Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore invites diners to rediscover the grace and depth of Japanese cuisine with the return of its much-loved Sakura Serenity Buffet at Food Capital. Running from 4 March to 31 May 2026, this year’s edition marks a meaningful milestone – honouring 60 years of Japan–Singapore diplomatic relations through a collaborative four-hands menu by Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s Michelin-trained Chef Elson Lee and Japanese Guest Chef Keiji Matoba, presented with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2025, which was extended due to overwhelming demand, Sakura Serenity Buffet 2026 deepens the cultural storytelling by celebrating Japanese culinary heritage through authenticity, technique and thoughtful collaboration. Set against soothing riverfront views, the buffet brings together Japanese flavours and Singapore’s hospitality craft in a vibrant social setting at Food Capital.

“At Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Food Capital is more than a dining venue, it’s a platform for cultural exchange through food. Collaborating with Chef Matoba for Sakura Serenity allows us to honour Japanese culinary traditions while presenting them in a way that feels generous, accessible and celebratory. This four-hands experience reflects our commitment to creating meaningful dining moments that bring people together around shared stories and flavours,” shares Chef Elson Lee.

A Culinary Exchange Rooted in Authenticity

 

Food Capital continues to position itself as a platform for culturally informed dining, partnering with embassies and culinary communities to present immersive buffet experiences anchored in storytelling. For this Japanese showcase, Chef Keiji Matoba, recommended by the Embassy of Japan, worked closely with Food Capital’s culinary team to co-create a menu that honours seasonality, balance and ingredient integrity while adapting seamlessly to the buffet format.

Through shared techniques, hands-on kitchen sessions and menu development grounded in tradition, both chefs present a culinary experience shaped by respect for Japanese values and crafted for modern diners.

Sakura Serenity Buffet Highlights

The Sakura Serenity Buffet presents a generous spread that reflects the depth and diversity of Japanese cuisine, spanning seafood, meat, grilled specialties and refined desserts. Highlights include the lightly seared Yellowtail with Grated Daikon Carpaccio, steamed Oysters with Sake, Chef Keiji Matoba’s Signature Wagyu Dish and Chef Elson’s Pitan Tofu, alongside Traditional Sea Bream Craypot (Tai Craypot), Hokkaido Lamb Genghis Khan BBQ, Saikyo Miso Grilled Black Cod, Grilled Yellowtail Collar and Gindara Teriyaki, Japanese Sake Duck Confit, and Hokkaido Pork Meatballs.

Premium ingredients, including Wagyu beef, Japanese rice, miso, soy sauce, dashi components and selected seafood, are specially sourced from Japan to preserve the integrity of flavours and the unmistakable umami profile that defines Japanese cooking.

Desserts draw inspiration from Japanese patisserie, offering a delicate conclusion to the meal with creations such as Matcha Mille Crêpe, Hōjicha Panna Cotta, and Warabi Mochi.

“For this menu, the focus was on showcasing the breadth of Japanese cuisine through carefully prepared seafood, grilled specialties and signature dishes that highlight quality ingredients and precise technique. Working with the Food Capital team allowed us to translate these dishes thoughtfully into a buffet format, while maintaining the integrity and flavours that define Japanese cooking.” Chef Keiji Matoba shares.

Celebrating 60 Years of Friendship Through Food

Food has long served as a bridge between cultures, and this collaboration reflects the enduring connection between Japan and Singapore. By presenting authentic Japanese cuisine in an accessible yet refined setting, the Sakura Serenity Buffet invites diners to engage with the stories, traditions and craftsmanship behind each dish.

“We are delighted to support the Sakura Serenity Buffet at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, which beautifully celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. Through the universal language of food, this collaboration draws people closer to the culture, flavours and craftsmanship of Japan. It reflects the deep friendship between our nations and encourages more meaningful cultural exchange through shared dining experiences,” said His Excellency Hiroshi Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore.

Sakura Serenity Buffet Availability: 4 March – 31 May 2026 Lunch (Mon–Sat): 12.00pm – 3.00pm | $72++ per adult, $36++ per child Dinner (Daily): 6.00pm – 10.00pm

• Sun–Thu: $106++ per adult, $53++ per child
• Fri–Sat: $116++ per adult, $58++ per child Children aged five and under dine free.

Japanese-Inspired Sakura Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge

 

Extending the Sakura Serenity experience beyond the buffet, guests can enjoy a Japanese-themed Sakura Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge. Designed as a refined daytime indulgence, the set balances savoury and sweet elements inspired by Japanese flavours and tea culture. Savoury highlights include Hokkaido Tsukune, Japanese vegetable gyoza, Kinoko Sarada with plum sauce, and cold soba served with traditional condiments. Sweet offerings feature Genmaicha Azuki macaron, green tea tiramisu, Hōjicha Portuguese egg tart, Japanese mochi, Goma Yuzu cake, alongside matcha mochi and classic plain scones.

Available daily: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

• $68++ for two, inclusive of two glasses of sparkling Pryce Tea
• $108++ for two, inclusive of two glasses of champagne

Japanese Tiffin Lunch Set at The Lobby Lounge

 For a quick yet satisfying midday experience, The Lobby Lounge also offers a Japanese Tiffin Lunch Set, ideal for professionals and residents around Robertson Quay. The set features a selection of salmon and tuna sashimi, prawn and vegetable tempura, teriyaki chicken, accompanied by Japanese rice and miso soup, and rounded off with fresh fruits.

Available daily: 12.00pm – 3.00pm | $28++ per set

Robertson Quay residents & professionals enjoy 10% off.

For reservations or afternoon tea enquiries, please contact: +65 8168 1539 / +65 6233 1338 or dining.gcw@millenniumhotels.com.

More details on the Sakura Serenity Buffet 2026 can be found here.