abalone used in properly labelled canned abalone products. Items such as “vegetarian abalone” or “abalone mushrooms” are separate products and are clearly labelled as substitutes. Authentic canned abalone will list “abalone” along with its origin, such as Mexico, Australia, or Japan. The size and species may vary, but the product itself is genuine. Overall, canned abalone offers real abalone with the added convenience of easy storage and preparation.
Best canned abalone picks for Chinese New Year 2026
Canned abalone brings a touch of luxury and auspicious meaning to your Chinese New Year celebrations. The best canned abalones in Singapore come in a range of flavours, textures, and price points, so there’s something for every host and every budget. As you perfect your CNY feast, remember that the celebration extends beyond the reunion dinner – pair your abalone with other festive favourites like the best pen cai options, steaming hot steamboat delivery in Singapore, or even a modern twist on tradition with stylish modern cheongsams in Singapore to wear at the dinner table. May your New Year be filled with delicious food, cherished moments, and abundant blessings!
