Amara Singapore SG60 Local Legends series brings together century-old Chin Mee Chin Confectionery and beloved KEK Seafood at Cafe Oriental.
Amara Singapore has launched its SG60 Local Legends dining series, partnering with two iconic Singapore food establishments to mark Singapore’s 60th birthday. The hotel’s Cafe Oriental will host collaborations with Chin Mee Chin Confectionery and Keng Eng Kee Seafood across two phases.
The first phase runs from 13 to 29 June, featuring Chin Mee Chin Confectionery. Subsequently, KEK Seafood takes centre stage from 5 to 31 August. Both collaborations aim to preserve Singapore’s culinary heritage whilst introducing contemporary twists to traditional dishes.
Amara’s Local Legends series aims to shine a light on the people and places that have shaped Singapore’s food culture. It is about celebrating our local identity and preserving the rich stories and culinary traditions that make up our heritage.
Century-Old CMC Bakery
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, brings its time-honoured recipes to Cafe Oriental. The Katong institution has been serving handmade buns and pastries with authentic kopitiam flavours since the 1920s.
The collaboration features an exclusive creation: the Durian Horn Pastry. Traditional favourites include Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs, Chocolate Cupcake, Chicken Rendang Puff and Laksa Bun.
Cafe Oriental complements these heritage items with its signature dishes. The menu includes Signature Curry Chicken, Mee Siam, Char Kway Teow and Chicken Congee. Nanyang-style kopi, teh and Milo complete the nostalgic kopitiam experience.
Pricing stands at S$28++ per adult and S$12++ per child aged 6 to 11 years for the ala carte buffet format.
The Chin Mee Chin collaboration operates daily from 12 noon pm to 5.30 pm, 13 to 29 June 2025.
KEK Zi Char Heritage
The second phase of Amara’s SG60 Local Legends series showcases KEK Seafood’s bold wok-fried flavours. The family-run establishment began as a humble stall at Old Havelock Road Hawker Centre in the 1970s. Today, it attracts both locals and international visitors with its Hainanese fare and Cantonese influences.
Chef Wayne Liew leads KEK’s culinary team in creating exclusive dishes for this collaboration. The menu reimagines heritage flavours with contemporary presentations whilst maintaining authentic zi char essence.
The KEK collaboration introduces several one-dish creations that blend tradition with modern dining preferences. The Prawn Paste Chicken Burger arrives with sweet potato fries, transforming a classic flavour into contemporary format. Meanwhile, the Lala Pot features thick rice vermicelli in a comforting preparation.
Other standout dishes include Chilli Crab Pasta and Butter Cereal Fish served with jasmine rice. These creations demonstrate how traditional zi char techniques adapt to modern palates without losing their essential character.
The collaboration also features sharing dishes that reflect KEK’s heritage. Bak Kut Teh provides warming comfort in traditional style. Black Pepper Angus Beef showcases the restaurant’s signature wok techniques with premium ingredients. Marmite Pork Chop, Spiced Tiger Prawns with fried mantou, and KEK’s signature Moonlight Hor Fun remains available throughout the collaboration, ensuring longtime fans can enjoy their favourite dish alongside new creations.
The KEK Seafood collaboration runs daily with lunch service from 12 noon to 2.30 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 9 pm, 5 to 31 August 2025.
SG60 Local Legends Preserving Culinary Identity
The SG60 celebrations show how Singapore’s food culture continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Amara Singapore’s Local Legends series honours local food establishments that have shaped the nation’s culinary scene. These partnerships give heritage brands a chance to reach new audiences without losing their authentic identity. They also let more people enjoy old favourites in a central, accessible location with a comfortable setting.
Cafe Oriental
Amara Singapore
165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6879 2626 / 9248 0475
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