Singapore’s hotel landscape is filled with sleek new openings and luxurious global brands, but sometimes, a heritage property with strong culinary credentials quietly stands above the noise. Enter Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore, a four-star establishment on Havelock Road that has been serving both business and leisure travellers since the 1970s.
A Heritage Stay, Refreshed for the Modern Traveller
Though its exterior may recall another era, Copthorne King’s has undergone progressive refurbishments in recent years, with upgraded rooms and eco-friendly amenities. One notable tech-forward feature is the inclusion of the Voice Artificial Intelligence Assistant — an in-room smart concierge that allows guests to adjust lighting, make service requests, or ask for local recommendations using voice commands.
Among the room offerings, the hotel’s Signature Studio stands out with its chinoiserie decor, calming earth tones, and a dedicated sitting area ideal for business travellers or families. Its generous room space makes it attractive for longer stays or guests with additional luggage. Plus, for those on extended trips, the hotel provides a convenient, dedicated laundromat, making it easy to refresh your wardrobe.
Still, the hotel’s charm lies in how it balances old-school hospitality with new-world convenience, offering a stay experience that is both comfortable and culturally rooted.
A Culinary Anchor: Princess Terrace’s Penang Buffet
What sets this hotel apart, however, is its food offering — particularly at the well-loved Princess Terrace, which has been serving authentic Penang cuisine since the early 1970s.
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The Penang-Peranakan buffet has become something of a local institution, frequented by both hotel guests and loyal diners who return for familiar flavours. Staples like Penang Assam Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Lor Bak, and Kueh Pie Tee are lovingly prepared using traditional recipes. A highlight is the array of live cooking stations, where chefs serve a variety of Penang-style dishes hot off the wok or grill. And of course, no meal here is complete without dessert. Be sure to take your pick from freshly made Nyonya kuehs to homemade beancurd.
One standout addition is the Bang Chang Kuih, a beloved Penang-style street snack also known as Apam Balik. Made to order at a live station, the crispy folded pancake is cooked fresh on a griddle and comes with a choice of traditional fillings such as crushed peanuts or durian puree. The result is a crispy, satisfying treat that evokes memories of old-school pasar malam flaours, a rare find in hotel buffets and easily a crowd favourite among both locals and curious first-time diners.
Tien Court: Preserving Teochew Culinary Traditions
On the second level, Tien Court offers a more refined dining option, with a menu that pays tribute to classic Teochew cuisine. This award-winning restaurant, helmed by veteran chefs, has built a reputation for upholding the elegance of Teochew cuisine — known for its clarity of flavours and time-honoured cooking techniques.
The appetisers and soups are equally compelling. The Teochew-style oyster omelette is a crowd favourite — crisp-edged, eggy, and filled with fresh oysters.
For something comforting and nourishing, the double-boiled fish maw soup is rich in collagen and depth, slow-cooked for hours to develop a clean yet flavourful broth.
Another standout is their Signature Teochew Puning fermented bean chicken, made with fermented soy bean paste sourced from Puning, Guangdong. It’s savoury, aromatic, and a little unexpected — in the best way — pairing beautifully with plain rice to let the flavours shine.
Tien Court also serves a refined dim sum menu during lunch hours, including siew mai, crystal dumplings, steamed cheong fun, and orh nee (yam paste) presented in delicate, modern forms.
If you’re up for something a bit more playful, try the deep-fried glutinous rice dumpling with minced chicken, adorably shaped like a baby chick. Crispy, chewy, and savoury all in one bite, and yes, it’s as cute in person as it sounds.
To wash it all down, Tien Court also has an impressively curated list of Chinese gourmet teas, with everything from floral oolongs to mellow pu-erhs. It’s a perfect pairing, not just for the food, but for the whole vibe of the restaurant: thoughtful, timeless, and full of quiet charm.
Tien Court isn’t the kind of restaurant that shouts for attention, but once you’ve dined there, it tends to stick with you.
A Thoughtful Base for Tourists and Locals Alike
Strategically located along the Singapore River, the hotel offers easy access to Robertson Quay, Chinatown, and Orchard Road. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who want to explore Singapore’s rich food scene and nightlife without venturing too far from their base.
For locals seeking a staycation, Copthorne King’s offers a slower, more grounded experience — the kind that prioritises good food and the warmth of familiar hospitality.
