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]

Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) @ Scotts Square - Michelin-Selected Fujian Cuisine Makes Its International Debut in Singapore

Ban Lan (班岚), one of Suzhou's most celebrated Fujian restaurants and a MICHELIN Selected establishment, has made its long-awaited international debut in Singapore. Located at Scotts Square, Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚) brings refined Min (Fujian) flavours to Orchard Road, led by Chef Sun Xiaoyang, a Fujian native with more than 18 years of experience. A disciple of one-Michelin-starred Chef Wu Rong, Chef Sun presents Fujian cuisine with both tradition and finesse.

First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin 4.2/5

Inspired by a traditional Eastern Fujian pairing of dried shrimp and seaweed, the First-Harvest Seaweed with Dried Shrimp & Sea Urchin ($36/$49) elevates the classic with premium bafun uni. Served hand-roll style with thin cucumber slices, it balances umami richness with refreshing crunch.

Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula 4.2/5

The Zhao'an Smoked Pork with Arugula is an off-menu item. It is a refined take on a Zhao'an street snack. The pork jowl is slow-braised, lightly smoked, then tossed with Luxi pickled greens and rocket leaves. The result is tender, aromatic pork uplifted by bright, sweet-tangy notes, making it an excellent appetite opener.

Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch 4.2/5

The Black-Boned Chicken Tossed with Sliced Conch ($32) features free-range black chicken, thin-sliced conch, and crispy, shredded taro, offering a trio of contrasting textures. The flavours are gently savoury with a natural sweetness that unfolds with each bite.

Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol 5/5

Prepared using the Fujian "aged drunken" method, the Black Tiger Prawns in Traditional Hokkien Alcohol ($49/$66) are steeped in aged wine for deep, aromatic flavours. The tomalley turns luxuriously creamy, while the prawn flesh remains bouncy and sweet. It is a standout dish showcasing the elegance of Fujian alcohol-based cooking.

Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall 4.8/5

The Hokkien Buddha Jumps Over the Wall ($156 per serving) is a legendary centrepiece of Fujian cuisine. Ban Lan's version features premium sea cucumber, abalone, fish maw and more, slow-braised for over 10 hours. Diners are encouraged to inhale the wine-perfumed aroma, admire the clear amber broth, and savour its velvety richness. A deeply indulgent bowl that stays true to tradition.

Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto 4.8/5

The Poached Squid with Scallion Oil Pesto ($59/$109) features line-caught tube squid from Dongshan, which is flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen to preserve freshness. Gently poached and chilled, the squid is paired with a fragrant scallion-numb-spice sauce that enhances its natural sweetness and crisp texture.

Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake 4.5/5

The Steamed Crab with Hokkien Glutinous Rice Cake ($89 for 1 crab/ $169 for 2 crabs) reinterprets the traditional one-pot braise. Drawing from classic Southern Fujian banquet cooking, glutinous rice is stir-fried, layered in lotus leaf, and steamed with fresh crab meat and roe. The rice absorbs every drop of seafood essence — sticky, aromatic, and exceptionally satisfying.

Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato 4.5/5

The Wagyu Beef Cube with Sweet Potato features tender Wagyu cubes paired with sweet potato in a dish reminiscent of Western steak and carrots — but executed in a distinctly Chinese manner, with savoury depth and subtle sweetness.

Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy 5/5

The Taro with Crispy Pork and Scallion Oil Gravy ($36) is a modern Fujian braised taro dish that uses only the prized centre cut. The taro becomes creamy and delicately sweet, absorbing the rich pork gravy. Finished with crispy shallots, this comforting yet elegant plate is one of the evening's best.

Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming 5/5

The Braised Tofu with Red Mushroom from Sanming ($32) features Fujian red mushrooms braised with traditional fire-cooked tofu, enriched with dried shrimp and smoked, cured pork. The result is a full-bodied broth packed with umami and earthy sweetness. It is a beautiful representation of the region's "mountain and sea" philosophy.

Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol 4.2/5

The Fuzhou-style Crispy Pork Ribs Marinated in Hokkien Traditional Alcohol ($29/$36) is inspired by Fuzhou's "Ten-Spice Drunken Ribs." These lightly battered ribs are fried to crispness and finished with a refined sweet-savoury sauce. Cleaner and more delicate than the classic version, yet still flavourful.

Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck 4.8/5

The Stewed Semi-Dried Squid Roe with Muscovy Duck is another off-menu dish. It is a nourishing Fujian speciality featuring semi-dried female squid filled with roe, slow-braised with Muscovy duck and Rehmannia root. Morel mushrooms add earthy depth. Traditionally eaten postpartum, but here presented as a deeply comforting, flavour-laden soup.

Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli 4.5/5

The Steamed Mindong Yellow Croaker with Yong'an Yellow Chilli ($79) features premium yellow croaker from the East China Sea steamed with fermented Yong'an yellow chilli, adding gentle heat and a fermented tang. The fish is tender, with a clean sweetness typical of high-quality croaker.

Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken 4.8/5

Tie Guan Yin Tea-Smoked Crispy Sesame Chicken ($46/$79) is an outstanding dish. This original creation combines techniques from traditional sesame chicken and hanging-roasted chicken. The bird is marinated with Tie Guan Yin tea leaves for a delicate tea fragrance, then meticulously prepared over 12 hours, air-dried, brushed with skin glaze, coated with sesame, roasted and finally flash-fried. The result is irresistibly thin, crispy skin with tender, juicy meat beneath, offering savoury richness layered with a gentle tea aroma.

Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots 4.2/5

The Stir-Fried Seaweed with Pea Shoots ($26) features first-harvest seaweed from Dongshan stir-fried with tender pea shoots, resulting in a clean, umami-rich side with subtle brothiness.

Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles 4.5/5

The Quanzhou Seafood Braised Noodles ($19) is a reimagined version of Quanzhou braised noodles, using a rich prawn stock blended with seafood, Xiamen Gulong pork trotters, and peanut-sesame paste. The springy noodles soak up the deeply savoury broth. It is hearty and addictive.

Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly 4.2/5

The Pomegranate and Seaweed Jelly ($12 per potion) is a classic Fujian dessert made from locally sourced Sea Stone Flower (hai shi hua). The jelly is simmered, shaved, and served with fresh pomegranate juice and finger lime. Light, refreshing, and elegantly tangy — a fitting end to a rich Fujian meal.

Ban Lan's arrival in Singapore signals a new chapter for Fujian cuisine on our shores. With a MICHELIN pedigree and a chef trained under one of Fujian's most respected masters, the restaurant delivers elevated, meticulously prepared dishes that honour tradition while showcasing refined technique. From exquisite seafood to luxurious soups and beautifully executed staples, Ban Lan presents a polished, authentic, and occasionally innovative interpretation of Fujian flavours. Prices tilt premium, but the craftsmanship and ingredient quality deliver a memorable dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ban Lan Hokkien Cuisine (班岚)
Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
#02-01/02
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 80676688/ 62988866
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Scotts Road. Turn right onto Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]