The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Get into the Festive Mood at The Orchard Café’s ’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
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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]

Chen’s Kitchen @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Welcoming Lunar New Year With Festive Set Reunion Menus

For the upcoming Lunar New Year, Chen's Kitchen at Paragon Shopping Centre has introduced festive set Reunion Menus featuring its well-loved signatures alongside new dishes that will be added to the regular menu after CNY 2026.

Prosperity Yu Sheng 3/5

Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup 3/5

The Blossom Set ($328++ for 4 pax) begins with a classic Prosperity Yu Sheng, followed by a comforting Double-boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup. The soup was simple, homely, and soothing.

Mapo Tofu Original 4.2/5

Three of Chen's Kitchen's signatures anchor this set. The Mapo Tofu Original did not disappoint, delivering umami-packed flavours with silky tofu that carried the sauce beautifully.

Sweet and Sour Barramundi 3/5

The Sweet and Sour Barramundi was delectable overall, though the fried exterior on the leaner parts of the fish leaned slightly thicker than preferred, resulting in more crust than meat. The sauce also skewed a little too sweet for my palate.

Mala Mayo Prawns 4.5/5

On the other hand, the Mala Mayo Prawns were succulent, elevated by a coating of mala mayonnaise on the exterior that delivered an indulgent, creamy mouthfeel.

Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork 4.8/5

Our family favourite was undoubtedly Chen's Black Sweet and Sour Pork. Each morsel was firm yet tender and deeply savoury, with a rich, well-balanced flavour that leaned more towards umami rather than tanginess.

Gongbao Chicken 4/5

The Gongbao Chicken was visually appealing, featuring tender, well-marinated chicken complemented by asparagus that added a refreshing crunch.

Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms 4.5/5

The Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms were thoroughly moreish, with crunchy beans paired with savoury minced meat, making it easy to keep reaching for more.

Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates 3.8/5

To complement the flavoursome dishes, dessert is a refreshing chilled Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates, offering a light and soothing finish to the meal.

4-Pax, 6-Pax and 8-Pax Reunion Menus are available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery

Promotions
Citi Cardmembers Exclusive — 20% Off CNY Set Menus (Valid from 9 Jan – 3 Mar 2026, excluding 16–18 Feb)
Early Bird Special — 15% Off for reservations by 31 Jan 2026 (10% Off 16–18 Feb)
Free Fortune Cat Blind Box with any set menu or Yusheng purchase
Angbao Giveaway (5 Jan – 3 Mar, while stocks last) with prizes including discounts on CNY sets, Yusheng offers, complimentary appetisers, or drinks

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


Chen's Kitchen
Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road
#B1-43
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time is about 12 minutes. [Map]

York Hotel Celebrates The Year of The Hourse With Timeless Chinese New Year Flavours

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, York Hotel has curated a range of takeaway offerings featuring both festive classics and new creations, perfect for cosy home celebrations or gifting.

Prosperity Lo Hei 4/5

The Flavours of Fortune Combo ($298, serves 4–5 pax) is a wholesome yet luxurious spread of festive delicacies ideal for home celebrations. The set includes a Prosperity Lo Hei with Smoked Nordic Salmon and Sliced Abalone (large), as well as a thoughtful selection of mains and a dessert to round off the feast.

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.5/5

One standout from the set is a vegetarian rendition of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($98 à la carte). This meatless version was no less flavourful than its traditional counterpart. The slow-simmered medley of morel mushrooms, cordyceps flowers, shark fin melon, chestnut, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, carrot, radish, Shanghai greens, yam, and red dates resulted in a deeply nourishing dish for all.

Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber in Orange 3/5

The Braised Duck with Sea Cucumber in Orange Plum Sauce ($98 à la carte) is a returning favourite, elevated with a tangy orange plum sauce that adds a pleasant citrusy lift. That said, the portion I had was slightly dry despite the rich, flavoursome sauce, and the sea cucumber could have been more tender.

Steamed Multigrain Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the combo, and of the evening as well, was the Steamed Multigrain Rice ($58 à la carte). Every bite was deeply umami, enriched with Chinese sausage and an enjoyable mix of textures from chestnut, lotus seed, black-eyed peas, and savoury sakura shrimp.

Golden Treasure Seafood Pot 4.2/5

Among the popular takeaway items is the Golden Treasure Seafood Pot, brimming with premium seafood such as rock lobster, crab claw, scallops, and prawns. The shellfish broth was vibrant and robust. While most ingredients were well-cooked, the rock lobster was slightly overdone.

Fortune Herbal Chicken 4/5

For something comforting and homely, the Fortune Herbal Chicken with Red Dates and Goji Berries ($68) delivered precisely that. The chicken was succulent, soaking up the gentle, nourishing flavours of the herbal broth.

Honey-glazed Pork Ribs in Hawthorn Berry Sauce 2.8/5

A meatier option is the Honey-glazed Pork Ribs in Hawthorn Berry Sauce, served with deep-fried mini mantou ($68). The sauce was tantalisingly tangy and sweet, though the ribs didn’t take on the glaze evenly, leaving some parts a little bland and dry.

Stir-Fried Tomato Garlic Prawn 4.5/5

The Stir-Fried Tomato Garlic Prawn ($68 nett, serves 4–5 persons) injected the meal with joyous, nostalgic flavours. Succulent prawns were coated in a thick, tomatoey sauce fragrant with garlic, evoking a comforting taste of home.

Traditional Yam Paste 5/5

Dessert was the Traditional Yam Paste with Pumpkin and Ginkgo Nuts, which was easily one of the best versions I’ve had in a long time—smooth, well-balanced, and a satisfying end to the meal.

All takeaway dishes require a three (3) working-day advance order. Customers can self-collect at White Rose Café from 2 February to 3 March 2026, from 11 am to 8 pm. The last collection on the eve of Chinese New Year (16 February 2026) is at 4 pm. For dine-in, prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Citibank, DBS/POSB, and UOB cardholders enjoy the following:

Early Bird Offer: Enjoy 15% off Lunar New Year takeaway items in a single receipt, with orders and full payment received by 9 February 2026. Regular Offer (10 February to 3 March 2026): Enjoy 10% off Lunar New Year takeaway items

Pre-order link for takeaway: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/york-hotel-white-rose-cafe

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


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel's Lunar New Year Line Up For Year of The Horse

Goodwood Park Hotel welcomes the Year of the Horse with a lavish spread of Lunar New Year delicacies, available for walk-in purchase at The Deli, Min Jiang and Min Jiang at Dempsey from 23 January to 3 March 2026. Drawing inspiration from the horse – a symbol of strength, vitality and progress – this year's offerings showcase refined craftsmanship, premium ingredients and flavours that balance tradition with modern finesse.

Blossoming Prosperity 'Lo Hei' 4.5/5

Priced at $288++ (Dine-In) | $313.90 nett (Takeaway/Delivery), the Blossoming Prosperity 'Lo Hei' by Master Chef Goh Chee Kong is a refreshing departure from conventional yu sheng. Designed for diners seeking something more contemporary, the yu sheng is artfully shaped like an elegant fan, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. What truly stands out is the generous medley of evenly diced fresh fruits – strawberry, kiwi, blueberry, melon, dragon fruit and apple – lending natural sweetness, tang and vibrancy to every bite. The sauce, crafted from apple juice, ginger flower and sour plum, is well-balanced and uplifting, tying the ingredients together without overpowering them. Textural contrast comes from crunchy fried yams and carrot strips, pine nuts and crisp romaine lettuce. Completing this luxurious creation is a premium trio of abalone, raw salmon and lobster, making this a celebratory and indulgent way to kick-start the Lunar New Year feast.

Min Jiang Five Treasures Appetiser Platter 3.5/5

The Min Jiang Five Treasures Appetiser Platter is priced at $168++ (Dine-In) | $183.10 nett (Takeaway/Delivery) and serves as an elegant prelude to the reunion meal. The platter features a quintet of appetisers: Deep-fried Shrimp with Mango Mayonnaise, Chilled Baby Abalone with Spicy Lime Sauce, Pan-fried Iberico Pork Belly, Shanghainese Smoked Sea Perch Fillet, and Marinated Sea Jelly with Sesame. Each item offers a distinct flavour profile, from creamy and fruity to smoky and savoury. While the platter is refined and visually pleasing, some components stood out more than others, making it a pleasant but not overly memorable starter.

Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Abalone, Dace Fish stuffed in Fortune Bag and Sea Treasures in Pot 4.5/5

Priced at $288++ (Dine-In) | $313.90 nett (Takeaway/Delivery), the nourishing Braised Whole Spring Chicken, Abalone, Dace Fish stuffed in Fortune Bag and Sea Treasures in Pot is one of the highlights of the festive menu. A whole spring chicken is painstakingly deboned for a refined dining experience, then generously stuffed with water chestnuts, Australian abalone, premium fish maw, dried scallop and pork tendon. The addition of dace fish stuffed in a fortune bag adds both symbolism and depth. Double-boiled for over three hours, the resulting broth is rich, collagen-laden and deeply comforting, showcasing time-honoured techniques that shine through in every spoonful. Presented in a rustic claypot, this dish is both visually impressive and immensely satisfying.

Braised Boneless Pork Knuckle, Abalone, Minced Shrimp & Chicken stuffed in Lotus Root and Sea Treasures in Pot 4.5/5

At $398++ (Dine-In) | $433.80 nett (Takeaway/Delivery), this luxurious Braised Boneless Pork Knuckle, Abalone, Minced Shrimp & Chicken stuffed in Lotus Root and Sea Treasures in Pot is a celebration of texture and patience. The boneless pork knuckle is slowly braised for over three hours until fork-tender, absorbing the rich flavours of the braising sauce. A standout component is the lotus root slices, deep-fried and generously stuffed with shrimp and chicken paste. Lightly steamed, they offer a delightful contrast of crunch and savouriness. Served alongside abalone and other auspicious sea treasures, this dish is hearty, indulgent and well-suited for a celebratory reunion meal.

Claypot Reunion Rice 4.5/5

The Claypot Reunion Rice, priced at $150.40 nett (small) | $215.80 nett (large), is a comforting Cantonese staple elevated for the festive season. The fragrant rice is crowned with preserved Chinese pork sausages, liver, waxed duck leg and succulent pork belly. Drizzled and tossed with supreme soy sauce, the rice is aromatic and flavourful, making it a satisfying centrepiece to accompany the richer dishes on the table.

Goodwood Park Hotel's Lunar New Year offerings for 2026 strike a commendable balance between tradition and modern elegance. From the refreshing, fruit-forward yu sheng to the nourishing double-boiled soups and indulgent claypot dishes, the menu caters well to both festive symbolism and gastronomic pleasure. All Lunar New Year specials are available from 23 January to 3 March 2026, with a minimum five-day advance order required for takeaways. The last pre-order date is 27 February 2026. Online pre-orders open from 11 January 2026 via goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me, with options for self-collection or delivery.

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - Unveils a Refreshed Cantonese Menu

I am back at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Singapore, to experience its refreshed menu that redefines timeless Cantonese gastronomy through a contemporary lens. Guided by Executive Chef Daniel Cheung, the new offerings honour tradition while introducing refined techniques and elegant presentations.

The meal begins with a delightful Amuse Bouche featuring sweet prawn paired with a zesty sauce. The bright acidity complements the prawn's natural sweetness beautifully, awakening the palate and setting the tone for what's to come.

Trio of Dim Sum Items 4/5

We commence the dinner with a Trio of Dim Sum Items, each showcasing refined craftsmanship and thoughtful layering of flavours and textures. The Steamed Chicken Roll with Ham, Black Mushroom and Fried Fish Maw is comforting yet elegant, with tender chicken wrapped around savoury ham and earthy mushrooms, punctuated by the gentle chew of fish maw. The Traditional Deep-fried Hokkaido Scallop Dumpling with Supreme Broth delivers a delightful contrast: crisp on the outside, revealing a sweet, succulent scallop filling within. Rounding off the trio is the Steamed Crystal Dumpling with Black Truffle, Assorted Mushroom and Preserved Olive, where translucent skin encases an aromatic medley of mushrooms, lifted by the earthy perfume of black truffle and a subtle briny note from the preserved olive. Together, the trio offers a graceful introduction to Shang Palace's refreshed Cantonese repertoire.

Double-Boiled Soup 4.5/5

Next is a hearty and nourishing Double-Boiled An Xin Chicken Broth with Fish Maw, Sea Conch and Honey Dew. Ingredients including sea conch, chicken, chicken feet, fish maw, honeydew, jade bamboo and ginger are double-boiled for over three hours, resulting in a rich, velvety broth. The addition of honeydew is particularly intriguing and uncommon in traditional double-boiled soups. It imparts a subtle melon sweetness at the finish, adding complexity without overpowering the broth's savoury depth.

Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the evening is the Baked Australia Pork Rib with Osmanthus Honey and Black Pepper Sauce. Rose wine is poured tableside before the ribs are flambéed, adding a touch of theatre. The pork ribs are exceptionally tender, falling off the bone with ease. The osmanthus honey lends a delicate floral fragrance, while the black pepper sauce delivers a bold, peppery kick. The sweet-and-spicy interplay is truly lip-smacking.

Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce 4/5

This dish is a nostalgic nod to Hong Kong's 1980s culinary era, where Chinese and Western influences converged. Traditionally cooked with Portuguese sauce, Shang Palace adapts it using a creamy white sauce akin to béchamel. The Baked Assorted Diced Seafood and Sea Conch with Cream Sauce is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden brown, resulting in a comforting, creamy dish with a satisfying crust.

Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures 4.5/5

The Braised Boneless Duck with Eight Treasures is served in a rich abalone sauce broth, alongside prawns, cuttlefish, pig kidney, chicken, bamboo shoots, fish maw, sea cucumber, and mushrooms. The duck is deep-fried before braising, a technique that tightens the skin, keeps it crisp, and removes any gaminess from the meat. The result is a luxurious, well-balanced dish showcasing both technique and tradition.

Deep-fried Crab Claw with Shrimp Paste and Almond Flakes 4.5/5

The Deep-fried Japanese Snow Crab Claw, stuffed with shrimp paste and coated with almond flakes, offers excellent textural contrast. The succulence and sweetness of the prawn filling are enhanced by the nutty crunch of the almonds, making this a crowd-pleasing classic.

Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot 4.5/5

Vegetable dishes shine just as brightly with the Braised Assorted Vegetables with Preserved Beancurd in Claypot. Featuring broccoli, Nai Bai, bamboo fungus, shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snow peas, vermicelli and beancurd, everything is braised in a flavourful vegetable broth with preserved beancurd and vegetarian oyster sauce. The preserved beancurd sauce is the star, packed with umami and depth, while the vermicelli soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.

Chilled Pandan Pudding Topped with Bird's Nest 4.2/5

Dessert is a refreshing Chilled Pandan Pudding topped with Indonesian Bird's Nest and edible gold foil. Made from fresh pandan juice, the pudding is silky smooth and fragrant. The addition of bird's nest lends a touch of luxury, ending the meal on a light yet indulgent note.

Shang Palace's refreshed menu is a confident showcase of classic Cantonese flavours reimagined with finesse. Chef Daniel Cheung strikes an admirable balance between tradition and modern expression, delivering dishes that are comforting, elegant and thoughtfully executed. A worthy revisit for both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4473
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards the Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes.[Map]