Heritage Meets Celebration At Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

As the new year approaches, there is a familiar desire to gather, reflect and celebrate with intention. At Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, the festive season unfolds with a deep respect for heritage and tradition, brought to life through food that carries stories across generations. From January 2026, Food Capital introduces its first-ever Peranakan buffet alongside an extensive line-up of Chinese New Year 2026 feasts, creating a meaningful dining journey for you and your loved ones.

The Riverside Peranakan Feast Makes Its Debut

Launching on 2 January 2026, the Riverside Peranakan Feast marks a milestone for Food Capital. More than a buffet, it is a cultural celebration that honours the richness of Peranakan heritage through flavour, music and craftsmanship. The opening showcase on 6 January, co-curated with The Peranakan Association Singapore, brings together a kebaya presentation led by Baba Raymond Wong, soulful performances by The Peranakan Voices choir, and an appearance by the beloved Singing Chef Shirley Tay, who also unveils a new collection of age-old Peranakan recipes.

Retail stalls add to the immersive experience, offering authentic kebaya, batik, beaded slippers and Peranakan delicacies, allowing you to explore heritage beyond the plate.

Authentic Dishes That Carry Generations of Memory

From 2 January to 8 February 2026, rotating menus present a thoughtful selection of Peranakan favourites. Expect comforting classics such as Deep Fried Pomfret with Sambal Chilli, Bakwan Kepiting crab meatball soup, Kachang Bendi Chincalok and Goreng Assam Udang. Each dish reflects the balance of spice, tang and warmth that defines Peranakan cuisine, offering both familiarity and discovery.

Chef Shirley Tay, now 79, embodies the spirit of this cuisine. Having learned from her grandmother and spent decades preserving Nyonya cooking, she brings heart and storytelling to every recipe. Dishes like Ayam Halia are not just food, but expressions of love and continuity, meant to be shared and remembered.

Honouring a Living Heritage

The collaboration with The Peranakan Association Singapore carries special significance, following the kebaya’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By presenting food, music and design together in a contemporary setting, the showcase reminds you that heritage is not static. It evolves, adapts and remains relevant through shared experiences.

Welcoming Chinese New Year 2026 with Abundance

From 9 February to 3 March 2026, Food Capital ushers in the Year of the Horse with Chinese New Year buffets that blend Peranakan, festive Chinese and international flavours. Designed for reunion and celebration, the spreads highlight auspicious dishes that symbolise prosperity, joy and renewal.

From 16 to 18 February, special Chinese New Year reunion meals invite families to gather over a celebratory feast. Two dinner seatings are available each evening, allowing you to choose a pace that suits your celebration. A 25% early dining privilege applies with full prepayment by 10 January 2026.

Afternoon Tea with a Festive Twist

For quieter moments, The Lobby Lounge offers two seasonal afternoon tea experiences. From 2 January to 8 February 2026, the Peranakan Afternoon Tea features savoury bites like Laksa, Ayam Buah Keluak and Ngo Hiang alongside sweets such as Ondeh Swiss Roll and Durian Pengat Cream Puff. From 9 February to 3 March 2026, the Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea introduces festive creations paired with a curated tea selection and the Lounge’s signature unlimited scone trolley.

Celebrating at Home with Festive Takeaways

For celebrations beyond the dining room, Food Capital offers Prosperity Yu Sheng and a selection of Chinese New Year takeaway dishes. Festive hampers are also available, thoughtfully curated with premium ingredients and symbolic treats, making them ideal for sharing blessings with family, friends or business associates.

Plan Your Celebration

With its riverside setting and generous spreads, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore offers more than a festive meal. It creates space for you and your loved ones to slow down, reconnect and celebrate culture through food. Whether you are discovering Peranakan cuisine for the first time or continuing a long-held tradition, the season at Food Capital is shaped by warmth, memory and togetherness.

Food Capital is located at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore. Reservations and festive orders can be made via dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com or by calling +65 8168 1539 or +65 6233 1338.