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

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli @ InterContinental Singapore - launches new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch

LUCE by Davide Giacomelli at InterContinental Singapore recently launched a new Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch, featuring an extensive buffet line of Cold Starters, Hot Specialities, Pinsas, desserts and live stations, jazzed up with the accompaniment of live music.

Charcuterie Room

One may start off from the Charcuterie Room, located right beside the main entrance of Luce. It impresses with a wide selection of imported cheese and cold cuts from Italy such as Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Taleggio, Mortadella and Cured Ham, all lined up with a slab of honeycomb as a centerpiece. Alongside the cheeses and cold cuts you will also find Bread and Condiments such as Focaccia, Baguettes, as well as interesting spreads Grissini Sundried Tomato Butter and Basil Pesto Butter.

Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon

One of my favourite Cold starters is this Aged Parma Ham Wrapped Rock Melon - The parma ham had such a luscious bite to it, and its savouriness was well paired with the sweetness of the juicy rock melon.

One of the main drawn of the Champagne Brunch is the Seafood and Sashimi on Ice. Perfect with champagne, you will have your freshly- shucked oysters, Boston lobster, snow crab leg, tiger prawns, and sashimi.

Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Moving on to the Live Stations, Cheese Wheel Pasta Cacio e Pepe is also one of the highlights - made ala minute, you will have your freshly-prepared Mafaldine Pasta tossed inside a Parmesan Cheese Wheel. Best enjoy when its hot from the wheel!

And no brunch buffet is complete without a good roasted meat. At the Meat Carving station, enjoy Slow Oven Roasted Angus Beef Striploin, served with condiments such as caramelised onions and Dijon Mustard.

Orecchia di Elefante

Hot stations give you a taste of Italy, such as this specialty of Lombardy, the Orecchia di Elefante– a bone-in, thinly sliced tender veal meat that is breaded and fried. Known as the “elephant ear”, Chef Davide has his fried in clarified butter for richer flavours.

One of my favourites is the Eggs a l’ Amatriciana. Lovers of baked eggs dishes and runny yolk will definitely be awed by this brunch item. The golden yolks of the Cage Free Eggs were satisfyingly unctuous, and the tomato sauce which is loaded with with pancetta and perfectly cooked-down red onions was vibrant with flavours.

Spezzatino di Manzo is another hearty hot dish - Italian Beef Stew with Mediterranean Vegetables such as capsicums and mushrooms. Both the softened beef and vegetables were beautifully flavoured.

Hand-tossed Italian Pinsas

Pinsas station is a hot favourite with its variety of hand-tossed Italian Pinsas freshly made once each flavour runs out. There are classic flavours such as the Margherita and Four Cheese, but I quite fancy the fancier creation Rustica Pinsa, topped with Scamorza – an Italian cow’s milk cheese layered with Bacon, Zucchini and Potato.

Salad Bar

Club Salmon Norwegian

The Salad Bar is wholesome and vibrant with organic Vegetable from local farms. There is also a selection of finger food such as Club Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Club Salmon Norwegian and Chilled Marinated Heirloom Tomato Soup.

Bread & Butter Pudding

Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane

Crunchy Choux Pastries

The Dessert station allures you with a plethora of desserts handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Desmond Lee - The Crostata Pistachio Strawberry Frangipane is stunning with green pistachio hues and gorgeous red strawberries, Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys Vanilla Sauce beckons with its beautiful golden crust and the petite Crunchy Choux Pastries look simply irresistible. And many more awaits.

Italian Bistronomic Champagne Brunch is available every Sunday 12 to 3pm. For a complete experience, get free flow Taittinger Champagne or Italian Franciacorta, Aperol Spritz and selected Cocktails and Wines at $158 or with free flow Prosecco, Peroni Beer, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks at $138.

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


LUCE by Davide Giacomelli
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Burger & Lobster @ Jewel Changi Airport - London's Famous Lobster Roll And Festive Limited Edition Menu Items

Opening its doors at Jewel Changi Airport over a year ago, Burger & Lobster is nestled on the topmost floor of Jewel, Canopy Park. Diners are treated to the spectacular views of the HSBC Rain Vortex and lush Shiseido Forest Valley while indulging in luxurious Atlantic lobsters, outlet's exclusive sambal glazed lobster, and prime beef burgers.

B&L Sling 4/5, PG-13 3.8/5

For drinks, we had the refreshing B&L Sling ($16) one of their signature cocktails, as well as the PG-13 mocktail ($9), a non-alcoholic option but no less satisfying with grapefruit, lime, grenadine and tonic.

Pan-Fried King Prawns 4/5

To start off the meal, we had their Pan-Fried King Prawns (3pcs/$13). Served in a smoked paprika and garlic butter sauce, the prawns were tender and juicy.

Original Lobster Roll 4.5/5

We had their signature Original Lobster Roll ($34) paired with crispy fries and salad, which comes with generous chunks of fresh lobster meat dressed in Japanese mayo and lemon, sandwiched in between a soft and buttery toasted brioche roll. Drizzle the accompanying lemon and garlic butter sauce to amp up the fresh lobster flavours.

Lobster Laksa 4.2/5

Locally inspired dish, the Lobster Laksa ($67 for whole lobster) features wild-caught fresh lobsters cooked in an aromatic coconut sauce. The broth was fragrant, with a mild spicy kick, while the lobster meat was fresh and tender. Served with rice noodles bean sprouts and tofu.

The Venison Burger 4/5

The Venison Burger ($25) is the limited-edition festive burger introduced for this year's coming Christmas. It comes with a thick and succulent venison mushroom patty served on sesame brioche bun with brie, balsamic mayo, a sweet cranberry balsamic compote and crispy bacon for a mix of textures and flavours that complement one another well.

Bread Pudding 3.5/5

To round off the meal, we also had their festive dessert, Bread Pudding which features soft and fluffy bread drizzled with chocolate sauce.

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.


Burger & Lobster
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#05-203
Singapore 819663
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10am - 12midnight
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 1am

Direction:
Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the link bridge to Jewel. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Frieda Restaurant @ The Capitol Kempinski - New Bavarian Weekend Brunch

Frieda Restaurant at The Capitol Kempinski has recently launched Früehschoppen, a weekend Bavarian Brunch experience similar to the concept of brunch, where men gather over the weekend in the late morning in pubs, inns or taverns over drinks and light bites before lunch.

Beer Flight

And of course, the beers. Früehschoppen Beer Specials are available to complete the experience. Beer Flight with four beers in tasting portion at $15nett and two pints of German Weissbier or Weissbier Dunkel at $19++. You may be happy to know that the beer flight is available on weekdays as well.

Bavarian Sausage Salad 3.8/5

We started off with Bavarian Sausage Salad, served with sourdough bread. It was hard at first to imagine having a salad with beer, but this was different. Consists of beer sausage, gruyere cheese and pickles, it was saltish, piquant and has a meaty bite.

Frieda Fruhchoppen Vesper Platter 3.8/5

From the Brunch menu, Frieda Fruhchoppen Vesper Platter ($19) truly reflects the vibe of Früehschoppen, where the table gathers around the platter, reaching out for the various German cold cuts and cheese, complemented with mixed pickles and pretzel.

Oktoberfest Meat Platter 4.2/5

Since Oktoberfest is approaching, Frieda Restaurant has also prepared something special to celebrate this greatest beer festival in the world. At $55 per person, you get to enjoy a welcome pint of beer and a free-flow butter of German grub. We tried the Oktoberfest Meat Platter, comprising Grilled Nuremberger Sausage, Meatloaf, Weisswurst with Mashed potato and Sauerkraut. One of the highlights of this platter is the Weisswurst, a traditional boiled white sausage, very lightly flavoured with some herbs and spices. Not so commonly offered elsewhere, this is a breakfast sausage, best eaten with sweet mustard and the soft pretzel dumplings.

Apple Bread Pudding 3.5/5

Ending the meal, we have something sweet to balance out all the savoury grub. The Apple Bread Pudding is served with vanilla ice cream. The vanilla ice cream was really good. It was light and almost refreshing to the palate. As for apple bread pudding, I wish there were more apple slices to lighten it up.

Topping up $50 will give you four hours of free-flowing beer. There's Early Bird Discount of 20% off for booking made before 30 September 2020.

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


Frieda
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
13 Stamford Road
#01-87 and #01-K1, K2
Singapore 178905
Tel +6567156873
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 8pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A or D. Walk to traffic junction North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Cross the road. Walk down Stamford Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]