Food Capital @ Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore - Seafood Mania Buffet featuring Vietnamese Specialities by Chef Hien Minh

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore recently launched a new edition of Seafood Mania Buffet at Food Capital, running from now to 1 November 2026. This time, the buffet spotlights Vietnamese cuisine, with Guest Chef Hien Minh presenting a selection of specialities inspired by the country’s culinary traditions alongside an extensive seafood spread.

GCW Signature Laksa

Pho with Beef

At the live station, the iconic Pho with Beef is served alongside GCW Signature Laksa. The pho broth was light but had good depth of flavour, though the beef slices were a tad too tough for my liking. The laksa, on the other hand, was robust with spices and definitely worth returning for a couple more helpings.

Vietnamese Beef Stew

Vietnamese Fried Prawns

The Vietnamese specialities counter offers a selection of regional dishes, including Vietnamese Beef Stew, Vietnamese Fried Fish, Vietnamese Fried Seafood, Vietnamese Fried Prawns and Vietnamese Pork Ribs Soup.

Vietnamese Fried Fish

Vietnamese Pork Ribs Soup

They had a homely appeal, reflecting a different side of Vietnamese cooking beyond the more familiar pho and spring rolls.

Australian Beef Striploin

Herb-crusted Whole Lamb Leg

Moving on to the Western selections, the carving station presents a hearty spread of Australian Beef Striploin and Herb-crusted Whole Lamb Leg.

The European cuisine counter also features several seafood dishes, including Classic Seafood Stew and Pan-seared Seabass with Mango Salsa and Ginger Cream. I particularly enjoyed the seabass for its distinctive tropical flavours, with the creamy ginger sauce adding an interesting dimension. The Chicken Roulade was elevated by a prawn mousse filling, adding another layer of flavour.

Lobster Thermidor

For dinner, each guest is also entitled to half a Lobster Thermidor.

Garlic Butter Prawns

Among the cooked seafood options, the Garlic Butter Prawns were another crowd-pleaser, with their garlicky, creamy sauce.

Seafood on Ice

Seafood on Ice was undoubtedly the star of Seafood Mania, with freshly shucked oysters disappearing within seconds. The counter was laden with Snow Crab Legs, Baby Lobster, Chilled Tiger Prawns, NZ Green-lipped Mussels, Spanish Black Mussels and more.

Japanese fare at the Japanese counter includes fresh sashimi, assorted maki rolls, aburi sushi and Ebi Tempura.

Che Ba Ba

Che Thai

For me, however, one of the more interesting highlights was the selection of traditional Vietnamese desserts. Vietnamese sweets span a wide range of hot and cold preparations, and it was nice to see both represented here. The warm and comforting Chè Bà Ba (Ba Ba Sweet Soup) reminded me of our local bubur cha cha. Each spoonful came with soft yam and sweet potatoes, complemented by the contrasting textures of jellies. In contrast, the icy-cold Chè Thái (Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail) was refreshing, with crunchy jackfruit and coconut strips, sweet, meaty lychees and my favourite chewy jellies.

Coconut Jelly

Three-colour Steamed Cake

Other sweet treats included Coconut Jelly (Rau Câu Dừa), Three-colour Steamed Cake (Bánh Bà Lai) and the much-loved Vietnamese Coffee Crème Caramel (Bánh Flan Cà Phê), rounding off the buffet with a taste of Vietnam’s dessert traditions.

Pricing: Lunch (Monday to Saturday) Adult $72++ | Child $36++
Dinner (Sunday to Thursday) Adult $106++ | Child $53++
Dinner (Friday and Saturday) Adult $116++ | Child $58++
*Child aged between 6 and 11 years old; complimentary dining for children aged 5 and under.

Quote/input the code at the time of booking (SGFOODONFOOT30) to get 30% off the buffet. The promo code is valid for reservations from 5 October until 1 November 2026.

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.


Food Capital
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore
392 Havelock Road
Singapore 169663
Tel: +65 8168 1539
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Havelock (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 1030am, 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 4. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction of Havelock Road and Kim Seng Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Kim Seng Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Winery Gourmet Bar @ East Coast Road - New Menu With Attractive Promotional Line-up

The Winery Gourmet Bar along East Coast Road recently launched a revamped menu comprising 10 new dishes crafted to pair with curated wines and beers. The menu serves modern European cuisine designed to complement its extensive selection of Old World and New World wines, including rare varietals. It features a walk-in retail cellar and two private dining rooms.

Signature Shio Kombu Butter with Sourdough 3/5

We started with the Signature Shio Kombu Butter with Sourdough ($8) and Mango Burrata Salad ($24). While the umami-packed shio kombu butter was lusciously addictive, the sourdough toasts resembled toasted thin slices of white bread that had gone limp after sitting out for too long.

Mango Burrata Salad 3.8/5

The Mango Burrata Salad, however, was an enjoyable combination of creamy burrata and juicy, sweet mangoes. That said, it was disappointing to see the burrata served as a cut portion rather than whole, losing the indulgent experience of slicing through an entire, creamy burrata.

Grilled Spring Chicken 3/5

For mains, the Grilled Spring Chicken ($36) was a crowd-pleaser featuring half a spring chicken slow-roasted for 12 hours. While the honey mustard glaze lent the skin plenty of flavour, the meat itself lacked seasoning and was not as tender as expected. Thankfully, the accompanying baby potatoes and button mushrooms were soft, tender and comforting.

Marinated Pork Ribs 4.2/5

The Marinated Pork Ribs ($36) were finger-licking good, with fork-tender meat falling effortlessly off the bone. The level of caramelisation and char was brilliant, rendering the fats beautifully and packing every bite with flavour. The fries were equally satisfying, golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

Cold Capellini with Charred Octopus 2.5/5

Added to the new pasta selection is the Cold Capellini with Charred Octopus ($34). Unfortunately, this dish felt poorly conceived, almost as though two separate dishes, Grilled Octopus and Cold Capellini, had been awkwardly combined into one. The beautifully charred octopus could easily have shone as a standalone dish, and it felt wasted scattered among capellini heavily dosed with truffle oil.

Date Pudding 2/5

Dessert was perhaps the most disappointing course. The Date Pudding ($18) turned out more like a sponge cake drenched in an overly cloying butterscotch sauce. The Earl Grey ice cream overpowered the dessert with its floral notes, while the softened crispy puff rice and shards of honeycomb did little to elevate the dish.

The Winery Gourmet Bar has a warm and inviting ambience. However, service is slow and inattentive. The main draw of The Winery Gourmet Bar, in my opinion, lies instead in its attractive daily promotions and extensive wine selection.

Current Promotions
Daily Happy Hour: From their opening - 7pm diners can enjoy wine at $10 or beers at $9.
Weekend Roast (Sat & Sun, 12pm–4pm): $49 for a roast platter, inclusive of 2 glasses of selected wine or 2 full pints of beer.

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.


The Winery Gourmet Bar
907 East Coast Road
#01-03
Springvale
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 9643 3188
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Marine Terrace (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 12am
Sat: 12pm - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marine Terrace MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to the bus stop opposite block 57. Take bus number 13 or 16. Alight 5 stops later. Walk back down East Coast Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Longjing (绿茶餐厅) @ Novena Square - Elegant Zhejiang Flavours in a Serene Bamboo-Inspired Setting

Following its successful debut at Suntec City, where snaking queues became a daily sight, Longjing (绿茶) has expanded with a new outlet at Novena Square. Hailing from Hangzhou, the brand spotlights Zhejiang (Jiangnan) cuisine, known for its light, refined, and produce-forward approach in contrast to the bolder, spice-laden profiles of other Chinese regional cuisines.

Stepping into the Novena space, diners are greeted by a serene bamboo-themed interior, an evolution of the brand’s signature “water town” aesthetic. Glowing lanterns, hand-painted murals, and wooden accents come together to evoke the poetic charm of Jiangnan’s misty waterways, offering a tranquil dining atmosphere that complements the cuisine’s understated elegance.

Vermicelli Wrapped Shrimps 4.2/5

We began with the Vermicelli Wrapped Shrimps ($18.80). Presented on a sizzling hotplate, the dish is theatrically finished tableside with a drizzle of sauce that releases an aromatic burst. The prawns are succulent and bouncy, while the vermicelli acts as a sponge, soaking up the umami-laden seafood juices, garlic, and fragrant oil. Despite its robust flavours, the dish remains balanced and not overly salty, staying true to the restrained seasoning typical of Zhejiang cooking.

Chive and Shrimp Crispy Pancake 3.5/5

The Chive and Shrimp Crispy Pancake ($8.80) offers a contrast in texture. Its thin, golden-brown wrapper shatters upon bite, delivering a brittle crispness with a surprisingly light, non-greasy finish. Within, a fragrant filling of chopped Chinese chives and shrimp provides a punchy, garlicky aroma balanced by the seafood’s natural sweetness.

Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Bamboo Fungus 4/5

For something comforting, the Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Bamboo Fungus ($7.80) delivers a nourishing, restorative quality. The broth is clear and delicate, with a natural sweetness drawn from hours of double boiling. The bamboo fungus lends an interesting textural dimension, spongy yet gently crispy, absorbing the broth while adding a subtle bite.

Stir-fried Chinese Chive 4/5

Vegetable dishes are handled with equal finesse. The Stir-fried Chinese Chive ($11.80) showcases commendable wok hei, lending a smoky aroma that enhances the chives’ inherent garlicky sharpness. Flash-fried to retain their vibrant green hue and slight crunch, the young chives are tender and aromatic without turning fibrous.

Hangzhou Eggplant with Sweet Peppers 4/5

Equally satisfying is the Hangzhou Eggplant with Sweet Peppers ($9.80). Unlike its oilier Sichuan counterparts, this rendition is lighter and more refined. The eggplant is braised to a silky, melt-in-the-mouth consistency, while sweet peppers introduce a gentle brightness and colour contrast without overpowering the dish.

Longjin Roast Chicken 4.2/5

Among the meat offerings, the Longjing Roast Chicken ($23.80) stands out. Subtly infused with tea aroma, the dish carries a clean, fragrant finish that balances the richness of the roasted fat. The chicken is tender and juicy, encased in a paper-thin, golden skin that crackles lightly upon bite while remaining surprisingly lean.

Fiery Ribs 4.2/5

For those seeking bolder flavours, the Fiery Ribs ($23.80) offer a punchier profile. The ribs boast a crisp exterior and tender, fall-off-the-bone interior, coated in a dry-rub seasoning of dried chillies, garlic, and peppercorns. The heat is fragrant and mildly numbing, reminiscent of mala but less oily and more restrained, making it accessible yet satisfying.

Claypot Rice with Egg, Smoked Pork, Mushroom, and Choy Sum 4.2/5

The Claypot Rice with Egg, Smoked Pork, Mushroom, and Choy Sum ($15.80) rounds off the savoury selections. Cooked traditionally in a claypot, the rice develops a prized scorched crust (guoba) along the base, delivering a smoky crunch that contrasts with the fluffy grains above. Compared to the darker, soy-heavy Cantonese versions, this rendition is cleaner yet still deeply savoury.

Leifeng Pagoda 3.8/5

On a lighter note, the Leifeng Pagoda ($4.80) is a visually appealing dessert inspired by the iconic Pagoda. The silky milk-based pudding is gently sweetened, allowing its creamy, milky fragrance to shine. With its delicate wobble and melt-in-the-mouth texture, it provides a refreshing and elegant conclusion to the meal.

Overall, Longjing’s Novena outlet continues to impress with its thoughtful execution of Zhejiang cuisine — a cuisine that celebrates subtlety, balance, and natural flavours. Coupled with its immersive ambience, it offers a dining experience that feels both transportive and comforting, bringing a slice of Jiangnan’s poetic charm to Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Longjing (绿茶餐厅)
Velocity @ Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#03-09/10
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6348 4476
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

LUCE @ Frasers House - Unveils a Richer, More Immersive Dining Experience

Curated under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Di Caetano, Luce at Fraser House introduces a more indulgent and dynamic dining experience, marked by an expanded lineup of live stations and a deeper repertoire of dishes.

Seafood on Ice

The experience began the moment I stepped in, greeted by an impressive seafood-on-ice display showcasing premium selections such as Japanese oysters, wild-caught Australian spanner crab, and an array of seasonal shellfish.

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

The Cold Cuts and Charcuterie Room is an ideal way to start, a dedicated space housing an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses from Italy and France, including a noteworthy 36-month-aged cheddar, alongside premium cured meats like the 18-month dry-cured Prosciutto di Parma.

Chilled Antipasti and Salads

Burrata

The spread includes a variety of chilled antipasti and salads, with burrata as a highlight. A sushi and sashimi selection is also available alongside.

Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

Pasta station

At the heart of Luce lies its Italian culinary tradition. One of the standout live stations features the Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini, prepared tableside on a gueridon. Tossed with fresh river prawn and a fragrant kaffir crustacean bisque, the dish is finished in a signature Parmesan wheel for added depth and richness. The pasta station also offers choices such as Trofie, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni, complemented by sauces like Guanciale Carbonara and slow-cooked Beef Bolognese.

Bone Marrow

Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin

From the live stations, the Brandy and Mustard Marinated Angus Beef Striploin is a notable highlight, served alongside indulgent open flame bone marrow, green asparagus, vine tomatoes, and a brandy rosemary sauce.

Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

Pollo Limone

Rotational roasts add variety, including Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs with Grilled Pineapple and Pollo Limone, featuring free-range chicken marinated with Cajun spices and finished with a lemon-and-mushroom cream sauce.

Oven Baked Sustainable Barramundi

Amongst the Italian specialities, channelling the essence of coastal Italian cuisine, the Sicilian-style Whole Branzino, presented as an oven-baked sustainable barramundi, was moist and tender, scrumptious with capers, tomatoes, olives, and perfectly cooked potatoes that brought everything together beautifully.

Seafood Stew

Vegetable Stew

Comforting classics such as Il Caciucco di Mare, a robust mixed seafood stew, and Frecanto di Verdure, a full-bodied vegetable medley brimming with the vibrant flavours of black olives, oregano, capers, tomato, garlic, onion, and white wine.

Homemade Meatballs

For homely fare, the Homemade Meatballs in fresh basil and tomato marinara deliver familiar comfort. At the same time, the Ragout alla Genovese, featuring slow-braised Wagyu with durum wheat pasta, was a pleasing staple.

Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza

The Pinsa station dishes out freshly made pizzas that take centre stage, including a cross-cultural creation: the Chef’s Signature Pork Lup Cheong e Gorgonzola Dolce Pizza, where the savoury, smoky lup cheong is balanced by a cream-softened Gorgonzola.

Fraser House Signature Laksa station

Satays

Local favourites remain a strong draw, with Fraser House Signature Laksa and Grilled Chicken and Beef Satay continuing to impress, the latter particularly notable for its spice-forward marinade and aromatic depth.

Braised Pork Belly

The Asian selection features staples such as Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, and curries. However, the standout was undoubtedly the Braised Iberico Pork Belly with dried chilli and five spice, meltingly tender and richly flavoured.

Dessert Station

LUCE-misu

To conclude, the dessert station is nothing short of abundant. Expect a Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, an assortment of Nyonya kueh, and an elegant spread of cakes. The signature LUCE-misu is given its own dedicated live station, offering a decadent finale.

Visit www.lucesingapore.com to explore monthly exclusive dining privileges at LUCE. In celebration of the relaunch, guests are invited to enjoy 30% dining privileges on weekdays with LUCE30 and 25% dining privileges on weekends with LUCE25. For reservations, please contact the Dining Reservations team at +65 6825 1008 or email tlc.sinlb.luce@luxurycollection.com.

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.


LUCE
Fraser House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6825 1008
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

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