Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seafood. Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2026

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Elevated OZ “Meats” Buffet, A Lavish Sunday Brunch Experience with Expanded Indulgences and Weekend Favourites

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The Orchard Cafe presents an elevated take on its well-loved OZ "Meats" Buffet with a special Sunday Brunch, offering an expanded spread that brings together hearty Australian highlights alongside indulgent brunch classics. The refreshed experience delivers a satisfying weekend feast, complete with premium ingredients and comforting favourites for all ages.

Salad
Salad

The buffet begins on a high note with a vibrant selection of Chef's Salads, offering a refreshing and flavourful start. Highlights include the Spanish Style Grilled Octopus, Creamy Idaho Potato with mustard and dill, and the Tomato with Baby Mozzarella and basil. Heartier options such as AUS Pulled Lamb with lentil and hummus, and AUS Beef Brisket with pickled vegetables further elevate the spread.

Cheese

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Artisan Cheeses

Following this is the antipasto section, featuring an assortment of Salami, Mortadella, Serrano Ham, Pepperoni and Smoked Salmon, complemented by a selection of premium artisan cheeses. This combination of cured meats and cheeses offers a satisfying balance of savoury richness and creamy indulgence.

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Seafood on Ice

Seafood lovers will appreciate the generous Seafood on Ice selection, which includes Red Prawns, Mussels, Half-Shell Scallops, Cherry Clams, Black Mussels, Snow Crab, and Boston Lobster, alongside Poached Salmon. Adding to the spread are Assorted Sashimi such as Salmon, Trout, Yellowfin Tuna, and Hamachi, as well as a variety of Sushi and Maki Rolls of the Day.

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Carving Station

At the Carving Station, diners can enjoy an impressive lineup of hearty mains. Highlights include the Slow-Roasted AUS Grain-Fed Prime Rib served with baby potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and red wine sauce, as well as the Aussie-Style Grass-Fed Lamb Rack paired with mint and BBQ sauces. The Maple Glazed & Orange Marmalade Gammon Ham stood out for its balance of sweet and savoury notes. At the same time, the Baked Barramundi and Peri-Peri Roasted Chicken offered lighter yet flavourful alternatives.

Satay
Satay and Meats

The AUS Meats Charcoal Grill Station adds a smoky dimension to the feast, featuring grilled favourites such as Tiger Prawns, Pork Belly, Pork Bacon, Chicken Wings and Chicken Satay, all freshly prepared over charcoal for that irresistible charred aroma.

Roast meats
Roasted Delights

A selection of Roasted Delights further complements the spread, including Roasted Duck, Roasted Pork, BBQ Pork, and Hainanese Chicken served with fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice, offering familiar local flavours that are always crowd-pleasers.

Chilli crab
Chilli Crab

One of our favourite local delights is the Chilli Crab served with mantou, boasting a rich, tangy and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the fluffy fried buns, making it a must-have dish during brunch.

Congee

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Congee Station, Noodle Bar

For those seeking comforting carbohydrates, the buffet also features a Congee Station with assorted condiments and fried Chinese doughnuts, alongside a Noodle Bar serving options such as Lor Mee and Laksa, catering to different flavour preferences. For a more satisfying combination, pair a warm bowl of congee with the soft, flavourful braised soy pork, which adds comforting richness to the dish.

Lamb rack

Indian

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Indian and Dosa Station

The Indian Station offers a robust spread of bold, aromatic dishes, including Kolkata Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Mutton Kosha Mangsho, alongside vegetarian options like Palak Paneer and Keerai Paruppu Kadayal. The Dosa Station serves freshly made Masala Dosa, Onion Uttapam and Plain Dosa with sambar and chutney.

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Foie Gras

Adding a luxurious touch to the brunch is the Foie Gras Station, where Pan Roasted French Foie Gras is served with rhubarb chutney and brioche.

Egg benedict
Egg Benedict

The Egg Station offers made-to-order Eggs Benedict with perfect flowy yolks, perfect for a classic brunch indulgence.

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Oysters

Seafood aficionados will also enjoy the Oyster Station, featuring both baked and steamed oysters, which quickly became one of our personal favourites for their freshness and briny sweetness.

Munchkin table

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Kids Munchkin Section

Families are well catered for with the Munchkin Table, offering kid-friendly favourites such as pizza, pasta on a wheel, Wagyu beef sliders, hash browns, snail sausages and fish & chips, ensuring even the little ones have plenty to enjoy.

Dessert

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Desserts

Desserts round off the experience on a delightful note, with an extensive selection that includes Signature Mango Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Opera Cake, and Yuzu Sesame Cake. Other indulgent treats include Tim Tam Tarts with Berries, candy donuts, assorted kuehs, apple pie and pralines, as well as Banoffee Cream Pudding with white chocolate crumble. The Chocolate Fountain, served with fruits, marshmallows, Rice Krispies, and a fun popcorn station, adds a playful and satisfying end to the brunch.

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OZ "Meats" Buffet is available from now to 30 April 2026.

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Friday): $88 per person
Weekday Dinner (Monday to Thursday): $102 per person
Weekend Lunch (Saturday to Sunday): $98 per person
Weekend Dinner (Friday to Sunday): $112 per person

For the months of March and April 2026, make a reservation via https://www.millenniumhotels.com/tc/sgfoodonfoot to enjoy a complimentary glass of The Orchard Cafe Signature Drink.

Poached salmon

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.


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Sunday, April 19, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Chilled Antipasti and Salads

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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.

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Housemade Squid Ink Tagliolini

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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.

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Bone Marrow

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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.

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Louisiana Style Barbecue Pork Ribs

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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.

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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.

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Seafood Stew

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fraser House Signature Laksa station

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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.

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Braised Pork Belly

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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.

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Dessert Station

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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.

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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
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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]

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Hup Lok (合楽) @ Havelock Road - From Wholesale to Table, Premium Seafood Without the Markup

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Hup Lok (合楽) is one of those under-the-radar gems that rewards those willing to venture off the main dining strips to Havelock Road. Helmed by a third-generation seafood wholesaler, the restaurant leverages its direct-sourcing advantage to offer premium, export-grade seafood at surprisingly accessible prices. By cutting out the middleman, diners can enjoy quality ingredients that would typically command a much higher price elsewhere. The setting is modest and unpretentious, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the food — honest, hearty dishes that celebrate the natural flavours of the sea.

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Alaskan King Crab Bee Hoon 4/5

We started with the Alaskan King Crab Bee Hoon ($38.80), a dish that immediately showcases the restaurant's value proposition. Featuring half an Alaskan king crab, it is hard not to be impressed by the generous portion at this price point. The dish arrives with a golden, crustacean-rich broth infused with the aroma of Chinese wine, lending both depth and fragrance. A mix of bee hoon and tang hoon provides textural contrast, soaking up the crab's sweet essence while retaining a pleasant bite. Luxurious yet comforting, this dish feels indulgent without the usual restaurant markup.

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Claypot Hokkien Mee 4/5

The Claypot Hokkien Mee ($18.80) is another crowd-pleaser, served bubbling hot in a claypot. Loaded with a medley of ingredients, including large prawns, pork belly, squid, lardons, and a lacy omelette, it leans towards a wetter, gooier style. While the prawn stock could be more robust for greater depth, the highlight undoubtedly lies in the four Ecuadorian "kami no ebi" prawns, prized for their size and natural sweetness. The accompanying sambal chilli could do with more punch, but considering the quality and quantity of ingredients, it remains a satisfying bowl of noodles.

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Teochew Braised Whole Duck Liver 4/5

A standout for those who appreciate offal is the Teochew Braised Whole Duck Liver ($38), available via pre-order. Thick slices of duck liver are braised in a savoury, slightly herbal broth that gently permeates the rich flesh. Unlike pan-seared foie gras, this preparation is lighter on the palate, with a clean, balanced flavour profile that makes it more approachable. The texture is luxuriously silky and buttery, melting effortlessly in the mouth while retaining an earthy depth.

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Grandpa's Promfret Soup (外公鱼汤) 4.2/5

Rounding off the meal is the Grandpa's Pomfret Soup ($13.80), a dish rooted in heritage and nostalgia. The broth is light yet deeply comforting, lifted by salted plums and tomatoes that add a gentle tang. Generously filled with fresh pomfret slices, it embodies the warmth of a traditional Teochew home-cooked soup, simple yet full of soul.

Hup Lok may not boast flashy interiors or a prime location, but what it offers is something far more compelling — exceptional value, quality seafood, and cooking that respects the integrity of its ingredients. It is little wonder that the restaurant has been quietly gaining traction through word of mouth. For those in the know, this is a spot worth bookmarking for a satisfying seafood feast without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hup Lok (合楽)
725 Havelock Road
Singapore 169647
Tel: +65 82589725
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Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Bukit Ho Swee Crescent, continue on Bukit Ho Swee Crescent to Jalan Bukit Ho Swee. Cross the road to Beo Crescent HDB estate block 34. Cut through the HDB estate to Havelock Road. Turn left on Havelock Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]