Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice @ Takashimaya - Opens First Full-Service Restaurant

After close to four decades of feeding loyal crowds at its famed Tiong Bahru Market stall, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice takes a significant step forward with its first full-service restaurant at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. A proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand for nine consecutive years, the heritage brand now brings its time-honoured flavours into a more refined, comfortable dine-in setting along Orchard Road. The 76-seater space not only offers a more elevated experience but also introduces exclusive dishes and customisation options that give a fresh perspective to this beloved local staple.

Hainanese Chicken 4/5

At the heart of the menu are the signature plates that built its reputation. The Hainanese Chicken Rice ($14) showcases poached chicken with smooth, gelatinous skin and tender flesh, delicately seasoned to highlight its natural flavours. Equally satisfying is the Roasted Chicken Rice ($14), boasting a beautifully bronzed, crisp skin that gives way to juicy meat beneath.

For those who cannot decide, the Classic Hainanese Combo Chicken Rice ($16) offers the best of both worlds, pairing poached and roasted chicken on one plate. Portions are also available for sharing, from quarter to whole birds, making it ideal for communal dining.

Roasted Chicken 4/5

A standout feature at this outlet is the ability to customise your rice. Diners can choose from three varieties — the Signature Fragrant Chicken Rice ($2), rich with chicken stock and deeply savoury; the lighter Fragrant Basmati Rice ($2.50), offering a fluffier, lower-GI alternative; or the premium Niigata Koshihikari Rice ($3), prized for its soft, slightly sticky texture and gentle sweetness. This thoughtful addition elevates the experience, allowing diners to tailor their meal to personal preference.

Hainan Curry Fish Pot 4/5

Moving beyond chicken rice, the expanded menu introduces hearty sharing dishes such as the Hainan Curry Fish Pot ($38/$42). Served bubbling in a thick, creamy curry, the dish delivers bold, comforting flavours with a gentle spice. The fish remains moist and tender, soaking up the aromatic gravy, while long beans, brinjal and fried beancurd skin add both texture and substance to the dish.

Hainanese Crispy Pork 3.8/5

The Hainanese Crispy Pork ($14) is another highlight, featuring golden crackling that shatters with each bite, revealing juicy, well-marinated pork belly within. It is indulgent, richly flavoured, and highly addictive.

Twin Style Kailan 3.5/5

Balancing the meal is the Twin-Style Kailan ($15), which cleverly contrasts textures by pairing crunchy leaves with tender stems. The addition of savoury pork floss lends a surprising umami lift that ties the dish together.

Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawn 4/5

Completing the spread is the Homemade Ngoh Hiang with Tiger Prawns ($10/$18). Wrapped in crisp beancurd skin, the filling of minced pork, tiger prawns and water chestnuts is well-seasoned with aromatic five-spice powder, delivering a satisfying bite with layers of flavour and texture.

Coconut Chendol Bliss 4/5

Ending on a refreshing note, the Coconut Chendol Bliss ($8) brings together familiar local flavours in a more indulgent format. Silky pandan jelly and soft red beans sit beneath scoops of creamy coconut ice cream, all drizzled with fragrant gula melaka. It is a cooling, satisfying dessert that rounds off the meal beautifully.

With its opening of a full-service restaurant setting, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice successfully bridges heritage and modern dining. While its signature chicken rice remains the main draw, the introduction of premium rice options and an expanded menu of comforting dishes adds depth to the experience. Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, this new Takashimaya outpost offers a polished yet familiar taste of one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiong Bahru Hainanese Chicken Rice
Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 69004320
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight toward Ngee Ann City until you reach 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 about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tanyu (探鱼烤鱼) @ 313 Somerset - 50% OFF Their 5 Signature Skewers with Any Order of Grilled Fish.

TANYU (探鱼烤鱼) is one of the first names that comes to mind when it comes to grilled fish. Now, exclusive to its flagship outlet at 313@somerset, diners can also look forward to a new BBQ Skewer live station offering more than 40 varieties of skewers.

Grilled Fish with Fresh Green Pepper 4/5

We started with the classic Grilled Fish with Fresh Green Pepper, available in four fish options – Limbo Fish, Limbo Fish Fillet, Sea Bass, and Qingjiang Fish. Unlike our previous visit, the restaurant now offers a smaller portion from $28.90, making it more suitable for 1 to 2 diners.

The fish was as smooth and tender as we remembered. While we wished it came with more ingredients and a slightly less salty broth, the dish was still appetising with a bold, peppery heat.

A range of sides is available too, including the TANYU Black Beancurd ($4.50) and Golden Combination ($7.40 for Small, $14.80 for Large), a mix of enoki mushrooms, potato, lotus root and luncheon meat.

Pig Blood Curd 4/5

An exciting new addition to the menu is the Pig Blood Curd ($6 for 4 Pieces). Smooth and silky, it soaked up the flavourful broth perfectly.

BBQ Skewer Series 4/5

The new BBQ Skewer selection is extensive, with categories including Chinese-style, Black Pepper, Pepper, Teriyaki, Flavoured and even Foil-grilled.

The Teriyaki Black Pork Belly with Asparagus ($2.20) and Teriyaki Black Pork Belly with Enoki Mushrooms ($1.80) both featured tender pork belly glazed in a savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce, well-balanced and tasty.

Surprisingly, our favourite was the Pineapple with Caramel ($1.80). We didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as we did, with its lightly caramelised exterior giving way to a juicy, sweet centre. Other skewers to look out for include the Mentaiko Zucchini ($2.80), Charred Chilli Grilled Eel ($5.80 for 3 Pieces), and Foil-grilled King Oyster Mushrooms ($8), among many others.

For a limited time only, enjoy 50% off their 5 Signature Skewers (U.P $17.50) with any order of grilled fish.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tanyu (探鱼烤鱼)
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
B3-30/31/32
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 65098887
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

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

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.

Lobster

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.

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.

Snow Beef Nigiri

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.

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.

Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

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.

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.

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.

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.

River Prawns Nyonya Laksa

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.

Yakitori Donburi Bowl

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.

Local Delights

Local Delights

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]