There’s no better way to start off a new year than with a delicious brunch and taking in some quintessential Singapore sights. That’s exactly how I kicked off 2018 with a relaxing New Year’s Day visit to the beloved PS Cafe at Palais Renaissance followed by a quick jaunt to the nearby Merlion Park to admire the city’s legendary merlion statue.
The Ambiance at PS Cafe
Stepping through the doors of the elegant Palais Renaissance building, you’re immediately transported to a charming oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cafe’s dining room features soaring ceilings, intricate latticed wood trellises, lush hanging greenery and a soothing neutral color palette. It’s the perfect bright and airy setting to begin the year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The vibe at PS Cafe on New Year’s Day was lively yet laidback, filled with groups of friends and families leisurely enjoying their brunch spreads together. An energetic soundtrack of upbeat pop tunes played as efficient servers glided between tables keeping drinks topped up and dishes arriving promptly.
Beautiful Brunch Fare
While PS Cafe’s all-day brunch menu features both sweet and savory fare, I decided to go with one of their signature dishes – the Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs (S$28). A visually stunning plate arrived piled high with creamy, truffle-infused scrambled eggs, a sunny side-up organic egg, slices of sourdough toast, sauteed mushrooms, and balsamic-dressed arugula.
The rich, earthy flavors of the black truffle complemented the velvety egg so well, while the peppery arugula added a fresh, palate-cleansing element. I savored every decadent bite alongside sips of a refreshing Elderflower Spritz mocktail (S$10) – a bubbly, slightly tart blend of elderflower, mint and lime that awoke my senses.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with one of PS Cafe’s signature tantalizing tarts or gateaux. The Lemon Meringue Tart (S$11) featured a thick, punchy lemon custard cradled in a buttery tart shell, adorned with pillowy soft meringue peaks. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and tart in each delightful bite.
If you’re truly craving an indulgent way to start the year, the Chocolate Overload Cake (S$15 per slice) takes the cake. A magnificent slab of moist chocolate cake dripping with rich chocolate ganache, crunchy pearls and feuillantine flakes is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Iconic Merlion Spotting
With my appetite for brunch satisfied, I decided to walk off some of those indulgent bites with a 10-minute stroll through the lush surroundings of the Merlion Park located right along the Singapore River. This park’s centerpiece is the iconic 8.6-meter tall Merlion statue – a mythical creature with a lion’s head and fish body that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Singapore.
While entrance to the park and up-close views of the Merlion are free, I decided to purchase the SGD $8 admission to climb up to the observation deck inside the beast’s open mouth. From this unique vantage point, I was treated to unbeatable panoramic views of the glistening Marina Bay scenery, including the famous Marina Bay Sands resort, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade theaters.
Talk about a scenic start to the new year! As the Merlion’s mouth periodically spouts water out into the bay to the “oohs and ahhs” of tourists, it’s easy to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and iconic status this statue holds. I made sure to snap some quintessential Merlion selfies to commemorate the experience before heading back down.
The Merlion Park also offers splendid views of the famous Singapore skyline, as well as great people watching opportunities as myriad visitors stop along the riverfront to admire the sights and snap their own photos. It was a perfect way to walk off my indulgent brunch while taking in some top attractions.
More to Explore
After working up an appetite again from that scenic waterfront stroll, I headed back in the direction of PS Cafe, which is conveniently located right along the start of the popular Orchard Road shopping boulevard.
If you find yourself in that neighborhood with more time to spare, Orchard Road’s 2.2 kilometers of road are an attraction in itself, lined with high-end malls, restaurants, hotels and fantastic examples of heritage architecture like the colonial-era Houses of Tan Yeok Nee. Shopping fanatics could easily spend an entire day exploring all the retail options here.
Just across the road from PS Cafe is also Palais Renaissance, a historic Renaissance-style palace that once housed Singapore’s principal royal family. It’s currently the site of The Cathay cineplex as well as several restaurants and bars – perfect for either catching a new film release or evening drink after your brunch.
Whether you’re a local or visitor to Singapore, ringing in the new year with a delicious brunch at the beautiful PS Cafe followed by sightseeing at the iconic Merlion Park is a sublime way to start the year. You’ll get delectable food, relaxing ambiance, and picture-perfect views all in one leisurely Singapore morning. Here’s to making more memorable experiences like this in the year ahead! I hope you like reading this New Year Day’s Lunch @ PS Cafe & Brief Visit to Merlion Park post.
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