Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) @ Bugis+ - Launches 4 Pax Feastive Feast

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Suppose you enjoy tasty barbecue, hearty dishes, and the lively atmosphere of communal dining. In that case, Xita Lao Tai Tai Bugis+ is ready to welcome you for a season of feasting and gatherings this holiday season. Known for its Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue grills, signature marinades, and charmingly nostalgic interior, Xita Lao Tai Tai has built a following in Singapore’s ever-evolving BBQ scene. It is also well worth joining their membership programme, as members get to enjoy special deals and attractive discounts.

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Festive Set BBQ Platter

Their seasonal Festive Set is priced at $108 for members (usual price $151.80) and includes four types of BBQ meat: the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, pork belly, pineapple-glazed beef rib fingers, and secret-marinated chicken chop. It consists of a cold-dressed chicken appetiser, joyful sesame balls, and strawberry ice burst for dessert.

We also ordered some a la carte items to complement our experience. I was pleasantly surprised that the team helped grill all the meats for us, which made the experience relaxed, enjoyable, and completely fuss-free. We could focus on eating and chatting while the staff refilled our plates.

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Banchan/Accompaniments, Drinks

Along with our meal, we were served a generous selection of accompaniments, including kimchi, fresh lettuce for wraps, potato salad, and a comforting pumpkin soup. We also enjoyed some refreshing iced slushies, which were perfect for cooling down between all the grilling and feasting.

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The highlight of the Festive Feast has to be the Xita BBQ Meat Tower, dressed for the festivities with charming decorations and stacked generously with assorted cuts. Each cut is well-seasoned, tender, and neatly portioned for easy sharing.

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Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Fingers

The Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib fingers come with a tangy, lightly sweet glaze that helps tenderise the meat, and the natural richness of the beef pairs beautifully with these flavours. The grilled pineapple slices were a delightful treat as well.

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Pork Belly

No barbecue meal feels complete without Pork Belly, and the slices here are deeply marinated, allowing the fat to render into a crisp outer layer with a soft, melty centre.

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Pork Collar

The Pork Collar, which is not part of the Festive Feast but is a recommended add-on, is another excellent choice. It is slightly leaner than the belly yet still wonderfully succulent, and it grills beautifully over the claypot heat. Both cuts are the sort of crowd-pleasing staples that disappear quickly once the grilling begins.

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Secret Marinated Chicken Chop

The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop is juicy and stays wonderfully tender on the grill, with a comforting flavour that makes it an easy crowd-pleaser at the table.

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Golden Tofu

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Cold Dressed Chicken

For a light side dish, golden tofu is satisfying yet straightforward, adding a pleasant contrast to richer meats. The Cold Dressed Chicken appetiser, part of the set, is served chilled and refreshing, offering a gentle, clean-tasting start before the grilled items begin to arrive.

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Seafood Pancake

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Golden Glutinous Rice Ball

The Seafood Pancake came out nice and crispy, but unfortunately, we found it a little too oily for our liking. The Golden Glutinous Rice Ball, on the other hand, was satisfyingly yummy and chewy, with a slight sweetness.

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Clam Soup

The Clam Soup is light, clear, and subtly sweet from the clams. It helps cleanse the palate between bites and is also comforting to sip while waiting for the next round of grilling, especially amid all the smoke and warmth from the stove.

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Joyful Sesame Balls

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Strawberry Ice Burst

Two desserts are included in the festive set. The Joyful Sesame Balls are pleasantly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a sesame filling. To conclude, the Strawberry Ice Burst is light, fruity and refreshing, making it ideal after a table full of smoky and savoury dishes. It is, however, on the sweeter side.

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In conclusion, dining at Xita Lao Tai Tai Claypot Stove BBQ is lively and well-suited for gatherings. If you are looking for a fun place in town to celebrate with friends or simply enjoy a good BBQ with quality meats, Xita Lao Tai Tai is a wonderful option this season.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, November 24, 2025

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bread and Cheese lovers can check out the variety available.

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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%.

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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.

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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
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 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]