1. ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY WITH APPLE & CASHEW STUFFING EDITOR'S RAVE
$222.56 (6.5-7.5kg), from Raffles Hotel Singapore, tel: 6412-1100. Available from Dec 1-25.
This marvellous bird didn’t disappoint on all counts, from its remarkably moist, tender texture to its accompanying sides and sauces. The stuffing was particularly refreshing with the fragrance of mushrooms and apples, while the splendid variety of vegetables included zucchini, carrots and super-yummy roast potatoes.
Score: 9.5/10
2. ROASTED TURKEY SERVED WITH CHESTNUT, APPLE AND CELERY STUFFING
$265.36 (4kg), from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, tel: 6434-5288. Available from Nov 22 to Jan 1.
The turkey meat was a little dry in parts, but the sauces compensated for it. Herby and buttery, the glossy brown sauce was well balanced, while the lingonberry compote had a nice tang that complemented the gaminess of the fowl. A game of “fastest forks first” ensued when it came to the warm cornbread – it was so delicious, we wished for more.
Score: 8/10
3. ROASTED TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING BEST VALUE
$169.06 (4-6kg); $254.66 (7-9kg), from Hilton Singapore, tel: 6730-3392. Available from Nov 20 to Dec 25.
We relished every tasty bit of this turkey, from its moist, toothsome breast meat to its slightly saltier drumsticks – even the skin tingled with a peppery seasoning. The giblet sauce was a particular standout with its rich consistency and meaty flavour. But while we appreciated the generous quantity of the brussels sprouts, they were undercooked.
Score: 8.5/10
4. TRADITIONAL MARINATED WHOLE TURKEY
$161.46 (4.5-5kg), from Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, tel: 6233-1100. Available from Nov 15 to Dec 26.
The fowl tasted gamier than the others, but the accompanying condiments – a chunky, tangy cranberry sauce and mildly sweet but mostly savoury giblet gravy – played it down so the overall mix of flavours was just right. The sauteed brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini and chestnuts were cooked well, too. Surprisingly, the dark meat was tougher than the moist, tender breast meat.
Score: 7.5/10
5. TRADITIONAL WHOLE APPLE-GLAZED TURKEY
$135 (6-7kg), from The Westin Singapore. To order, e-mail: restaurant.reservation@westin.com. Available from Dec 1-25.
Both the cranberry sauce and brown gravy were unsatisfactory – one was too sour and the other, too oily – but every meaty part of the bird was amazingly tender and succulent. The roast potatoes and carrots on the side were slightly burnt, but the chestnut-studded stuffing was soft and tasty.
Score: 7.5/10
6. ROASTED WHOLE TURKEY WITH AMALFI LEMON AND BASIL
$222 (4.5kg), from Regent Singapore, tel: 6720-8000. Available from Dec 1 to Jan 1.
Some of us thought the combination of basil on the turkey skin and rosemary in the sauce was too overpowering, but others liked the strong herb flavours. The meat, however, was satisfactorily moist. Among the accompanying vegetables, the velvety, buttery mashed potatoes were a hit.
Score: 6/10
7. ROASTED TURKEY WITH HOMEMADE BREAD AND CHESTNUT STUFFING GREAT FIND
$168 (5kg); $238 (10kg), from Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, tel: 6831-7253. Available from Nov 1 to Dec 25.
This package delivered visual impact with its army of colourful sides – peaches! Walnuts! Asparagus! Even the Marmite-like brown sauce and cranberry jam came in reusable glass jars. The polished presentation wasn’t just for show because the vegetables were all well cooked, the turkey itself was quite moist throughout, and the buttery bread-like stuffing had us raving.
Score: 9/10
8. TRADITIONAL TOAST TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT, FOIE GRAS STUFFING, CRANBERRY & PORT WINE SAUCE
$172 (4.5-5kg); $288 (9-10kg), from Singapore Marriott Hotel, tel: 6831-4708. Available from Nov 26 to Dec 25.
Well salted through the breast and especially the legs, the turkey meat was tasty even on its own. The white meat was quite dry, but the sweet cranberry sauce moistened it and balanced out the saltiness nicely. The chestnut and foie gras stuffing tasted good, but we felt the port wine sauce was too thin.
Score: 7/10
9. MAPLE BRINED WHOLE TURKEY WITH SAGE AND NUTMEG STUFFING
$208 (5kg), from Shangri-La Hotel, tel: 6213-4448. Available from Nov 28 to Dec 25.
The turkey lacked the juiciness we expected, although the breast and legs were equally tender and had a soft, toothsome bite we liked. While we couldn’t appreciate the lumpy mash and stuffing, what really shone were the crunchy, well-cooked brussels sprouts, which were nothing short of perfection.
Score: 7/10
10. STEAM BAKED TURKEY GREAT FIND
$198 (5kg), from Goodwood Park Hotel, tel: 6730-1867. Available from Dec 1 to 26.
This is the turkey that everyone, even Grandpa and Grandma, will take to. Steam-baked with chestnuts, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots and spring onions, its unmistakable Chinese flavours and smooth, juicy flesh resemble those of steamed chicken. It doesn’t scream “festive”, but it does make a satisfying meal with sides of oyster sauce-braised vegetables, Chinese cured ham and yam rice.
Score: 8/10
It is recommended that you order these turkeys at least five working days in advance.
This article was originally published in Simply Her December 2014.
All product and pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine's publication. We advise readers to check with the stores for the latest availability and pricing information.