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]

Wildseed Café @ Botanic Gardens - Newest Wildseed Café Outlet with Nett Prices and Pet-Friendly Seatings

Wildseed Café’s newest outlet, the fourth, has opened amidst lush greenery within the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens.

The menu continues to feature its signature favourites, while introducing outlet-exclusive items with a health and wellness focus, along with thoughtfully curated picnic baskets for guests to bring into the gardens to enjoy. Prices are nett, and the outdoor seating area is pet-friendly.

Acai Fruit Bowl 3.8/5

The Acai Fruit Bowl ($18) is one of the outlet exclusives, featuring a refreshing acai sorbet base that’s not overly sweet, topped with an assortment of fresh fruits and honey granola.

Atas Kaya Toast 3.8/5

For a local breakfast fix, there is the Atas Kaya Toast ($11). Soft sourdough is slathered with kaya and butter, paired with grated coconut and a sous vide egg for a slightly elevated twist.

Eggs Benny Croissant Toast 4/5

The Breakfast menu is available from 8am to 11am on weekdays, and 8am to 3pm on weekends and Public Holidays. We enjoyed the Eggs Benny Croissant Toast ($20), available with smoked salmon or streaky bacon. While our sous vide eggs were a touch overcooked, the toast was crisp and paired well with a creamy, well-seasoned hollandaise sauce.

Soft Shell Chilli Crab Linguine 4/5

Local flavours retake centre stage in the Soft Shell Chilli Crab Linguine ($28), which was spicier than expected. The sweet-spicy balance was well executed, without leaning overly tomato-heavy like many versions. The dish comes topped with a fried soft shell crab and crab meat tossed through the pasta. It’s best to share this as the flavours can get heavy. Gluten-free spaghetti is available upon request for all pasta dishes.

Kelong Prawn & Scallop Pizza 4.2/5

A favourite among my dining companions was the chef-recommended Kelong Prawn & Scallop Pizza ($32). The thin yet chewy crust held together a harmonious mix of savoury-sweet prawns, scallops, mozzarella, pesto and cherry tomatoes.

Har Cheong Chicken Burger 4/5

While the chicken leg in our Har Cheong Chicken Burger ($32) was slightly over-fried, the marination was spot on, with tender meat beneath the crisp exterior. Sandwiched between sesame brioche buns with an onion ring, kale and Roma tomatoes, it comes with curly fries and a punchy sambal mayonnaise that ties everything together.

Cakes are available daily from 8am to 5pm, making desserts an all-day affair. Options include the Black Sesame Petite Cake ($13) and Cocoa Petite Cake ($13).

The beverage list is extensive, ranging from classic teas and coffees to cocktails, fresh juices, wines and spirits. We opted for mocktails such as the Bird of Paradise ($15), a blend of lychee, cranberry and lime, and the Summer Berries ($15), featuring raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant and lemon.

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.


Wildseed Café at The Garage
Singapore Botanic Gardens
50 Cluny Park Road, Level 1
Singapore 257488
Tel: +65 9815 3213
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (DT, CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Cluny Park Road. Turn left onto Cluny Park Road and continue walking down the road. At Cluny Park Gate, walk in and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - Launches Brand-New Saturday-Only Champagne Superstar Brunch

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road has introduced a brand-new, Saturday-only affair - the Champagne Superstar Brunch. Showcasing its signature modern Indian cuisine in a free-flow brunch format, the experience offers tiered options, from a food-only package to a premium champagne indulgence. Each set includes a selection of starters, a main course, and free-flow desserts.

Caviar Puri

Spiced Poha Papad Pulled Pork, Mushroom Pepper, Fry Endive Crab, Sunchoke

The brunch starts with the Out of the Box Starterkit, a beautiful presentation that opens up to reveal eight canapé-like bites. We tried both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The Caviar Puri was one of my favourites, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, tangy crème fraîche, and bursts of savouriness from caviar and ikura.

Sesame Murukku with Salmon/Beetroot Mousse

Podi Cheese Dosa

The vegetarian variation with lemon ikura was equally intriguing. The Sesame Murukku with Salmon or Beetroot Mousse (Veg) stood out too, an aesthetically pleasing bite with savoury mousse atop sweet, crispy murukku. The Podi Cheese Dosa offered moreish, cheesy bites that were easy to enjoy.

Avocado Kulcha with Egg Jam, Biryani-Spiced Bacon/Celeriac

Mango Lassi

Truffle Puri

Overall, the starter kit made for an engaging and playful introduction, though I found the flavours relatively restrained for Indian cuisine. Even the Truffle Puri lacked the bold piquancy I was anticipating.

Steak & Eggs 4/5

For mains, we had the Steak & Eggs (+$20) and Baked Eggs with Keema Pav. The Steak & Eggs featured a grass-fed striploin served with masala scrambled eggs. The striploin was evenly seared, well-seasoned, and flavorful, while the eggs, though nicely cooked, lacked much of a hint of masala.

Baked Eggs with Keema Pav 4.5/5

The Baked Eggs with Keema Pav delivered the most distinct Indian flavours of the meal. The braised minced mutton was heady with spices and heat, rich and deeply savoury, while the accompanying soft, heavily buttered toast balanced the intensity with its comforting sweetness.

Strawberry Shortcake 4/5

Rum Chocolate Cake 4/5, Carrot Cake 4/5

Desserts are free-flow, featuring a rotating selection that includes Strawberry Shortcake, Cinnamon-Ginger Cookie, Rum Chocolate Cake, Bru Coffee Cannoli, and Carrot Cake with Cardamom Frosting. The Rum Chocolate Cake stood out with its crunchy Parle-G crumble — buttery-sweet bits made from India's nostalgic Parle-G biscuits. I also enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake for its tender buttery sponge cake slathered with tart berry jam in between, and the Carrot Cake for its moist, spiced-forward sponge cake and velvety cardamom frosting.

Champagne Superstar Brunch takes place every Saturday, 12pm to 230pm. The Marvelous ($68) is a food-only option, and the Magnificent Superstar Experience (+$70 per person) includes 2.5 hours of free-flow Bauget-Jouette Brut & Rosé Champagne, house red and white wines, brunch-time cocktails, house beer, soft drinks, and Masala chai. For the ultimate indulgence, the Massjestica Superstar (+$188) upgrades the experience with premium champagne.

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.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Pacific Emporium @ Pan Pacific Singapore - Peranakan Afternoon Tea, Celebrating The Rich and Vibrant Flavours of Singapore's Heritage

In honour of SG60, Pacific Emporium at Pan Pacific Singapore has rolled out a Peranakan Afternoon Tea experience, celebrating the rich and vibrant flavours of Singapore's heritage.

Those with a good appetite will be pleased to know that the Weekend Afternoon Tea menu is served buffet-style and features live stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order. The spread offers traditional Peranakan classic dishes as well as a beautiful selection of sweets.

Welcome Drink- Nyonya Bloom

Our afternoon tea experience started with the Nyonya Bloom, a welcome drink that combined peach and passionfruit with the fragrance of pandan and a hint of gula melaka. It was a sweet and refreshing drink for the afternoon. We also got to choose two other beverages from a selection of TWG teas or Lavazza coffee.

Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee

Nyonya “Kerabu” with Baby Abalone

We then headed over to put together some light bites to start. The Peranakan Rojak with Beetroot Pie Tee stood out with its vibrant red shell and tangy-sweet flavours. At the same time, the Nyonya "Kerabu" with Baby Abalone offered a refreshing mix of herbs and spices, with the tender baby abalone for a touch of indulgence. The shells for both were nice and crispy!

Mackerel Mousseline in Soft Charcoal Bun

“Bakwa” and Meat Floss Double Decker

Instead of the typical finger sandwiches often seen at afternoon tea, they have Mackerel Mousseline in a Soft Charcoal Bun, as well as a playful "Bakwa" and Meat Floss Double Decker, both offering distinctly local flavours. These were presented in a pull-out drawer as part of the buffet format, though they would have been more enjoyable if warmed up, as the bakkwa was slightly tough when served at room temperature.

Nyonya Laksa

One of my favourite dishes at local-themed afternoon teas is always laksa, and the Nyonya Laksa from the Live Station did not disappoint. It was easily the best dish of the afternoon for me, thanks to its rich, thick, and flavourful gravy. You can choose toppings of shrimp, beansprouts, quail eggs, and fish puffs. I enjoyed this so much that I had multiple bowls, a perk of the buffet-style service.

Babi Pongteh

The Babi Pongteh with Blue Pea Rice and Achar was also quite enjoyable. The pork was soft and tender, and the rice had a lovely, subtle fragrance. The accompanying achar added a nice crunch to the dish.

Five Spice “Lor Bak”

Peranakan Stuffed Chicken Wing, Crispy Lobster Popiah

There were three other savoury bites, the Five Spice “Lor Bak”, the Peranakan stuffed Chicken Wing in Inche Kabin style, and the Crispy Lobster Popiah with tamarind-pineapple gravy. These unfortunately did not appeal to me, as I found them a bit dry with a slightly processed mouthfeel.

Bananas Foster

Moving on to the sweets, the Bananas Foster live station is a highlight of this buffet experience. Watching the bananas being sautéed in butter and brown sugar adds a touch of theatre to the experience. The warm, caramelised bananas and crepes are served with your choice of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, mango compote, vanilla ice cream, or raspberry passionfruit sorbet. Very delicious and indeed decadent!

You will want to leave some stomach space to sample all the pretty cakes on display. The cakes were well done, and I enjoyed all of them.

Strawberry Shortcake

The Strawberry Shortcake was lovely and light, with fresh strawberries layered between soft vanilla sponge, Speculoos crumble, and Madagascan vanilla Chantilly. Each bite felt like eating a delicate cloud.

Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart

The Hukambi Salted Caramel Tart was equally delightful, featuring a luscious blend of sea salt caramel and Hukambi milk chocolate cream nestled in a crisp, buttery tart shell. It's slightly on the sweet side due to the caramel, but still very enjoyable.

Fish Tank

The Fish Tank immediately catches your eye, with vibrant blue pea jelly resting atop a matcha financier, finished with a light and zesty yuzu whipped ganache. A highly photogenic cake!

Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar

Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux

The Passion Fruit Pistachio Bar features a vibrant, tangy passion fruit mousse atop a pistachio sponge and crunchy base, offering a refreshing balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavours in every bite. The Hazelnut Praline Puff Choux, meanwhile, is light and airy, filled with a rich, velvety hazelnut praline custard that melts in your mouth.

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones

Golden Sultana and Classic Scones are served to the table, presented in a cloth wrap to keep them nice and warm. They are accompanied by orange marmalade, strawberry jam, and rich English clotted cream. A must-have at any afternoon tea experience.

The Peranakan Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 2 August to 16 November 2025, with two seatings available: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (First seating) and 4:00pm to 6:00pm (Second seating).

On weekends, the afternoon tea is presented buffet-style with live stations and is priced at $68++ per person, or $88++ per person with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne. For children aged 6 to 12, it is priced at $34++. On weekdays, the afternoon tea is served at the table and is priced at $58++ per person, or $78++ per person including a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne.

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.


Pacific Emporium
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard
Level 1
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 68268240
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
1st Seating: 1-3pm
2nd Seating: 4-6pm

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