LUCE @ InterContinental Singapore - The Bigger, Better Buffet Experience

LUCE at InterContinental Singapore ups the ante on the hotel buffet scene with the launch of its all-new "Bigger Better Buffet", available daily for dinner and for lunch from Monday to Saturday. The refreshed spread showcases a wider variety of dishes and new live stations, all under the direction of newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Gaetano, whose Italian flair breathes fresh life into LUCE's offerings.

No buffet is complete without a lavish Seafood on Ice section, and LUCE certainly delivers. Diners can feast on a bounty of ocean treasures, including Japanese oysters, Australian yabbies, cold water prawns, white clams, half-shell scallops, and sea whelk – fresh, briny, and indulgent.

Premium Charcuterie

Equally impressive is the Charcuterie section, featuring Smoked Virginia Ham, Chambost Saucisson, and Artisanal Pork Terrine. Paired with a glass of wine, these cold cuts set the tone for a luxurious dining experience. The rotating antipasti selection also makes for a delightful prelude to the heavier mains – light, vibrant, and flavourful.

One of the standout sections of the buffet is undoubtedly the Asian Delights, which even includes items prepared by the Man Fu Yuan culinary team. Favourites like Netted Seafood Spring Roll, Deep-fried Tiger Prawns with Almond Flakes, Crispy Cereal Chicken, and a bold Singapore Chilli Prawn shine with authentic local flair. A rich and hearty Lu Rou Fan also stands out among the spread.

Reflecting Singapore’s cultural diversity, LUCE also includes a strong showing of Peranakan and Malay dishes. On rotation are homey classics like Nonya Chap Chye, Assam Seabass Curry, and the savoury-sweet Ayam Masak Hitam, each prepared with care and respect for tradition.

Chef Giuseppe's Italian heritage is proudly showcased in his hearty, soulful creations. The Ragout alla Napoletana, with slow-braised pork ribs and Italian sausage, is a comforting embrace of deep tomato flavours. The Agnello alla Birra Scura, featuring Guinness-braised lamb, is tender and richly layered, while the Impepata di Cozze delights with its briny black mussels in white wine, garlic, and lemon. The Sicilian-style Branzino offers a lighter, elegant counterpoint – a beautifully baked sustainable barramundi with cherry tomatoes and capers. Not to be missed are the showstoppers: the Rigatoni alla Grecia, tossed in LUCE's signature parmesan cheese wheel, and the indulgent Nero di Seppia Pinsa, topped with squid ink tomato sauce, prawns, clams, and mussels.

With the addition of more live stations to the buffet, guests can now enjoy interactive dining with a touch of drama. The Oven-Roasted Angus Beef Striploin is carved to order and paired with shallot red wine jus and gourmet mustards, while the Baked Norwegian Salmon in Puff Pastry, filled with Cajun-spiced salmon and savoy cabbage, impresses with its balance of texture and flavour. At the Italian station, the Tagliatelle al Ragout di Pesce – tossed in a lobster seafood sauce and finished tableside in the parmesan wheel – is rich, luxurious, and beautifully executed. Another highlight is the Signature InterContinental Laksa, a refined version of the local favourite, made à la minute with tiger prawns, quail eggs, and a housemade laksa broth infused with laksa leaf powder for an aromatic finish.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the dedicated cheese room, offering a curated selection of Cheeses and accompaniments. Be sure to save room for desserts – meticulously crafted confections that are as stunning as they are satisfying, offering a sweet finale to an impressive buffet journey.

With its expanded spread, elevated live stations, and Chef Giuseppe’s Italian signatures, LUCE’s Bigger Better Buffet lives up to its name – a sophisticated, well-rounded buffet experience that’s both indulgent and memorable.

LUNCH
Monday to Friday
$59++ per adult | $29++ per child
Saturday
$69++ per adult | $29++ per child

DINNER
Monday to Thursday
$78++ per adult | $39++ per child
Friday and Saturday
$92++ per adult | $44++ per child
Sunday
$88++ per adult | $39++ per child

Note: This is an invited tasting.


LUCE
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 6pm - 10pm

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

Latido @ Tras Street - Singapore’s First Colombian Restaurant Refreshes Its Menu with Vibrant New Dishes

Since my last visit to Latido, I’ve been raving about Singapore’s first and only Colombian restaurant to all my foodie friends. Naturally, I was excited to return and explore their refreshed menu, and once again, Chef Fernando and team did not disappoint.

Pan de la Casa 4.5/5

A returning favourite, the Pan de la Casa ($8) remains a must-order. This house-made rye bread is glazed with fermented mushrooms and maple, bringing a deep, earthy note that is layered with sweetness. Paired with a luscious caramelised butter, it's something we couldn't resist slathering generously on every slice.

Carimanolita de Queso 4/5

A delightful surprise, the Carimanolita de Queso ($18) presents a cheese block crafted from cassava, crème fraîche, and Oaxaca cheese, then finished with a touch of black truffle. It’s an unexpected combination, but it melds beautifully into a creamy, savoury bite with an aromatic lift.

Ceviche Tropical 4.2/5

A vibrant new addition, the Ceviche Tropical ($24) is a tropical medley of mango, chilli, coconut, and Leche de Tigre served over thick slices of fresh Hamachi. It’s bright, zesty, and refreshing, perfect for Singapore’s heat.

Nuestra Arepa 3.5/5

The Nuestra Arepa ($18) is Chef Fernando’s homely rendition of the classic Colombian flatbread. Stuffed with Taleggio cheese and accompanied by a sweet-and-spicy Nduja sauce, this comforting dish felt like something you’d find at a Colombian family table, simple, rustic, and soul-satisfying.

Pulpo Asado 4.5/5

One of the showstoppers of the evening was the Pulpo Asado ($42). The perfectly charred, smoky octopus was incredibly tender and paired with cucumber, avocado, and Guindilla pepper. A gentle reminder, eat the octopus with a bit of the pepper for an extra punch that rounds out the dish.

El Tamalito 3.8/5

A creative take on a traditional tamale, El Tamalito ($32) features chicken and polenta wrapped in banana leaf, served with aji sauce for spice and sugar pearls for a subtle sweetness. It’s a dish that balances savoury and sweet with finesse.

Pescado a la Parilla 4.8/5

The Pescado a la Parilla ($68) absolutely stole the show. A whole grilled sea bass served with coconut rice and deep-fried plantains, the fish was moist, tender, and cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavour-packed main that captures the essence of Colombian coastal cuisine.

Maracuya y Caffee 4.2/5

We ended the meal with Maracuya y Caffee ($12), a glass of burrata ice cream glazed with fermented lulo juice, layered with passionfruit, macadamia nuts, and Colombian coffee sauce. Think of it as an elevated affogato, creamy, tangy, nutty, and nuanced.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Latido
40 Tras Street
Singapore 078979
Tel: +65 89618191
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun and Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Maison Boulud @ Marina Bay Sands - New Executive Set Lunch Featuring Classic and Rustic French Dishes

Maison Boulud at Marina Bay Sands has recently refreshed its menu to pay greater homage to Chef Daniel Boulud's culinary philosophy. Diners can now experience more classic and rustic French dishes, prepared with seasonal ingredients. Alongside this, a new Executive Set Lunch Menu changes every few weeks.

Beets & Burrata 4.5/5

We started with two excellent appetisers — Beets & Burrata and Pâté en Croûte. The Beets & Burrata combined a milky, pillowy burrata with earthy, tart beets, sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts that added a delightful textural crunch and nutty flavour. The pairing with haricots verts was particularly interesting, echoing the freshness of the dish with crisp, snappy textures.

Pâté en Croûte 4.5/5

The Pâté en Croûte was delectable, featuring a blend of Iberico pork, foie gras Armagnac, apricot, and pistachio. I especially enjoyed the defined chunk of foie gras Armagnac embedded within the pâté — it boosted the mouthfeel with a creamy richness and released alluring notes of Armagnac in every bite, complemented by occasional crunches of pistachio and sweet apricot bites.

Sea Trout 4.2/5

For mains, the Sea Trout was simple but delightful just as much. Served with finely shredded Brussels sprouts, the fish was fatty, tender, and had a beautifully seared, crispy skin. A savoury lemon chicken jus further elevated its naturally robust flavour.

Coq Au Vin 4.2/5

The Coq Au Vin featured red wine-braised free-range chicken, served with chunky bacon, mushrooms, and gnocchi. The chicken had been braised overnight in a rich port and red wine concoction, resulting in a bold, intensely flavoured, beautiful reduction. A slight caramelisation on the chicken added another layer of complexity, while the mushrooms had thoroughly absorbed the richness of the sauce. The chunky bacon contributed smoky and savoury notes that rounded out the dish.

Duo of Artisanal Cheeses

Citron Pistache 4.5/5

For dessert, we selected the Duo of Artisanal Cheeses and Citron Pistache. I appreciated the inclusion of a cheese course — the cheeses were served with pickles, a raisin spread, and raisin toasts. Citron Pistache was perhaps the more exciting choice: a dome spiked with nutty Sicilian pistachio Chantilly and crunchy meringue, encasing a tangy lemon gel and ricotta gelato.

Madeleines

As a thoughtful gesture from the team, we were also treated to a serving of truly delicious petite Madeleines at the end of the meal — possibly the best I've had thus far. Warm and fluffy, each bite felt like a smile to the belly, ending the dining experience on a wonderfully comforting note

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.


Maison Boulud
The Shoppes
Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Ave
B1-15 & #01-83
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 6088
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

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

Basilico @ Conrad Singapore Orchard - La Cucina Storica Featuring Traditional Recipes and Regional Specialties from Italy's Former Kingdoms

Basilico at Conrad Singapore Orchard presents La Cucina Storica — an evolving buffet experience that pays tribute to the rich culinary roots of Italy's former kingdoms. Each edition of La Cucina Storica explores a different chapter of Italy's history, featuring traditional recipes and regional specialities. Available until 31 May 2025, the latest edition spotlights the Kingdom of Sardegna, showcasing the unique flavours of Sardegna, Liguria, Piemonte, and Val d'Aosta — regions once ruled by the House of Savoy. The buffet brings together a mouthwatering mix of classic dishes highlighting the kingdom's coastal bounty, countryside traditions, and diverse influences. Expect live stations, artisanal cheeses, and a curated selection of Italian wines and cocktails.

Cheese Room

One of the key highlights is access to Basilico’s iconic Cheese Room, home to one of the most extensive cheese collections I’ve come across. Here, you’ll find a seasonal selection of over 40 artisanal Italian cheeses, complemented by truffle honey, nuts, assorted dried fruits, Mostarda Cremona (syrup-poached fruit), Pecorino Sardo, Robiola di Roccaverano, and a Mirto di Sardegna reduction.

Uova alla Piemontese

Tucked away inside the Cheese Room is an easily missed gem — the Egg Station, offering Uova alla Piemontese. Think of it as a luxurious Italian-style shakshuka: eggs gently cooked in a bold, flavourful sauce made with roasted bell peppers, pancetta, and San Marzano tomatoes.

Antipasti Station

Fresh Cheese Selection

The Antipasti Station serves up an assortment of cold cuts including 24-month Parma ham, salame, pistachio mortadella, and Bresaola della Valle d'Aosta. A standout for me was the Fresh Cheese Selection, which featured an incredible range of burrata — from the classic to infused (truffle, pesto alla Genovese, Italian heirloom tomato) and smoked versions. There's also cow and buffalo mozzarella such as Ciambella and Bocconcini.

Carving Station

The Carving Station is another crowd-pleaser, with a slow-roasted Porceddu (Sardinian-style suckling pig). Other roasts include grass-fed ribeye, grilled seabass, Australian lamb leg, and roasted chicken thighs.

Pasta & Risotto Station

Over at the Pasta & Risotto Station, homestyle comfort dishes take the spotlight. I particularly enjoyed the hand-rolled Trofie Pasta with cod ragù, the rich and decadent Wagyu Beef Lasagna, and the Wild Mushroom Risotto, which was simple yet satisfying.

Pizza section

The Pizza Section impressed as well, with dough that was exceptionally well done. The Black Truffle Focaccia was rich and indulgent with mascarpone, Robiola Tre Latti, and provolone cheese, while the Arbanella anchovies pizza delivered a rustic punch with anchovies, capers, chives, and Fior di Latte cheese.

Cold Seafood Station

Seafood lovers will appreciate the Cold Seafood Station, which is well-stocked with live oysters, poached Boston lobster, tiger prawns, queen scallops, Taranto’s black mussels, and clams.

Vermouth and Prosecco zabaione

To round off the meal, desserts include a delightful spread of cakes, tarts, gelato, and sorbetto. The mini rum baba was delicious. Don't miss the live Zabaione Station, where Vermouth and Prosecco zabaione are freshly whipped and served with fresh berries.

The La Cucina Storica Weekend Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. It costs $128++ per adult and $64++ per child (6–12 years old). Free-flow beverage packages featuring Ferrari sparkling wine, Italian wines, and beers are available from $80++ per person.

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.


Basilico
Conrad Singapore Orchard
Level 2
1 Cuscaden Road
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 67253232
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch:
Mon-Fri: 12 - 230pm
Brunch:
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 300pm
Dinner:
Daily: 630pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn right and walk down Cuscaden Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]