Chatterbox

While Mandarin Orchard is being converted to the new Hilton Singapore Orchard Hotel, it went through a period of revamping. The refreshed restaurant opened its door on 14 March 2022.

I was quite disappointed that I could not reserve a table during then while Chatterbox was usually packed. I decided to be on the waiting list and secured a reservation for ourselves.

We headed via the escalator up to Chatterbox on the 5th Floor.

Chatterbox

While my reservation calls for 12pm, there was already a long queue outside the restaurant 45 minutes before it. We were told to join the queue despite having a reservation.

Reception Counter

The new look of Chatterbox was indeed different and this space looks like a private lounge, making a nice spot for some drinks sessions or some casual meet-ups.

Bar 

Take some pic here?

Here's the Walkway linking to the reception area

Soon later, we were ushered into the restaurant. The ambience was relaxing and perfected by their seamless service.

Seating

The space was inviting and since it was a mid-day visit, we enjoyed getting natural sun rays shining into the area and  feeling warm from the natural lighting. 

Seat

The revamped restaurant is cosy and definitely suitable for all occasions, be it a family meal, cooperate meeting or even friends gathering. 

Dining Area

Menu for beverage and food were given to us.

Menu

We had some sparkling mineral water to start with while deciding on the dishes for our feast.

Sparkling Water - $7 (Still or Sparkling)

The iconic Singapore rojak is totally refreshing in its cool temperature. This medley of fruits and vegetables is tossed with sweet prawn paste and topped with ground peanuts and deep fruit prawn fritters. 

Chatterbox Rojak - $15

Besides their legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice that had left me a great impression, their Lobster Laksa was the other dish that thrill me. This crowd-please is served with whole Boston lobster claw, quail eggs, fish cake, thick vermicelli noodles, beancurd in fresh coconut milk, and flavourful coconut broth of spices.

Lobster Laksa - $34

Here's the individual serving of the legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice that was proudly served since 1971. Initially, we wanted to order half or whole chicken to share among ourselves but it was not available due to the recent shortage of chicken. 

For this plump, juicy and flavourful meat, their chickens are specially reared. While the recipe is their trade secret, the symphony of flavours was fantastic and this special dish has been them on the map for over 50 years.

Mandarin Chicken Rice - $25

The chicken was cooked in aromatic stock and steamed to its tenderness. The chicken was served boneless with the fragrant jasmine rice and a nourishing soup brewed with the pure essence of the chicken. This individual Chicken Rice Set cannot be completed without their homemade signature chilli sauce, ginger puree as well as dark soya sauce.

Boneless Mandarin Chicken

Otah Otah was wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over the open charcoal flame. This traditional spicy fish cake is a mixture of mackerel, crab meat and some traditional Malay spices like lemongrass, shallots and coconut milk. Otah lovers might want to give it a try.

Mackerel & Crab Otah Otah - $15

Here's another popular dish in Chatterbox. The silky Hor Fun had a distinctive Wok Hei flavour and goes very well with the generous amount of beef slices. These slices carried a charred flavour and blended in well with the delectable black bean gravy.

Beef Hor Fun - $25

Its presentation amazed me. With the Seafood Hokkien Mee decked with the nostalgic and traditional opal leaf, this plate of Seafood Hokkien Mee had already won half. This dish is a seafood lover must-have as it was made up of flavourful, umami-rich homemade seafood broth coupled with prawns, squid, eggs, pork belly, chive, and bean sprouts and scallops. 

Seafood Hokkien Mee - $25

The crispy fried chicken wings were thoroughly coated with a layer of golden luscious, salted egg yolk sauce accompanied by some aromatic curry leaves and chilli.

Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Wings - $12 (4 Pieces)

The place is quite comfortable spot in town and if you have an overseas guest and want them to enjoy the iconic Singapore dishes, it will be worthwhile coming with them here.

Rating: 3.25 / 5 

Chatterbox
Location: Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Rd, #05-03, Singapore 238867
Website