(Credit: Seaco, SIGMA FOOD PTE LTD)
In Chinese culture, eating abalone during the new year is believed to help solidify prosperity, good health and good fortune in the coming year. They bring a touch of tradition and luxury to steamboats and are must-haves at CNY reunion dinners. Opting for canned abalone can be a practical and budget-friendly choice to prepare this delicacy, especially if you’re uncertain about cooking it yourself. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a review of the best canned abalone in Singapore for you to explore:
| Brand | Preparation Style | Origin | Net Weight | Price (SGD) | Distinctive Feature/s |
| New Moon | Brined/Braised | Australia/New Zealand/South Africa |
| 42.80 – 52.80 per can | Halal-certified, Wild-caught abalone |
| Flying Wheel | Brined/Braised/In Broth | Japan/China |
| 24 – 39.90 for a bundle of 3 | Gift-ready bundles |
| Kinohimitsu | Braised | Japan |
| 23.00 per can | The Buddha Jumps Over the Wall variety consists of 5 premium ingredients: Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Dried Scallop, Slices of Top Shell, Fish Maw |
| Yuxiangyan | Brined/Braised/In Broth | South Japan Sea |
| 15.90 per can | Offers a CNY gift box set |
| Good Lady | Braised/In Broth | Japan/China |
| 20.80 for a pack of 4 | Variety of flavours, Naturally-sweet and tender abalone |
| Fortune | Brined/Braised | Australia/Chile |
| 80.00 for a bundle of 3 | Comes in full-grown, baby, and mini abalone types |
| Calmex | Brined | Mexico |
| 195.00 per can | Tender texture with a bounce, Strong briney flavour |
| Emperor | Braised | China |
| 18.00 for a bundle of 2 | Braised in a black truffle sauce |
| Pan Royal | Brined | China |
| 12.00 per can | Next-day delivery |
| Prima Marine | Braised/Brined/Flavoured | China |
| 7.50 per can | 4 different flavours, 4 different sizes |
| Skylight | Brined/Braised | Australia |
| 6.50 – 109.90 per can | Award-winning abalone, Large sets for gatherings |
| Seaco | Brined/Braised | China/Australia |
| 28.00 – 39.90 per can | Variety of unique flavours, Well-loved taste and quality |
| CIXIN/MILI | Fried | Taiwan |
| 2.34 – 2.62 per can | Vegetarian, Plant-based abalone |
| Pomfret King | Brined/Braised | Japan |
| 9.99 per can | Gift-ready quality |
| TankFully Fresh | Brined/Braised | China |
| 17.50 – 29.50 | Naturally-salted abalone |
Having been around since 1959, New Moon is one of the best canned abalone brands in Singapore that emphasises on quality. New Moon Abalones originate from different countries, so you’ll be spoilt for choice! For sweet and chewy abalone, the New Moon Australia Abalone would be your ideal choice. Their Australia abalone is one of the best abalones in Singapore, and is harvested from the rocky reef habitats of Tasmanian waters.
Meanwhile, the wild-caught New Moon New Zealand Abalone is more flavourful as it originates from a more pristine habitat. The New Zealand variety is also a Halal-certified abalone and comes in a simple brine of salt water to enhance the ocean flavour of abalone. If you have a more exotic palate, then the New Moon South Africa Abalone (all available on New Moon Official Store) would be a better fit given its stronger briney flavour.
Although new to the market, Flying Wheel is already known as one of the best abalone brands in Singapore. Case in point: the Flying Wheel Abalone with Black Truffles, (available on Shopee Supermarket). Flying Wheel has become a famous abalone brand in Singapore as they can their abalone right after harvest for the freshest taste. Each can of Flying Wheel abalone contains 10 pieces of full-grown Japanese abalones which symbolise ten-fold fortune to usher in the new year.
For a more savoury option, you can try the Flying Wheel Braised Abalone (available on New Moon Official Store) which has been double-boiled in a braised broth.
Kinohimitsu may be known for having the best collagen drinks, but they also offer some of the best abalones in Singapore for CNY! We love the Kinohimitsu Braised Japanese Abalone with Black Pepper (available on OG Official e-Shop) that comes from a special recipe developed from stewing old hens for 72 hours.
For a more premium option, consider the Kinohimitsu Braised Abalone in Scallop Sauce instead. These Kinohimitsu abalones in scallop sauce promise rich flavour and are unbelievably tender. What’s more, you get two bottles of Chicken Essence for free when you purchase this – what a steal!
Another frontrunner on our list of best abalone in Singapore has got to be Yuxiangyan. While they may be famous for producing the best bird’s nests, they also offer flavourful canned abalone in time for CNY. Their Bao Jin Tian Premium Abalone (available on Yuxiangyan Official Store) features freshly selected abalones from the South Japan Sea and is processed and packed in as little time as possible to ensure freshness.
Yuxiangyan also offers a Golden Box Gift Set for CNY 2024 featuring a flight of Yuxiangyan abalones: Premium Grade Australia Abalone, Abalone Buddha Jumps Over The Wall Soup, Premium Scallop Fish Maw Soup, wrapped in gift-ready packaging.
Pamper your taste buds with the Yoshihama abalone (available on Good Lady)! Known as one of the best abalones in Singapore, you can expect only the highest quality shellfish that tastes as though you plucked it directly from the sea. Good Lady’s Yoshihama Abalones come in four flavours, each containing a generous serving of six abalones per can.
Apart from the standard brine and braised abalones, there’s also a scallop broth abalone that has a natural sweetness and seafood aroma. If you’re more adventurous, then try their black truffle abalone which packs a punch with its unique oaky and nutty smell. Their Ah Mah Favourite Brine, on the other hand, has that classic ocean flavour that’s perfect for cooking abalone porridge.
It is a centuries-old belief that eating 鮑魚 will bring good fortune for the rest of the year. So if you’re hoping for a boost of huat, the Fortune Triple Blessings Abalones (available on Hosen Group Official Store) are a must-buy! This bundle includes braised abalones that are renowned for their succulent flesh and firm texture. There are also bite-sized ones in this Fortune abalone package — perfect for that annual lo hei!
For those spice lovers, the Fortune Mala Baby Abalone Noodles (available on Shopee Supermarket) provide the perfect accompaniment to your CNY dinner! The noodles are drenched in a flavourful mala sauce and infused with spices that perfectly complement the sweet and chewy abalone – no wonder it’s considered one of the best canned abalone in Singapore this CNY!
Calmex abalones are known for two things: price and quality. Although pricey, many seafood lovers prefer stocking up on Calmex abalones in CNY due to their unparalleled taste and quality. Calmex Mexico Wild Abalones (available on Good Lady) features a unique texture with a tender mouthfeel with a bit of a bite. You’ll be reaching for another can faster than you can say ‘Huat’.
The Calmex Premium Mexico Wild Abalones (available on iTonic Mart) are another worthy option thanks to their distinctive and strong ocean flavour and tender texture. Its huge size also makes it one of the best abalones in Singapore that’s great for giving as gifts for parents or in-laws in CNY!
Many have regarded abalone as the ‘King of Seafood’ for its uniquely delicious taste. As such, it is fitting for Emperor to be one of the best canned abalone brands in Singapore. We recommend the Emperor Truffle Abalones (available on Heng Leong Seafood) as they are perfectly braised with a delicious oyster sauce that is best paired with stir-fried vegetables. Emperor abalones are rich in protein, iron and vitamin A which gives more support to your immune system, and that’s the best way to start the new year!
Looking for a last minute CNY gift or dinner? Pan Royal has got you covered with a next-day delivery on their products. Get New Year dinner staples like Pan Royal Abalone in Brine (available on Pan Royal Premium) which comes in a classic, salted brine. Pan Royal is one of the best abalone in Singapore, so you can be sure that these will make perfect gifts for CNY!
The sweet and tender Pan Royal abalones are also great for incorporating into your CNY dinner. These are priced affordably below $15 so you get to make the most of your buck while still serving up some luxurious dishes.
Bored of the usual braised abalones and abalones in brine? Elevate your CNY dinners with a 4-flavour flight of Prima Marine Flavor Baby Abalones (available on PrimaMarine 海凌)! These canned abalones come in flavours like black truffle, braised scallop, mala and chicken soup. We especially love the mala abalone as it is made with Sichuan pepper, chilli and soybean sauce. The mala abalone flavour pairs well with longevity noodles for CNY, giving it a kick of spice with each bite.
If you still prefer something classic, go for the Prima Marine Brine Abalone which comes in four different sizes that range from 10 to 28 abalone pieces per can. The wide variety makes this one of the best abalones in Singapore!
As one of the most awarded abalone brands in Singapore, you can count on Skylight to provide you with the best canned abalones. We highly recommend the SKYLIGHT Abalone Superior Stock which has a flavourful medley of premium ingredients. Moreover, it is super convenient and easy to cook. Just heat it and serve!
Looking for an extra special CNY dinner? The SKYLIGHT Imperial Banquet Abalones Treasure Pot (both available on SKYLIGHT) is 1.8kg of pure abalone freshness that feeds up to 10 people – perfect for serving at large family gatherings and for Chinese New Year 2024! This can of Skylight abalones is best eaten when cut into bite-sized pieces. We also suggest adding dried mushrooms and fresh bok choy into the mix for a boost in flavour.
If you’re looking to purchase from the best canned abalone brands in Singapore, we highly recommend Seaco. Their Canned Abalone varieties make for great gift ideas for CNY as they come in different flavours like Korean Ginseng, which is made with real ginseng stalks and succulent abalones.
There are other Seaco abalones you can get your hands on too. For instance, their Braised Traditional Abalone (available on Seaco Official Store) contains natural nutrients while the Australian Wild Blacklip Abalone is carefully handpicked from the coasts of the Southern Ocean. We can’t wait to try them all this new year!
For those opting to go veg for CNY, you don’t need to miss out on the abalone tradition! Brands like CIXIN Mock Abalone and MILI Mock Abalone (both available on Shopee Supermarket) are made with wheat gluten and plant-based ingredients that are vegetarian-approved. You can still enjoy the umami taste of abalone in your vermicelli noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and even in braised dishes during CNY celebrations!
Originating from the seas of Japan, Pomfret King Yoshihama Abalones are highly sought after for their taste and appearance. With each can containing up to 12 pieces of abalones, we suggest getting a few cans and tossing them into the best yusheng in Singapore for even more huat this CNY.
As one of the best abalones in Singapore, Pomfret King also has gift bundles available. The Pomfret King Abalone Bundle (both available on iTonic Mart) comes in four flavours including brine, scallop sauce and black truffle. You are guaranteed a delightful treat when you feast on these Pomfret King abalones during your reunion dinners.
As one of the best seafood delivery vendors, it should come as no surprise that TankFully Fresh offers some of the best abalones in Singapore too. We are in love with their Special Brine Abalones (available on TankFully Fresh Official Store) which have sweet and buttery flavours to them. Whether steamed or stir-fried, you’re sure to enjoy it either way!
Their Special Braised Abalones will make any CNY dinner preparation extra special. Sourced directly from China, you are promised only the highest quality abalones with a natural sweet and salty flavour from the sea. Plus, these TankFully Fresh abalones are priced below $20 so you won’t have to break the bank!
While fresh abalone provides a refreshing and succulent flavour to any dish, canned abalones can be just as tasty. Canned abalone is an affordable, convenient and accessible way to make your CNY celebration more special. Here are a couple of reasons to opt for canned abalone this new year:
In general, abalone is highly nutritious as a natural source of protein. It also has a combination of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron that improve bone density and immunity. Abalones are also low in fat and almost no cholesterol is present — great for those keeping track of their calorie count!
With so many types and brands of canned abalones, it can be a challenge to select the perfect one for your CNY reunion dinner or if you want to impress your guests by serving the best pen cai. Hence, we’ve come up with some things for you to consider to ensure you’re buying the best abalones in Singapore for your needs!
If you intend to stir fry the abalone or eat it in soups like steamboats at reunion dinner, then getting canned abalone with brine (salt and water) is a good choice as it is light in flavour and won’t overpower the main broth. But if you want to eat your abalone straight away, then you should consider a canned abalone with sauce as it is seasoned and just needs a bit of heating up before serving.
The number of people attending your reunion dinner would also affect the abalone grade you should get. In canned abalones, the quantity generally ranges anywhere from 1 whole piece to 14 pieces or more in a can. Depending on the brand, you can end up with varying sizes in a can.
When it comes to choosing the best canned abalones in Singapore, check for the drained weight of each brand. This will show you the actual weight of the abalone without the sauce or brine that it comes with. For instance, cans with a net weight of 425g may have a varied drained weight between 50g to 220g.
Some countries are highly regarded for producing the best abalones. However, it is good to note that the abalone species produced in each country are different in terms of taste and appearance.
| Country of origin | Taste of abalones | Appearance of abalones |
| Japan | Light flavour, smooth texture | Golden yellow |
| Australia | Sweet flavour, chewy texture | Light brown |
| New Zealand | Rich flavour, firm texture | Coloured shells |
| South Africa | Strong sea flavour, succulent texture | Dark brown |
It is also important to check the abalone size. This is measured in terms of the number of heads — where a one-head abalone is approximately equivalent to 600g. To put it simply, the fewer the number of heads, the larger the piece of abalone. For example, a two-head abalone (300g) is larger than a four-head abalone (150g) but canned abalones generally measure about one-half-head (450g). However, this varies across brands. Do make sure to double-check the labels as larger abalones are usually more pricey.
Now that you know which are the best abalone in Singapore, remember to get them ahead of your reunion dinner during our Shopee CNY Sale so you don’t have to rush the prep at the last minute. Alternatively, you can follow these canned abalone recipes or pen cai recipes that will impress your family and friends. All that’s left is to equip yourself with the best steamboat pots and learn some tips on how to organise a hotpot gathering!
This article was updated on 8 January 2024. Additional research done by Janica Ng.
Time to jingle his bells!
‘Tis the season to be jolly and a little competitive!
For a-meow-zing staycays.
Ending the year with a blast (of fireworks).
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