Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel - ‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea with Singapore-Inspired Local Favourites

‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea Set 4/5

Goodwood Park Hotel is celebrating the month of August alongside Singapore’s 61st birthday with a series of dining experiences inspired by the flavours and familiar comforts that have shaped our local food culture.

Among the offerings is the refreshed ‘A Taste of Home’ Afternoon Tea Set at Coffee Lounge, which returns following its successful debut in 2024. The menu reimagines familiar Singaporean and Asian flavours into elegant bite-sized creations, served on a three-tiered stand.

Available daily from 1 August onwards, 2.30pm to 5pm, the afternoon tea is priced at $68++ for 2 persons.

The savoury selection features a fun assortment of familiar flavours, including Fish Curry Jala Roll, Otah Nasi Lemak with Crispy Rice, Lobster Kueh Pie Tee, Mini Kong Bak Bao and Butter Chicken Roti Prata.

The Fish Curry Jala Roll offered a playful take on the classic fish curry, while the Otah Nasi Lemak with Crispy Rice combined fragrant nasi lemak flavours with a spicy slice of otah sandwiched between the rice. We particularly enjoyed its bold spice and crunchy textures.

For desserts, it featured the Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée, D24 Durian Pandan Coconut Roll and Honey Pineapple Crumble Tart.

The D24 Durian Pandan Coconut Roll combined the unmistakable aroma of durian with classic pandan and coconut. At the same time, the Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée was an interesting marriage of Indian- and French-inspired flavours.

The Honey Pineapple Crumble Tart rounded things off with a fruity sweetness and buttery crumble.

Each set also includes a cup of coffee or TWG tea, making this a leisurely afternoon experience designed for sharing between two.

Beyond the afternoon tea, Goodwood Park Hotel’s National Day celebrations also include the seasonal The Singaporean Dessert Box, as well as the new ‘The Local Palate Afternoon Tea Buffet’ at L’Espresso. Reservations to the Coffee Lounge can be made by phone at 6730 1746 or online at goodwoodparkhotel.com/dining.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣) and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes.[Map]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Discover soulful home-style Penang Peranakan fare by Jason Nyonya House

York Hotel Singapore marks its 40th anniversary with a nostalgic, flavour-packed collaboration that brings the essence of Penang Peranakan cuisine to local diners. Partnering with Penang’s well-regarded Jason Nyonya House, the hotel presents A Penang Peranakan Culinary Showcase at White Rose Cafe from 18 to 28 June 2026. This limited-time à la carte lunch and dinner buffet is helmed by Madam Cheah Soo Fuen, whose time-honoured recipes promise an authentic taste of heritage passed down through generations.

Jiu Hu Char (Fried Jicama with Shredded Cuttlefish)

The showcase begins with a delightful spread of traditional appetisers. The Jiu Hu Char is a standout, featuring finely shredded jicama stir-fried with cuttlefish. The addition of cuttlefish lends a distinctive umami aroma while providing a subtle chew that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the vegetables. Served with fresh lettuce, it lets diners enjoy a light, wrap-style bite.

Kuih Paiti

Equally enticing is the Kuih Paiti, where delicate, crisp tart shells cradle a fragrant filling of braised turnip, prawns, carrots and egg strips. Each bite delivers a harmonious interplay of textures — crisp, soft and juicy — alongside a comforting savoury sweetness.

Lor Bak

The Lor Bak, deep-fried minced meat wrapped in beancurd skin, offers a more robust indulgence, with its savoury, well-seasoned filling encased in a thin, crispy exterior.

Sambal Lady’s Fingers

Among the vegetable dishes, the Sambal Lady’s Fingers impresses with its bold flavours. The lady’s fingers retain a pleasant crunch, while the dried shrimp and sambal chilli paste lend depth and a spicy kick that lingers on the palate.

Inche Kabin (Nyonya-style Fried Chicken)

Moving on to the mains, the Inche Kabin is a crowd-pleaser. The Nyonya-style fried chicken is well-marinated in aromatic spices before being deep-fried until golden and crisp. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, it is simple yet deeply satisfying.

Fish Maw Soup

The Fish Maw Soup offers a comforting option with its combination of fish maw, meatballs, and cabbage, all simmered in pork stock. While hearty, the broth leans slightly light in depth, which may leave some diners wishing for a richer flavour profile.

Cincalok Egg

Cincalok Pork

Cincalok makes its presence known in two dishes: the Cincalok Egg and the Cincalok Pork. The omelette delivers a punch of umami with the fermented shrimp lending a savoury complexity to the fluffy eggs. However, it is the pork rendition that truly shines. The fattiness of the pork belly provides a richer canvas, allowing the cincalok’s briny intensity to come through more pronounced and balanced.

Ayam Buah Keluak

A quintessential Peranakan dish, the Ayam Buah Keluak, showcases chicken braised in a rich, earthy gravy made from the prized black nuts. The keluak paste, mixed with minced pork and stuffed back into the shells, delivers a deep, slightly bitter richness that defines the dish.

Tau Yu Bak (Soy Sauce Pork)

Another comforting classic is the Tau Yu Bak, where pork belly is braised in dark soy sauce with garlic and spices, resulting in tender meat infused with a savoury-sweet depth.

Khong Babi Assam (Pork with Tamarind Sauce)

The Khong Babi Assam introduces a tangy dimension to the spread. The braised pork soft ribs are tender and coated in a bright, tamarind-based gravy that cuts through the richness, adding balance to the meal.

Kari Kapitan (Kapitan Chicken Curry)

Curry lovers will appreciate the Kari Kapitan, a fragrant, spice-forward chicken curry infused with lemongrass and galangal. The robust gravy clings to the tender chicken, making it a perfect companion to rice.

Assam Prawn

The Assam Prawn is another highlight, with plump prawns enveloped in a sweet and tangy sauce that delivers a delightful punch of flavour in every bite.

Gulai Tumis Ikan Pari (Hot and Sour Stingray)

Seafood options continue with the Gulai Tumis Ikan Pari, in which stingray is cooked in a hot-and-sour tamarind gravy. The gravy’s acidity complements the stingray’s firm texture, resulting in a well-balanced dish that is both appetising and comforting.

Nasi Ulam

One of the most memorable items is the Nasi Ulam. This traditional herbed rice is elevated by the addition of flaked salted fish, local herbs, and toasted dried shrimp. The salted fish adds an extra layer of umami, enhancing the dish's aromatic and earthy notes and setting a new benchmark for what Nasi Ulam can be.

Bubur Cha-Cha

To round off the meal, classic Nyonya desserts are served. The Bubur Cha-Cha is a comforting medley of sweet potatoes, taro, black-eyed peas, tapioca jelly and sago in creamy coconut milk, best enjoyed warm. Meanwhile, the Pulut Hitam offers a rich and satisfying finish, with its thick black glutinous rice porridge topped with longan and a drizzle of coconut milk.

Pulut Hitam

Overall, York Hotel Singapore’s Penang Peranakan showcase is a heartfelt tribute to heritage flavours. While some dishes may lean lighter in intensity, the breadth of offerings and the authenticity of recipes make this collaboration a noteworthy dining experience. It is a rare opportunity to savour the soulful, time-honoured flavours of Penang’s Peranakan cuisine without leaving Singapore.

For those seeking a nostalgic culinary journey steeped in tradition, this limited-time showcase at White Rose Cafe is well worth a visit. Presented as an à la carte buffet, each dish is freshly prepared upon order, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited servings at a single menu price. Adult diners can enjoy the experience at S$40 per person, while children aged 5 to 11 dine at S$20 per child. The meal is further complemented by a selection of refreshing beverages, including Chilled Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, Chilled Bandung with Grass Jelly, Lemongrass Tea, Kopi ‘O’, and Teh Tarik — rounding off a satisfying and heritage-rich dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]