Harmonious Lunar New Year Semi-Buffet Dinner

Harmonious Lunar New Year Semi-Buffet Dinner at Sky22 Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

A dinner for families or romantics in central Singapore

Words and Photos by Floyd and Farah Cowan

(Singapore January 25, 2026) Keeping to Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena’s Sky22's theme of “Semi-Buffet” dining there is Semi-Romantic – Semi Family Dining but makes for a fully enjoyable evening. It’s location and design offer views over north Singapore to Johor, Malaysia. Arriving at 6:30pm and staying until about 8:00pm we enjoyed day time and night views. You can take a table for two in a back corner and enjoy sweeping views in semi-privacy.

But with the quality and price of the Semi-Buffet Dinner families are attracted to Sky22. Almost any size of group can be accommodated, and still enjoy the great views of the buffet, which they are here for. The staff is very attentive ensuring you have what you need and clearing away plates and utensils promptly – but always careful not to take anything you might want to hang on to for awhile.

Here is where the ‘semi’ comes in. As we were seated, the hostess asked us which main we wanted from the menu and then we could help ourselves to the soup, the salad and eventually the desserts.

For the sake of reporting I tried both the Pumpkin Soup and the Old Cucumber with Pork Ribs Soup. The Pumpkin Soup, as Farah, noted is not really thick. It is lighter, flavorful and doesn’t sit heavily in you. I expected a little more from the clear Old Cucumber with Pork Ribs Soup. It was fine, but a little underwhelming. I think it certainly wouldn’t be spicy enough for most people who have grown up on Eastern food. With the soup there is Artisanal Bread, which was fresh and could be eaten on its own – no need to dip it in the soup to soften it.

From the salad bar there is a variety of greens – healthy choices – and expected items such as cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, carrots and not expected items such as meat slices and Poached Prawn, (very good) that you can enjoy on their own. What I appreciated was these items were in a chiller with cool air blowing on them, keeping them fresh. Most place have them in bowls set in ice – not bad, but I think this is better.

My main was Steak Frites, 220 grams Australian Black Angus 120-day grain-fed ribeye beef, fries, and mushroom gravy while Farah went to an item from the Seasonal Specials side of the menu. While you might think the Steamed Sea Perch with lily bulb, superior soy sauce, chili, scallion, crispy garlic radish, jasmine steamed rice would be more of an appeal to Eastern tastes there were many chips on many tables. It was light, flakey and tasty.

With the mains (or maybe without the mains) you can choose red or white wine and beer to go with it. There are also non-alcholic drinks available. The menu covers all the bases. There are many choices for your main, which you can see from the menu below. Dessert is also plentiful and many children walked around with eyes shining as they licked an ice cream cone. Not just kids. I particularly liked the Lime Sorbet. And I can never resist dipping marshmallows into the chocolate fountain. There are healthier options of numerous fruit that are sumptuous with chocolate. Much to my surprise I very much enjoyed the Bread & Butter Pudding. I’ve never been a fan of bread puddings, but this was exceptional.

Looking for a Friday or Saturday out – with a great view – try Sky22 at Marriott Singapore Novena.

MAIN COURSE SELECTION

Western Comfort

COQ AU VIN

red wine braised kampung chicken, asparagus, mushroom,

root vegetables

BEER-BATTERED FISH & CHIPS

halibut, fries, house-made tartar sauce

SKY22 WAGYU BEEF BURGER

100% ground wagyu beef patty, lettuce, onion, cheddar,

cage-free sunny side up, chipotle mayo, sesame bun,

dill pickle, fries

add-on: streaky bacon

STEAK FRITES

220 grams australian black angus 120-day grain-fed

ribeye beef, fries, mushroom gravy

add-on: grilled tiger prawns

SEASONAL SPECIALS

SAMSUI CHICKEN

ginger-scallion sauce, jasmine steamed rice

STEAMED SEA PERCH

lily bulb, superior soy sauce, chilli, scallion,

crispy garlic radish, jasmine steamed rice

CLAYPOT LOBSTER GOLDEN PAO FAN

ikan bilis, scallion, fried ginger

EIGHT TREASURE FRIED RICE

foie gras, prawn, assorted cured meat

BLACK GARLIC BRAISED WAGYU

beef cheek, miso, mashed potato, baby radish, carrot

HOMEMADE SPINACH TOFU

baby leek, shiitake mushroom, jasmine steamed rice

add-on: prawn, crab meat sauce

KIDS MENU

EGG FRIED RICE

mixed vegetable, cage-free egg

FISH FINGERS

fries, house-made tartar sauce

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

minced beef ragu, parmesan cheese

SPAGHETTI MUSHROOM ALFREDO

cream of mushroom fricassee, parmesan cheese

Sky22

Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena

99 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329568

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