Friday, July 10, 2026

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - New Refreshed Grills & Gills Dinner Buffet

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Singapore’s buffet scene has never been short of options, but Estate at Hilton Singapore Orchard has certainly raised the bar with its refreshed Grills & Gills Dinner Buffet. Celebrating the best of both land and sea, the buffet features award-winning Australian beef, premium seafood, freshly shucked French oysters and an impressive line-up of individually plated chef’s signatures.

As a first-time visitor to Estate, I was pleasantly surprised by the restaurant’s spacious layout, with different buffet stations spread across multiple rooms. Exploring each section felt like uncovering a new surprise, and we found ourselves making multiple rounds because there was simply too much we wanted to try.

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Lobster

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Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams, Scallops

Singaporeans are huge seafood lovers, so it’s little surprise that everyone made a beeline for the chilled seafood station. The selection includes Boston Lobster, Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams, and Scallops, all replenished throughout the evening to keep up with demand.

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Oysters

Oyster lovers are in for a treat with the Freshly Shucked French Oysters from renowned producer Les Huîtres Cadoret in Brittany. Briny, creamy and fresh, the oysters are accompanied by an array of condiments including shallot mignonette, chilli soya, cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. If you prefer your oysters cooked, there’s also the Gratinated Oyster with Chimichurri, which offers a flavourful alternative.

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Snow Beef Nigiri

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Sushi and Sashimi

The sashimi selection features Norwegian ASC-certified salmon and tuna, alongside a nigiri bar serving salmon, maguro tuna and even snow beef nigiri. The fish was fresh, and the nigiri was enjoyable, though I felt the rice-to-topping ratio could be better balanced. The rice portions were too large, and reducing the amount of rice would also help minimise wastage.

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Sanchoku Wagyu Beef Tomahawk

While the seafood spread is undoubtedly one of the buffet’s biggest draws, the meats deserve just as much attention. Estate partners with Sanchoku, winner of the 2025 Australian Wagyu Branded Beef Competition, showcasing its premium Wagyu, Angus, and Grain-Fed beef, all prized for their marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour.

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Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

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Braised Sanchoku Angus Beef Brisket

The carving station is where meat lovers will likely spend most of their evening. During our visit, there was Sanchoku Wagyu Beef Tomahawk, Braised Sanchoku Angus Beef Brisket, Wagyu Lamb Shortloin Saddle, Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, MSC-certified Halibut and more.

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Complementing the premium meats are classic sides including truffle mashed potatoes, maple-glazed kabocha pumpkin, sautéed locally grown mushrooms and jumbo asparagus with hollandaise, making it easy to build a hearty plate.

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Slow-Cooked Char-Grilled Foie Gras

One feature that elevates Estate above other hotel buffets is its collection of individually plated Chef’s Signatures, freshly prepared and served in individual portions. Among the popular dishes is the Slow-Cooked Char-Grilled Foie Gras, paired with duchess potato, kumquat chutney and balsamic glaze, balancing richness with acidity.

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Char-Grilled Lamb Rack

The Char-Grilled Lamb Rack is served with a crispy polenta cake, a jumbo prawn, and rosemary jus, making for an elegant plated signature dish that combines premium ingredients with classic flavours.

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River Prawns Nyonya Laksa

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Spicy Prawn Noodles

At the noodle station, diners can choose between the comforting River Prawns Nyonya Laksa, hearty Spicy Prawn Noodles, or the addictive Sichuan-style Spicy Wanton.

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Yakitori Donburi Bowl

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Peanut Pancake

One of the more distinctive additions is the Yakitori Donburi Bowl, featuring award-winning Sanchoku Grain-Fed Beef Flank Steak or chicken served over Japanese rice with a sous vide egg and furikake. The buffet even offers freshly made Peanut Pancake as one of its plated desserts.

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Local Delights

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Local Delights

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Salted Egg Yolk Slipper Lobster

Estate also pays homage to Singapore’s multicultural food heritage with a generous selection of local favourites. Highlights include the ever-popular Oyster Omelette, flavourful Assam Pedas Stingray, indulgent Salted Egg Yolk Slipper Lobster, wok-fried Hokkien Prawn Noodles, fragrant Tom Yum Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee, and Kung Po Chicken.

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Soup

There are also two comforting soups to warm the palate: a rich and creamy Mushroom Velouté and a nourishing Lotus Root Pork Rib Soup with Red Dates and Old Cucumber.

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Home Grown Salad Bar

Those looking for lighter fare will appreciate Estate’s extensive Home Grown Salad Bar, featuring greens grown locally by Hilton Singapore Orchard. Guests can customise their own salads with a wide variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, cheeses and proteins, finished with a choice of four house-made dressings.

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Cold Salad Bar

Prepared salads include Grilled Chicken Caprese Chopped Salad, Prawn & Watermelon Salad with Feta, Roasted Beetroot Pumpkin & Lentil Salad, and Cold Buckwheat Soba with Edamame. Estate also supports local producer FOGO Fungi, whose gourmet mushrooms appear in several dishes.

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Cheese

Meanwhile, the charcuterie section features Mortadella with Pistachio, Salami Milano, Coppa Ham and Prosciutto di Parma. At the same time, the artisanal French cheese selection comes from the renowned affineur Les Frères Marchand and is accompanied by chutneys, nuts, dried fruits, and crackers. Freshly baked breads, focaccia and sourdough complete the spread, making it an ideal stop between the heartier dishes.

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Butter Chicken Biryani

The buffet’s diversity extends further with a dedicated Indian station serving Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Kerala Fish Meen Moilee, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, freshly baked naan and a selection of vegetarian curries.

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Dim Sum

A small Dim Sum Corner offers steamed favourites, while families dining with young children will appreciate the dedicated Kids’ Corner featuring mac & cheese, popcorn chicken, penne pasta and cheesy wedges.

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Be sure to save room for dessert because Estate concludes the experience with an entire Artisanal Dessert Room. Guests can indulge in an extensive selection of sweet treats, including Matcha Roll, Coffee Mille Crepe, Snickers Cake, American Cheesecake, Vanilla Bean Flan, Egg Tarts, Nyonya Kueh, Bailey’s Tiramisu, Sweet Potato Pudding and Lychee Martini Cake, alongside a variety of fresh seasonal fruits. Whether you enjoy rich chocolate desserts, creamy classics or lighter fruit-based sweets, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

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One particularly interesting feature is Estate’s signature house blend chocolate, “Botanique en Fleurs 68%”, developed in collaboration with Cacao Barry. Made with sustainably sourced cacao, it offers delicate floral aromas balanced by bright red fruit notes.

After several rounds around the buffet, I was more than completely stuffed, yet I still found myself spotting dishes I wished I had room to try. That’s probably the best way to describe Estate’s Grills & Gills Dinner Buffet; there’s simply so much to explore.

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Beyond the sheer variety, there was also a consistent focus on quality. From the award-winning Sanchoku beef and premium seafood to the thoughtfully prepared individually plated signatures, the buffet definitely had more hits than misses. It’s one of those buffet experiences where I would happily return to try everything I missed the first time. If you’re looking for a hotel buffet that delivers both quality and variety, Estate’s Grills & Gills Dinner Buffet is worth considering for your next indulgence.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Thursday, July 9, 2026

Torikizoku @ Vivocity - Japan's #1 Yakitori Chian Opens Its Biggest-Ever Outlet in Singapore

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Japan’s popular yakitori chain Torikizoku has officially made its Singapore debut at VivoCity, opening its largest outlet worldwide on 29 May 2026. Spanning an impressive 174 seats across both indoor and al fresco dining areas overlooking the promenade, the space is designed to deliver a lively yet relaxed izakaya experience.

Built on its philosophy of offering quality Japanese fare at accessible prices, Torikizoku keeps things refreshingly simple. All food and non-alcoholic beverages are priced at $3.90++, while kids’ meals and alcoholic drinks are priced at $9.90++. The menu features a mix of grilled skewers, comforting sides, and casual bites, making it an easy spot for gatherings with friends or family.

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Chicken Nanban 3.8/5

Starting with the Chicken Nanban ($3.90++), this classic Japanese favourite of karaage paired with tartar sauce delivered a satisfying balance of textures. The chicken was crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. The creamy tartar sauce helped to cut through the richness, adding a tangy contrast that lifted the overall flavour profile.

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Potato Salad 4/5

The Potato Salad ($3.90++) was a pleasant surprise. Creamy yet not overly heavy, it featured chunks of potato that added a more rustic texture. The addition of bonito flakes added a subtle umami note, elevating what would otherwise be a simple side dish.

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Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam 3/5

One of the more unique items on the menu is the Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam ($3.90++). Light and airy with a soft, almost soufflé-like texture, it carried a delicate savoury flavour. While it is meant to complement the skewers as a comforting side, its texture and flavour profile may not appeal to everyone and can be an acquired taste.

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Chicken Liver 3/5, Stuffed Bell Pepper Ponzi 3/5, Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek 3.5/5

Yakitori remains the highlight here, with each plate comprising two skewers priced at $3.90++. Among the selections, the Chicken Liver and Stuffed Bell Pepper with Ponzu were decent, though not particularly outstanding. The liver had a slightly grainy texture, while the stuffed pepper offered a refreshing tang from the ponzu but lacked a stronger flavour punch.

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Chicken Liver 3/5, Stuffed Bell Pepper Ponzi 3/5, Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek 3.5/5

The standout was the Signature Kizokuyaki Thigh & Leek (Sauce), part of the brand’s signature jumbo skewer range. Glazed in Torikizoku’s iconic tare sauce — a recipe refined over more than 40 years — the chicken thigh was juicy and flavourful, with a good balance of sweetness and savouriness. The leek added a mild sweetness without overpowering the meat. Notably, the Kizokuyaki skewers are larger than typical yakitori skewers, making them feel more substantial and better value for money.

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Wings 3.8/5

Moving on to the Wings ($3.90++), these were grilled with the bone in, which helped retain moisture and enhance flavour. The meat was tender and juicy, with a lightly crisp exterior. While slightly greasy, it delivered the kind of satisfying richness that makes grilled wings so enjoyable.

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Chicken Kamameshi 3.5/5

For something more filling, the Chicken Kamameshi ($3.90++) is a comforting option. Served in a traditional pot and cooked fresh at the table, the dish combines rice, chicken, and vegetables into a hearty one-pot meal. The rice absorbs the flavours of the ingredients as it cooks, resulting in a fragrant and savoury dish. Do note that it requires about 30 minutes of cooking time, so it is best to order this early.

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Overall, Torikizoku brings a casual and approachable izakaya concept to Singapore. While the food may not be the most refined or top-tier, the consistent pricing and generous portions make it incredibly accessible. At $3.90++ per dish, it offers a fuss-free dining option where you can sample a variety of items without worrying about the bill. In short, Torikizoku may not serve the best yakitori in town. Still, it delivers solid flavours, a lively atmosphere, and unbeatable value — making it a place you’ll return to for easy, wallet-friendly Japanese dining.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Torikizoku
Vivocity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#01-104, 105
Singapore 098585
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Webiste
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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