J65 by JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La
Ambience & Setting
Nestled in the upscale Tanglin district, J65 embodies contemporary sophistication with a warm, celebratory atmosphere. The restaurant’s modern design features clean lines and elegant décor that strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and special-occasion dining. The space is thoughtfully designed to accommodate both intimate family gatherings and larger celebrations, with ample natural light during lunch service and ambient lighting that creates a festive glow during dinner hours.
The Prosperity Dinner Buffet Experience
The all-you-can-eat format allows diners to pace themselves through an impressive spread of festive offerings. The buffet stations are well-organized, minimizing congestion even during peak hours.
Standout Dishes:
DIY Yusheng with Norwegian Smoked Salmon – The interactive lo hei experience begins here. The Norwegian smoked salmon is premium quality, with a delicate smokiness and silky texture. Fresh julienned vegetables provide satisfying crunch, while the plum sauce strikes an ideal balance between sweet and tangy. The DIY format adds an element of fun and allows families to customize their portions.
Braised Whole Duck with 8 Treasures – This is where J65 truly shines. The duck arrives glistening with a rich, mahogany glaze. The meat is impossibly tender, falling off the bone with minimal effort. The “8 treasures” stuffing—a traditional mix that typically includes glutinous rice, chestnuts, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage—is fragrant and deeply savory, each component contributing distinct textures and flavors that complement rather than compete.
Seafood Treasure Pot – A celebration in a bowl, this communal dish features prawns, scallops, and various seafood swimming in a light, aromatic broth. The seafood is impeccably fresh, and the broth, likely built on a foundation of superior stock, is clean-tasting yet complex, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine.
Whole Red Snapper with Lemongrass – The fish arrives beautifully presented, steamed to translucent perfection. The lemongrass infusion is subtle but unmistakable, cutting through any potential fishiness while enhancing the delicate flavor. The flesh flakes cleanly, a testament to both freshness and proper cooking technique.
Service & Value
Customer reviews highlight exceptional service, particularly noting the manager’s attentiveness and thoughtful touches like complimentary birthday celebrations. The chocolate fountain mentioned by diners adds a playful, indulgent finish to the meal. At $88++ per adult for dinner (weekday rates lower), the pricing is competitive for hotel buffet standards, especially given the quality of ingredients and preparation.
The Buffet Restaurant at M Hotel
Ambience & Atmosphere
M Hotel’s The Buffet Restaurant offers a more contemporary, energetic vibe compared to traditional hotel dining rooms. The gorgeous atmosphere mentioned in reviews suggests thoughtful interior design—likely featuring modern fixtures, comfortable seating arrangements, and a layout that facilitates both the dining experience and movement between hotpot stations.
The Ooh LaLa Prosperity Hotpot Concept
This interactive dining format transforms the meal into an engaging, communal experience. The MSG-free broths demonstrate a commitment to clean eating without sacrificing flavor.
Signature Elements:
The Ooh! LaLa Broth – While the exact composition isn’t specified, a specially crafted broth for Chinese New Year likely incorporates auspicious ingredients like goji berries, dried scallops, or herbs believed to bring good fortune. The fact that it’s highlighted suggests a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from standard hotpot bases.
Premium Seafood Selection:
- Blue Swimmer Crab – These crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate meat. In a hotpot setting, they infuse the broth with additional depth while remaining succulent.
- Half-shell Scallops – Quick-cooking and naturally sweet, scallops in hotpot become buttery and tender, absorbing the broth’s flavors while contributing their own oceanic essence.
- Slipper Lobsters (weekend special) – Less common than Maine lobster, slipper lobsters have a firmer texture and concentrated flavor, making them ideal for hotpot cooking.
Grilled Tiger Prawn Skewers – The grilling adds a smoky dimension that contrasts beautifully with the lighter hotpot elements. Tiger prawns are substantial, with firm, snappy texture and pronounced prawn flavor.
Beef Brisket Gulai – This fusion element is fascinating—Indonesian gulai curry meets Chinese celebration. The brisket requires long braising to achieve melt-in-mouth tenderness, and the gulai’s aromatic spice blend (typically turmeric, galangal, lemongrass) creates a warming, complex sauce.
Maine Lobster Claws in Pumpkin Curry (weekend special) – Another creative fusion, the natural sweetness of pumpkin and lobster creates harmony, while curry spices add warmth and depth.
Musang King Durian Cream Puffs – For durian lovers, this is the ultimate indulgence. Musang King, the “king of durians,” is prized for its intense, complex flavor and creamy texture. Encased in delicate choux pastry, it’s a bold dessert choice.
Orange Chocolate Fountain – The citrus-chocolate combination offers a refreshing, slightly bitter-sweet finish that cleanses the palate after a rich meal.
The Welcome Spring Dim Sum Lunch Alternative
For those preferring a lighter, daytime experience, the dim sum spread provides variety. Highlights include Peranakan Curry Cheong Fun (rice noodle rolls with Nyonya-style curry) and Crab in Salted Egg Yolk—a modern classic where the sandy, savory egg yolk coating creates an addictive umami bomb.
Service Excellence
Reviews specifically praise staff attentiveness—checking on diners regularly, refilling soup, and maintaining clean tables. Special mention of staff member Puteh arranging prayer space demonstrates cultural sensitivity and exceptional hospitality.
Value Assessment
Starting at $69++ for dinner (Sun-Thu), this represents excellent value for unlimited hotpot with premium ingredients. The 15% group discount for parties of four or more makes it even more attractive for family gatherings.
Atrium Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Setting & Atmosphere
Located on Level 4 of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, the restaurant boasts elegant décor, soft lighting, and a spacious layout praised by diners. The sophisticated yet relaxed environment works equally well for intimate dinners and larger family celebrations—crucial during the busy Chinese New Year period.
The Festive Buffet Spread
The buffet strategy here is abundance and variety, catering to diverse palates within extended families.
Festive Specialties:
Yu Sheng – The essential Chinese New Year dish for “tossing” prosperity. The restaurant’s version likely features fresh ingredients and a well-balanced sauce.
Chicken Bak Kwa – This sweet-savory barbecued meat is a CNY staple. The chicken version is typically lighter than pork bak kwa, with caramelized edges and tender, slightly chewy texture.
Fried Nian Gao – Glutinous rice cake, when fried, achieves a crispy exterior while remaining gooey inside—a textural delight symbolizing progress and growth.
Special Premium Items (CNY Eve & Days 1-4):
Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall – This is a luxurious touch. The traditional version of this Fujian delicacy involves slow-braising premium ingredients like sea cucumber, abalone, fish maw, and mushrooms in rich stock. Even in “mini” form, it’s a special treat representing abundance and prosperity.
Braised 10-head Abalone – The “head count” refers to how many abalones equal one catty (approximately 600g)—the lower the number, the larger and more premium the abalone. 10-head abalone represents substantial size and luxury. Properly braised, they should be tender with a slight chew, having absorbed the savory-sweet braising liquid.
Love Letter Cannoli – A creative fusion dessert combining kueh kapit (love letters—crispy wafer rolls) with Italian cannoli concept. This playful element adds whimsy to the traditional spread.
Year-Round Favorites:
Assorted Crabs – Multiple crab preparations allow diners to experience different flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
Fish Maw Soup – This collagen-rich delicacy has a distinctive slippery texture and is prized in Chinese cuisine for its health benefits and ability to absorb surrounding flavors.
Salmon Sashimi – The inclusion of Japanese elements shows culinary range. Fresh salmon should have a buttery texture and clean ocean flavor.
Grilled Lamb Chops – These provide heartier protein for those wanting something beyond seafood and poultry.
Satay & Laksa – These beloved Southeast Asian dishes ensure there’s something for every family member, especially children who might find traditional Chinese New Year dishes unfamiliar.
Value & Booking
Starting from $98 with a 1-for-1 adult offer represents exceptional value, particularly with the premium CNY additions. Early booking is essential given the special pricing and limited seating.
Jiak Modern Tzechar
Concept & Atmosphere
The “modern tzechar” approach suggests an elevation of traditional zi char (home-style Chinese cooking) in a more comfortable, contemporary setting than typical hawker-style establishments. The cozy ambience mentioned makes it suitable for those wanting authentic flavors without the sometimes chaotic energy of traditional zi char restaurants.
The Set Menu Approach
Happiness Set ($288): Likely designed for smaller families (4-6 people), this entry-level set ensures all the essential symbolic dishes are present.
Abundance Set ($588): The premium option for larger gatherings or those wanting more luxurious ingredients.
Featured Dishes:
Prosperity 12-head Abalone Yu Sheng – The inclusion of 12-head abalone (larger than the 10-head mentioned at Atrium) adds significant luxury to the traditional lo hei. The abalone adds umami depth and a prestigious element.
Lobster Crabmeat Soup – This rich, creamy soup combines two premium seafood elements. Done well, it should be velvety without being heavy, with distinct lobster and crab flavors complementing each other.
Teochew Style Steamed Grouper – Teochew steaming is about restraint and purity, allowing the fish’s natural flavor to shine. Typically dressed simply with superior soy sauce, ginger, and scallions after steaming. Grouper is prized for its firm, sweet flesh.
The Modern Touch
Reviews highlight standout dishes like slipper crab black bee hoon (with generous portions and ingredients) and prawn paste chicken topped with fluffy fried egg—a creative twist on the classic. The Thai chicken with satay seasoning shows willingness to innovate while respecting traditional flavors.
Practical Considerations
Located at HillV2, the venue faces access challenges due to traffic, though the food quality makes it worthwhile for dedicated diners.
Segar Restaurant
Dual Locations & Accessibility
With outlets in both Chinatown Point and Pasir Ris, Segar provides geographic convenience for families across Singapore. The Muslim-owned establishment ensures authentic halal practices.
The Home-Cooked Approach
Specializing in reasonably priced zi char and seafood, Segar appeals to families wanting traditional Chinese flavors without hotel pricing.
Signature Reunion Dishes:
Fortune Prawns – The name suggests prosperity. Preparation likely involves butter, salted egg yolk, or chili—popular zi char prawn treatments.
Four Treasure Soup – Traditional Chinese soups often feature “four treasures” or “eight treasures”—combinations of premium ingredients like mushrooms, dried seafood, herbs, and vegetables in nourishing broth.
Golden Phoenix with Plum Sauce – Likely chicken prepared with a crispy skin and glazed with tangy-sweet plum sauce, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
Authentic Experience
Reviews note the food tastes different from non-halal Chinese food, which is expected given ingredient substitutions (chicken instead of pork in certain dishes, different wine alternatives). The 5% discount for self-ordering and membership shows value consciousness.
Service Considerations
Some reviews mention inconsistent service orientation, though the food quality and halal certification remain the primary draws.
Home of Seafood
Specialty Focus
This Joo Chiat establishment has built its reputation on authentic Chinese-style seafood with halal certification—a relatively rare combination that makes it particularly valuable.
Set Menu Structure
Four Chinese New Year sets offer flexibility, all including Abalone Yu Sheng. The option to purchase yu sheng separately accommodates those who might be supplementing home-cooked meals.
Seafood Excellence:
Reviews consistently praise the freshness and flavor of seafood preparations. Standout mentions include:
House Special White Bee Hoon – The flavorful broth that soaks into rice vermicelli suggests a rich seafood-based stock, likely built over hours from prawn heads, fish bones, and aromatics.
Crispy Shrimp Paste Chicken ($16) – Described as essential, this dish features chicken wings coated in pungent, savory shrimp paste then deep-fried to crispy perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially with children.
Chicken Fried Rice ($10) – The even coating of sauce on each grain indicates proper wok technique and temperature control—seemingly simple but requiring skill.
Value & Atmosphere
The reasonable pricing and authentic flavors make this an excellent choice for seafood-loving families who want quality without the hotel premium.
Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts
Grand Scale Buffet
With over 100 dishes, Carousel takes a maximalist approach to buffet dining. The “rainbow of flavors” suggests visual appeal alongside taste diversity.
Culinary Range
The menu spans multiple cuisines:
- Fresh seafood stations
- Barbecued meats
- Sashimi bar
- Teppanyaki (live cooking station)
- Mediterranean dishes
This variety ensures every family member finds multiple favorites.
Weekend Enhancement
The mention of exclusive weekend highlights suggests premium items like whole roasted meats, additional seafood selections, or specialty desserts appear on Saturdays and Sundays.
Setting & Service
Located at lobby level of Royal Plaza on Scotts, the restaurant offers easy access. The halal-certified kitchens provide peace of mind, while the extensive spread justifies the premium hotel buffet pricing.
Reviews consistently mention great experiences, with recent observations noting a slightly reduced dessert counter—possibly a temporary adjustment.
21 On Rajah at Days Hotel
Mediterr-asean Fusion Philosophy
This unique concept merges Mediterranean and Asian street food—an adventurous approach that broadens the traditional Chinese New Year dining experience.
Mediterranean Elements:
- Spiced Basmati and Sultana Saffron Rice (aromatic, subtly sweet)
Asian Street Fare:
- Clams in Assam Chili (tangy, spicy tamarind-based sauce)
- Barbecued chicken with sambal squid rings (smoky, spicy)
Chinese New Year Specialties
Braised Poached Whole Chicken in Herbal Soup – This preparation emphasizes wellness and nourishment—typical Chinese philosophy where food is medicine. The herbal broth likely contains ginseng, goji berries, and warming herbs.
Four Treasure Rice – A festive glutinous rice dish typically studded with premium ingredients like Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and dried shrimp.
Slipper Lobster in Chilli Crab Sauce with Deep-Fried Mantou – Singapore’s iconic chili crab treatment applied to premium lobster, served with fried mantou buns for soaking up the sweet-spicy-savory sauce. This is indulgence defined.
Chicken Yang Chow Fried Rice – The halal adaptation of this classic fried rice, featuring chicken instead of traditional char siu pork.
Salmon Yu Sheng – Provides the essential lo hei ritual with quality salmon.
Value Proposition
The regular pricing is already considered worthwhile due to quality sashimi and cold seafood. Promotional discounts (like the 40% SAFRA offer mentioned) make it exceptional value.
Culinary Highlights:
- Grill station items outperform other cooked dishes
- Sashimi and cold seafood are premium quality
- Durian mousse stands out among desserts
Practical Benefits
Prayer rooms availability shows thoughtful accommodation of Muslim diners’ needs—an important consideration during extended meals.
Service Quality
Friendly, prompt service with efficient table clearing maintains a pleasant dining environment even during busy periods.
Comparative Analysis & Recommendations
For Premium Hotel Experience: J65 and Carousel offer polished service and upscale ambience.
For Interactive Dining: M Hotel’s hotpot format creates engagement and fun, especially for families with older children.
For Seafood Lovers: Home of Seafood provides authentic Chinese seafood preparations at reasonable prices.
For Traditional Zi Char: Jiak Modern Tzechar and Segar Restaurant deliver home-style flavors in comfortable settings.
For Adventurous Palates: 21 On Rajah’s Mediterr-asean fusion breaks from tradition creatively.
For Maximum Variety: Carousel’s 100+ dishes ensure something for everyone.
For Value Seekers: M Hotel and 21 On Rajah offer excellent quality-to-price ratios, especially with promotional offers.
All venues honor the essential Chinese New Year traditions while adapting to halal requirements and modern tastes, ensuring memorable reunion dinners for Singapore’s diverse Muslim community.