SINGAPORE — There are those who thrive over a hot stove and ones who struggle with the simplest of tasks. But for all mothers, cookery is an act of love — served from the heart or not at all.

Of course, the same can be said about the joys of sharing a meal. And with the fruits of Singapore’s abundantly diverse dining scene ever ready for the picking, the decision to take your mother out for a memorable meal is almost as easy as boiling an egg (I did say “almost”). Even the most exacting of Peranakan mothers will appreciate a day off — but perhaps don’t bring her to a Peranakan restaurant.

The key to an impressive Mother’s Day experience lies in both the novelty and quality of your choice repast. If you’ve got the entire family in tow, buffets are nearly fool-proof; while high-tea sessions can provide that much appreciated one-on-one time. That said, Mother’s Day falls on a weekend — has been the case for generations — so you really have no excuse.

Although if mum isn’t the type to dine out much, then starched-linen formalities might be intimidating, or make her uncomfortable. I’ve also heard of mums rolling their eyes at the high prices on today’s menus. I too, might question the premium on a mediocre dish that is priced at three times its cost. So, either order for her (tell her it’s all part of the surprise), or indulge on lavish but value set menus.

> Mother’s Day dim sum brunch and dinner, Jade restaurant, Tel: 6877 8188

Mums will appreciate the well-executed authentic Chinese cuisine at The Fullerton Hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant, Jade. The dim sum brunch is available for two seatings at S$36 per person from 11am to 12.45pm and 1.15pm to 3pm. The spread comprises more than 50 creations, including crystal shrimp dumplings, abalone siew mai, braised bird’s nest with truffle egg white in superior broth, and even congee with lobster and dried scallops. A six-course Mother’s Day set menu is also available for lunch and dinner at S$88, which starts with a combination of crispy prawn coated with spiced pumpkin sauce, roasted pi pa duck and fried pork ribs in garlic. Mothers dine free with a minimum of two paying adults for Jade’s six-course dinner menus.

When: May 12

> Mother’s Day set menu, Balzac Brasserie, Tel: 6336 0797

A fine ode to mum’s cooking, Chef Jean-Charles Dubois’ three-course meal (S$78) features aptly inspired dishes, such as his pomme puree, an accompaniment to his signature 48 hours braised Wagyu beef cheeks a la Cuillere, which was inspired by his grandmother’s recipe. Other choices for the main course include roasted Mozambique prawns with char-grilled asparagus and hazelnut cream. To begin the meal after an amuse bouche of smoked salmon on darphin potato, diners have three starters to choose from: either the chef’s signature lobster bisque with sauteed organic mini black Qwehli prawns; foie gras terrine served with petit salad of chickpea and farmer bread toast; or the Saint Jacques scallop carpaccio. The meal closes with a Maman Dessert Platter.

When: May 12

> Mother’s Day brunch, The Line, Tel: 6213 4398

Champagne brunches are the norm at many established hotels, but here at Shangri-La’s popular buffet spread, edible flowers and fresh herbs take centre stage with new dishes added at many of the 16 kitchens. Highlights include pickled plum maguro and kazari makizushi (decorative sushi) at the sushi station; as well as zucchini blossoms, fried with prawn mousse and served with roasted corn from the tempura station. And as one might expect, desserts are where the blooms really shine. Start with orange champagne and raspberry shots made with crystallised violet blossom, and have your fix of mini red velvet cupcakes, this time with cream cheese and hibiscus. But save room for the fig panna cotta with jasmine, and the chocolate toffee slice with chamomile. Priced at S$148 per person with free flow of champagne, white and red wine, draft beer, chilled juice and soft drink; or S$108 with free flow of chilled juice and soft drink.

When: May 12

> Mother’s Day afternoon tea set, TWG Tea Salon, www.twgtea.com

Priced at S$80 per person and available at all their tea salons, the set comprises a pot of tea from their extensive list; a sparkling white wine and tea cocktail (infused with Silver Pearl Tea); a selection of finger sandwiches (many infused with tea and prepared with homemade pain de mie); and for dessert, a yuzu eclair infused with Lemon Bush Tea and served with raspberry coulis. There is also the option to choose from the trolley of tea infused patisseries, crafted daily, if you prefer a different sweet ending. Included in the set is a tin of Sakura! Sakura! Tea — a limited edition blend from the brand’s Spring Haute Couture Tea collection. The same set sans the take-home tin of tea can be had at S$50.

When: May 6 to 12 (3pm to 6pm)

> Mother’s Day all-you-can-eat high tea, Open House, Tel: 6603 8855

This is Grand Park Orchard’s nod to mothers and all things local. The high-tea (S$30/S$33 per person) at its all-day-dining restaurant will be showcasing a variety of local delights, from laksa to fish ngo hiang and chicken curry, alongside some non-traditional and creative offerings, such as roast duck and lychee pizza, fresh out of its beech wood fired oven. That said, it might be hard for mum to resist repeat visits to the claypot station, which doles out familiar favourites — from bak kut teh, to lap mei fan and assam fish. The same mix can be found at the dessert table, whether you prefer durian pengat or bread and butter pudding. To add to this celebration, diners will be given exclusive entry (on the same day) to the Presidential Suite on the 11th floor, for a pop-up shopping experience in partnership with five made-in-Singapore brands.

When: May 11 and 12 (noon to 4pm)

> Mother’s Day set menu, Min Jiang, Tel: 6730 1704

Diners craving a return to this stalwart Chinese restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel can take advantage of its specially designed eight-course set menus — priced at S$98 a person (for a table of 3 to 5); or up to S$128 per person (for a table of 6 to 10). Longevity buns are included in all sets, while popular dishes from selected sets include camphor tea smoked duck, crispy fried quail and chilled bird’s nest with hashima. There are seven options to choose from should you prefer to give the sharks fin soup course a miss in selected menus. Choice replacements include a soup with shredded abalone, dried scallop, sea cucumber and crabmeat; or a double-boiled chicken soup with Tientsin cabbage in claypot.

When: May 11 and 12 (lunch and dinner)

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Head: Just for mama

Having her cake

Just for the occasion, Bakerzin has introduced four new cakes to its already drool-worthy array of confections. Two standout picks are the Cheeky Apricot and the Riviera. The former is a delectably deceiving beauty — light Italian sponge layered with 12-year-old Macallan infused apricot mousse and nicely tart raspberry jelly — covered with a white chocolate glaze (S$58, serves 8 to 10). The latter is an Italian-style almond genoise layered between coatings of cherry mousse and Iranian pistachio cream custard and dressed in striking red chocolate dust (S$55, serves 8 to 10). Visit www.bakerzin.com or any outlet to place an order.

Tool time

ToTT (Tools Of The Trade), Tel: 6219 7077 is having a Mother’s Day sale (until May 12) where shoppers can enjoy up to 30 per cent off on a selected range of products. Mum will certainly appreciate a bundled purchase of The Cuisinart Hot and Cold Blender, which comes with a free silicone set (UP S$440, now S$352) and the Boska Dutch Design Gift Box, which is offered as a bundle with two Epicurean Fibre Cutting Boards (UP S$157.90, now S$128). And because nothing’s too good for the queen of your heart (and house), The HotmixPro’s Gastro (S$2,739.20), which integrates 20 functions into one sleek appliance, is any gadget queen’s dream.