Celebrating Singapore’s Hawker Heritage at The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

After eight months of renovation works, the Tower Wing at Shangri-La Hotel is finally ready to usher their guests with brand new rooms and suites, restaurants, stunning lobby, revamped lobby and a revitalised club lounge. It was a breath of fresh air here to be returning back to Shangri-La Hotel and it was definitely an exhilarating moment for me as I entered the lobby and marvel at the ceiling art installation of the hotel as I made a slow walk to the Lobby Lounge. This installation was designed up renowned Japanese designer Hirotoshi Sawada.

The Lobby Lounge is well-known for their western tiered high tea set. But right now, there included a local twist to their new high tea menu. They now offer an enticing array of authentic Singaporean hawker fare, with an a la carte selection of signature heritage dishes, including Bak Chor Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Katong Laksa, Prawn Noodle Soup, Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup, Chili Crab and Mantou. Oh yes, it was such a treat to be tasting some of the very best local dishes in town. Food is served on Peranakan crockery that features beautiful motifs of nature that lend a local touch to the dining experience.

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

We tried the following dishes: (from left to right) Fish Beehoon ($24),   Katong Laksa ($18) and Bak Chor Mee with Fish Maw Soup ($24). These were all old-time local favourites which have brought back fond memories of my childhood. It felt wonderful to be savouring our own local delights instead of keeping up with the hipster cafe food trends here in Singapore.  These signature heritage dishes are not only tasty but it also reveals own unique cultural roots.  

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

We have also tasted the Prawn Noodle Soup ($26), Hainanese Chicken Rice ($20) and Chilli Crab with Mantou ($26). The Prawn Noodle Soup was my favourite because the broth is very flavourful and the noodles have a nice firm bite to it.

All of these dishes are flavourful and delicious – there was nothing too disappointing about these dishes at all. Remember to dig into it while it is still hot and fresh from the stove!

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

During mid-afternoon, The Lobby Lounge transits to afternoon tea, offering a Three-Tier Local Signature Set. These local delicacies are recommended to be paired with coffee or tea. Alternatively, you could also select a beverage from the Local Favourites section, such as Teh Tarik ($8), Asia’s favourite piping hot milk tea, Chin Chow ($8), a black grass jelly drink, and Milo Over-The-Top ($12), an elaborate chocolate and malt extravaganza. Or how about a Pink Bandung drink with some fluffly ‘clouds’ hovering above the drink?

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

All six signature dishes are available on the à la carte menu daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm or as part of the local semi-buffet lunch priced at $38++ during weekdays or $45++ during weekends. The semi-buffet lunch encompasses a wide selection of local appetisers, desserts and a choice of one of the six signature dishes.

Be sure to check out the Shophouse by Shangri-La, a grab-and-go dining concept specialising in sandwiches and artisanal pastries. I tried their Black Forest Tart (Tarte by Cheryl Koh) and Durian Cheesecake Tart which gave me that beautiful sweet explosion of flavours in my mouth. The unforgettable one has got to be the Durian Cheesecake Tart.

Credit: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

The Lobby Level (Tower Wing)