Ring in the season with the perfect Yuletide celebration at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, featuring an array of Christmas roasts and signature delicacies available for takeaway, lavish dinner spreads at Triple Three, and a festive getaway package for two!

Can I just say that Mandarin Orchard’s Christmas offerings are one of the few things I look forward to every year-end?

Your presents is requested.

Making a comeback due to popular demand is the Sakura Chicken ($108), oven-roasted and stuffed with an indulgent medley of Black Truffle, Quinoa, and Wild Rice. For something new, add the succulent Roasted Lamb Roll with Thyme Jus to your list of must-have Christmas dinner centrepieces this year!

Also available for the more health-conscious is the Baked Norwegian Salmon encased in Seafood and Chia Seed Mousseline, and served with mushroom sauce. Making for the perfect complement to this guilt-free dish is an assortment of seasonal vegetables.

Next featuring the MVP: no feast is complete without Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s signature Premium Honey-glazed Boneless or Bone-in Gammon Ham, a timeless favourite prepared using an original recipe that remains a closely guarded secret since 1971.

Innovative creations also make their way out of the Hotel’s Christmas kitchens this year, featuring a decadent line-up of yule log cakes that includes the highly popular Valrhona Delicious Dulcey, as well as new flavours such as Soursop and Lychee, Tropical Fruit and White Chocolate, and Raspberry Namelaka. The latter is not to be missed—made with chocolate dacquoise and feuilletine bars generously layered with raspberry jelly, chocolate mousse, and raspberry namelaka, then topped off with rich chocolate ganache.

Deck The Halls

Christmas takeaway goodies by Mandarin Orchard Singapore are available from 23 November to 31 December 2020. For orders and enquiries, call +65 6831 6272/6320 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com, or visit Coffee & Crust located on Level 5 from 11am to 8pm.

Download the 2020 Christmas Goodies Brochure here and the Christmas Order Form here.

Good Things Can Come In Threes

Want to dine in person instead?

Showstopping spreads at Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Japanese-inspired international buffet restaurant, Triple Three, will showcase Christmas roasts such as the much-acclaimed Honey-glazed Gammon Ham, Roasted U.S. Turkey with Cranberry and Giblet Sauce, and Roasted Lamb Rack with Thyme Jus.

Other highlights of the buffet will include Pan-seared Foie Gras with Truffle Miso, Oven-baked Boston Lobster with Uni Sauce, Lobster Mentaiyaki, Freshly-shucked Oysters, and Assorted Seafood on Ice.

An elaborate array of Christmas desserts also awaits festive diners at Triple Three, with Christmas Pudding, Stollen, Fruitcake, Panettone, Yule Log Cakes, and Festive Cookies adding to the delectable selection of sweet treats.

Prices from Christmas Eve till New Year’s Day Start from $99++ for lunch ($33++ for children), and $128++ for dinner ($48++ for children). For festive dinner reservations and enquiries, call +65 6831 6288/6271 or email dine.orchard@meritushotels.com.

CHRISTMAS GETAWAY

Bask in the excitement of the Holiday Season right in the heart of bustling Orchard Road. Book the Hotel’s Christmas Getaway package and have a jolly holiday experience with friends and loved ones!

At $268++, enjoy a night’s stay for two inclusive of breakfast and set lunch at Chatterbox. The set lunch includes the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice, Seafood Laksa, a side of rojak, two scoops of the signature Coconut Ice Cream, and two glasses of soft drinks.

Book the Christmas Getaway package direct on mandarinorchard.com.sg. Alternatively, call +65 6737 2200 or email resvn.orchard@meritushotels.com for booking assistance and enquiries.

This release is brought to you by Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

Editor’s note: As part of ongoing COVID-19 Safe Management Measures, your safety and health during your visit is important to the venue. You will be required to adhere to SMM actions such as SafeEntry, and social distancing. Stay safe, fellow otters!

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Mandarin Orchard Singapore features an exquisite ensemble of classic and contemporary moonkeks mooncakes, specially handcrafted by the Hotel’s award-winning culinary team to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival.

This is not my first time enjoying their signature offerings, but it’ll be my first having it delivered to my doorstep instead of enjoying them at an event. Fun fact: I held my wedding reception at the hotel too!

Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Ensemble of Mooncakes

From 25 August to 1 October 2020, get yourself some two- or four-piece selections that are presented in a VERY BEAUTIFUL, lustrous blue gift box, embellished with a lattice-patterned crest and a customisable leather patch in rose gold. Touches of teal and delicate foil stamping accentuate the motifs of chrysanthemum blooms and dragonfly—symbolising good fortune, joy, and longevity.

Leading this year’s curated assortment of mooncakes is the Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste Baked Mooncake. A perennial favourite, this traditional baked mooncake is filled creamy white lotus paste to contrast the two flavourful salted egg yolks at its centre.

A nod to the Cantonese classic, the signature Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico Baked Mooncake remains a popular choice with its multi-textured filling that combines sweet and savoury with every bite (pretty interesting for those looking for something different than lotus paste). Those looking for a guilt-free option will find the Macadamia Nut and Low Sugar Paste Baked Mooncake a delicious, health-conscious treat. Adding variety to the lineup is the Japanese-inspired Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts Baked Mooncake — sweet azuki red bean paste and crunchy pine nuts encased in delicate pastry.

The Mandarin Collection ($74 for 4pcs) is ideal for gifting, with each set comprising four assorted baked mooncakes—Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico, Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste, Macadamia Nuts and Low Sugar White Lotus Paste, and Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts.

Are you #snowskinfam? There’s also their range of pastel-hued mini snow skin creations including Lychee Martini and Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste with Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass. Filled with a creamy decadence, these delicate and refreshing mooncakes are sure to impress.

Although admittedly, Baked Mooncakes Best Mooncakes.

Order Some Mooncakes

Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s 2020 Mid-autumn Collection from 25 August to 1 October at Coffee & Crust located on Level 5 of the Hotel. To order online, visit shop-orchard.meritushotels.com.

DBS/POSB card holders will be entitled to 30% discount until 1 September for early bird discount, and 25% thereafter. UOB and Citibank card holders will enjoy 20% discount until 1 September, and 15% thereafter.

For orders or enquiries, please call 6831 6320/6262 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com.

For more information, view the brochure here and the order form here.

This content is courtesy of Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

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Stuck at home due to CB (Circuit Breaker) and miss having your famous chicken rice from Chatterbox? You can still do so now, as Chatterbox (together with Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro, the two Michelin-starred Szechwan restaurant) now offers takeaway pickups and delivery for select items! What’s more, enjoy 50% off for takeaways. I repeat. 50% OFF TAKEAWAY!

Each set of Mandarin Chicken Rice (U.P. $27) is served in a super exquisite box decorated with their green and gold colours, and the signature kuey png (chicken rice) packed neatly inside, ready for your consumption.

Other signatures like the Nasi Goreng Istimewa (U.P. $26) and Herbal Bak Kut Teh (U.P. $27) are also available. Add some side dishes in if you want. I tried out the Salted Egg Chicken Wing (U.P. $20) and they’re A W E S O M E.

Bring The Flavours Home

Hungry? Order directly online now HERE. Recommend that you order slightly ahead so the kitchen can ensure the food comes out piping hot on collection.

Terms and conditions:

• Available from 11am to 9pm daily
• Order must be placed at least 30 minutes in advance
• Payment must be made by cash or credit card 

For more information, you can visit their website HERE.

For enquiries, please call +65 6831 6291 or email chatterbox.orchard@meritushotels.com.

Information
Mandarin Orchard Singapore
333 Somerset Road, Singapore 238867
Website: https://www.meritushotels.com/en/mandarin-orchard-singapore
Email: orchard@meritushotels.com
Phone: +65 6737 4411

This post is brought to you courtesy of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, by Meritus.

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This year, how about taking your mind away from preparing for the festive dinners, and still enjoy some quality selections from Mandarin Orchard Singapore? They’ve never been a hotel to shy away from festive treats and this year is no exception.

A Delectable Debut & More

It’s time to jio your friends and loved ones to a lavish feast of Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Christmas roasts and other savoury delights. One newcomer this year is the Chicken Ballotine ($98, 2kg), which is oven-roasted and stuffed with buttery fois gras and generous shavings of black truffle (!!)

Other Christmas classics, such as the (one of our favourite) Premium Honey-glazed Gammon Ham (from $318), Roasted U.S. Turkey (from $228), and specials like the Roasted Australian Beef Prime Rib (from $428) and Braised Australian Lamb Shank with Port Wine ($88) are also available for your selection.

Watching the weighing scale? There’s also some guilt-free indulgence in their Baked Norwegian Salmon crusted with Scallop Mousseline and Mushroom Sauce ($188, 1.5kg). Moist and tender within and topped with a layer of scallop mousseline, the dish brings healthy goodness in every bite.

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Sweet Tidings We Bring

No Christmas feast is complete with your exquisite sweet treats. Who’s up for some Yule Logs? We are! With FOUR types of Yule Logs ($80, 1kg) available to choose from, Yule be spoilt for choice with their intricate decorations.

Accompanying these are also a WIDE range of specialty desserts by Mandarin Orchard Singapore. From Festive Macarons ($12, 4pc) and Festive Pralines ($35, 12pc), an entire Gingerbread House ($38) and Gingerbread Figurine ($12), Fes- there’s too many to name! Let the pictures speak for themselves:

Bring The Merry Moments Home

Have a feast in the comfort of your own home. These tempting Christmas treats are now available till 31 December 2019.

Download their festive brochure here and the order form here.

Retail Collection:
Coffee and Crust, Level 5
22 November to 31 December 2019
Open daily from 11am to 9pm

Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Festive Counter, Level 1
6 to 31 December 2019
Open daily from 11am to 7pm

For orders or enquiries, please call +65 6831 6320/6272 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com.

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To celebrate Mid-Autumn, Mandarin Orchard Singapore has unveiled an exquisite selection of mooncakes in an equally exquisite brand new packaging. Both baked and frosted-skin collections are available for people of different preferences too.

What’s nice about the packaging is that each baked mooncake is presented in a custom-designed carrier featuring the hotel’s iconic lattice pattern, accentuated by a motif of peony flowers in a red foil stamping. Adding an auspicious touch as well is a decorative Chinese knot with a tassel, finished in a vibrant red to complement the already exquisite box.

This year’s features include the limited edition Mini Baked Mooncakes made with premium ingredients. Two flavours include the Cempedak with White Lotus Paste and the Japanese Yuzu and Pistachio with Black Sesame Paste, which is made with a gold-dusted charcoal skin.

Another is the return of their signature baked mooncake with Mixed Nuts with Jamón Iberico (a type of cured ham; not shown here), which melds both sweetness and savouriness in every bite. Legit favourite there.

While I will never understand why people prefer snow skin mooncakes (heck yeah baked ftw), there are also snow skin favourites like the Lychee Martini and Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste with Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass. These delicately handmade and refreshingly innovative mooncakes are filled with creamy decadence, and will make you go all Crazy Rich Asian and channel your inner Eleanor Sung-Young!

Of course no Mid-autumn collection is complete without the time-honoured classic selection of baked mooncakes, like the Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste. The health conscious can also opt for the Macadamia Nuts and Low Sugar White Lotus Paste (watch your diabetes)!

We were also treated to a selected menu of Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s own talented chefs, such as an aerated salted egg concoction with croutons and truffle shavings, and a Kurobuta Pork Belly “Kong Bak Bao” (扣肉包). There were also matching German and French wines by Wein & Vin to pair with the mooncakes and food, and even the attendance of esteemed palm reader Master Khor!

If you, like me, want everything and can’t make up your mind when you order stuff like mooncakes, you can opt for The Mandarin Collection. Each set comes with four different flavours which include the aforementioned Mixed Nuts and Jamón Ibérico, Double Yolk and White Lotus Paste, Macadamia Nuts and Low Sugar White Lotus Paste, and Azuki Red Bean Paste and Pine Nuts.

The Mid-autumn Collection is available at Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s Festive Counter at Level 1 Lobby from 17 August to 24 September 2018 (from 11am to 7pm daily).

For larger orders or corporate enquiries, please call 6831 6320/6262 or email festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com. For more information, view the brochure here and the order form here.

This post is brought to you courtesy of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, by Meritus.

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Mandarin Orchard Singapore’s award-winning and pretty famous atas buffet restaurant, Triple Three, marks Independence Day in the United States of America with the return of The Great American Buffet!

Making Buffets Great Again

In what can arguably be regarded as one of the national hobbies of the USA, the buffet features both classic American favourites as well as some with a local twist, You’ll be spoilt for choice with the massive spread of premium meats, seafood, desserts, and a great variety of sides—all prepared with a dash of freedom!

RIght at the centre stage are grilled and roasted meats prepared to succulent perfection, such as the Smoked Barbecue Pork Ribs, the Oven Roasted USDA Prime Black Angus Ribeye, and the ever popular Smoked USDA Short Ribs which packs an intense smoky flavour from the special dry rub marinade.

Something else not to be missed is the Creole Gumbo, a rich stew from southern Louisiana, featuring rock lobster, mahi-mahi, scallops, clams, mussels, and browned sausages. This delicious medley of ingredients is cooked for hours in hearty stock requiring layer upon layer of flavours and spices.

Executive Sous Chef Sam Chin adds his own twist to the American classics in his rendition of the Lobster Roll, where toasted buttery brioche replaces the traditional white bread hotdog buns. Chef Sam also wants you to try his Gourmet Beef Sliders using premium Black Angus beef patties, caramelised onions and melted cheddar, sandwiched between two slices of toasted brioche (seems like we know his favourite choice of bread).

On top of all these delicious creations, there’s also several other American delights, in all fried and roasted (freedom) goodness!

Dear ladies and your dessert stomachs, you have not been forgotten! There’s also a wide range of desserts to let you fill up that second space. With a selection like the Apricot Almond Tart, the Vanilla Panna Cotta, and the Bourbon Pecan Pie, AND the traditional Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, and Blueberry Cheesecake, you can be sure that you leave with delight.

Triple Three at Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Named after the location which the Mandarin Orchard Singapore sits on, Triple Three, with its iconic three 三 (Japanese/Chinese character for the number 3) logo, is a Japanese-inspired buffet restaurant that is known for an extensive international buffet selection. Apart from the the seasonal specials such as the above Great American Buffet, it’s also known for fresh seafood and other international delights such as Chinese and Indian cuisine.

Book Now And Be Free!

The Great American Buffet runs from 4th (Wednesday) to 15th July (Sunday) 2018, and is for dinner at 6:30pm to 10:00pm daily. So go get yourself some freedom before it’s gone!

More Information

Triple Three
333 Orchard Road
Mandarin Orchard Level 5
Singapore 238867

Price: $108++ (Adult) | $48++ (Child 6 to 12 years)

Credit Card Promotions: DBS/POSB/UOB card members enjoy 50% off every second adult diner (up to eight diners per card)

Stand a chance to walk away with an exclusive dining experience for 2 worth $576++ when you dine at Triple Three! Click here for more information!

For reservations and enquiries:

Online Reservation – www.meritushotels.com/diningorchard
Tel – (65) 6831 6288
Email – dine.orchard@meritushotels.com

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Chen Kentaro, Executive Chef of Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro—Singapore’s highest Michelin-rated Chinese restaurant, draws on three generations of culinary heritage to complete his first English cookbook, A Dash of Szechwan.

The collection of 50 recipes, some of them never before shared family secrets, features Chef Kentaro’s own take on family recipes and Shisen Hanten signatures. Also included are recipes originally developed by his grandfather, Chen Kenmin—lauded as the “Father of Szechwan cuisine” in Japan, and his father, Chen Kenichi—the renowned “Szechwan Sage” and longest-running Iron Chef Chinese. (For the uninformed, Iron Chef was, and still is, a popular cooking battle show with lots of theatrics in Japan, and is considered a pretty big deal to appear on it)

Recalling his inspiration for the cookbook, Chef Kentaro said,

“With A Dash of Szechwan, I hope to share my love of Szechwan cooking with a wider audience, and showcase that the flavours of the cuisine offer so much more than the piquancy it is more popularly known for. I am excited to have this opportunity of bringing my favourite recipes into everyone’s kitchen.”

In the book, Chef Kentaro takes readers on an easy-to-follow journey through the bold and versatile flavours of Szechwan cuisine. Stunning food photography fills the pages of the cookbook, and peppered throughout are useful tips and visual step-by-step guides on cooking and preparation techniques. He also adds personal background stories to the mouth-watering recipes, and dedicates a pictured glossary for easier reference of some of the more essential and commonly mistaken ingredients featured in the cookbook. He also includes recipes for stocks, sauces, and marinades that can be used for a great variety of dishes.

Book Launch Event at Shisen Hanten

After the official launch, we were treated to a selection of Chef Kentaro’s signatures that are also featured in the book, from light starters like the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup, to hearty and homely favourites like the Dan Dan Noodle (旦旦面) Soup, Stir-fried Lobster with Chilli Sauce and their now-gonna-be-famous Chen Family’s Mapo Tofu (meat and vegetarian versions were both served, how you like it at home is totally up to you). In good Szechwan fashion, the cuisine had the perfect balance between the spice from the chilli and the savoury tastes of the other stars of the dish (read; umami). Of course it’s up to you to up the ante on the spice either at the restaurant or at home. So fear not ketchup boys and girls!

After the official book launch, the Chef ‘challenged’ us, the guests, to a cook-off a la Gordon Ramsay style. Our gusty volunteer, Bobby, put up a good showing as he was instructed back-facing Chef Kentaro to cook some stir-fried beef. Our judge even called it a tie! Maybe he was a secret Masterchef-level home cook, who knew?

At the end we received a personalised signed copy of Chef Kentaro’s book, together with some special gifts from Shisen Hanten and their partner, tea sellers Pryce Tea (more below). For more information on how to get your hands on limited editions of SIGNED COPIES of Chef Kentaro’s cookbook, visit the restaurant or contact them with the details at the end of this article.

Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro

Started in 1958, Akasaka Szechwan Restaurant aka Shisen Hanten which it is popularly known in Japan, was the brainchild of Chen Kentaro’s Grandfather Chen Kenmin which was then passed down to his Father Chen Kenichi. Regarded as Japan’s “Father of Szechwan Cuisine”, the eldest Chen envisioned the restaurant to “make Shisen Hanten customers truly appreciate Szechwan food through all the five senses.” Through Kentaro’s Father, Kenichi, the Shisen Hanten brand branched out across Japan, with 14 branches across 6 cities and now with it’s first debut outside the country in sunny Singapore, where it is Kentaro’s turn to continue their legacy and set the stage for global recognition of Japan’s best loved Szechwan Restaurant. Indeed it is already Singapore’s most decorated Michelin-rated Chinese restaurant (two-stars).

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro celebrates the seven basic flavours of Szechwan cuisine: sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic and salty. Highlights not to be missed include Chen’s Mapo Doufu, Chen’s Original Spicy Noodle Soup, Stewed Fish Fillet in Spicy Szechwan Chilli Pepper, and Deep-fried Chicken in Spicy Szechwan Chilli Pepper. Also available on the menu is a delicious selection of authentic Cantonese classics. Situated at level 35 or Mandarin Orchard, you can be sure of a good view too!

Pryce Tea

A quick feature on what I feel was a good selection of tea by the restaurant’s partner Pryce Tea. Established by one of Singapore’s oldest tea companies, Lim Lam Thye, Pryce Tea seeks to demystify the age-old perception that Chinese teas are only enjoyed during elaborate tea ceremonies, to bring you wonderful epicurean blends that embody oriental finery with modern simplicity.

We were treated to a display of a small part of their big collection of teas, such as the Cocoon Night, with decaffeinated Oolong tea leaves and Australian Eucalyptus and French Lavender which promises a good end to a busy day, and their aptly-flavoured Peppy Day, which is blended with Szechuan Peppers to give it a good oomph to pep up your day. Check out their website here!

More Information

Shisen Hanten
Level 35 Orchard Wing
Mandarin Orchard Singapore
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Phone: 68316262 / 68316266
Email: shisenhanten.orchard@meritushotels.com
Facebook | Website

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Bar on 5 at Mandarin Orchard Hotel recently got us over one evening for a tasting of some whiskys. Set within the urban buzz, this chic and contemporary bar, situated at level 5 (hence the name) is a popular hang-out amongst sophisticated professionals, corporate business people, and trendsetters. There’s also a decent craft beer bar adjoining to the lounge, but that’s a story for another time.

Chivas Regal Mizunara Whisky

Debuting in Bar on 5, the Chivas Regal Mizunara blended scotch whisky is an award winning special by their Master Blender Colin Scott. With a part of the blend matured in rare Mizunara oak (Quercus mongolica) casks, it gives a unique sweet and creamy taste with hints of spice and hazelnut. Accompanied by Chivas Regal’s Whisky Sommelier, we were treated to a tasting session where any decent Scotch is enjoyed with a splash of water (and not copious amounts of sweetened drinks), and in this case with tulip glasses to fully enjoy the fruity aroma of peaches and pears. Paired with a selection of light canapés, we enjoyed every sip of the whisky.

Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve

As a bonus we were ALSO treated to another variety of Scotch, the Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. Named for the distillery’s founder, George Smith, it’s a single malt Scotch that’s on the lighter end of single malts with generous aroma and taste of fruits. As their product manager calls it, ‘a good, gentle introduction to people who just started to enjoy single malt whiskys’.

I Think You’re Neat!

A short (heh, whisky pun) and simple evening, but we had a really fun experience of enjoying a couple of decent whiskys that will definitely leave a longer note. Currently they have offers for bottles of the Mizunara Oak (at time of writing the launch promotion is $460++ for 3 bottles), but do check it out at the bar as it may change time to time.

More Information

Bar on 5 @ Mandarin Orchard
Level 5, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Operating Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 11.00am – 1.00am
Friday, Saturday, Eve of Public Holiday: 11.00am – 2.00am
Phone: 6831 6286
Facebook | Instagram | Website

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