The Dining Room @ Sheraton Towers Singapore - Yuletide Celebrations Featuring Buffet with Fresh Seafood, Succulent Roasts and Festive Desserts

Indulge in the year-end festivities with The Dining Room's latest Festive Buffet, offered for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy an expanded selection of specially crafted items tailored for the celebrations!

The Festive Buffet is available from now till 1 Jan 2024:

Festive Lunch Buffet
1 to 24 & 26 to 31 Dec 2023
S$68++ per adult; S$42++ per child

Christmas Day, 25 Dec 2023
New Year’s Day, 1 January 2024
25 Dec, 1 Jan
S$158++* per adult; S$42++ per child

Festive Dinner Buffet
1 to 23 & 26 to 30 Dec 2023
S$98++ per adult; S$42++ per child

Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 2023
Christmas Day, 25 Dec 2023
New Year’s Eve, 31 Dec 2023
S$158++* per adult; S$42++ per child

* Includes unlimited pours of draft beer, house pour red/white wines, soft drinks and juices.

Freshly-Harvested Seafood

One of the most popular buffet stations was definitely the spread of Freshly-Harvested Seafood, which featured Maine Lobsters, King Crab Leg, Snow Crab, Oysters, Black Mussels, Gong Gong and more. All the seafood we tried was fresh and sweet, particularly the creamy Oysters, plump King Crab Legs and crunchy Prawns.

Sushi Rolls

Next to the Freshly-Harvested Seafood, you will also be able to find a number of Sushi Rolls alongside Japanese sides of seaweed, tamago and more.

Cheese Board

If you are a cheese lover, your eyes will definitey light up at the Cheese Board corner. The myriad of cheeses, condiments and crackers will surely satisfy.

Cold Cuts and Salads

The beautifully plated Cold Cuts and Salads boards offered dishes such as Smoked Salmon, Prosciutto, Beef Salami, Truffle Somen and Salmon Avocado.

Hot Selections

Moving down the buffet line, diners will find a range of Hot Selections as well.

Cheesy Lobsters

On top of the fresh seafood, this corner also featured many seafood dishes, such as the Cheesy Lobsters.

Herbal Prawns

The Herbal Prawns had a comforting broth base that we enjoyed.

Soft Shell Crab

I would highly recommend trying the Soft Shell Crab. The meaty crabs were fried perfectly crunchy without being oily.

Wellness Rice

While we typically avoid having too much carbs at buffets, I absolutely loved the Wellness Rice. As unassuming as it looked, it was generously studded with mushrooms, corn, goji berries and pine nuts. I thoroughly enjoyed how clean yet flavourful it tasted.

Roasted Pork Belly

Before trying out the Festive Roasts, we also tasted the classic Chinese roasts, including Roasted Pork Belly and Roasted Duck.

Pan-Seared Foie Gras

A key buffet highlight is dishes prepared à la minute, such as the Pan-Seared Foie Gras and Pasta Alla Ruota. The Pan-Seared Foie Gras was a crowd favourite, served on a wedge of croffle with sweet fig.

The Festive Roasts station was another noteworthy one, featuring freshly sliced Slow Roasted Bulgogi Glazed Prime Rib, Traditional Roast Turkey and more.

Christmas Desserts

Fans of sweets would be impressed by the room full of Christmas Desserts! It had everything you can think of, from various flavours of log cakes, tarts, cup desserts, etc.

Chestnut Roulade & Apricot Compote

Similarly, there was also a live dessert station for the Chestnut Roulade & Apricot Compote.

Christmas Desserts

The Dining Room is also suitable for bigger group meals, and their Festive Buffet would be an excellent option for the upcoming year-end gatherings.

For dining enquiries and reservations, call The Dining Room 6839 5621 or email thediningroom@sheratonsingapore.com.

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.


The Dining Room
Sheraton Towers Singapore
G Floor
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 6839 5625
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Nearest MRT: Newton (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight
Afternoon Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

A Yuletide Season of Love and Peace at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

For this festive season, Marriott Tang Plaza Singapore has launched an exciting line-up starring 11 new items for this year's festive takeaway, such as traditional roast turkey, whole king crab, dry-aged Irish beef, log cakes and more. Pre-orders start on 6 November 2023, with collection and delivery available from 24 November to 25 December 2023.

Whole Roasted Turkey

Whole Roasted Turkey with Singapore Sling Marinade, Cherry and Pineapple Stuffing with Singapore Sling Sauce, and port Wine Sauce ($240/ 4.5 kg to 5 kg, serves 6 to 8 persons) draws inspiration from Singapore's famed cocktail, Singapore Sling. The exceptional crispy and caramelised turkey skin results from submerging into a brine solution for 72 hours before roasting, consisting of ingredients like orange, juniper berries, cinnamon, brown sugar, white wine and cherry liquor. This step gives it a good season while drawing out the skin's moisture. The meat was kept pretty tender. Cherry and Pineapple Stuffing is served on the side, with a tart sweetness to pair with the turkey.

Roast Pork Saddle

Roast Pork Saddle with Pancetta and Porcini Mushroom Stuffing with Spiced Orange Rum Sauce – $225 nett (2 kg, serves 6 to 8 persons). This famed Roast Pork Saddle is well-loved for its crispy, crackling skin. The meat was tender with a good ratio of fats, stuffed with pancetta, porcini mushroom and aromatic herbs that impart flavours to the meat during the roasting process. The accompanying spiced orange rum sauce helps to cut through the strong flavours for a savoury-sweet balance.

Smoky BBQ Dry Aged Irish Beef Mid Ribs

Smoky BBQ Dry Aged Irish Beef Mid Ribs (Bone-in) – $270 nett (1.8 kg to 2 kg, serves 6 to 8 persons) is sous vide for 36 hours to attain a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Specially sourced, John Stone's dry-aged Irish beef famed for its sustainable practices that focuses on the farm, environment and ageing process. This premium 39-day dry-aged Irish Beef Mid Ribs is known for its luxurious richness.

Baked Whole King Crab with Sea Urchin Gratin & Pasta

For seafood option, you can consider the stunning Baked Whole King Crab with Sea Urchin Gratin & Pasta – $325 nett (1.5 kg to 1.8 kg, serves 6 persons). The fresh crab roe and crab meat chunks are first separated and folded in with sea urchin, grated cheese and white wine before baking to achieve a glistening gratin crust. It is served on a bed of orecchiette pasta lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil. While the flavours were there, I found it a tad too saltish for my liking.

For the sweets, Blue Pea White Peach Log Cake (1 kg, $90 nett) is designed specially for the ladies. Glazed in lovely hues of blue and white from all-natural butterfly pea, it is layered with peachy-goodness of fresh white peach puree, mousse and blue pea sponge cake sandwiched in between.

My favourite would be the berries-chocolate combination found in the Mulled Wine Mixed Berries Log Cake (1 kg, $90 nett), cute with a Santa suit. Layered with raspberry cream, red wine jelly, forest berry, chocolate mousse and crunchy chocolate biscuit, the hint of alcohol helps to cut through the sweetness.

A classic would be Signature Chocolate Fudge Log Cake (1 kg $85 nett / 500g, $45 nett), well known for its fluffy chiffon cake made of Belgian chocolate. It wasn't as rich a chocolate cake as I anticipated.

Caramel Popcorn with Apple Christmas Train

Caramel Popcorn with Apple Christmas Train (1 kg, $90 nett) allures with layers made of buttery popcorn biscuit base, caramel sponge and apple jelly.

Seafood Paella

Grilled Octopus with Chorizo

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Crossroads Buffet will be offering a scrumptious seafood fare featuring an assortment of Sashimi and Ceviche Live Station of Barramundi Ceviche, salmon carpaccio and tuna tartare, a selection of Spanish tapas like Grilled Octopus with Chorizo, Gambas al Ajillo, Dry-Aged Irish Skirt Steak with Garlic Puree, and more.

Pre-order* on https://celebratorydelights.com/christmas starts from 6 November 2023, with collection and delivery available from 24 November to 25 December 2023.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865

Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee @ Jurong West Ave 5 - A Delicious Discovery In The Old Jalan Bahar Camp

Little did I know the old Jalan Bahar Camp at Jurong West Ave 5 has been redeveloped. The old camp area now sits a Sheng Siong Supermarket, warehouse and food court. Not known to many, there is an excellent Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee in what is known as the Sheng Siong Food Court or FM Food Master Food Court.

The fried hokkien prawn mee stall offers quite a variety such as Slipper Lobster Fried Hokkien Mee ($10), Big Prawn Fried Hokkien Mee ($8), La La Fried Hokkien Mee ($8), Roasted Pork Hokkien Mee ($8) and Fried Hokkien Mee ($4/ $5/ $8). There is even a Premium Fried Hokkien Mee ($25) which comes with slipper lobster, la la, big prawns, roasted pork and squid. On top of that, it sells Fried Carrot Cake and Fried Oyster.

Roasted Pork Fried Hokkien Mee 4.5/5

I only tried the Roasted Pork Fried Hokkien Mee ($8) as I am alone. The stall woks up a wet version of the hokkien mee, which reminds me of Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle. It comes in a generous portion of prawns and roasted pork, soaked in a robust prawny broth packed with depth. Even the chilli goes very well with the slurping goodness.

Overall, it is a good plate of fried hokkien prawn mee. However, if there is any room for improvement, it needs more wok hei to the plate of goodness. According to my friend who lives nearby, it also depends on who is behind the wok. The young Malaysian chap fries a better plate of hokkien mee.


Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Sheng Siong Food Centre
Blk 9 Jurong West Avenue 5
Singapore 649487
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D, E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 199. Alight 3 stops later. Enter the old camp via the side gate. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Laifaba @ Prestige Centre - New Location, Expanded Menu With Even Tastier Wanton Mee

Laifaba first opened its door at Scarlet hotel and has made a name for itself in offering superb Wanton Mee. It has now relocated to Prestige Centre at Bukit Batok with an expanded menu that comprises rice and other roast meats.

Though located in an industrial area, the interior was made very charming, adorned with retro homewares, posters, a table fan and a radio that work!

Signature Char Siew Wanton Mee 4.5/5

When I first tried Laifaba last year, its Char Siew and Crispy Pork left a deep impression. I have a newfound liking for its Signature Char Siew Wanton Mee ($5.00 Small) this time round. Working closely with suppliers, both the wanton skin and noodle are made with improved recipes. One very noticeable difference is the reduction in alkaline, and I very much prefer this lighter and tastier version. Even the wanton seemed much juicer. I recommend topping up $2 to upgrade the regular char siew to its signature Bu Jian Tian Char Siew. Given the amount of fats in there, I felt the meat had been roasted with much precision to attain the beautiful caramelisation on the exterior and rendering just enough fats for flavours while keeping the meat portion tender.

Meat Platter 4/5

Adding two more roast meats into their menu, we had a platter of Soy Sauce Chicken, Roast Duck and Crispy Roasted Pork ($16 Small). The Soy Sauce Chicken was commendable. The meat was very tender, and the skin was flavourful without being too sweet. The pork was still as good as I remember how it was to be with its succulent meat and crackling skin. The Roast Duck paled a little in comparison but was decent. This portion is good for two people as rice or noodles are available as add-ons.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup (tasting portion) 4.5/5

I like the soup as well. The dry wanton mee does come with a small bowl of soup but try the Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($8) that comes with four large and juicy shrimp dumplings. The soup had a good depth of sweetness and umami flavour, which surpassed most that I had tried so far. I had a go at its Fried Shrimp Dumplings ($8) too, but they weren't as impressive. The skin turned quite soggy and greasy after a while.

Other elements that might draw you back to Laifaba are perhaps the various chilli concoction for the different dishes. There is a special orangey chilli sauce that is very fiery, a red sauce for a regular spicy dry noodle dish, and a refreshing and tangy chilli paste for the roast meats.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Laifaba
Prestige Centre
71 Bukit Batok Crescent
#02-02
Singapore 658071
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon- Sun: 8am - 330pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 106. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Bukit Batok Crescent. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Taste Paradise @ ION Orchard - Reopens After 7 Months Of Renovation With A Refreshed Menu

Taste Paradise at ION Orchard has finally reopened after seven months of renovation work with a refreshed menu by 32-year-old Executive Chef Chan Chung Sing and 58-year-old Executive Chef Chan Wing Kwong. The restaurant has also embarked on a new wine pairing dining experience, featuring over 200 exquisite labels from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United States and Argentina.

Stewed Chicken Claw in Abalone Sauce 4.2/5

Stewed Chicken Claw is not an uncommon dish, but not many places do it well. Some places will deep-fry the claw for that layer of crispiness. I like the stewed method, which gives it a gelatinous layer accentuated by the delicious abalone sauce, made with dried abalone sauce, concentrated chicken broth and jinhua ham.

Crispy Golden Tofu 4/5

The Crispy Golden Tofu, though lightly seasoned, it is quite addictive with the contrasting crispy exterior and silky soft interior.

Double-boiled Sea Whelk with Kampong Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Sea Whelk with Kampong Chicken Soup is a comforting entree to whet the appetite as well as lining the stomach for the upcoming dishes.

Signature Braised 10-Head Australian Dried Abalone in Abalone Sauce 4.8/5

For a luxurious enjoyment, one can go for the Signature Braised 10-Head Australian Dried Abalone in Abalone Sauce. It is braised under fork tender complemented by the delicious abalone sauce. Not known to diners, the chef takes a whole week to prepare the dish, from rehydrating to simmering and braising the dried abalone.

Stir-fried Japanese A4 Wagyu Beef Cube with Spring Onion in Black Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

Tender and juicy is the Stir-fried Japanese A4 Wagyu Beef Cube with Spring Onion in Black Pepper Sauce. The beautiful marbling of the beef is complemented by the piquant black pepper sauce.

Signature Charred Honey BBQ Kurobuta Pork 4.2/5, Crackling Pork Belly 4/5

Roasted meats are a staple in any Cantonese Chinese restaurant in Singapore. Hence you will also find them served at Taste Paradise. We had both the Signature Charred Honey BBQ Kurobuta Pork and Crackling Pork Belly. The highlight is the char siew, that is sweet and succulent with a layer of crispy, smoky char on the exterior. In fact, Taste Paradise has tweaked the recipe slightly, which is well received by diners.

Baked Live Prawn with Vermicelli in Black and White Pepper

One of my favourite dishes in the refreshed menu is the Baked Live Prawn with Vermicelli in Black and White Pepper ($10++ per 100g). The peppery aroma not only filled the air but enhanced the flavour of the vermicelli.

Steamed Live Marble Goby 'Soon Hock' with Garlic and Beancurd Skin 3.8/5

The Steamed Live Marble Goby 'Soon Hock' with Garlic and Beancurd Skin ($13++ per 100g) actually save diners a lot of trouble as they are fillet nicely for easy consumption. It even comes with beancurd skin for the extra textural enjoyment complemented by the Shunde-style soy sauce.

Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Lobster Broth 4.5/5

Poached rice seems like the new trend in the food scene lately. Even Taste Paradise has jumped on the bandwagon and introduced the Poached Rice with Assorted Seafood in Lobster Broth ($52++). In the luscious lobster broth, there are scallop and crab meat topped with crispy rice.

Sweet Temptation 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the dinner with the Sweet Temptation ($14.80++ per pax), a splendid presentation of assorted fruits, chilled avocado puree, chilled mango puree and chilled aloe vera, lemongrass jelly in sour plum and lime juice. This dessert platter is a pleaser, consisting of sweet, sour and citrusy.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Taste Paradise
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-07
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65099660
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Brotzeit @ Vivocity - Celebrating Oktoberfest In Singapore

While Oktoberfest has been cancelled in the hometown of Munich, and we can't travel to Germany to celebrate one of the largest folk festivals in the world, let Brotzeit brings the celebration to Singapore from 15 September to 25 October 2020.

What is Oktoberfest without beer, right? In Munich, only six breweries have the honour of serving Oktoberfest beer. For this year Oktoberfest, Brotzeit has specially imported the Oktoberfest brew from one of the six: Hofbrau, founded by William V, Duke of Bavaria in 1589 which is still a traditional Bavarian-run brewery today.

Crispy Pork Cracklings 4.2/5

Crispy Fried Pig Ears 3.5/5

We had some snack bites to go with the beer. We tried the Crispy Pork Cracklings ($6) and Crispy Fried Pig Ears ($12). I enjoyed the pork skin for its crispiness and seasoning. As for the pig ears, I felt the seasoning was a bit lacking. It would be more enjoyable if the batter is more heavily seasoned though it is accompanied with mustard chilli dip at the side.

Preserved and Smoked Spreads 4.2/5

The Preserved and Smoked Spreads is an interesting platter that is to be eaten like a Korean bbq. You take a piece of romaine lettuce, spread it with the choice of duck confit, chicken truffle or smoked trout, and finally add some salt pretzel, wrap and eat it. It is quite a new and interesting way to appreciate German cuisine in this way.

Cold Roast Pork 4.5/5

Moving on we have the Cold Roast Pork ($16) which comes with pork collar marinated overnight in Brotzeit's 12-spice pork knuckle mix, pickled beer radish, mustard chilli sauce and crispy pork skin. This is a dish that reminds Chef Lorenz of his grandma, who always prepared cold roast meats with apricots for him after school. It seems like a start dish but its really substantial. I enjoyed everything on the plate, which is very appetising.

Giant Pretzel with Farmer Sausage 4.5/5

I have eaten pretzel, but not a Giant Pretzel ($28) sandwiched with red cabbage, pickles, mustard and farmer sausage. This is good for 2-3 people. It is really hearty and comforting. I would highly recommend ordering this.

Crispy Roasted Pork Shoulder 4.2/5

Value for money dish on the Oktoberfest menu is the Crispy Roasted Pork Shoulder ($45) which comes with Autumn vegetables and potato dumplings. The fork-tender pork shoulder comes with a layer of extremely crispy skin, that echoes a thundering crackle with every bite. The accompanying fluffy potato dumplings and vegetables provide a delightful textural and flavour contrast.

Roasted Pig Liver 4.8/5

An acquire dish on the menu is the Roasted Pig Liver ($26). Either you love it or hate it. I didn't know German cuisine has this dish on the menu. Though it is cooked using the Western technique with a blend of mustard and paired with poached apples, it tastes similar to the Asian way of cooking pig liver. I am really surprised and excited that pig liver can be prepared this way. If you are adventurous enough, you should really try it.

Battered Fried Apple Wheels 4/5

Wrapping up the meal is the Battered Fried Apple Wheels ($11). The Fiji apple is coated in a light beer batter and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It has a delightful crunch complemented by a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream.

I really enjoyed the new Oktoberfest menu created by recently joined Group Executive Chef Lorenz Raich. He brings with him a wealth of culinary experience in highly lauded boutique venues, famous Michelin-starred restaurants as well as five-star hotels. For the new menu, he has brought a touch of finesse to the traditional dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Brotzeit
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-149/151
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62728815
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]