Singapore may not have the quintessential white Christmas, but that doesn’t mean visitors can’t savor a fantastic holiday meal in the tropics. Whether it’s black truffles and scallops or an elaborate buffet complete with carolers, Singapore is getting in the festive spirit. We’ve found some of the best seasonal menus ranging from beloved Western holiday classics to inventive Asian-inspired entrées.
Festivities at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s One-Ninety restaurant are definitely gourmet. The trendy eatery is serving family-friendly specials on Christmas Eve and Christmas, as well as more adult-centric menus for New Year’s Eve. For dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas (6:30-10:30 p.m., $126 or $221 with wine pairings), a five-course set menu will be unveiled (including a separate vegetarian option) — be sure to try the slow-roasted turkey roulade with chestnut stuffing; the white bean casserole with winter cooked vegetables on the vegetarian menu; and, of course, the sticky date pudding served with toffee sauce and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Brunch on December 25 (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., $199) will feature a “Children’s Playland,” a dedicated area for the kids’ buffet caroling, photo ops with none other than Santa Claus and holiday-themed activities throughout the morning. Adults can enjoy their own winter wonderland with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot. Celebrate with a special New Year’s Eve three- or five-course dinner with dishes such as butter-poached sole and medallion of Maine lobster. The first seating (5:30-7:30 p.m., $118 or $182 for wine pairings) features three courses, while the second (8-10 p.m., $150 or $245 for wine pairings) includes five. Regardless of which time you choose, you’ll be entertained by a live band. Start off 2014 with a delicious brunch (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., $199) on New Year’s Day, where the champagne will continue to flow.
Cherry Garden is well regarded in Singapore for serving fine Cantonese fare. Located at Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and set in a fully feng shui designed space — there really is no classier and authentically Asian way to start a holiday morning than at the Dim Sum brunch buffet. Luckily, there are two seatings (11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.) on Christmas ($70) and New Year’s Day ($62). With more than 50 dishes, there’s certainly something for the whole family; keep an eye out for these specialties and make them your Christmas gift to yourself: honey-glazed Kurobuta pork char siew (Cantonese roasted meat); steamed juicy pork xiao long bao (soup dumplings); steamed sweetened custard bao filled with dark chocolate; and steamed ginger and sesame drunken chicken dumplings.
Daniel Boulud is one of the most admired chefs in the world and is a household name in the upscale dining scene — not to mention, one synonymous with fine traditional French cuisine. He has brought his talent to Singapore with DB Bistro Moderne, a casual French-American bistro situated in The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The restaurant will offer a four-course, holiday-inspired menu for Christmas Eve ($107) and a seven-course menu for New Year’s Eve ($158). Visiting on Christmas for the Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker’s signature “black tie scallops” (black truffle studded diver scallops baked in crust baby turnips with natural jus) or beginning the new year with his grass-fed beef duo (filet mignon, red wine braised short ribs, super green spinach, wild mushrooms in Bordelaise sauce) would be a delicious close and open to the year.
For those looking to celebrate with a divine French meal in a sophisticated setting complete with chandeliers, a pianist and singer in the background, and candlelit banquet tables with plush sofas and chairs, Brasserie Les Saveurs is the perfect way to bask in European elegance on Christmas ($78-$238) and New Year’s Eve ($166). The restaurant located within Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The St. Regis Singapore will continue to feature its signature buffet spread (including the famed lobster and seafood on ice and pan-seared foie gras) with bespoke hints of the holidays in the specially-crafted entrées (slow-roasted leg of boar, anyone?) and desserts. An option for those joining for dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas, served from 7-10 p.m., is endless wine or champagne from The St. Regis’ wine cellar. The Grand Sommeliers will be on hand providing access to the cellar, which holds more than 1,000 vintages from around the world. Dinner on New Year’s Eve (7 p.m.-midnight) features an elaborate display of delectable dishes such as pan-seared Wagyu beef with Parmesan espuma (froth) and foie gras with truffle and fig brioche crouton.
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
