Christmas from the Heart at Hotel JenOrchardgateway

Author: Nigel Tan

As the end 2018 draws nearer, so does Christmas as well. Hotel Jen recently launched its festive Christmas menu and its one not to be missed. Being one of the relatively newer hotels in orchard, Hotel Jen’s buffet menu doesn’t fall short to the rest. Before I start critiquing on the food, can I just add that the nicely decorated alfresco dining is one you definitely need to request for. If you’re looking for something romantic or simply something warm that set the tone of Christmas, do request for the outdoor seating. The unrestricted outdoor view, the nicely decorated trees with fairy lights coupled with the cool wind really brings a whole new sensation to a Christmas dinner in Singapore.



A big shout out to all carnivores out there, Hotel Jen’s Christmas menu (on top of their standard buffet menu, which already have an extensive selection of seafood) consist of a myriad of sausages and meats! These include Coiled English Cumberland, Spiced Chorizo Sausage, Bratwurst, Neuberger and Cheese Cracker Sausage. Yes you heard it right, Cheese Cracker sausages! Who doesn’t like a good cheese sausage. The briny cheese within the warm sausage just compliments the umami-ness of the sausage without overpowering it. And if you’re wondering, the flavour of the sausage is not overpowering which really makes me return for more. They also provide condiments such as – mustard, pickles, sweet and red sour cabbage to compliment and cut through the fat.



Credit: William Tan

Next, what is Christmas without Ham. The Honey Baked Ham with Caramelised Pineapple is another dish not to be missed. Even though its slow roasted the ham still retained all that moisture and remained juicy even after the roast. The caramelised pineapples really bring an Asian touch to roasted ham as well. If you love Hawaiian pizza, this really reminds me of it, minus the pizza dough.



One thing I really like about Hotel Jen’s Christmas buffet is that the Chefs’ do carefully think about what side dishes compliments the poultry. The slow roasted ribeye was roasted to perfection. Complimented with the Wine ripe tomato, really brings a burst or freshness with every bite. Secondly, the Maple Syrup, Merlot Turkey. The maple syrup really adds another dimension to the dish and brings out the flavour of the bird. Complimented by the Trio Pepper in Yam Fritters, this dish is really one to be looking out for as well. The Roasted Turkey with stuffing, with the Own Grown Basil Morello Cherry Compote is also another notable mention.



Credit: William Tan

All in all, I would say that the Chefs’ at Hotel Jen did a great job in brainstorming for this festive menu. Each side dish has complimented the accompanying poultry well and bringing a new depth and creativity to our normal Christmas favourites. This Christmas menu really shouts out to all the meat lovers out there. Even if you’re not a meat lover, do head down and enjoy their huge variety of seafood dishes as well. At such a reasonable price, together with this extensive selection, do head down and celebrate Christmas at Hotel Jen, and remember to ask for the outdoor seats.

Makan@Jen
Festive Season Buffet Highlights
15 – 23 Dec, 26 Dec – 30 Dec
Lunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $68++/pax

Christmas Eve – 24 Dec
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $108++/pax

Christmas Day – 25 Dec
Brunch: $88++/pax
Dinner: $88++/pax

New Year’s Eve – 31 Dec
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $118++/pax

New Year’s Day – 1 Jan
Brunch: $48++/pax
Dinner: $88++/pax

Season Greetings,
Nigel