The festive season in the editorial world is my absolute sweet spot. December brings a sort of magical lull—work winds down, folks are travelling, and the only thing providing any sort of excitement are the slew of festive tastings. But what happens when your editor-in-chief is on leave, the contributing writer is working remotely halfway across the globe, the style director turns his nose up at anything beyond a whiff of soju, and the features editor has mysteriously gone radio silent on all festive dining invitations? You’re left with one writer juggling far more than he signed up for. But these shoulders are broad, and they don’t mind carrying the gustation load for the team. So here it is: my (little) curation of Christmas meals, tailored to suit all sorts of tastes and occasions.
Is there a fancier way to celebrate the festive season than being above it all? Perched 61 levels high, HighHouse presents a Festive Sharing Menu that traverses Pan-Asian cuisine while embracing winter's familiar comforts. Designed to satisfy 6, this indulgent feast offers 7 thoughtfully crafted dishes that’s served all at once that’ll have you passing dishes around non-stop.
We’ll start off with the lighter offerings; a Grilled Whole Australian Barramundi Fish delicately enhanced with pancetta and chai poh, alongside Grilled Indonesian Squid dancing with a Latin-inspired sweet and sour pineapple salsa. A commanding kilogram of 35-day Dry-Aged Argentinean Devesa Bone-In-Ribeye takes centre stage, ensuring each guest receives a mouthful of juicy, umami chew. Protein-rich selections continue with Grilled Indiana Duck Breast and a sumptuous Braised Duck Leg, elegantly finished with earthy winter truffles. And then there’s the Crabmeat & Squid Ink Fried Rice, a dish so addictive it’ll probably be the first dish to join the clean plate club. The lounge’s breathtaking panoramic views paired with the warmth of communal dining make HighHouse perfect for creating unforgettable festive memories.
HighHouse
Price: $398++ for 6 pax
When: Now till 1 January 2025
Where: HighHouse, 1 Raffles Pl, L61-62, Singapore 048616
Prepare for an extraordinary eight-course journey through New Italian cuisine, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman—whose culinary prowess has earned Michelin acclaim in Antwerp and recognition in Tokyo. Featuring the finest ingredients like venison, langoustine, and turbot, the menu is a symphony of fresh, vibrant flavours.
Begin with the briny yet luscious Dutch Imperial Flat Oyster from Zeeland, elevated with Champagne Mousseline and Caviar to awaken the palate. Delicate langoustine with leek vinaigrette and whispers of earthy truffle follow, each course building anticipation for the main course; Venison, Pumpkin, and Chou Farci. Here, tender venison meets sweet pumpkin and the cosy embrace of stuffed cabbage. Complemented by a playlist of nostalgic beats from the ’80s and ’90s, Le Pristine promises to bring Michelin-quality food, and then some, to your Christmas table.
Le Pristine
Price: $260++ per pax
When: 24, 25 and 31 December 2024
Where: Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211
MOGA’s Christmas Izakaya Sharing Menu for 4 is perfect for those late-night catchups filled with laughter. The izakaya begins with the Shio Koji Fried Chicken—crispy, tender, and impossible to resist. Pass around those cloud-like Hokkaido Milk Buns for a satisfying bite, particularly so when dipped into the warm, luscious Blue Cheese sauce. The luxurious Foie Gras & Gammon Roll follows shortly after, complemented by the comforting Smashed Sweet Potato that’ll have everyone reaching across the table. And because deep conversations need a little liquid courage, a 300ml bottle of sake is included in the meal.
MOGA
Price: S$188++ for 4 pax / Additional S$48++ per additional guests
When: Now till 31 December 2024
Where: Pullman Singapore Hill Street, 1 Hill St, Singapore 179949
If there ever were a time to indulge in red meat, Christmas would be it. While you're at it, why not do so at a K-BBQ joint that's won several James Beard Award nominations and consecutive Michelin stars? COTE's festive Feast of the Seven Steaks offers a culinary experience that lives up to the restaurant's reputation as premium cuts are grilled tableside by an incredibly attentive service team. Expect an exceptional selection of prime meats including USA USDA Prime Filet Mignon, A5 Miyazaki Ribeye, and Australian Wagyu COTE Steak.
Traditional Korean accompaniments surround the metal grill, with standout items like Scallion and Perilla Leaf Kimchi offering bright, acidic counterpoints to the rich proteins. COTE masterfully captures the best elements of a K-BBQ restaurant—atmospheric lighting, impeccable service, and cosy booths—while avoiding common pitfalls like lingering meat odours in the air or generic background pop music. In short, it would make a comfortable spot to spend your Christmas plans.
Sidenote: COTE has recently introduced weekend lunch services for the first time since opening its doors earlier this year. Exclusive lunch offerings include innovative dishes like the Korean Crudo "Salad" in Hwe Dup Bap style, a hearty Sanche Bibimbap loaded with vegetables, and Singapore-exclusive items such as Steak Dupbap (an Australian Wagyu beef bowl topped with cured egg yolk) and Galbitang featuring beef short rib. So, in case if you've decided on another spot for Xmas, a casual lunch here might just be enough to convince you to spend next year's Christmas at COTE instead.
COTE
Price: S$245++ per pax
When: 24 and 25 December 2024
Where: 30 Bideford Road Singapore, Level 3, COMO Orchard, Singapore 229922
For those who prefer celebrating Christmas at home but dread the stress of preparing a feast for 6 mouths, ONE°15's Taste of Christmas take-home feasts provide a hassle-free solution that promises an authentic holiday meal without the risk of ruining Christmas with dry turkey. Designed to serve 6-8 people, the feast offers two options: the Meat Lovers' Feast and Santa's Joy-Full Feast.
The former showcases four classic Christmas mains: succulent Roasted Turkey, rich Slow-roasted Angus Sirloin, crispy Kurobuta Porchetta, and a sweet Honey-glazed Ham. This indulgent spread is complemented by traditional Yorkshire Pudding and fragrant Herb-roasted Potatoes.
Santa's Joy-Full Feast, on the other hand, proposes a more varied offering with an impressive selection featuring Salt-baked Salmon and Herb-crusted Lamb Rack, alongside the classic Honey-glazed Ham and Roasted Turkey. The sides don’t disappoint either, featuring a robust spread of Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, luxurious Black Truffle Pomme Purée, and Oven-roasted Root Vegetables. Whichever you choose, both feasts include a complimentary Chestnut Log Cake, ensuring a sweet conclusion to your homely Christmas experience. Each delivery also comes with a thermal bag, so you'll be able to skip the hassle of reheating the food if you are so inclined.
ONE°15
Price: S$428 / S$458 for 6-8 pax
When: Now till 31 December 2024
Where: Home!
If you're someone with a penchant for theatrics, SUSHISAMBA is probably where you'll want to be come December 25th. Forget the fact that you'll be seated among the clouds 52 levels high in Capital Tower with a sprawling view of the CBD. You'll be able to sip on free-flowing Christmas-themed champagne and cocktails while Brazilian samba dancers and drummers flown in directly from Rio electrify the atmosphere, all accompanied by a live DJ spinning groovy tunes.
The food, of course, is nothing to scoff at either. A selection of SUSHISAMBA's signature dishes, including Sea Bream Seviche with truffle, Pork Taquitos, and Australian Grass-Fed Short Ribs. A live sushi station will also keep things fresh, serving up highlights such as the SAMBAZONIA Samba Roll, Akami Nigiri, and Hamachi Sashimi. The dramatics cap off with a dedicated Christmas Dessert Table littered with a medley of sweet treats like the Cachaça Rum Fruit Cake and Japanese Purple Potato Mont Blanc. There’s just one catch: this festive feast is available only during lunch, from 12 pm to 3 pm. So, you'll want to plan accordingly.
SUSHISAMBA
Price: $250++ per pax
When: 25 December 2024
Where: 168 Robinson Rd, Level 52 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912
Quick, off the top of your head, what’s the oldest Italian restaurant you can think of that’s still open in Singapore? (And no, don’t say Saizeriya) Is it 20 years old? 30? Try 51 years old. Established in 1973, Pete’s Place has been a mainstay at the Grand Hyatt for generations, and it just underwent a major facelift. Buried beneath a stairway leading down to the hotel’s basement, this once cozy spot with plaid tablecloths, brick floor tiles, and hanging portraits has fully embraced the clandestine, cellar-like atmosphere of a basement restaurant.
For starters, the floor tiles are wooden now, and seatings are arranged more orderly, with spotlights warming each table from above. The décor might contain the usual elements of a standard fine dining establishment, but to longtime regulars, there is only one thought in their mind: Pete’s Place is bougie now.
Take, for example, their Prosciutto di Parma and melon—a seemingly unusual pairing but a classic in Italian cuisine. Here, the 24-month aged Parma ham—hand-selected by newly appointed chef, Salvatore Giorgio Catania—pairs beautifully with melon to deliver a deep interplay of flavours that develops with every chew. Then there’s the Supplì Romani, which you can think of as an Italian take on a croquette that’s covered in a thick layer of pecorino cheese. Its soft velvety interior meets crispy exterior, while the creamy cheese plays against a sharp, peppery note, delivering a unique mouthfeel.
Once your palate’s been awakened by the starters, move on to the Conchiglie Cioppino, an almost gluttonous medley of seafood—Boston lobsters, scallops, crab claws, prawns, and mussels—all nestled atop a bed of tomato pasta. It’s a celebration of ocean flavours. The penultimate Bistecca alla Fiorentina sees an Australian T-bone steak seasoned with Tuscan spices. The result is a classic bite that screams well-done—not in doneness, but in technique and execution.
Pete’s Signature Tiramisu does the unthinkable by becoming a dessert that ends up being the highlight of the night. This version layers sponge cake between cheese and espresso, soaking up both to create a surprisingly juicy bite. We can’t put a finger on what exactly makes this tiramisu so irresistible, but we have a sneaky suspicion it’s the addition of white amaretto—an almond-based liqueur with hints of vanilla. Let me explain.
We started with a glass of White Amaretto at the bar before the tasting began (and ended the meal with it, which felt rather poetic), and it quite honestly might be the finest sip of alcohol I’ve ever had. I’m no alcohol connoisseur by any means, but the fact that I wasn’t the only one raving about it told me I wasn’t crazy. Remember the name: White Amaretto. Order it.
