The Orchard Cafe and Bar Intermezzo – situated at Orchard Hotel – are open after renovation works on both establishments last year. Despite their newly-adopted chic look, both the Cafe and the Bar present dishes and drinks that pay homage to Singapore’s heritage.
Bar Intermezzo
Redefined with a stellar cast of craft cocktails conceptualised by Orchard Hotel Singapore’s dedicated mixology team, the Bar Intermezzo is now an enticing contemporary hotel lobby bar enlivened with an interior design that reflects the lush and vibrant botanical and agricultural provenance of the historical Orchard Road.
Bar Intermezzo’s new line-up of cocktails uses unique house-made syrups, tincture and infusions of ingredients such a fresh tropical fruit and exotic spices that used to yield in the Orchard area long ago.
One such drink is the Pineapple, a fruit-forward, mouth-watering combination of Plantation Pineapple Rum, Intermezzo’s special five-spice syrup, fresh pineapples and lime juice. Topped with a pressed pineapple slice, it is a great starter drink with an alcohol level that’s not too strong.
However, the taste of its spices may overpower that of the drink itself if it is not stirred occasionally. It may also not be ideal for drinkers who are not used to having spices in their cocktails. It would have been great if Bar Intermezzo’s list of signature drinks included alternatives which do not have any spices in them.
To further elevate the vibrancy of the bar’s newly-refurbished atmosphere, Bar Intermezzo also boasts a resident three-piece live jazz band which plays three musical sets on Thursdays from 7pm.
The Orchard Cafe
Back with a vibrant and chic décor, The Orchard Cafe captures the essence of a botanical Orchard with an attractive, appealing outlook that invites guests to gather, mingle and dine at their leisure, complemented by smart-tech amenities for enhanced guest experience.
The Orchard Cafe continues its legacy as an outstanding all-day-dining destination at Orchard Hotel, with a hearty Breakfast Buffet spread setting an energetic pace each morning and an à la carte menu of tasteful contemporary and ethnic cuisines available throughout the day.
Chef Ah Huat renews his legacy with his Braised Pork Knuckle Bee Hoon served in Leaf Pocket – a fragrant, irresistible rendition of the evergreen Hokkien dish that’s sure to fulfil cravings for those childhood tastes and memories.
If you love all things spicy, then be sure to try The Orchard Cafe’s selection of eighty fiery-hot yet mouth-watering Signature Class Sambal dipping sauces – Sambal Udang Kering, Sambal Belado, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Sambal Ijo, Sambal Balachan, Mango Sambal, Pineapple Sambal and Lime Sambal. I would highly recommend the Pineapple Sambal and Lime Sambal as they are the perfect blend of tangy and spicy – and it’s not every day you come across such unique yet delectable sauces!
The Orchard Cafe serves upscale versions of heritage-inspired local dishes as well, such as Wok-Fried Fragrant Truffle Egg Fried Rice, Seafood Roti John and Chilled Jasmine Scented Tau Suan with Coconut Milk.
As like all buffets, The Orchard Cafe serves up seafood on ice featuring premium Alaskan King Crabs, Fresh US Oysters and Blue-Lip Mussels, as well as a colourful, eye-catching salad bar elegantly lined with individually-prepared jars of superfood-rich salad options.
The buffet also includes an array of desserts with a local twist, such as Gula Melaka Crème Brulee, Onde Chiffon Cake, and an indulgent, must-try Chendol featuring Gula Melaka-flavoured ice shavings. The buffet even includes an ice-cream section featuring children’s favourite malted drink Horlicks as a delicious soft-serve, which can then be topped off with sweet treats – from marshmallow and waffle wafers to rainbow sprinkles and chopped nuts.
The newly-revamped Orchard Cafe also unveils tech-savvy amenities such as a Blend-in-Cup Beverage machine – a smart-tech drinks station featuring an easy-touch control panel. This allows diners to easily select their preferred drink and have it blended to perfection right at the station.
Complementing the exceptional cuisine and user-friendly amenities is a revitalised and contemporary ambience featuring soothing tones from a stylish, tropical-inspired palette of green and grey tones. The Cafe’s brand-new layout also incorporates an indoor bar and al fresco seating amidst lush landscaped greenery – a cosy haven to dine and savour sips from a menu of curated cocktails and wines.
Buffet prices start at S$58 for lunch and S$78 for dinner. For more information, please contact +65 6739 6565 or email orchardcafe.ohs@millenniumhotels.com
Photos by Soloman Soh of the DANAMIC team. Other visuals courtesy of Orchard Hotel Singapore.
