The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Year End Festive Buffet with Spread of Festive Highlights and Local Favourites

With the year-end festivities approaching, The Orchard Cafe at Orchard Hotel Singapore has unveiled its Festive Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal creations alongside local favourites.

The restaurant is also offering several early bird promotions:

Promotions:
● 25% off on buffet for reservations by 8 December 2025
● 15% off on buffet for reservations from 9 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
● Complimentary dining for children aged 5 and below
● Children aged 6 to 12 enjoy 50% off the adult price

Pricing (Per Adult):
Lunch
Monday to Friday: $94
Saturday and Sunday: $104

Dinner
Monday to Thursday: $108
Friday to Sunday: $118

24 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $150

25 December 2025
Lunch and Dinner: $138

31 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $148

1 January 2026
Lunch: $106
Dinner: $120

We enjoyed the selection of cold dishes under the Christmas Salad spread, especially the Roasted Squash & Pomegranate Quinoa Salad and the Maple Baked Ham Salad. Other options include the Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad, Duck Leg Confit with Smoked Lemon Hummus and more.

Beside it sits the Sashimi and Sushi station, where sashimi lovers can look forward to Norwegian Salmon Trout, Yellow Fin Tuna and Hokkaido Tako.

The popular Seafood on Ice section showcases Red Prawns, Cherry Clams, Sea Whelks, Black Mussels and Half Shell Scallops. These were of decent quality. Depending on the buffet session, diners can also look forward to Snow Crabs and Boston Lobsters.

The highlight of the spread is undoubtedly the Festive Carvings. Diners can choose from a range of hearty meats, including Spanish Style Honey and Brandy Glazed Royal Ham, French Style Butter & Black Truffle Infused Roasted Whole Turkey, Moroccan Style Slow Roasted Australian Grain Fed Black Angus Striploin and Greece Style Papillote Sustainable Barramundi.

We also appreciated the thoughtful pairings, with each carving accompanied by its own condiments and sides, such as Cinnamon Apple Chutney and Rum & Raisin Sauce for the Royal Ham, or Baby Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding to go with the Striploin.

There was also a Seafood Orzo Pasta prepared in a Cheese Wheel, which was a crowd favourite during our visit.

The Grill & Stove station featured items such as Homemade Chicken Satay, Slow-Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek, Turkish-Style Chicken, Tiger Prawns A La Plancha, Lebanese-Style Lamb Chop, and a Festive Sourdough Pizza of the Day. There were a few misses for us here, but the Tiger Prawns were grilled just right.

Local Favourites continue to be a key element for the restaurant, with the Local & Chinese and Indian stations serving dishes such as Stir Fry Mala Pork, Steamed Fish with Crispy Taucheo, Stir Fry Chow Mein, Naan Bread, Paneer Butter Masala and Andhra Pepper Chicken. Do note that the items at these stations rotate regularly.

For diners craving quintessential comfort bowls, the chefs at the Live Station can prepare Prawn Noodles and Laksa on the spot. Alternatively, the Roast Station offers Chicken Rice with a selection of roasted meats and all the classic accompaniments.

Bread and Cheese lovers can check out the variety available.

The Dessert section features a mix of festive treats and the cafe’s signature dishes. The logcakes were delightful, with options such as the light Tahitian Vanilla & Caramel Pear and the richer Cherry & Chestnut Hukambi 53%.

Other Christmas-themed Sweets include Traditional Minced Fruit Pie, Oaty Granola Tart and Spiced Christmas Cookies. Chocolate lovers should try the Festive Cranberry Chocolate Pudding, which was indulgent but not overly sweet.

For familiar favourites, the Signature Durian Pengat, Signature Mango Cake and a Chocolate Fountain with condiments remain popular choices.

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


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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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 traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Origin Grill @ Shangri-La Singapore - Collaboration With California Wine Institute For The First Ever California Wine Month

Experience Singapore's first-ever California Wine Month held by California Wine Institute (CWI) from now till 10 July 2022. After more than 30 years of presence here in Singapore, CWI is set to continue its effort in introducing California wines and its wine lifestyle to you that are synonymous with the attitude of the idyllic and sunshiny California. During this limited time frame, you can enjoy special menus highlighting California wines at Lawry's The Prime Rib Singapore, Rosemead, La Dame de Pic, Shang Palace, and Origin Grill & Bar.

Our experience of this exclusive event took place at Origin Grill. Keeping close to the California vibes that define the wines, instead of launching the regular wine pairing sessions, Origin Grill has created a California Wine Flight ($79 per flight, 125ml per pour) that allows you to taste and experiment with the diversity of California wines. Area Head Sommelier, Shangri-La Group Britt Ng has curated three wines from different yet iconic wine-growing regions on the North Coast, namely Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

- NV Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County
- 2018 Peter Michael, L’Apres Midi Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
- 2018 Cakebread Cellars, Merlot, Rutherford, Napa Valley

What I appreciate about this curation is that it includes a California sparkling wine Quartet Brut, which is uncommon, as well as the consideration to highlight a family-run boutique cellar, Cakebread Cellars, from the most commercialised Napa Valley.

To accompany the wines, Origin Grill Degustation Menu will be the most ideal - a 5-course menu that allows you to sip the day away.

Starters 4.5/5

The starters were made of a platter of intriguing bite-size items - Tuna Magura wrapped with Daikon, Corn Ice Cream with Kaffir Lime and Popcorn, and a Salmon Parfait with Ikura, Seaweed in Sesame Cone.

Duck Breast 4/5

Octopus 4.5/5

There were two entrees - Duck Breast and Octopus. The Octopus surprised me with an intense smokey-sweet Tomato Jam layered with nuances of cumin. Together with Garum, this dish certainly opened up my appetite.

Pork Shoulder 3/5

We also had a pre-main - Pork Shoulder with Chimichurri Rojo. While I like how the sauce cut the richness of the meat, the meat was a tad tough for my liking.

Striploin 4.5/5

My main was the Signature Black Angus Striploin MS3. Simple yet perfect for this Wine Flight Experience.

Hazelnut Gianduja 4.8/5

A beautiful Hazelnut Gianduja with an Orange Grapefruit Marmalade centre rounds up the meal. The tartness of the marmalade complemented the sweet and nutty gianduja, while the pomelo pulps atop give it a touch of freshness.

There are no rules on how to pair the wines with your food; California wines' approachability is one of their endearing factors. There will also be an array of California wines on offer at RedMart and FairPrice. For more details, you may contact the restaurants directly or visit@california.wines.singapore..


Origin Grill & Bar
Shangri La Singapore Hotel
Lobby Level Tower Wing
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134595
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen @ Craig Road - Treat To The Tastes, Sensations And Emotions Of The Grigliata In A Casual Setting

Another new restaurant has opened in the vibrant Singapore F&B scene, bringing the traditions of Italian summer outdoor grill cook-out to Craig Road in a casual dine-in setting. The restaurant named Griglia is conceptualised by Chef Andrea De Paola and executed by Head Chef Federico Schiraldi, showcasing the culinary essence of grigliata.

Burratina 4/5

We started with a couple of appetisers, beginning with the Burratina ($16++). It is a modern take on the traditional Neapolitan appetiser. Thinly slices of marinated zucchini are served on a thin and crispy tart with a fresh burratina, garnished with herbs and olive oil.

Eggplant 4/5

The other appetiser we tried is the Eggplant ($15++), a lighter rendition of the Neapolitan parmigiana. The layers of grilled eggplants, tomato and basil, are tangy and succulent.

Hiika Squid 4.2/5

From the sea, we tried the Hiika Squid ($18++) and Hokkaido Scallops Crudo ($22++). Best showcasing how Italians like to combine different appetisers on a plate is the Hiika Squid. I like the pairing of the light nduja foam, complementing the savouriness of the smoked calamari.

Hokkaido Scallops Crudo 4.5/5

The other seafood item we had was the Hokkaido Scallop Crudo ($22++). The combination of scallop, corn and lemon is classic grigliata. I adored the sweetness from the caramelised corn, brightening the enjoyment of the briny and tangy scallops.

House-Made Pappardelle 4.8/5

Not to be missed at Griglia is their pasta dishes. The House-made Pappardelle ($20++) has a delightful texture bite, paired with tender pork jowl cooked over long hours in a rich Chianti reduction.

Spaghetti di Martino 4.2/5

Simple but yet deliciously good is the Spaghetti di Martino ($18++). I understand the Datterino tomatoes are brined in seawater from Italy to maintain the freshness of the produce. But, frankly, I can't taste the difference. The star goes to the tomatoes and tomato sauce, elevating the simplicity of the staple pasta dish in Italian cuisine.

Whole Spanish Turbot 3.8/5

A selection of beef, lamb, pork and fish on the menu highlights the open fire grill. We tried the Whole Spanish Turbot ($58++ 400grams/ $98++ 800grams) served with romaine lettuce and almalfi lemon dressing. Nothing fancy, just lightly seasoned with olive oil and sea salt, grilled over the open fire to showcase the natural flavour of the fresh wild-caught turbot from Spain.

Grass Fed Wagyu Striploin 4.5/5

The other mains we had is the Grass Fed Wagyu Striploin MBS 3/4 ($68++ 200 grams) served with pickled mustard, red wine jus, garlic sauce and pickled lettuce dressed with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. I don't feel any need for the condiments as the wagyu is already so flavoursome on its own. All you need is to sprinkle some sea salt to appreciate the tender and juicy striploin fully.

Potatoes Puree 4.5/5

An enticing selection of refreshing sides complements the main course. Some notable small plates include Gratinated Bone Marrow with rosemary and wild garlic crumbs, Cherry Tomatoes with cucumber, Olives and Rocket Salad and Potatoes Puree ($10++) with horseradish and smoked caciocavallo.

Capri in a Cake 4.2/5

We wrapped up the dinner on a sweet note with the Capri in a Cake ($12++). The classic limoncello caprese is served with Amalfi lemon cream and extra virgin olive oil ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen
37 Craig Road
Singapore 089675
Tel: +65 89497011
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours;
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Duxton Plain Park. Turn right and walk to Neil Road. Cross the road using the underpass. Take the staircase and walk to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]