Showing posts with label Buffet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buffet. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2026

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

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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.

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Lobster

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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.

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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.

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Snow Beef Nigiri

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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.

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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.

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Roasted Crispy Pork Belly

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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River Prawns Nyonya Laksa

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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.

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Yakitori Donburi Bowl

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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.

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Local Delights

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Local Delights

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Indian food station-2

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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.

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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.

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Desserts-6

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.

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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.

Desserts-2

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]


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Racines @ Softitel City Centre - The Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Straits Edition

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The Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch returns at Racines with an exciting new chapter as the beloved weekend experience is reimagined through the rich and comforting flavours of Straits heritage cuisine. Available exclusively on Saturdays, the new Straits Edition brings together nostalgic local favourites alongside premium seafood, live carving stations and indulgent desserts, delivering a brunch experience that beautifully blends tradition with contemporary refinement.

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The feast begins with an impressive selection of fresh Seafood on Ice, featuring freshly shucked seasonal oysters, poached tiger prawns, mussels and white clams. Seafood lovers can also enjoy fresh salmon sashimi alongside an assortment of sushi and maki, making it an excellent start to the leisurely brunch.

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One of the interactive highlights is the D.I.Y. Kueh Pie Tee Station, where diners can customise their own bite-sized treats. Fill the crisp pastry shells with braised turnips, prawns and chopped eggs before topping them with crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, coriander, chilli sauce and sweet sauce for a delicious combination of textures and flavours.

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A nostalgic touch comes in the form of a traditional local breakfast favourite. Freshly toasted Kaya and Butter Toast are served alongside perfectly cooked soft-boiled eggs, recreating one of Singapore’s most iconic breakfast combinations that never fails to satisfy.

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The carving station is another must-visit, showcasing beautifully Roasted Suckling Pig and Crispy Pork Belly. Both were exceptionally well executed, with crisp crackling giving way to tender, juicy meat, making them easily among our favourite dishes from the brunch spread.

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For those craving comforting local noodles, the D.I.Y. Noodle Station allows diners to customise their own bowls of Singapore Laksa or Lor Mee. With a selection of toppings and freshly prepared broths, it’s a satisfying station that caters to different flavour preferences.

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The Straits favourites continue to impress with an array of hearty local classics. Highlights include the Singapore Chilli Prawns served with fried mantou, Dang Gui Herbal Roasted Duck and Wok-fried Black Pepper Prawns, each delivering bold and familiar flavours. The Wok-braised Seafood Hokkien Mee is equally enjoyable, packed with seafood and infused with rich umami notes that make it difficult to stop at just one serving.

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Be sure to leave room for dessert, as more than ten sweet creations await to round off the brunch. Highlights include the fragrant Cempedak Crème Brûlée, nostalgic Ondeh-Ondeh Cake, Air Bandung Panna Cotta and an assortment of colourful Nyonya Kuehs. The dessert selection beautifully bridges French pastry techniques with familiar local flavours, making for a memorable finale.

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Another nostalgic treat not to be missed is the Local Ice Cream Sandwich Station, where creamy ice cream is tucked between slices of soft rainbow bread. I opted for the Raspberry Ripple flavour, and it instantly brought back childhood memories, making it one of my favourite desserts of the afternoon.

For a fun finishing touch, head over to the Teh Tarik Station where diners can try their hand at pulling their own frothy cup of Singapore’s favourite milk tea, adding an interactive element to the overall brunch experience.

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The Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Straits Edition is available every Saturday from 12:30pm to 3:00pm, from 6 June to 31 October 2026. To celebrate the launch, all Accor Plus Explorer members can enjoy an introductory 50% savings and receive a complimentary bottle of Piccini Prosecco with every four adult diners from 6 to 30 June 2026. In addition, DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB, and Maybank cardholders enjoy 40% off the adult buffet price for up to 8 diners, making it an even more attractive weekend indulgence.

The Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Straits Edition
Every Saturday from 6 June to 31 October 2026
12:30pm to 3pm
$128++ per adult, $64++ per child

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 29, 2026

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Flavours From The Heart

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Racines at Sofitel Singapore City Centre unveils a brand-new menu, “Home: Flavours from the Heart”, introducing Straits heritage cuisine inspired by memory, migration, and home kitchens. Racines’ Asian repertoire has long been established, and this latest chapter builds on that foundation with more than 20 Asian and Straits-inspired dishes.

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Tahu Telur 4/5

We started with two appetisers. Tahu Telur ($18) is a classic Indonesian-style tofu omelette featuring fried tofu and egg, skilfully formed into a cylindrical shape, crisp on the outside with a soft, tender core. Topped with shredded cucumber and turnips for a refreshing contrast, the rich, robust peanut sauce complemented the dish without overwhelming it.

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Penang Fruit Rojak 4.5/5

The Penang Fruit Rojak ($20) combines crunchy jicama, cucumber and pineapple with crispy dough fritters, crispy cuttlefish and peanuts. The dough fritters were satisfyingly chunky, with a good amount of crunch, and everything was evenly coated in a well-balanced Penang-style shrimp dressing. I would have loved a little more ginger flower to further elevate the dish’s distinctive floral fragrance.

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Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper 4.8/5

For mains, the Nyonya Assam Curry Snapper ($38) stood out as one of the signature dishes. Featuring fried snapper served in a tangy tamarind-based assam curry, it comes accompanied by okra, eggplant and beancurd puffs. The restaurant prepares its assam paste from scratch, resulting in a robust and moreish curry that left a strong impression. Crispy rice-paper “scales” added texture to the fish, though even without them, the snapper was expertly fried with a crisped exterior while retaining its tender, moist flesh.

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Sweet & Sour Pork 4/5

The Sweet & Sour Pork ($38) was a crowd-pleaser. The pork morsels were tender, with a good balance of fat and lean, while the batter coating remained light and not overly thick. The sauce was delectable without being excessively sweet.

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Singapore Style Hokkien Mee 5/5

Singapore Style Hokkien Mee ($28) remains a mainstay on the menu and is truly delicious. Yellow noodles and rice vermicelli bathed in a full-bodied prawn and pork broth delivered impressive depth of flavour. Brimming with roasted pork, tiger prawns and squid, every bite was mouth-filling and satisfying, with a gentle hint of wok hei. A squeeze of calamansi and a dollop of sambal belacan further amplified the flavours.

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Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun 3.5/5

On the other hand, I found the gravy in the Wok-Fried Beef Hor Fun ($28) slightly too heavily seasoned and rich for my preference. That said, the wok hei was impressive, and the beef slices were pleasingly tender.

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Pandan Coconut Jelly 4/5, Cempedak Creme Brulee 3/5

For dessert, we had the Cempedak Creme Brulee and Pandan Coconut Jelly. While the creme brulee offered a delightful fusion of French technique and local flavours, I preferred the pandan coconut jelly for its lightness and refreshing finish, making it a more fitting conclusion to the meal.

To celebrate the launch of HOME: Flavours from the Heart, you can explore the new Straits-inspired repertoire through both the à la carte menu and the Feast of the Straits dinner buffet, with attractive promotions available for Accor Plus members and selected credit card holders.

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.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]