Permata @ Kampong Glam - Singapore's First-ever Nusantara Halal Buffet

Permata, located within the historic Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion) in Kampong Glam, Singapore’s first-ever Nusantara halal buffet showcases the diverse culinary heritage of the Malay Archipelago. Helmed by celebrity chef Mel Dean, the buffet presents innovative interpretations of traditional recipes, blending heritage with modern flair.

“Nusantara” is an old Javanese term referring to the interconnected islands of the Malay world. At Permata, diners can savour dishes inspired by six countries within the archipelago — Indonesia, Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and East Timor. The menu changes every one to two months, and this June’s edition presents the vibrant flavours of Penang through a buffet spread of over 50 dishes.

Stir-Fried Chilli Mussels & Clams

Kari Telur

Sambal Udang

Daging Hitam Berempah

We dived straight into the hearty Warisan Pulau Pinang Station, which featured some of Penang’s most iconic Nasi Kandar accompaniments. Our plate was loaded with Stir-Fried Chilli Mussels & Clams, Sambal Udang, Kari Telur, Kari Ikan Mamak, Ayam Goreng Bawang, Daging Hitam Berempah, Okra and Stir-Fried Cabbage. The Ayam Goreng Bawang and Daging Hitam Berempah were particular standouts, both offering tender, succulent meat infused with robust spices and rich curry flavours.

One of the more interesting finds was the Nyonya Chang, a Peranakan glutinous rice dumpling shaped like a parcel, filled with blue pea flower-tinted rice. Within is a flavourful filling of braised chicken, mushrooms and aromatic spices.

Penang Char Koay Teow

Another Penang classic on offer was the Penang Char Koay Teow. While slightly different from the traditional rendition, it remained indulgent with prawns, egg, bean sprouts and chives. The stir-fried carrot cake was satisfying, generously studded with savoury egg throughout.

Assam Laksa

No Penang-themed spread would be complete without Assam Laksa, available at the DIY noodle station. Also featured was Mee Sotong Penang, inspired by the famous Hameed Pata Mee Sotong in George Town. Thick yellow noodles were coated in a rich, sweet-spicy sauce accented with tamarind, peanut and sambal chilli. The dish leaned towards the sweeter side, owing to Chef Mel Dean’s addition of sweet potato purée, which further enhanced its sweetness.

Complementing the richly flavoured mains was a selection of refreshing Nusantara Salads, including Penang Rojak.

During dinner service, guests can also enjoy an additional grill station featuring a wholesome selection of meats and seafood. Offerings included Chicken and Mutton Satay, Barramundi Bakar and Ayam Bakar Serai. The Barramundi Bakar impressed with its moist, tender flesh, while the Ayam Bakar Serai stood out for its enticing smoky char and fragrant lemongrass notes.

Also popular at Permata is its Seafood on Ice selection, and sambals, crackers, and both hot and cold desserts.

From 1 to 30 June 2026, enjoy a 1-for-1 Buffet (for adult guests only).
Lunch: $88++ for 2 Pax (U.P. $176++ for 2 Pax)
Dinner: $108++ for 2 Pax (U.P. $216++ for 2 Pax)
Children below 7 years old get to dine for free

Permata also offers affordable discounted prices for senior citizens, youths and children.

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.


Permata
73 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198497
Tel: +65 9082 9941
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 7pm, 730pm -930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT Station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to the end of the overhead bridge. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn left onto Sultan Gate Road. Walk down Sultan Gate Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Vineyard @ Hortpark - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte French Buffet at $58

Vineyard at Hortpark serves up French cuisine with a touch of local flair. The restaurant is currently running a promotion for its All-You-Can-Eat à la carte French Buffet at $58++ (U.P. $98++). The menu entices with a range of starters, including classics such as Duck Rillette and Moules Marinières, comforting soups and salads, and mains featuring iconic dishes such as Duck Leg Confit and Steak Frites.

Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette 4/5

The Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette arrived golden and crisp, with rich, oozy cheese complemented by julienned zucchini. The filling could have been less wet for a better texture, and given its richness, a mustard-based sauce might have worked more effectively than the French ranch drizzle to cut through and balance the flavours.

Country-Style French Duck Rillette 4.5/5

One of our favourites was the Country-Style French Duck Rillette — meaty and unctuous without being overly fatty.

Mushroom Pâté 3/5

The Mushroom Pâté with Apricot Compote was delectable, though we found it slightly on the sweeter side.

Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière 4.8/5

Embracing the ethos of farm-to-table dining, Vineyard also sources produce locally, creating dishes such as the Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière. The white wine butter sauce was incredibly full-bodied and flavourful, making this an excellent showcase of our local mussels.

Vegetable Garbure Soup 5/5

The humble Vegetable Garbure Soup was another highlight of our experience. A traditional dish from Gascony in southwestern France, it was prepared with GG French Poulet broth, giving the soup a full-bodied depth of flavour, gently laced with subtle smokiness from the chunks of smoked ham. Brimming with vegetables, the wholesome soup also featured Ravioles du Dauphiné, adding an extra layer of texture and richness to the dish.

Vineyard Salad 5/5

Vineyard Salad was a plateful of wholesome ingredients that delighted with both freshness and textural crunch. Homegrown greens, watermelon radish, cucumber, and tomatoes brought refreshing notes, complemented by the earthy sweetness of roasted beetroot and bursts of zest from orange slices. Creamy feta cheese balanced the greens beautifully, while candied walnuts imparted a moreish, sweet-nutty and satisfying crunch in every bite.

French Duck Leg Confit 4.8/5

For mains, the standout was definitely the French Duck Leg Confit, one of the better versions I have had in a long time. The moist and tender duck meat contrasted beautifully with its crisp exterior, brilliantly complemented by a zesty L’Orange sauce. The accompanying duck-fat-roasted potatoes also hit the right spot, with their fluffy interior and lightly crisped exterior.

Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg 4.5/5

The succulent Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg was another crowd-pleaser, paired with a mustard brown sauce that elevated the dish with tantalising savoury notes. It was served with the same indulgent duck-fat-roasted potatoes, which were equally satisfying.

Steak Frites 3/5

As for the Steak Frites featuring a Grass-Fed Striploin, while the steak itself was enjoyable, the brandy peppercorn sauce did not quite complement the meat as well as we had hoped. What truly stood out were the handcrafted French fries, reminiscent of exceptionally good double-fried Belgian fries cooked in beef fat.

Limoncello Tiramisu 4.2/5

For dessert, the Limoncello Tiramisu was a delight. Crafted with lemon curd, finger sponge, and limoncello, it offered bright citrusy notes, beautifully balanced by a contrasting caramelised, buttery sweetness from the Speculoos crumbs.

Altogether, it had been a satisfying dining experience marked by a few memorable highlights that made it well worth a visit. This à la carte French buffet is available for dinner only on Monday to Friday and all day on the weekends.

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.


Vineyard
Hortpark
33 Hyderabad Road
#02-02
Singapore 119578
Tel: +65 6479 7977
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID14161). Take bus number 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 166 or 963. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Hyderabad Road. Walk up Hyderabad Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - “Sunday Social Champagne Brunch”, A Lively Celebration of Indulgence, Bubbly Elegance, and Elevated Weekend Dining

The Estate introduces a refreshed weekend ritual with its “Sunday Social Champagne Brunch”, a vibrant dining experience that brings together good food, free-flow champagne and a lively social atmosphere. Anchored by the theme “Brunch, but make it Estate”, the experience combines the restaurant’s well-loved buffet spread with curated plated signatures, music, a live DJ spinning throughout the brunch, and family-friendly touches, with the introduction of a dedicated Junior Corner. Free-flow premier French champagne from Moët & Chandon adds a touch of French chic to the afternoon, elevating the indulgence even further.

Seafood

The brunch begins with Estate’s renowned seafood bar taking centre stage, showcasing premium selections such as fresh French Oysters, Boston Lobsters and Alaskan King Crabs, alongside Tiger Prawns, Scallops, Clams and Mussels. This impressive spread sets the tone for a luxurious experience, offering diners a taste of the ocean’s finest with every visit to the station.

Carving Meats

At the carving station, diners can look forward to hearty centrepieces such as the tea-smoked whole lamb leg and the lemongrass & coconut-roasted wagyu sirloin. Both offerings deliver bold flavours and succulent textures, making them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate richly prepared meats.

Mini Wagyu Slider

The Mini Wagyu Sliders are also worth a mention, featuring juicy patties layered with aged cheddar and caramelised onions, and nestled within fluffy brioche buns. Despite their modest size, these bites are surprisingly satisfying and well-executed.

Foie Gras/Corned Beef Hash

A key highlight of the brunch is the reimagined lineup of individually plated chef’s signatures, elevating the dining experience beyond the traditional buffet. Favourites include the pan-seared Foie Gras, rich and buttery with a beautifully caramelised exterior, as well as the indulgent corned beef hash with soft scrambled eggs, finished with black truffle essence and caviar.

Chawanmushi

The Lobster and Yuzu Chawanmushi is another refined creation, delicately steamed in kombu dashi and topped with ikura, delivering a silky texture, umami-rich flavours, and a gentle citrus lift.

Seared Scallop

Equally noteworthy are the seared Scallop à la Provençale, served with a smooth cauliflower velouté, brown butter and crisp capers. The dish offers a harmonious balance of richness and subtle sweetness, complemented by layers of texture.

Smoked Salmon and Trout Roulade

The Smoked Salmon and Trout Roulade presents a lighter yet flavourful option, paired with dill crème fraîche, pickled shallots and rye crisps. The combination brings together freshness, tanginess and a pleasant crunch.

Singapore Chilli Mud Crab/Roasted Meats

Beyond the plated selections, the buffet continues to impress with Estate’s signature spread of international and local favourites, offering diners a wide variety of options to explore throughout the afternoon. Among the highlights are the Singapore Chilli Mud Crab served with mantou, as well as roast meats such as Five-spiced Roasted Duck, Garlic-crusted Roasted Chicken, and Roasted Pork, all of which deliver familiar, comforting flavours.

Lobster Laksa

Another highlight is the noodle bar, where freshly prepared bowls take centre stage. The Lobster Nyonya Laksa stands out with its rich, aromatic broth. At the same time, other options such as the King Crab Laksa and Yunnan Cong You Ban Mian provide equally satisfying alternatives for those craving something warm and hearty.

Desserts round off the brunch on a delightful note with an extensive, thoughtfully curated selection. Highlights include Singapore Heritage Nyonya Kueh, caramelised Pecan Tart, Hilton’s iconic Cheesecake, Lavender Rose Tart, and caramelised Pistachio Chocolate Cake. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Gelatos alongside the Estate’s signature handcrafted dessert jars, such as Lemongrass Hazelnut Cookie Crumble, Matcha Azuki Truffle, Japanese Sweet Potato Pudding, Cacao Velvet, and Pumpkin-spiced Panna Cotta.

With its combination of premium ingredients, curated dishes and lively ambience, the Sunday Social Champagne Brunch delivers a well-rounded and memorable weekend experience that goes beyond the usual buffet format. The Sunday Social Champagne Brunch is available from 12 April 2026 at Hilton Singapore Orchard, priced at $138++ per adult, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory and indulgent Sunday outing.

Every Sunday | 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
From $138++ per adult (includes chilled juices, coffee, and tea)
For all Sunday Champagne Brunch experiences, top up $80++ for free flow of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut champagne, house red and white wines, beers, Mimosa, and Bellini.

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.


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]