When afternoons in Singapore feel like they need a delicious pick-me-up, there’s a spot that’s offering just the right mix of comfort food, nostalgia, and value for money. Lao Beijing at Novena has launched a weekday high tea buffet that is both generous in its spread and surprisingly affordable — priced at just $15.80++ per adult and $9.80++ per child (ages 6 to 12). Running Monday to Friday from 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM, this offer continues till 31 August 2025 and is a delightful opportunity for those craving something beyond the ordinary afternoon tea.
This weekday affair might just be one of the better-kept secrets in town, especially for popiah lovers. For those unfamiliar, popiah is a soft, thin paper-like crepe or pancake stuffed with a delicious combination of savoury ingredients. While it’s often served pre-rolled, Lao Beijing takes it a step further by offering diners the chance to craft their own. And not just one roll — unlimited rolls.
Let’s dive into what makes this deal worth the visit — whether it’s a slow weekday afternoon, a casual catch-up with friends, or simply a solo treat-yourself outing.
Why This High Tea Buffet is Worth the Trip
1. Unlimited DIY Popiah – Make It Your Way
The centrepiece of the buffet is Lao Beijing’s Signature D.I.Y. Popiah. Served in a traditional bamboo tray, the presentation itself sets the tone for a nostalgic culinary experience. The array of fillings is extensive — from the juicy braised turnip and beansprouts to shredded egg, lettuce, coriander, garlic sauce, chilli paste, sweet sauce, crunchy crackers, and ground peanuts. The skin is freshly made, thin and soft, ideal for rolling.
What makes this particularly enjoyable is the personalisation. Whether diners like it spicy, crunchy, packed with herbs or plain and simple, they’re given full control. It’s rare to find a buffet in Singapore that blends interactivity with heritage food, and Lao Beijing has certainly nailed it.
2. Beyond Popiah – A Full Spread of Traditional Chinese Bites
While the DIY popiah may steal the spotlight, the rest of the spread is far from being just background filler. Diners can look forward to a thoughtfully curated variety of hot dishes, soups, starters, and sweet endings that evoke the feel of a comforting Chinese family meal.
Dim Sum Staples
Expect to find crowd-pleasers such as steamed pork and cabbage dumplings, shrimp and chive dumplings, and the well-loved pan-fried guo tie (potstickers). These handmade delights are served fresh and replenished regularly.
Starters and Soups
Kickstart the buffet with cold starters like drunken chicken, pickled cucumber, and crispy five-spice meat rolls. For those seeking warmth, the classic hot and sour soup offers a satisfying blend of spice and tang, acting as a perfect palate opener.
Chef’s Specials
If diners are after something more substantial, they should not miss the braised pork shank with vegetables, a rich and flavourful dish. The ‘mala’ duck wings offer a spicy Sichuan-inspired touch, while the deep-fried handmade beef balls provide a unique textural crunch. The stir-fried French beans with minced pork and dried shrimp is another strong entry — savoury, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Noodle & Rice Staples
For something heartier, diners can help themselves to noodle classics such as Lao Beijing’s signature Zha Jiang noodles, the much-loved Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), or the comforting beef tendon soup noodles. These warm, starchy dishes are perfect for rounding out the meal.
Desserts
The buffet ends on a lighter note with refreshing aloe vera lemongrass jelly, a palate cleanser that’s both fragrant and mildly sweet. If that’s not enough, there’s also a mini ice cream puff, a nostalgic treat reminiscent of old-school dessert carts.
Who Should Try This Deal
This promotion is ideal for those who appreciate Chinese cuisine in a relaxed, non-rushed setting. With a time slot of 90 minutes, diners have ample opportunity to enjoy multiple helpings without feeling hurried. It’s great for office-goers in the area, parents with school-age children, or seniors looking for a midday treat.
Moreover, the minimum of two diners makes it a good choice for friends and colleagues to enjoy a catch-up over food. The weekday timing (3.00 PM to 5.00 PM) hits that sweet spot between lunch and dinner — a time when it’s usually hard to find a value-for-money meal option that’s not fast food or an expensive café set.
What to Note Before Going
There are a few important details and terms that diners should be aware of:
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The promotion is dine-in only and cannot be combined with other offers or vouchers.
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It is not valid on public holidays, the eve of public holidays, or special occasions.
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As with most buffets, excessive food wastage will incur additional charges.
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Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
Bookings are encouraged, especially given the popularity of the buffet and the limited two-hour window.
Where It’s Happening
Lao Beijing is conveniently located at 10 Sinaran Drive, #02-80, Singapore 307506, within Square 2 at Novena. With Novena MRT station just a short walk away, accessibility is straightforward whether you’re coming from town or another neighbourhood.
This comfortable, family-friendly venue is known for its hearty Northern Chinese cuisine and charming nostalgic décor. The high tea buffet fits well with their ethos of presenting traditional flavours in a modern, accessible format.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
In a city where high tea usually leans Western with scones and sandwiches, Lao Beijing’s twist on the concept is refreshing. For just $15.80++, diners are not only treated to an unlimited DIY popiah experience but a full-on Chinese comfort food spread that’s hearty, flavourful, and satisfying.
This is a deal that blends affordability, variety, and cultural authenticity — and one that’s unlikely to be repeated in quite the same way anytime soon. For those who’ve never tried making popiah themselves or simply miss the taste of traditional Chinese small plates, it’s worth making a weekday detour.
With the promotion running only till 31 August 2025, this is a good time to book a table and see what the fuss is about.
Promotional/Event Details:
Date: Now till 31 August 2025
Time: Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (90-minute session)
Venue: Lao Beijing, 10 Sinaran Drive, #02-80, Square 2, Singapore 307506 (Nearest MRT: Novena)
Price: $15.80++ per adult, $9.80++ per child (aged 6–12), minimum two diners
Dine-in only, reservation recommended
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