It’s time to start working up an appetite. Buffets are back, and we’re not talking about the underwhelming a la carte renditions. The spanking new Hilton Singapore Orchard has unveiled an all-day dining buffet concept, Estate, and there’s plenty to be excited about.
The restaurant’s heritage-meets-modern aesthetic takes inspiration from Orchard Road’s origins as an area once abundant with spice plantations and fruit orchards. Botanical influences are peppered (no pun intended) around the warm and inviting space, evoking the feeling of dining in a colonial-style residence.
The food at Estate showcases global culinary experiences and flavours while elevating the regional favourites we are all so familiar with. You can expect an array of both contemporary Asian and Western delights.
Guests can walk around and watch the chefs at work in the numerous residential-style open kitchens. One thing to note: you can’t help yourself to the food, but all you need to do is just point at the dish (and serving sizes) you want, and Estate’s staff will be on hand to assist.
It’s been two years since I’ve been to a buffet, but there’s one thing that will never change — the seafood station is always my first stop. Take your pick from Seasonal Oysters, Tiger Prawns, Black Mussels, Clams, and Scallops.
I was definitely having a moment with these freshly shucked oysters and lemon wedges. Ah, a taste of the sea.
Stop and take a moment to admire the salad bar, and then move on to the next station. Well, at least that’s what I did. You do you. I won’t judge.
As someone who enjoys assembling cheese platters for fun, I was very excited to see a station dedicated to my favourite kind of dairy. Choose from Brie De Meaux (creamy!), Mimolette, Tomme De Savoie, or Camembert, as well as an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and crackers.
I happily grazed on this cheese and charcuterie plate throughout the evening.
While the selection of soups is by no means extensive, the one you should go for is the light yet comforting Signature Peking Duck Consommé. The staff will serve it to your table, giving you more time to wander the buffet aisles.
But once you’re ready to move past appetisers, head straight for the signature Black Truffle Roasted Duck. You will be back for more, and I am sure of that.
Think tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices of duck with still-crisp skin glazed in ginger honey soya and a truffle plum sauce. The duck fat washes over your tongue in an intoxicating, almost sensuous release of smoky, savoury, sweet. Be still my beating heart.
Every individual portion is served alongside homemade sweet turnip pickles and peanut and sesame-crusted fried tofu, a cross between muah chee and rojak. I could’ve easily polished off five plates, but this is a buffet after all.
Once you’ve had your fill of duck, head to the wok station, where you’ll be greeted with Szechuan-Style Spicy Chicken, Honey Soy Glazed Australian Short Ribs, and other flame-kissed Asian comfort classics.
My personal favourites? The Passionfruit Sweet and Sour Pork, Kam Heong Prawns, and Kam Heong Clams with Omelette.
Another standout station exclusive to Estate is where you can find Asian-inspired skewers with homemade rubs and marinades like the Wagyu Beef Kofta, Kurobuta Pork Teriyaki with Spring Onion, and Aubergine Satay skewers.
Asian fusion takes centre stage here, showcasing exquisitely plated dishes like Gochujang Chicken Tacos and Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Octopus Confit.
Of course, what’s a buffet without saving a little space for dessert? There’s a pretty decent selection of kueh, as well as the signature Hilton Signature Cheesecake, but my attention had already been captured by a display that looked like it’d come straight out of a patisserie.
How aesthetically pleasing does this display of handcrafted desserts in glass jars look? I felt like a kid in a candy shop, and obviously, I couldn’t try everything.
My picks: Hazelnut Pâte à Choux, Raspberry Champagne Gelée, and Marsala Wine Tiramisu. I had high hopes for the Torched Citron Tart, but it wasn’t sour enough for me.
Prices for adults start from S$62++ for lunch and S$82++ for dinner. Children aged 12 years and below get to dine at 50% off the adult price, while little ones aged five years and below dine for free. Reservations can be made here.
If you’re looking for a nightcap after a satisfying dinner, head over to Ginger.Lily, a sophisticated, botanical-inspired lounge and bar located adjacent to Estate.
Although Ginger.Lily also offers all-day fare, afternoon tea, and sweet confections, come for the botanical-inspired craft cocktails featuring floral tinctures and infusions.
Gin drinkers might appreciate the Longan (S$20), a gin, absinthe, and pineapple bitters combo perfumed with vanilla and nutmeg. It was too sweet for my liking, which led me to the Kopi-O (S$20), a strong and seductive concoction of cognac, rum, vermouth, and cream de cacao chocolate bitters. It perfectly epitomes the phrase “tall, dark, and handsome”.
Can’t decide? Go for the crowd-favourite bourbon and scotch-based Bees’ (S$20), with the interesting addition of turmeric and curry. Alternatively, ask the bartender to mix up a bespoke cocktail for a fun surprise.
Reservations can be made here.
Now that I’ve experienced what the hotel has to offer, dining-wise, I think a proper staycation ought to come next.
Ginger.Lily
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? Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
? 9am–10.30pm (Daily), Bar opens 12pm–10.30pm
Estate
Facebook | Instagram | Website
? Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
? 12pm–2.30pm, 6.30pm–10.30pm (Daily)
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I would gladly desert you for dessert.
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