Kai Garden @ Marina Square - FREE Signature Peking Duck with $288 Spend

I was back at Kai Garden at Marina Square with my foodie friends for dinner recently, and this time I took the opportunity to check out some of its ongoing promotions. The one that caught our attention was the Peking Duck Promotion; diners can get a FREE Signature Whole Peking Duck (U.P. $128) with a minimum spend of $288 on a single receipt. If you enjoy a good Peking Duck feast, this promotion is worth considering, especially when dining with friends or family.

Signature Crispy Peking Duck 4.5/5

The Signature Crispy Peking Duck ($128++) is one of my favourites in Singapore, featuring beautifully crisp skin and succulent duck meat. What sets it apart is the selection of five colourful wraps – Original, Pumpkin, Spinach, Bamboo Charcoal and Beetroot – paired with five dipping sauces: Traditional, Black Pepper, Sesame, Seafood and Special Mixed, allowing diners to customise each bite.

The highlight is undoubtedly the crispy skin, which delivers that satisfying crackle while retaining its rich flavour. Wrapped together with the accompanying condiments and your preferred sauce, each bite offers a balance of crispiness, savouriness and fragrance. I like having the flexibility to mix and match the wraps and sauces, creating different combinations throughout the meal.

Beyond the crispy skin, I particularly enjoy the remaining duck meat, which is chopped into pieces after the skin is shaved off. The meat is succulent and flavourful, making it just as enjoyable as the skin wrapped with the accompanying condiments. Note that you need to pre-order the Peking Duck to enjoy the promotion.

Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry 4.2/5

The Baked BBQ Honey Pork Pastry ($9.80) was another highlight and one of the better versions I have tried. The pastry features a rich, buttery crust with delicate, flaky layers that break apart beautifully with each bite. The exterior is tender rather than overly hard, yet sturdy enough to hold the generous filling.

Inside, the barbecue pork filling strikes a pleasing balance between sweet and savoury. The honey glaze adds fragrant sweetness without becoming cloying, while the generous portion of tender, moist barbecue pork makes every bite satisfying. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the juicy filling makes this a dim sum item I would happily order again.

Fish Maw Soup in Stone Pot 4.5/5

The Fish Maw Soup in Stone Pot is another signature offering at Kai Garden. Served bubbling hot in a preheated stone pot, the soup arrives with an enticing aroma and stays warm throughout the meal. The broth is thick and velvety, with a rich, savoury depth that suggests hours of slow simmering. Its gelatinous texture gives it a luxurious mouthfeel, while the fish maw is thick, plump, and spongy, soaking up the broth's flavours beautifully.

The soup comes with a crispy deep-fried dough stick on the side. I like dipping it directly into the hot broth, allowing the crunchy exterior to absorb the savoury soup. As it softens, the dough stick takes on the rich flavours while providing a contrasting texture to the smooth broth and tender fish maw. It is a comforting dish that is particularly enjoyable to share at the table.

Braised Radish with Fish Maw and Shark's Fin 4.8/5

Another premium Cantonese offering is the Braised Radish with Fish Maw and Shark's Fin. The dish centres on a deeply savoury superior broth. The broth is rich and aromatic, with a golden hue that reflects its concentrated flavour. The radish is particularly enjoyable, braised until tender enough to absorb the broth's essence. Rather than retaining a sharp, raw radish flavour, the chunks soften and become juicy, releasing the savoury broth with every bite. The fish maw adds a pleasingly gelatinous texture, while the delicate strands of shark's fin contribute to the dish's luxurious presentation. Together, the ingredients create a comforting Cantonese-style braise that showcases the depth of flavour achieved through slow cooking.

Stir-Fried Asparagus, Gingko Nuts, Wild Fungus 4.2/5

After the richer dishes, the Stir-Fried Asparagus, Gingko Nuts and Wild Fungus ($24) provided a welcome change of pace. The asparagus was cooked to retain its vibrant green colour and crisp bite, allowing its natural sweetness to shine through. The gingko nuts added a mild, slightly bitter note, while the wild mushrooms brought an earthy flavour to the dish. Black fungus, with its distinctive crunchy, slightly gelatinous texture, added another layer of contrast. Lightly seasoned and not overly heavy, this vegetable dish offered a refreshing balance to the table's more indulgent offerings. I appreciated the ingredients' freshness and crunch, making it a good accompaniment to the Peking Duck and braised dishes.

Signature Fried Rice 4.2/5

We rounded off the meal with the Signature Fried Rice, a familiar staple that is easy to overlook but can make a difference to the overall dining experience. The rice grains were well separated, with a texture that was moist on the inside yet relatively dry on the outside. It was not greasy, letting the rice flavours come through without feeling too heavy after the preceding dishes. What made the fried rice more interesting was the addition of rice crackers on top. These introduced a light, crispy crunch that contrasted nicely with the soft rice grains, adding texture to every spoonful. It was a satisfying way to round off our dinner.

With the Peking Duck Promotion offering a complimentary Signature Whole Peking Duck (U.P. $128) when diners spend $288 in a single receipt, it is a good opportunity for those planning a gathering over a Cantonese feast. Just remember to pre-order the Peking Duck and check the promotion's terms and conditions when making your reservation. Kai Garden at Marina Square remains a great option when you are looking for Cantonese cuisine with signature dishes to share over a meal with friends and family.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kai Garden
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-128A/128B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62504826
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B, C, or D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - The Brand New Ultimate Racines Brunch Buffet, Turf & Tide Edition

Saturday brunch gets a new Surf & Turf spin at Racines with the latest edition of its Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition. Available every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm until 31 October, the buffet brings together a generous selection from both land and sea — from fresh seafood on ice and sushi to grilled meats, whole fish, local favourites and, of course, a very tempting dessert spread.

Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu

Assorted Sushi and Maki

Poached Prawns

Seasonal Freshly Shucked Oyster

Sea Whelk

We started with the seafood and Japanese selection, featuring Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu, assorted Sushi and Maki, Poached Prawns, freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters and Sea Whelk. There’s a good variety of seafood on ice, and more importantly, everything we tried was very fresh. The oysters were a little smaller than we would have liked, but they made up for it with a pleasantly sweet flavour. The poached prawns were another easy pick, especially if you are the kind who can happily spend half your buffet attacking a mountain of seafood. The assorted sushi and maki also make for a nice start to the meal, though with everything else waiting, we would definitely recommend pacing yourself!

Nyonya Fish Maw Soup (Hu Pioh)

Seafood Chowder

There were two soups available during our visit — one Western and one Asian. Unfortunately, the Seafood Chowder was one of the weaker dishes for us. We found it a little too diluted, and the only seafood we really found in our bowls was clams. The Nyonya Fish Maw Soup, on the other hand, was almost exceptional. It was packed with ingredients and had a lovely consistency without being overly starchy. If we had to nitpick, all it needed was some black vinegar and white pepper on the side, and we would have been very happy.

Signature Rojak

Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects such as Caesar Salad and Classic Prawn Cocktail, two items stood out to us — the Signature Rojak and Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce. The Signature Rojak comes pre-mixed with plenty of fresh fruits, making it refreshing and surprisingly easy to keep eating. We also enjoyed the Gado-Gado, especially since you can DIY your own bowl with as much of that rich, nutty peanut sauce as you like.

Classic Seafood Otak-Otak

Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs

Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin

Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse

This is where the Surf and Turf theme really comes through, with the grill section featuring a mix of meats and seafood, including Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs, Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin, Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse, and Seafood Otak, alongside chicken, prawns, and other fish selections. And I have to say, Racines really does its cooked food very well. The Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs were especially inviting with that smoky, spiced exterior, while the Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin makes a satisfying choice for the meat lovers. The Grilled Red Snapper is also quite a centrepiece on the buffet line. Served whole in a French bouillabaisse with mussels, it’s one of those dishes that immediately catches your eye as you walk past.

Crabmeat Fried Rice

Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass

Now, I know what everyone says: don’t waste precious stomach space on rice at a buffet. But hear me out. The Crabmeat Fried Rice with Egg Whites, Prawns, Sakura Ebi and Tobiko is really yummy! There are generous chunks of crabmeat throughout, while the Sakura Ebi and tobiko add even more seafood flavour and texture. Seriously, please don’t skip this one.

Another dish worth trying is the Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass. The fish was fresh and meaty, while the gravy was rich and lemak with that familiar tangy-spicy Assam curry flavour. This is definitely one for those who enjoy stronger local flavours.

DIY Noodle Bar

If you somehow still have room, there is also a DIY Noodle Bar, with two noodle options rotating weekly. During our visit, the choices were Kelantan Style Laksa and Creamy Tom Yum Seafood Noodles. Both looked extremely tempting but, unfortunately, we had to make the difficult buffet decision to save whatever stomach space we had left for dessert. And looking at the dessert spread, I think we made the right decision.

Durian & Coffee Tiramisu

Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly

Assorted Choux Puff

Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake

Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Fritter Bar (Cempedak, Banana and Ubi Keledek)

The dessert section is probably one of the most visually impressive parts of the buffet. There is a glorious selection covering Western cakes and bakes, local flavours and traditional favourites, including Durian & Coffee Tiramisu, Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly, Assorted Choux Puffs, Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Traditional Nyonya Kueh, Pulut Hitam Gelato and Signature Bubur Cha Cha.

There were hits and misses amongst the desserts, but visually, almost everything looked too good not to try. I particularly like that Racines doesn’t just fill the dessert counter with the usual chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries; there is a strong local influence throughout the selection.

The Fritter Bar is another dangerous addition, with freshly fried cempedak, banana and ubi keledek. Because apparently after an entire buffet, we still need fried cempedak.

Teh Tarik

Besides the usual coffee and tea, there is also free-flow Teh Tarik. It was fragrant, smooth and, most importantly for us, not overly sweet. It is a simple addition, but a very welcome one, especially after all the rich food and local desserts.

Overall, the Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition offers a good variety for a leisurely Saturday brunch, particularly if you enjoy having both seafood and cooked dishes rather than a buffet that focuses heavily on just one or the other.

The restaurant itself is also a lovely space for a long weekend meal, with full-height glass windows bringing in plenty of natural light.

The brunch is priced at $108++ per adult and $54++ per child. There is currently 40% off adult prices with DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB and Maybank cards for up to eight persons, while ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 1-for-1 on adult prices for up to eight persons.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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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]

Tim Ho Wan @ Westgate - Celebrates Singapore’s Food Culture with Flavours of Singapore Dim Sum

This National Day, Tim Ho Wan pays tribute to Singapore’s rich and diverse food culture with its limited-time Flavours of Singapore menu, taking familiar local favourites and giving them an inventive Hong Kong dim sum twist.

Available from 21 July to 31 August 2026 at all Tim Ho Wan outlets islandwide, the menu features five creations inspired by flavours Singaporeans grew up with, from laksa and bak chor mee to orh nee and luncheon meat fried rice. While the combinations may sound unconventional at first, the menu is a playful meeting point between two beloved food cultures.

Laksa Seafood Dumplings 叻沙海鲜饺 4.2/5

The Laksa Seafood Dumplings 叻沙海鲜饺 ($7.90 for 3pcs) deliver an appetising spicy kick right from the start. Hand-wrapped with a striking butterfly pea-infused skin, the azure-hued dumplings are filled with succulent shrimp and sweet scallops. The dish stands out for the laksa broth that accompanies the dumplings. Rich and creamy with coconut milk and aromatic spices, the broth carries the distinctive fragrance of rempah with a gentle heat that lingers on the palate. The delicate seafood filling works nicely with the robust laksa base, creating a dish that feels both familiar and distinctly different from the usual dim sum offering.

‘Bak Chor’ Rice Rolls 肉脞皱皮肠粉 4.2/5

Of all the creations, the ‘Bak Chor’ Rice Rolls 肉脞皱皮肠粉 ($9.50) were perhaps the one I was most sceptical about initially. After all, combining silky Hong Kong-style cheong fun with the flavours of Singapore’s bak chor mee sounds like an unusual pairing. Yet, it surprisingly works. The smooth rice rolls are dressed with tangy black vinegar and homemade chilli sauce, then topped with savoury minced pork, braised mushrooms and, of course, crispy pork lard. The combination hits many of the familiar notes of a good bowl of bak chor mee — tangy, spicy, savoury and deeply umami. For me, the vinegar kick made the connection work. That sharp tang cuts through the richness of the minced pork and crispy lard, while the soft rice rolls provide a completely different texture from the usual noodles. It is an inventive take that retains the character of bak chor mee without simply recreating the dish.

‘Orh Nee’ Salted Egg Sesame Ball 芋泥金沙煎堆 4.2/5

Sesame balls are a staple at Hong Kong dim sum restaurants, and Tim Ho Wan gives this familiar favourite a local makeover with the ‘Orh Nee’ Salted Egg Sesame Ball 芋泥金沙煎堆 ($7.50 for 3pcs). The golden sesame-coated glutinous rice balls have a delightfully chewy exterior, giving way to a smooth and velvety taro paste inspired by the classic Teochew dessert. At the centre is a luscious, molten salted egg yolk filling, adding a rich savoury note against the yam’s natural sweetness. The combination is particularly enjoyable for those who like the sweet-savoury contrast of salted egg yolk. The fragrant sesame coating, chewy glutinous rice, creamy taro and molten salted egg come together in layers, making this a fitting end to the meal or a sweet bite to share.

XO Fried Rice with Bacon & Luncheon Meat 培根午餐肉XO炒饭 4.2/5

Even the humble fried rice gets a Singaporean spin with the XO Fried Rice with Bacon & Luncheon Meat 培根午餐肉XO炒饭 ($13.90). Fragrant rice is wok-fried with Tim Ho Wan’s house-concocted XO sauce, giving every grain a savoury depth and subtle spicy seafood umami. Generous pieces of bacon and luncheon meat add saltiness and a hearty bite, while the XO sauce ties it all together with complex seafood notes. It is familiar and comforting, but with a distinctly more robust profile. The luncheon meat and bacon also add a nostalgic touch, making this a rather homely fried rice that works well as a sharing dish alongside the dim sum.

Baked Black Pepper Roasted Duck Bun 酥皮焗黑椒烧鸭包 4/5

Tim Ho Wan’s renowned baked buns also get a limited-time makeover with the Baked Black Pepper Roasted Duck Bun 酥皮焗黑椒烧鸭包 ($9.50 for 3pcs). The signature golden, buttery pastry gives way to a savoury roasted duck filling generously coated in the chef’s black pepper sauce. The crisp, slightly sweet crust contrasts nicely with the tender duck inside, while the black pepper adds aromatic warmth that builds with every bite. Compared to the classic baked char siu bun, this version is more savoury and peppery, with the roasted duck giving the filling a deeper, meatier flavour. It is a satisfying variation that should appeal to fans of both Tim Ho Wan’s signature baked buns and Singapore’s love for bold, peppery flavours.

Tim Ho Wan’s Flavours of Singapore menu is an interesting exploration of how two food cultures can come together without losing their individual identities. Rather than simply adding local ingredients to existing dim sum, the menu draws inspiration from the flavours, textures and nostalgia associated with some of Singapore’s most recognisable dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tim Ho Wan
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-13/14
Singapore 608532
Tel: +65 66862000
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]