Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Singapore - A Taste of Puglian Tradition by Mamma Ria

This May, have a taste of authentic Puglian flavours at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, located within Shangri-La Singapore. Brought to you by Mrs Maria Matera, affectionately known as Mamma Ria, the heart of the Carbotti family and mother of Restaurant Manager Andreano Carbotti, this special showcase runs till 17 May.

Delve into Puglian traditions as you witness Mamma Ria handcraft fresh pastas such as Orecchiette and Cavatelli using family recipes passed down through generations, which is a familiar scene in the Carbotti household. Joining her is Michelangelo Carbotti, Andreano’s father and a distinguished sommelier with a master’s diploma, who brings over a decade of expertise in curating wine pairings to complete the Puglian dining experience.

Focaccia Mortadella E Provola 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying Mamma Ria’s Specials Menu. To start, we had the Focaccia Mortadella E Provola ($22), featuring the restaurant’s signature housemade focaccia layered with Mortadella ham and Provola cheese. What stood out was the focaccia’s lightly crisp exterior, contrasting with its soft, fluffy interior, which paired beautifully with the savoury folds of Mortadella. I only wish there were a little more provolone cheese for a heartier bite.

Sagne alla Briciola 4/5

Next came the three pastas lovingly handcrafted by Mamma Ria. The Sagne alla Briciola ($28) features handmade sagne pasta coated in a moreish savoury sauce of anchovies, garlic, chilli, and parsley, finished with toasted breadcrumbs. The spiral-shaped pasta delivered a delightful springy bite while catching every bit of the garlicky sauce. It was my first experience trying sagne pasta, and it certainly left a strong impression.

Orecchiette Salsiccia E Zafferano 4.8/5

My favourite of the evening was the Orecchiette Salsiccia E Zafferano ($32). Store-bought dried orecchiette often falls flat in both flavour and texture, but this completely changed my perception of the pasta. The handmade orecchiette had an incredible chew and texture that dried versions simply cannot replicate. It instantly reminded me of how homemade Mee Hoon Kueh always tastes best. Mamma Ria’s orecchiette held the sauce beautifully, with its deep pockets capturing the rich, meaty blend of pork sausage, Pecorino cheese, crispy bacon, and saffron.

Cavatelli Cozze E Fagioli 4/5

The Cavatelli Cozze E Fagioli ($38), handmade instead by Michelangelo Carbotti, featured cavatelli tossed in a lightly creamy sauce of cannellini beans, garlic, and pepper, brightened by the sweetness of fresh mussels and cherry tomatoes.

It is truly a rare opportunity to try pastas handmade by both parents of the restaurant’s very own manager, rooted in Puglian heritage. Mamma Ria’s Specials Menu offers an authentic taste of Puglian tradition. If you enjoy authentic Italian cooking with a personal touch, this limited-time experience at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano is worth checking out before 17 May.

A La Carte Menu Specials
Friday, 8 May - Sunday, 17 May 2026
Lunch 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Dinner 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Except Sunday Brunch Buffet

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Waterfall Ristorante Italiano
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Level One, Garden Wing
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134398
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock 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]

Opus Bar and Grill @ VOCO Orchard Singapore - Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0.

Opus Bar and Grill has recently rolled out a refreshed edition of its Sunday brunch, Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0. This new concept introduces a bi-monthly themed culinary series, where each edition has its own menu, ranging from classic roasts and slow-smoked meats to local flavours, spit-roast specials, and festive holiday grills. The experience is further elevated with curated beverage pairings, including wines, cocktails and beers.

Taking centre stage in this Grilled Out Sunday Edition 2.0 à la carte buffet is the mains selection, where the sumptuous meat platter is as much a visual feast as it is indulgent. The Sunday roasts highlight four distinctive fire-led cooking techniques — Grilling, Josper Roasting, Smoking and Rotisserie.

Black Angus Striploin

From the grill, the Black Angus Striploin delivered the expected beefy flavours. The Josper oven was key in building intense depth in the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Leg, sealing in its aromatic richness. The Smoked Duck Breast stood out for its tender, unctuous texture, gently infused with a lingering smokiness. A familiar crowd-pleaser, the Rotisserie-roasted Chicken was evenly cooked, with golden skin and a desired succulence. That said, the oven -roasted Crispy Pork Belly fell short of expectations. The crackling lacked the desired crispness, and a slight gamey note detracted from its overall appeal.

An engaging highlight of the brunch is the live guéridon service, where selected savoury items are finished tableside, adding an interactive and theatrical touch to the dining experience.

Moules Marinière

Completing the brunch is a selection of appetisers and sides. The starters were delectable - Crab and Potato, Moules Marinière, and Roasted Tomato Soup were enjoyable and, in fact, more memorable than the sides.

Cauliflower Gratin

Yorkshire Pudding

Among the sides, the warm, cheesy Cauliflower Gratin and the classic Yorkshire Pudding stood out. The latter, being a must-have with any proper Sunday roast, was fluffy and chewy.

Salad Bar

A thoughtful addition is the self-service Salad Bar, where we helped ourselves to fresh salads, cheeses and crackers as we await our orders.

Creme Brulee

For desserts, we had the Apple Crumble, Crème Brûlée, and Ice Cream Sundae. The latter charmed with its nostalgic, old-school presentation. My favourite was the Apple Crumble, served warm with a generous dollop of cream. The buttery sweetness of the crumble hit just the right spot, making it a comforting and satisfying end to the meal.

Ice Cream Sundae

For more information and for dining reservations, please call Opus Bar and Grill at +65 6730 3390 or visit orcharddining.vocohotels.com/dining/opus-bar-grill

Grilled Out Sunday (a la carte buffet)
Every Sunday, 12pm to 3pm $78++ per adult | $39++ per child (6 to 12 years old)
Free-flow alcoholic beverages at $48++ per adult

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Opus Bar & Grill
VOCO Orchard Singapore
581 Orchard Road
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3390
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030pm

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. Walk down Orchard Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Elevated OZ “Meats” Buffet, A Lavish Sunday Brunch Experience with Expanded Indulgences and Weekend Favourites

The Orchard Cafe presents an elevated take on its well-loved OZ "Meats" Buffet with a special Sunday Brunch, offering an expanded spread that brings together hearty Australian highlights alongside indulgent brunch classics. The refreshed experience delivers a satisfying weekend feast, complete with premium ingredients and comforting favourites for all ages.

Salad

The buffet begins on a high note with a vibrant selection of Chef's Salads, offering a refreshing and flavourful start. Highlights include the Spanish Style Grilled Octopus, Creamy Idaho Potato with mustard and dill, and the Tomato with Baby Mozzarella and basil. Heartier options such as AUS Pulled Lamb with lentil and hummus, and AUS Beef Brisket with pickled vegetables further elevate the spread.

Artisan Cheeses

Following this is the antipasto section, featuring an assortment of Salami, Mortadella, Serrano Ham, Pepperoni and Smoked Salmon, complemented by a selection of premium artisan cheeses. This combination of cured meats and cheeses offers a satisfying balance of savoury richness and creamy indulgence.

Seafood on Ice

Seafood lovers will appreciate the generous Seafood on Ice selection, which includes Red Prawns, Mussels, Half-Shell Scallops, Cherry Clams, Black Mussels, Snow Crab, and Boston Lobster, alongside Poached Salmon. Adding to the spread are Assorted Sashimi such as Salmon, Trout, Yellowfin Tuna, and Hamachi, as well as a variety of Sushi and Maki Rolls of the Day.

Carving Station

At the Carving Station, diners can enjoy an impressive lineup of hearty mains. Highlights include the Slow-Roasted AUS Grain-Fed Prime Rib served with baby potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and red wine sauce, as well as the Aussie-Style Grass-Fed Lamb Rack paired with mint and BBQ sauces. The Maple Glazed & Orange Marmalade Gammon Ham stood out for its balance of sweet and savoury notes. At the same time, the Baked Barramundi and Peri-Peri Roasted Chicken offered lighter yet flavourful alternatives.

Satay and Meats

The AUS Meats Charcoal Grill Station adds a smoky dimension to the feast, featuring grilled favourites such as Tiger Prawns, Pork Belly, Pork Bacon, Chicken Wings and Chicken Satay, all freshly prepared over charcoal for that irresistible charred aroma.

Roasted Delights

A selection of Roasted Delights further complements the spread, including Roasted Duck, Roasted Pork, BBQ Pork, and Hainanese Chicken served with fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice, offering familiar local flavours that are always crowd-pleasers.

Chilli Crab

One of our favourite local delights is the Chilli Crab served with mantou, boasting a rich, tangy and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the fluffy fried buns, making it a must-have dish during brunch.

Congee Station, Noodle Bar

For those seeking comforting carbohydrates, the buffet also features a Congee Station with assorted condiments and fried Chinese doughnuts, alongside a Noodle Bar serving options such as Lor Mee and Laksa, catering to different flavour preferences. For a more satisfying combination, pair a warm bowl of congee with the soft, flavourful braised soy pork, which adds comforting richness to the dish.

Indian and Dosa Station

The Indian Station offers a robust spread of bold, aromatic dishes, including Kolkata Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Mutton Kosha Mangsho, alongside vegetarian options like Palak Paneer and Keerai Paruppu Kadayal. The Dosa Station serves freshly made Masala Dosa, Onion Uttapam and Plain Dosa with sambar and chutney.

Foie Gras

Adding a luxurious touch to the brunch is the Foie Gras Station, where Pan Roasted French Foie Gras is served with rhubarb chutney and brioche.

Egg Benedict

The Egg Station offers made-to-order Eggs Benedict with perfect flowy yolks, perfect for a classic brunch indulgence.

Oysters

Seafood aficionados will also enjoy the Oyster Station, featuring both baked and steamed oysters, which quickly became one of our personal favourites for their freshness and briny sweetness.

Kids Munchkin Section

Families are well catered for with the Munchkin Table, offering kid-friendly favourites such as pizza, pasta on a wheel, Wagyu beef sliders, hash browns, snail sausages and fish & chips, ensuring even the little ones have plenty to enjoy.

Desserts

Desserts round off the experience on a delightful note, with an extensive selection that includes Signature Mango Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Opera Cake, and Yuzu Sesame Cake. Other indulgent treats include Tim Tam Tarts with Berries, candy donuts, assorted kuehs, apple pie and pralines, as well as Banoffee Cream Pudding with white chocolate crumble. The Chocolate Fountain, served with fruits, marshmallows, Rice Krispies, and a fun popcorn station, adds a playful and satisfying end to the brunch.

OZ "Meats" Buffet is available from now to 30 April 2026.

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Friday): $88 per person
Weekday Dinner (Monday to Thursday): $102 per person
Weekend Lunch (Saturday to Sunday): $98 per person
Weekend Dinner (Friday to Sunday): $112 per person

For the months of March and April 2026, make a reservation via https://www.millenniumhotels.com/tc/sgfoodonfoot to enjoy a complimentary glass of The Orchard Cafe Signature Drink.

Words and photos by Crystal. A lady who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. 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]

Torasho Ramen Bar @ Takashimaya - Revamped with a Focus on Authentic Japanese Shoyu Ramen

Chef Sho Naganuma is the founder of the popular homegrown Japanese ramen brand Torasho Ramen. Its Takashimaya space has recently undergone a revamp and menu refresh, with a renewed focus on classic Japanese-style shoyu ramen.

Chef Sho introduced this direction to showcase the authentic flavours he grew up with, built on a carefully crafted base of pork and shoyu.

Chashu Wontonmen 4/5

First up was the Chashu Wontonmen ($22), served in a generously filled bowl, topped with tender, well-seasoned chashu, wontons, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. The egg is a $2 top-up. The clear broth was hearty and deeply savoury, yet surprisingly light. We especially enjoyed the layered depth of flavours, which went beyond just soy sauce. That said, we did wish the noodles had a slightly firmer bite.

For simpler options, there is the signature Ramen ($16), Chashumen ($19), and other variations with different toppings.

Wonton Tsukemen 4/5

If you prefer bolder flavours, go for the Wonton Tsukemen ($21). The dipping broth is noticeably thicker and richer. This is also available as Tsukemen ($18), Tsukemen with Tamago ($20) and Chashu Tsukemen ($21).

House condiments are available at the counter for diners to customise their bowls, including homemade garlic chilli, crushed garlic for tsukemen, and ramen pepper from Nagoya.

Karaage 4/5

Beyond ramen, you can also opt for sides or top up to set meals, such as Wonton, Karaage, Chashu Rice Set, Curry Rice Set and more. We tried the Karaage ($6.80) to share, which was crispy on the outside and juicy within.

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.


Torasho Ramen Bar
Takashimaya Food Hall B2
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City and to the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]