The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Came here for a supposed bday lunch. Reservation stated one pax was gluten free. We had to ask for the gluten free menu when we arrived and after ordering from the gluten free menu, (we ordered 2 items: the charred octopus and salmon w gado gado sauce), we were told the octopus wasn’t available as it’s only for dinner service. The kitchen did make an exception to prepare the octopus dish eventually. When the salmon dish came however, it was Not from the gluten free menu… when we asked the wait staff, they brought the dish back and the new dish that was served was still not from the gluten free menu.. we gave up and decided to just let it be. I know they are closing in march but it is unfortunate our last experience here has to be a bad one.

Book a reservation on Valentine’s Day at 8:30 PM a week ahead. Reservation was confirmed and was looking forward to coming as I’ve been to The Halia before and enjoyed myself. On the day of, called the contact number provided and someone picked up. I was calling to confirm my reservation. The staff proceeded to ask me if I had pre paid, which I was unaware of as I had booked a reservation before and was not required and I had already received the confirmation. The staff then proceeded to tell me that they will check and call me back, 20 mins passed with me feeling anxious and unsure if I had a table. I proceeded to attempt to contact the number provided and found the caller to have switched off their phone. This left me unsure what to do and I decided to check after I’ve reached the restaurant. I reached and asked about my reservation and was told that the portions were already given out and there were no seats available, leaving me and my date without any dinner options. Do better

We got seated for 10 minutes and there was no server to come to check in with us, we had to ask to be serviced, and the waitress was telling us that they were busy and if we want service, we have to ask for it, that immediately left us a bad taste, I think your restaurant needs to educate the waitress to learn to speak to customers. The food was great, hence the two stars. We ordered wine but they didn’t show us the bottle before they pour into our glass, no tasting neither. Very disappointed that we spent 190 dollars for a night full of disappointment.

First came here 12 years ago, had our wedding celebrations here 6 years ago & now rounding it off with our 6th wedding anniversary just as The Halia is about to close next month 💔 Food quality has always been consistent — tonight's ribeye was cooked perfectly and so tender. Mashed potatoes that came with the lamb rack was a surprising star, too! Ended it with a nice cuppa hot CGC — their signature drink of cinnamon tea, ginger juice & honey (initially ordered their hot cardamom milk tea but skip that and just get the CGC) Dinner crowd was reasonably busy and there was only one wait staff serving our indoor area (John) who was really just a superman. Very attentive, very personable & with top notch service — from his menu recommendations, to guiding us to The Villa opposite & turning on all the lights so we could use the musollah. Sad to learn that the staff don't have certainty over their future once The Halia closes in March — please keep John employed! Hope The Halia will reopen somewhere else (even better if it's still at the Botanical Gardens), will definitely come back.

Randomly popped by The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens and went for the set dinner for two. The dishes recommended to us were spot on in flavour, presentation and portion, and made the whole meal feel like a well-curated experience. Special shout-out to Ms Zuhaidah, who was very friendly and took the time to walk us through the set menu, explaining and recommending each dish with real pride. Her warm, attentive service elevated the evening and made us feel very well taken care of. We were sad to learn that The Halia will be closing in March, which makes this visit even more special. Thank you to the team and to Ms Zuhaidah for the wonderful experience and exemplary service — a memorable meal in a beautiful garden setting.

Finally tried this restaurant although it has been around for more than 20 years. For appetizers we had the burrata which was very good. Tried the barramundi (salmon sold out). Surprisingly it was very good. I didn't quite care for the couscous salad. I didn't enjoy the chili crab pasta which was on the sweet side. The lacto chicken breast was soft and silky but for me the sauce lacked a punch. I feel the chicken was neutral tasting hence needed something stronger than the vinaigrette like sauce. The dish came with a few slivers of octopus which was good. The star of the night was the artichoke and mushroom salad which was divine. We finished off with two desserts - the chocolate and the peanut butter one (forgot the exact name). Both were good but the chocolate one was decadent and had mango puree and a sour cherry filled chocolate ball. Yumz.

Ordered a 3-course set meal dinner for $60 before GST and service charge. Starter: Burrata served with chilli was a weird combination. Scrapped away the chilli. Brocollini had a few grains of popcorn and ikan bilis that felt out of place. It was supposed to come with parmesan and chicken but only a few thin strands of chicken was served. Main: Salmon fillet skin was crispy but too salty. Gado-gado salad had too much coconut milk and was too salty. Served with fish roe which was a weird combination as well. Inconsistency in food presentation of the salmon for both mains. Dessert: not bad, the only saving grace of the set meal. But popping candy with the chocolate dessert felt very extra and unnecessary. Tea: tasted like lipton tea. Served with UHT milk. Would expect higher quality tea and milk for this kind of price. Overall disappointing experience with subpar food quality for a $72 3-course meal (after gst and service charge). Will not reccomend.

I made a reservation after hearing they are closing in March. I recalled having my ROM lunch there many years ago with friends and loved ones, and decided to visit Halia again before they are gone. I am sorry to say, the food wasn't great anymore. I've made sure not to judge based on my experience 18 years ago(actually why cant I. good establishments maintain their standards or even make them better. I am sure they have gotten much expensive over the years too). The food is really not to par and perhaps that is why they need to exit. Edit: I added a photo of the octopus dish we ordered. Similar to the dish, we also had question marks.