The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Get into the Festive Mood at The Orchard Café’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet

Chinese New Year is a time of reunion, abundance and indulgence, and The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity buffet captures this spirit beautifully. Inspired by auspicious flavours and celebratory traditions, the spread brings together classic festive favourites alongside refined international creations, offering diners a generous and comforting way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

One of the most anticipated stations at any hotel buffet is undoubtedly the Seafood on Ice, and The Orchard Cafe delivers generously. The selection includes Red Prawns, Half-Shell Scallops, Clams, Sea Whelk and Mussels, with Snow Crab available during dinner, and Boston Lobsters served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. While fresh oysters were not listed on the menu, steamed oysters topped with mentaiko sauce were available during our visit.

The Cold Appetisers section offers a decent variety, with several standouts worth highlighting. The Poached Red Prawn with Mango, Pomelo and Namjin Sauce is refreshing and well-balanced, while the Sichuan Chilled Chicken delivers a satisfying kick. Another favourite is the Marinated Jellyfish Salad with Liangfen, coated in a gently numbing sauce that adds depth without overwhelming the palate.

We were craving something warm to begin the meal, and while we expected a Chinese-style soup, the Crab Pumpkin Soup caught us completely off guard in the best way possible. Lightly sweet, creamy and generously studded with crab meat, it was so comforting that we went back for more than one serving.

Abalone Glutinous Rice 4.8/5

Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce 4/5

Among the Oriental selections, these two dishes stood out the most. The Abalone Glutinous Rice comes in a modest portion but is packed with flavour, making it dangerously addictive, so I only wished I had more stomach space for a second helping. The Dumplings in Sour Hot Sauce strike a good balance between tangy and spicy, though I would have preferred a stronger heat to prevent the dumpling skin from firming up as it cooled.

Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf 4/5

Baked Salmon

Slow Roasted Australia Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin

Pasta on Parmesan Wheel

Under the Festive Carvings section, the Crispy Duck in Lotus Leaf was my top pick. It is a clever and creative take, reminiscent of duck confit done tempura-style, with crisp skin and tender meat. The Whole Baked Salmon was equally impressive, both visually and in flavour, served with dill cream and tomato salsa before quickly disappearing from the buffet line. Meat lovers will appreciate the Slow-Roasted Australian Grain-Fed Black Angus Striploin, which pairs exceptionally well with the Pasta on Parmesan Wheel - a combination I highly recommend.

Jujube Coconut Cheese Cake

Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake

Osmanthus Fish Jelly

Creamy Pineapple Tart

Hashima Wintermelon Jelly

Mochi Yam Roll

Desserts were where my excitement truly peaked. For once at a buffet, I was already eyeing the sweets before even starting my meal. Highlights include the Mandarin Orange Cheese Mousse Cake, which is light and citrusy, the elegant Osmanthus Fish Jelly, and the delightful Mochi Yam Roll, which balances texture and flavour beautifully.

Deep Fried Nian Gao

Cranberry Brioche Bread Pudding

Sesame Chocolate Pudding

When it comes to hot desserts, be sure to reserve some stomach space. The Deep-Fried Nian Gao is a must-try, along with the crowd-favourite Deep-Fried Red Bean Pancake. We also sampled the Hot Orh Nee with Ginkgo Nut and Pulut Hitam during our visit. Both were pleasantly low in sweetness, though they lacked a little depth compared to the other desserts. Still, the dessert section overall is not to be missed.

The Orchard Cafe’s Feast of Prosperity Chinese New Year Buffet is a satisfying and well-rounded celebration of festive dining, offering something for everyone from indulgent seafood and comforting Oriental classics to an impressive dessert lineup. Available now until 3 March, for both lunch and dinner, prices start from $98++ per person, making it a worthy option for family gatherings, festive catch-ups or a leisurely celebratory meal.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) @ Clementi Ave 3 - Bringing Its Signature Handmade Dumplings to the West

Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺) expands its footprint to Clementi, bringing its well-loved handmade dumplings closer to Westies seeking hearty, comforting bites. Known for its generous fillings and time-honoured craftsmanship, the brand continues to deliver the same nostalgic flavours that have won over generations.

Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling 4/5

We started with the Shrimp and Vegetable Pork Dumpling ($9.80), which comes with 10 plump pieces. Each dumpling boasts a juicy filling encased in a dough that strikes a good balance — not too thick, yet with enough bite to hold everything together. The dumplings are tossed in the restaurant’s so-called viral mixed sauce with chilli oil and served over a bed of bean sprouts. Nutty, mildly spicy and aromatic, the sauce adds a lively lift without overpowering the dumplings.

Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton 4.2/5

We also tried the soup option with the Shrimp and Crab Roe Pork Wanton ($10.80). The Cantonese-style broth is light yet comforting, pairing well with the silky wantons. Compared to the dry version, this bowl leans more towards heartwarming simplicity, which some diners may prefer.

Fresh Corn Juice 3/5

An interesting item on the drinks menu caught my eye — the Fresh Corn Juice ($3.80), served hot. It’s lighter and less sweet than expected, though the distinct corn flavour comes through. While not particularly indulgent, it’s a quirky alternative for those curious to try something different.

Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce

Worried that the dumplings alone might not be filling, we added on the Noodles with Fried Bean and Meat Sauce ($5.50). The noodles have a pleasant chew and pair well with the marinated mixture of fried bean and meat. Reminiscent of Zha Jiang Mian, this bowl offers simple, savoury satisfaction.

With its new Clementi outlet, Yuen Kee Dumpling offers Westies better access to its familiar handmade dumplings and noodles. While the menu remains simple, the comforting flavours and reasonable pricing make it a dependable spot for a satisfying meal in the neighbourhood.


Yuen Kee Dumpling (袁记云饺)
Blk 446 Clementi Ave 3
#01-195
Singapore 120446
Tel: +65 89319588
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Mall. Exit the mall and walk to Block 448 Clementi Market and Food Centre. Continue walking past the food centre to block 446. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes.[Map]

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒) @ Marrott Tang Plaza Singapore - Indulge in New Seasonal Menu of Lobster & Sri Lankan Crab Delicacies Till 31 Dec 2025

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant presents an exciting new seasonal menu that spotlights rock lobsters from Western Australia and prized Sri Lankan crabs.

Available now through 31 December 2025, the menu features eleven exquisite lobster and crab creations, all infused with refined Cantonese flair. Diners can look forward to both Dim Sum and À La Carte selections, with the Dim Sum items available exclusively during lunch.

Soup of the Day 4/5

We started with the Soup of the Day, a warm, soothing bowl of Pumpkin Pork Ribs Soup. The broth was flavourful and naturally sweet from the pumpkin and red dates.

Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf 4/5

The first Dim Sum dish, Minced Lobster Dumpling with Gold Leaf ($18/2 pcs), featured plump lobster meat wrapped in a thin, slightly chewy skin.

Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork 4/5

Next came the Lobster Siew Mai with Crab Roe and Minced Pork ($18/2 pcs), an indulgent mouthful of tender lobster and savoury minced pork.

Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley 4.2/5

Our favourite among the three Dim Sum we had was the Crispy Crab Meat Puff with Glass Noodles and Chinese Parsley ($16/2 pcs). The golden, flaky pastry was wonderfully crisp, encasing moist crab meat and springy noodles for a satisfying textural contrast. Other Dim Sum highlights include the Deep-Fried Lobster with Century Egg Sesame Roll ($16/2 pcs) and the Crispy Vermicelli Lobster Roll wrapped with Beetroot Rice Noodle and Superior Light Soy Sauce ($28/2 pcs).

Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce 4.5/5

Moving to mains, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sautéed Minced Lobster Meat with Shrimp Roe, Egg White and Diced Asparagus Lettuce ($48/portion). Lightly seasoned to highlight the lobster’s natural sweetness, it was elevated by the briny aroma of shrimp roe and the crunch of asparagus lettuce.

Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

The Baked Crab in Foie Gras and White Pepper Sauce ($18.80/100g) offered a bold yet balanced pairing. The lightly spiced, peppery sauce complemented the fresh crab’s sweetness, while the foie gras added richness and depth.

Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce 4.5/5

Our top pick was the Wok-Fried Lobster with Onion in Green Peppercorn Sauce ($18.80/100g). Each lobster piece was fresh and succulent, wok-fried to perfection, and coated in a fragrant green peppercorn sauce that lent mild heat and herbaceous notes. Other dishes from the À La Carte menu include the Poached Sliced Pacific Top Shell with Asparagus Lettuce in Hairy Crab Meat and Roe Sauce ($48/portion), Stewed Lobster with Dried Hong Kong Cuttlefish, Thai Basil and Shallot in Claypot ($25/100g), and Wok-Fried Lobster with Japanese Glutinous Rice infused with Dried Squid and Dried Shrimp ($25/100g).

Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus 4/5

We ended with the Double-Boiled Bird’s Nest with Red Date, Lotus Seed and White Fungus, a nourishing sweet dessert that rounded off the indulgent seafood feast.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant (萬豪軒)
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6831 4605
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gwanghwamum Mijin @ Far East Square - Famous Halmeoni-style Korean Cold Buckwheat Noodles from Seoul Opens in Singapore

Gwanghwamun Mijin, an institution since 1954, has finally arrived in Singapore with its first overseas flagship. A stalwart in Seoul’s dining scene, the restaurant has been listed on the MICHELIN Guide Seoul since 2018 and has earned the coveted Bib Gourmand for eight consecutive years. Known for its traditional halmeoni-style (grandmother’s style) Korean cold buckwheat noodles, the brand draws long queues in Korea. For its Singapore debut, the broth and noodles are flown in directly from Korea to maintain authenticity, while kimchi and sauces are freshly prepared on-site daily.

Signature Buckwheat Noodles 4/5

A must-have at Gwanghwamun Mijin is the Signature Buckwheat Noodles ($15), served with or without slush ice. The proper way to enjoy the dish is to add ground radish, chopped green onion, seaweed flakes, and mustard sauce into the seafood-rich dipping broth before dipping the noodles in for that refreshing slurp. While the flavours were light and delicate, I found that the noodles and broth during my visit were not chilled enough, which slightly diminished the full appreciation of this traditional cold noodle dish.

Bibim Buckwheat Noodles 4/5

For those who prefer something punchier, the Bibim Buckwheat Noodles ($16) is tossed with a variety of vegetables (beansprouts, lettuce, radish kimchi, cucumber, cabbage) and topped with a half-boiled egg. The noodles are coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy gochujang sauce, delivering bold flavours with a delightful crunch from the vegetables.

Perilla Buckwheat Noodles with Marinated Salmon 4.2/5

Exclusive to Singapore, the Perilla Buckwheat Noodles with Marinated Salmon ($20) features nutty buckwheat noodles infused with fragrant perilla oil and powder. The freshly cut salmon sashimi, marinated in soy sauce, cooking wine, and minced garlic, adds a savoury-silky element to the dish. A vegetarian version of this noodle is served in Korea and is also available in Singapore.

Steam Korean Dumpling 4/5

Handmade daily, the Steam Korean Dumplings ($7 for 3pc) are generously sized and filled with marinated minced pork, spring onions, leek, garlic, and tofu. Juicy and flavourful, these dumplings are limited in quantity each day, making them a worthy side to the noodles.

Buckwheat Spring Onion Seafood Pancake 3.8/5

A twist on a Korean favourite, the Buckwheat Spring Onion Seafood Pancake ($19) features buckwheat flour in the batter, resulting in a lighter texture with nutty undertones. Pan-fried to golden perfection, the pancake strikes a balance of crisp edges and a chewy interior, generously studded with kimchi and fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, and fish.

Bossam 3.8/5

The Bossam ($15 Small, $20 Medium, $30 Large) here is tender and succulent, seasoned with a medley of herbs such as Chinese Angelica, Star Anise, and Cinnamon Bark, imparting a rich, aromatic flavour. Best enjoyed wrapped in fresh napa cabbage leaves with a spoonful of house-made kimchi and sauces like ssamjang or punchy saeu-jeot.

Fried Pork Cutlet 3/5

Mijin’s Fried Pork Cutlet ($18) is prepared the traditional Korean way, with pork machine-pressed and marinated for over 8 hours before being coated in egg, flour, and fresh breadcrumbs. Fried until golden, the cutlet is served with rice, coleslaw, and a house-made tonkatsu sauce crafted locally.

Overall, Gwanghwamun Mijin offers a taste of tradition and history in Seoul. While some execution details (like the temperature of the cold noodles) could be improved, the variety of dishes and dedication to authenticity make it a noteworthy addition to Singapore’s Korean dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gwanghwamum Mijin
Far East Square
47-49 Pekin Street
#01-01
Singapore 048779
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]