Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - Experience An Elevated Buffet Selection

Hilton Singapore Orchard has recently opened on 24 February 2022, located in the hearts of Orchard. Following the opening is the launch of the hotel's residential all-day dining restaurant on level five, Estate, inspired by the heritage of Orchard Road’s early years. The all-day dining buffet restaurant showcases culinary experiences and flavours from around the world while elevating familiar regional favourites that resonate with local residents.

Central to Estate's dining experience is the residential-style open kitchens that set the stage for a live display of culinary showmanship. The team, led by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam, whips up tantalising dishes a la minute in full view of guests.

Kickstart the feast with cold cut appetisers - Coppa Ham, Salami, Air-dried Beef, and Prosciutto de Parma. or Salads such as the Greek salad with feta cheese, wardorf salad.

The Seafood on ice features a fresh selection, such as the Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams and Scallops in Shell.

Don't miss signature dishes from the Wok, Fry & Premium Kitchen featuring signatures like the Estate Black Truffle Roasted Duck. The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. It is served with a drizzle of truffle plum sauce and soy honey glaze, complementing the savoury meat. The Black Truffle Roasted Duck is best paired with a piping hot bowl of flavourful Signature Peking Duck Consomme.

The Grill Kitchen features a selection of Asian-inspired skewers, including the Beef Kebab, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki, Wagyu Kofta, and Black Miso Chicken.

Not to be missed are the Asian favourites - Singapore XO Hokkien Mee, Carrot Cake with Chinese Sausage, and the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chinese Sausage, and Crispy Cheong Fun with Soft Shell Chilli Crab.

The Cantonese Style Wagyu Beef Noodle is one of my favourite dishes. The non-oily broth had a distinct beefy taste, noodles were al dente to bite, and the wagyu beef meat was tender and flavourful.

The Squid Ink Homemade Gluten-Free Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit from the Noodle & Wrap Kitchen is also delicious, with a rich, briny flavour.

There is also a Dim sum station which offers a small selection of dim sum - Siew Mai, Har Gow, Lotus Paste Pau and Chicken Char Siew Pau.

End the feast on a sweet note with desserts such as the Rainbow Kueh, Kueh Lapis or the Original Cheesecake.

There is also a beautiful range of masterfully handcrafted desserts by beloved Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo, such as the Marsala Wine Tiramisu, Champagne Raspberry Gelee, Torch Citron Tarte, and Mango Infused Jasmine Gateaux.

Lunch: $62++ (Mon to Thu) and $70++ (Fri to Sun)
Dinner: $82++ (Sun to Thu) and $99++ (Fri & Sat)

Child aged 12 years old and below dines at 50% off adult price and for child aged 5 years old and below dines on complimentary.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. 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 – 10pm

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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yakiniku Like @ Paya Lebar Quarter - Celebrate 2nd Anniversary With Limited Time Promotions

Yakiniku Like from Tokyo, Japan, which opened its first outlet in Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore, in February 2020, celebrates its 2nd anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the restaurant has launched a limited-time promotion.

Hokkaido Snow Pork Platter

For a limited period, from 16 February to 30 April 2022, customers can look forward to savouring the Hokkaido Snow Pork Platter ($15.80 A La Carte/ $17.80 Set Meal). Known as the pork of dreams, the pork impresses with immaculate marbling, melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate sweetness. The platter comprises 150 grams of Hokkaido pork collar, belly and tontoro (jowl). The set meal comes with a side of rice, seaweed soup, kimchi, or salad to complete the set.

Mega Meat Set

Not to be missed is the Mega Meat Set ($19.80) which you can enjoy the best of all worlds, consisting of Karubi 200g, Pork Belly and Chicken 200g served with rice, soup and a choice of kimchi or salad. This special promotion is only available from 28 to 30 April 2022.

Yakiniku Like also introduced its first branded merchandise as anniversary memorabilia – an exclusively designed Mobile Pop Socket featuring key icons of the brand. It is available in two unique designs of the brand's iconic logo and a quirky illustration of a cow wearing thick-framed glasses.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yakiniku Like
Paya Lebar Quarter
10 Paya Lebar Road
#B1-28
Singapore 409057
Tel: +65 69707397
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee @ Bukit Batok - Singapore's Traditional Delicacy That Falls Short Of My Expectation

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee has been opening several stalls around the island in recent years with the latest outlet in the West. The stall is located at Gather Together Coffeeshop at block 177 Bukit Batok West Ave 8. 

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee's original stall is at Old Airport Road, run by Mr Ng Hock Wah, who should be 74 years old this year. He learnt the art of cooking hokkien mee since 18 years old. He is a legend himself, cooking and mastering that only one dish for 57 years.

Fried Hokkien Mee 3/5

Traditional Fried Hokkien Mee comes with only chopped red chillis. However, to cater to the younger generation, the stall has introduced sambal to go with the noodle. I know there are split views of Nam Sing's hokkien mee among my foodie friends. Most of them does not like it. I have never tried it, so this will determine which side of the fence I stand on.

The plate of Fried Hokkien Mee comes in $5, $8 and $10. It is the dry version using thin vermicelli. It seems the ratio of beehoon is much more than the yellow noodle. I am probably used to eating hokkien mee that has a slurping texture. This version with a mouthful of thin beehoon is too dry for me. In addition, the prawn stock is almost undetectable. It is more like a plate of fried beehoon rather than fried hokkien mee. Now I understand why most of my food friends do not like it. I am not a fan of it too.

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
Get Together Coffeeshop
Blk 177 Bukit Batok West Ave 8
Singapore 650177
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 941. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Maguro Brothers @ 100 AM Mall - Grilled Whole Gigantic Maguro Head & Rare Parts Of Bluefin Tuna

If you are a fan of good quality maguro sashimi, look no further. The new Maguro Brothers at 100 AM Mall offers sashimi connoisseurs a wide range of offerings, including rare parts of the Bluefin Tuna that are difficult to get at affordable prices.

3 Cuts of Sashimi 5/5

A must-have at Maguro Brothers is the 3 Cuts of Sashimi that consists of the Otoro (fatty tuna belly), Akami (meaty red tuna) and Chutoro (back and stomach). You will be guaranteed quality as Misaki Megumi Suisan, responsible for the concept, is a wholesaler of maguro and sashimi in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Maguro is skinkei-jime using a Japanese tradition of inserting a spike into the hindbrain and destroying the spinal cord to preserve the quality and freshness. It stops lactic acid production and thus maintains the fish's quality. It is then kept in a minus-60 degree freezer to maintain its freshness.

Special Cuts of Maguro 4.2/5

You can also get rare parts of the maguro here. We have the following special cuts of maguro, starting with the Toumi (head toro sashimi). The texture is like otoro with a firmer texture. It is best to consume quickly as it may melt relatively fast due to its high-fat content. The other three cuts are Behind the Eye, Dorsal (above the chutoro) and Cheek of the maguro. These cuts are deeper in colour that has a texture reminiscent of beef. Prices start from $62 for a platter of 12 slices featuring seven special cuts of maguro.

Maguro Ribs Saikyo Yaki 4.8/5

Other than sashimi, the restaurant also offers a range of cooked dishes. One of our favourite items was the Maguro Ribs Saikyo Yaki ($29.80), painstakingly prepared for four days. The tender and succulent ribs, sweetened by Saikyo miso, packed an umami punch that left you wanting more.

Maguro Hohoniku Nanban Style 4/5

The Maguro Hohoniku Nanban Style ($16.80) boasts a western influence with tartar sauce and marinated onions to enjoy the crispiness of the deep-fried maguro cheek.

The Grilled Hon Maguro Head ($188) requires a day advance reservation. The gigantic bluefin maguro can serve 4 to 6 pax. Interestingly, chopped red chilli with ponzu sauce is served to go with the exotic meat around the maguro's head.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maguro Brothers
100 AM Shopping Mall
100 Tras Street
#03-K1
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 68544394
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 9pm
(Closd on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Maddie's Kitchen @ Far East Plaza - Wallet Friendly Zi Char Dishes At Orchard Road

If you think that having a meal at Orchard Road will be very expensive, you are wrong. They are food outlets that sell affordable priced food in that area too. Maddie's Kitchen is probably known to many locals, hidden and located in the far corner on level two of Far East Plaza.

Pork Chop Set 3.8/5

I tried the Pork Chop Set Curry Rice ($6.80). For the price, it is value for money. The messy plate of rice comes with deep-fried pork chop, stewed cabbage and a fried egg, drenched in a pool of curry sauce. Though the curry sauce is not spicy, it is packed with aroma. It is the soul that holds everything together. As for the other ingredients on the plate, the pork chop was a bit hard but generous in serving, while the cabbage was sweet and soft. 

Beef Tenderloin Hor Fun 4.2/5

The highlight for me is the Beef Tenderloin Hor Fun ($13.80). First to hit me is the breadth of the wok, piled with a generous serving of bittergourd, black beans and tender beef slices. The noodle dish is common in many zichar places but what makes it different here is the quality of beef used. Slightly seared, thickly cut and tender.

Overall, Maddie's Kitchen offers delicious yet wallet-friendly zichar dishes at Orchard Road. Though I only tried two dishes out of the eclectic menu, it already won me over with its delicious food. I will definitely drop by again for my meal if I am at Orchard Road.


Maddie's Kitchen
Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road
#02-10/11/12/13
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 63650501
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:

1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Les Bouchons @ Rochester Park - New Hot Destination For Classic Steak Frites, French Classics & Wines In The West

Les Bouchons, well known for its classic and value-for-money steak frites and French cuisine, has opened its latest outlet in the west. The restaurant is located in a two-storey heritage black and white bungalow built in the 1940s, surrounded by the serene and lush greenery of Rochester Park.

French Heirloom Beetroot Salad 4.8/5

With the opening of its latest outlet at Rochester, it has introduced several exclusive new dishes, such as the French Heirloom Beetroot Salad ($17). These beetroots are deliciously fruity, not those earthy tasting beetroots that I have eaten. On top of that, it has a delectable crunchy texture that is very enjoyable.

Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" 4/5

The Terrine de Foie Gras "Maison" ($26) is another exclusive dish at the new outlet. It is served with onion chutney and toast. I am not sure about the others on the table, but I find having the terrine with toast weird. I prefer pairing it with the complimentary bread.

French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil 3.8/5

It was a rainy day when I visited Les Bouchons. Hence the French Ceps Soup with Truffle Oil ($16) is a timely entree warming the body in the cold weather. Each spoonful came with an intense mushroomy flavour, but I thought it was rather heavy on the salt. In addition, I didn't find the use of truffle oil is necessary.

Grilled Sirloin Wagyu 4.8/5

The highlight at Les Bouchons has to be their mains. Making a grand entrance with its beautiful marbling is the Grilled Sirloin Wagyu ($78) cooked perfectly to medium-rare. Just a touch of salt at the side to appreciate the flavoursome piece of meat. There is no need for any sauce to enjoy the quality Japanese Hokkaido Black Wagyu MB +6/7.

Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet 4.8/5

Next, we have the Extra Tender Angus Beef Filet ($50). It is leaner compared to the wagyu, bursting with beefy jus of its own. It is not interior to the wagyu but up to the individual's preference for their steak. Fans like me that prefer more bite in their steak would choose the Angus beef filet over the grilled sirloin wagyu.

Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail 4.5/5

Besides the beef, Les Bouchons does a very good Poulet aux 40 Gousses d'Ail ($32). I was secretly happy to be served the traditional 40 garlic roasted chicken. A dish I have not eaten for a long time. I reminded the last time I had it was many years ago at a friend's gathering. The chicken flavoured by the lovely aroma of garlic and rosemary was tender and juicy. I would highly recommend wiping up the delicious sauce with the bread too.

Truffle Brie "Maison" 50g 4/5

Round up with some cheese and crackers to complete the meal and enjoy the selection of wines available at the restaurant. It has a list of approximately 100 labels, including old and new world, rare and vintage selections, with 80% from France, ensuring that there is something to imbibe at any time of the day.

Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream 4/5

You will not get wrong with the Double Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream ($15) for desserts. Crusty on the exterior and molten inside, the chocolatey goodness is complemented by the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream, cutting through the richness.

Ile Flottante 4.2/5

Also known as the floating island is the Ile Flottante ($13). Floating in the tall glass is a meringue in creme anglaise. It was my first time having such an interesting dessert, and I enjoyed it. It felt like having ice cream in a creamy sauce.

Creme Brulee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we have the Creme Brulee ($13) that comes with a layer of crackling caramelised sugar atop a rich custard base infused with a hint of orange zest.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Bouchons Rochester
10 Rochester Park
Rochester Commons
Singapore 139221
Tel: +65 69048972
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit C. Take the sheltered walkway and walk towards Star Vista. Turn left onto Rochester Drive. Walk to junction of Rochester Drive and Vista Exchange Green. Turn right onto Vista Exchange Green. Walk to junction of Vista Exchange Green and Rochester Park. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]