Pink Dreams Come True: Shaburi & Kintan’s Sakura Festival Buffet

Photo Credits: https://images-sg.girlstyle.com

Spring is in the air, and while Singapore may not have the cherry blossoms that Japan is famous for, Shaburi & Kintan Buffet is bringing the essence of the sakura season to our shores. From 5 March until the end of May 2025, the restaurant’s JEM outlet is transformed into a pink paradise with their Sakura Festival Buffet. This seasonal offering features an impressive array of pink-themed dishes, unlimited salmon options, and Singapore’s only pink chocolate fountain, making it an unmissable dining experience for Japanese food enthusiasts and Instagram lovers alike.

A New Pink Cheese Soup Experience

The centrepiece of this year’s Sakura Festival is the all-new Pink Cheese Soup, an exciting upgrade from last year’s popular Pink Soy Milk Soup. What makes this soup special is its natural colouring—achieved using beetroot rather than artificial dyes—and the innovative cheese element. Diners can enjoy the creamy, naturally pink broth and customise it with mozzarella cheese served on the side, allowing you to add just the right amount of cheesy goodness to your hotpot experience.

The soup boasts a delicate balance of umami and nutty undertones that enhance the shabu-shabu experience. It pairs wonderfully with the restaurant’s premium ingredients, including Iberico Pork Collar, which comes thinly sliced—perfect for quick cooking in the flavourful broth. For cheese lovers, don’t miss trying the Pork Cheese Shabu, which comes with five thick slices of mozzarella cheese and thin slices of pork belly. The combination might sound unusual, but wrapping a slice of mozzarella in the pork belly and cooking it in the pink soup creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Unlimited Salmon Delights for Seafood Lovers

Salmon enthusiasts will be thrilled by the buffet’s extensive selection of salmon dishes, all available in unlimited portions. Back by popular demand and expanded for 2025, the Salmon Buffet course includes fresh Salmon Sashimi, crispy new Salmon Katsu, and the flavourful Mentai Aburi Salmon Don.

The Basil Cheese Aburi Salmon Sushi Roll is a standout item, featuring a dollop of basil pesto and scorched mozzarella cheese atop seared salmon sushi. For those who prefer simpler options, traditional Salmon Sushi Rolls and Aburi Salmon Sushi Rolls are also available. Additionally, free-flow Salmon Shabu is perfect for cooking in the pink cheese soup, creating a creamy, savoury combination.

Spring-Inspired Japanese Creations

Beyond the salmon offerings, the Sakura Festival menu includes several new and exciting dishes inspired by Japanese spring flavours. The Creamy Mentai Potato Salad offers a comforting start to your meal, while the Sakura Shrimp & Bamboo Rice showcases seasonal ingredients typical of Japanese spring cuisine.

Seafood options extend beyond salmon with Giant Mussels available for both grilling and hotpot cooking. The menu also includes White Corn, which adds a sweet crunch to complement the savoury dishes. Each item on the menu has been carefully curated to evoke the freshness and vibrancy of spring, using seasonal ingredients where possible.

Sweet Pink Treats to End Your Meal

No Japanese-inspired feast would be complete without delectable desserts, and the Sakura Festival doesn’t disappoint. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Pink Strawberry Chocolate Fountain—reportedly the first and only one of its kind in Singapore. This three-tiered centrepiece features smooth, flowing strawberry-flavoured chocolate reminiscent of the iconic pyramid-shaped Meiji chocolates.

Diners can enjoy the fountain with an assortment of dipping options, including marshmallows, churros, and bread. The combination of chewy marshmallows and crispy churros provides contrasting textures that complement the sweet strawberry chocolate. However, as the chocolate can be quite rich, a light dipping approach is recommended rather than completely drenching your treats.

Other sweet highlights include the new Strawberry Matcha Tiramisu, which combines the earthy notes of matcha with sweet strawberry flavours. The Pink Mont Blanc Ice Cream is another must-try dessert, though it’s limited to one serving per person—making it all the more special. For those who enjoy creamy textures, the new Rare Cheesecake Shots offer the perfect ending to your meal.

Pricing and Buffet Options

The Sakura Festival offers three different buffet options to suit various preferences and appetites:

The Sakura Festival Shabu Buffet (focused on hotpot) is priced at £39.80++ for weekday lunch and £48.80++ for dinner, weekends, and public holidays.

For those who prefer barbecue, the Sakura Festival Kintan Buffet is available at £43.80++ for weekday lunch and £55.80++ for dinner, weekends, and public holidays.

Can’t decide between hotpot and barbecue? The Sakura Festival Combo Buffet gives you the best of both worlds at £48.80++ for weekday lunch and £58.80++ for dinner, weekends, and public holidays.

All prices exclude GST and service charges, and the buffet time limit is typically 90 minutes.

A Convenient Location for Japanese Food Lovers

Situated on the third floor of JEM, which is connected to Jurong East MRT Station, Shaburi & Kintan Buffet offers easy accessibility for diners across Singapore. The restaurant’s modern interior provides a comfortable setting for enjoying this limited-time Sakura Festival experience.

To avoid disappointment, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining. You can book your spot online or call 6262 4329 to secure your table.

Celebrate Spring with a Pink-Themed Feast

While we may not experience the natural beauty of cherry blossoms in Singapore, the Sakura Festival Buffet at Shaburi & Kintan offers a delightful alternative. From the innovative Pink Cheese Soup to the endless salmon options and sweet pink desserts, this seasonal menu captures the essence of spring in Japan.

Available for a limited time only, from now until the end of May 2025, the Sakura Festival Buffet provides a unique opportunity to indulge in pink-themed Japanese cuisine without leaving Singapore. Whether you’re a Japanese food enthusiast, a buffet lover, or simply someone who appreciates aesthetically pleasing dining experiences, this cherry blossom-inspired feast is sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your senses.