The newly renovated Lobby Lounge at Pan Pacific Orchard has recently launched a spanking new Gourmet High Tea Buffet which features uniquely crafted tapas, desserts and most notably, three classic and signature dishes.
First of all, if you're wondering where Pan Pacific Orchard is, wonder no more!
Pan Pacific Orchard sits just a short distance behind Lido and Pacific Plaza. It is also a short walk from Palais Renaissance and Delfi Orchard. It is alot more accessible than you think! Its location gives a sense of exclusivity and serenity, away from the hustle and bustle of the city but it is in fact, very conveniently situated.
When X and I first took our seats, we couldn't help but soak up the atmosphere. With a slow and soothing tune playing in the background, the slightly warm lighting, and comfortable chairs, we knew we were in for a great afternoon. We met Abigail who told us more about the buffet and off we go to fill our rumbling tummies!
Smoked Duck with Plum Dressing
Scallop with Mango Salsa
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Chicken Mayo Sandwich
Cranberry Cream Cheese
Banana Strudel and Coconut Tarts
Raisin scones with sweetened cream and kaya
Abigail was telling us how a few Japanese tourists were skeptical about the green jam but fell in love with it and even asked where they could purchase it!
Iced Latte
Fairly decent tapas. I plucked up courage to try the hummus and egg and it was surprisingly sweet and yummy! My favourite has got to be the smoked duck with plum dressing!
Spanish-Bred Iberian-Cured Ham (available during weekend)
This was so so good. Thin savory pieces of ham, topped with pepper and accompanied with sweet melon. It just doesn't get better than this. Secretly wished I could have more of it!
Swiss Cottage Melting Raclette (available during weekend)
Abigail told us that the thin crackers are really awesome, and she was spot on! The crackers are paper thin and super crisp. They are also extremely fragrant and X loved it!
Gooey melting cheese that is not too overwhelmingly cheesy and it goes really well with the crackers
Now, introducing the Plates of Pleasure
We had the honour of meeting Executive Chef Andy who is one of the six chefs who had recently won an award at the Omni Hotels and Resorts' Simply Street Food Competition. Chef Andy is from Penang and when we asked him why he chose these three dishes to be on the menu, he told us that when Singaporeans go to Penang, they always eat Char Kway Teow, Prawn Noodles or Penang Laksa. Hence, he decided to bring a little piece of Penang to Singapore. This is probably the only place where you can taste these three really delectable Penang dishes. And the best part? You can have as much as you want!
"Peddler's" Char Kway Teow
with Pacific Blue Crab Meat and Canton Air-dried Sausage
This is Chef Andy's signature dish and it is also the dish that won him an award at the competition. Unlike the Char Kway Teow that we usually have, this carefully crafted dish is lighter in colour, drier and is perfectly charred. The cockles are smaller and do not carry the taste of "rust". This is definitely the nicest char kway teow I've ever had!
Penang Aromatic Spicy Prawn Noodle Broth
with Chinese Roasted Pork and Vietnamese Tiger Prawn
An appetizing and rich bowl of broth with a variety of ingredients that will tug at your heartstrings. The taste of the soup is enriched by the roasted pork which takes the place of our usual pork ribs. This dish is comforting, albeit a little too spicy for me, and delightfully satisfying.
Penang Famous Assam Laksa
Rich Tamarind Fish Stock and Farmed Sea Bass
This is definitely not your regular laksa. There isn't coconut or prawns or cockles and neither is it spicy. The soup is incredibly tasty, unconventionally sour, and above all, remarkably delicious. The single piece of sea bass is extremely tender and fresh. If I were to choose my utmost favourite dish of the three, this would be it! X loved every single of the three dishes too but this was undoubtedly his number one too! Mouthwateringly good!
The banana strudel is a must try! Loved the sweet burst of banana when I bit into the strudel!
The desserts were pretty average.
The buffet comes with free flow Pacific Blend Coffee($10-$16) and Tea from TWG($12). I tried the butterscotch coffee and I really liked it! The chefs are currently still fine-tuning the buffet spread and the selection will be changed quite frequently so don't you worry about having the same goodies when you pop by again! Furthermore, we really liked how everything in the buffet spread is individually portioned!
The Gourmet High Tea Buffet is priced at $28++ on Weekdays and $38++ on weekends. Although the selection of tapas and desserts is not very huge, I still feel its pretty value for money!
We'll like to thank Abigail for inviting us and for a really wonderful afternoon and, of course, Chef Andy for telling us more about the buffet!
10 Claymore Road
Gourmet High Tea Buffet : 2pm - 5pm
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Love, K
