http://sparklette.net/food/tung-lok-seafood/ http://sparklette.net/food/tung-lok-seafood/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:10 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1286 Update: This buffet will be available again only after 6 February 2012.

Do you know that Tung Lok Seafood has a wonderful ala carte buffet promotion at Orchard Central? I’m not sure how I ever missed it, but if it wasn’t for the American Express SELECTS programme, I wouldn’t have known.

The daily ala carte dinner buffet at Tung Lok Seafood restaurant offers 40 dishes available for repeat orders, including seafood, meats, Japanese cold cuts and sashimi, rice and noodles, and desserts. Each diner also gets a serving of chilli crab and shark’s fin soup.

Ala carte buffet dinner
S$38.80++ (Minimum 4 persons)
6pm – 10:30pm daily
Menu

The price is pretty decent for the quality of the food served and the unlimited orders allowed. As with most Chinese and seafood restaurants, you are charged for the Chinese tea and pickles. If you make payment with your AmEx card before 29 January 2012, there is the extra perk of entering the weekly Volkswagen car giveaway!

Here, I will highlight my personal picks. The drunken prawns is definitely one of the best dishes of the night. The prawns are large and juicy, but the real star of the show is the herbal soup, which is perfectly clear and light in colour but intensely tasty. You would want a repeat order of this.

Also worth a mention is the crispy fish skin with salted egg yolk. It may sound icky, but it makes a delightful snack — like chips!

Smoked duck breast

For appetisers, the smoked duck breast receives votes of approval from my whole family. Served sans embellishments, the sensuously thin slices of duck are flavourful and make an exceedingly satisfying prelude to the meal. They disappear from the plate within minutes!

Salmon sashimi

The availability of a Japanese selection of salmon, sushi, octopus and baked scallops is surprising but much welcomed. The salmon sashimi is fresh and served in generous ample slices.

Crispy prawns with butter and cereal

Amongst the seafood, apart from the aforementioned drunken prawns, you also can’t go wrong with the cereal prawns, covered in a heap of crispy fragrant cereal.

Chilli crab

The chilli crab seen here is the serving for five. Whilst usually sweet and savoury, the sauce in this case is marred by a rather strange tasting sourness. If you’re wondering why, here’s the official reply from Tung Lok:

Our Chilli Crab contains a unique blend of Orange Juice and Tomato sauce!

How interesting! A side of fried buns — one of the 40 buffet items — proves to be the perfect complement.

Sautéed sliced venison with black pepper sauce

My most favourite item from the Tung Lok Seafood ala carte buffet is the sautéed sliced venison, a superlative effort by the chef. Meat lovers just can’t miss this. The dish features tender chunks of venison. Colourful vegetables and a lovely black pepper sauce complete the delicious scenario.

For dessert, you may partake of five choices:

• Herbal jelly served with honey
• Chilled almond beancurd with longan
• Sweetened sesame cream
• Sesame pancake with lotus seed filling
• Ice cream puff

They live up to expectations too!

Even at a very busy evening, the staff are quick to tend to our orders and serve us with a smile. At the Tung Lok Seafood buffet, you expect to eat to your heart’s content… and you will not be disappointed. If you decide to head down, reservations are a must!

Have Your Say!

Where can we enjoy a decent ala carte buffet in Singapore? Share all your thoughts via Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment!

Tung Lok Seafood
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road #11-05
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6834 4888 | Website
Service:

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http://sparklette.net/food/goodwood-park-chinese-new-year/ http://sparklette.net/food/goodwood-park-chinese-new-year/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:00:27 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1279

This Chinese New Year, the culinary team at Goodwood Park Hotel has put together a whole range of festive delights. For reunion meals, dine-in ala carte and set menus are available at the two Min Jiang restaurants located at the hotel and Rochester Park.

Meticulously crafted cakes and goodies are available at the Deli. If you are looking for a western experience, the festive afternoon tea at L’Espresso is one buffet you must not miss.

Min Jiang

Hamachi yusheng (available for dine-in only)
S$118++ (large)

The signature hamachi (yellowtail) yusheng (raw fish salad) possesses traditional flavours with a touch of unconventional ingredients. To name some, they include flying fish roe, wasabi ebiko (prawn roe), seaweed and French chives, amidst mesclun greens, shredded red and white carrots, Buddha’s hand citron, jellyfish, onions and pomelo.

The pine nuts and sesame seeds provide delightful coarse textures while the house-made taro and sweet potato crisps add an enjoyable crunch.

For additional flavour, drizzle on the chef’s secret sweet sauce with a squeeze of lime. Now you’re all set to toss to a prosperous new year!

Golden Fortune chicken (available for dine-in and takeaway)
S$198 for 6 persons

The visually appealing Golden Fortune chicken makes a memorable show-stopper of a dish. It symbolises an abundance of wealth, and is accompanied by 8 gold-wrapped hard-boiled eggs. Get into some hammering action and watch the chicken-shaped salt crust slowly crack to reveal the lotus leaves-wrapped filling.

The delectable ingredients include chicken, whole Australian abalone, dried scallops, black moss, flower mushrooms and dang gui. These are oven-baked for 4 hours, sealing in the rich flavours. The result is chicken meat that is flavoursome and moist throughout; even the leanest parts are melt-in-your-mouth tender!

Stewed pork belly roll with Sichuan pickle sauce (available for dine-in and takeaway)
S$218 for 6 persons

With a minimum of 6 hours’ cooking required, the stewed pork belly roll is clearly a labour of love. An ample slice of pork belly is hand-rolled and braised with garlic and chilli for 5 hours. The ensuing rich stock and pork belly roll are then removed and stewed with Sichuan pickled vegetables and chillies for an additional hour, forming a remarkably robust and intensely flavourful pickle sauce base.

Notable co-stars in this pot of deliciousness are premium Australian abalones, dried oysters, black moss and Tientsin cabbage.

If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your own home, a 6-course Festive Treasures takeaway set menu that includes ikan parang yusheng, Prosperity Sea Treasures in Wooden Pot (poon choy) and dessert is available for take-out at both Min Jiang restaurants. (S$468 for 6 persons)

English Afternoon Tea Buffet

For rebels seeking an alternative to the traditional Chinese fares, try the English afternoon tea buffet at L’Espresso.

English afternoon tea buffet
S$58++ per adult / S$29++ per child

Available from 21-24 January 2012
12noon – 2:30pm, 3pm – 5:30pm

The usual Chinese New Year treats are done up with surprising western twists. We’re talking yusheng with smoked salmon, quail eggs coated with pork floss, nian gao beignet and bak kwa finger sandwiches.

Nian gao beignet
S$8.90++

The nian gao beignet in particular will leave you wanting more; these bite-sized pieces of the sticky cake are wrapped in savoury crispy spring roll skin and deep fried whilst maintaining a soft, sweet interior.

Chinese New Year Goodies at The Deli

Traditional New Year cookies and chips are available at The Deli, with all-time favourite snacks such as cashew nut cookies, almond cookies, chiku chips and yam chips. (S$18.80 to S$20.80 for a jar)

A Chinese New Year must-have, bak kwa is sold in small neat slices. (S$48 for 600g, S$72 for 1kg)

Macadamia and kumquat tart (available for takeaway at the Deli)
S$$48 for 1kg

The macadamia and kumquat tart is one unique creation you will remember. It is filled with crunchy nuts and refreshing kumquat, and adorned with almond flakes, whole macadamia nuts and marzipan firecrackers. The centrepiece is the auspicious Chinese character for prosperity that will add much colour to your festive celebration.

Fortune mandarin orange pound cake
S$72 for 1kg

Just as eye-catching is the Fortune mandarin orange pound cake, shaped like a giant mahjong tile with the Chinese word for fortune. Lightly perfumed with citrus scents and encased in icing that isn’t cloyingly sweet, this eye-catching dessert will make a perfect gift for mahjong players!

Duo of Prosperity Fish (available for takeaway at the Deli)
S$98 for 10 persons

Another highlight would be the Duo of Prosperity Fish, consisting of a mango with pomelo and sago pudding and durian pudding. Durian fans can opt for both fish-shaped puddings to be of durian flavour for the price of S$108.

Available from 9 January to 6 February 2012. All takeaway items require an advance order of one working day.

Where would you be dining this festive season? Share with us in the comments!

Goodwood Park Hotel

Min Jiang at One-North

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Swirl is a fruity pink cake, comprising light sponge Swiss roll, a layer of fresh fruit purée, and strawberry and raspberry mousse. The cake is then slathered with velvet Venezuela chocolate.

Cheesecake lovers will be enticed by Hilton’s renowned American cheesecake, transformed into a log cake for Christmas. This signature cake will continue to win hearts with the festive decorations and a raspberry jam centre.

The Christmas bread is baked in-house using ingredients and dried fruits from the south of France. It is buttery yet light, with allusions of sweetness from the dried fruits and rounded off with a crusty sugar top.

Traditional European confections are the perfect gifts for Christmas; they are small and handy-sized, but filled with festive spirit.

The Red Christmas Tree Ball simply screams for attention. Curious people will even wonder if it’s edible! It is in fact a round cake filled with lemon orange cream and raspberry yuzu jelly, encircled with smooth red velvet chocolate. Fresh raspberries from France and bits of fruit candy are blended well together with the refreshing cream to lend additional texture.

Lovingly baked and hand-cut into the shape of a house, adorned with festive figurines made of icing sugar, the Gingerbread House and Figurine is a crowd pleaser.

Don’t these innovative pastry creations make you wish it was Christmas everyday?

Where would you be dining this festive season? Share with us in the comments!

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Apart from the main selection of Indian staples, you can also enjoy the signature items from the usual buffet such as the laksa and durian pudding.

Kick-start your meal with something light at the salad station.

The yoghurt and salads will provide a cooling counterpoint to the tantalising spices in the Indian cuisine.

A range of dressings, condiments and toppings are available for you to design your very own salad.

Shrikhand (yoghurt with sugar and dried nuts)

Rajma chaat (mixed beans)

Kachumber salad (mixed salad)

Chicken tikka chaat (shredded chicken)

Carrot curd rice (yoghurt and carrot rice)

The carrot curd rice is well infused with yoghurt, lending a rich flavour without being mushy and heavy on the stomach.

Kache kele ki bhel (mixed banana with sauce)

The mixed banana with sauce lacks taste and texture. From its façade, you would be expecting a crispy texture, and be disappointed when you sink your teeth into a limp morsel.

Tandoori anaanas ki chaat (spicy marinated pineapple)

Aloo boondi raita (mixed yoghurt)

For a healthy dip to go with the crackers, opt for the appetising mixed yoghurt. You will find traces of potato in the yoghurt that may seem outlandish to those who are new to Indian cuisine, but soon you will find yourself wanting more.

An assortment of Indian titbits and murukku are available.

To warm your tummies, pop by the soup station for traditional Indian soup and a soup of the day. Soy sauce, parsley and lemon are available for seasoning.

Mutton soup

The mutton soup is slightly clear and light, yet flavourful and hearty, with only a hint of the mutton smell.

Mushroom soup

For the gastronomic conservatives, you can have the mushroom soup. It is thick, tasty and well seasoned, with a creaminess and smooth consistency that make it an extremely comforting soup to dig into. I cannot help but get a second serving.

Croutons are available if you’d like to add texture to your soup.

Murgh tikka

The chicken morsels in the murgh tikka are tender and flavoursome.

Aloo mutter samosa (potatoes and peas)

The aloo mutter samosa has a slightly doughy and thick exterior, and isn’t greasy at all. You can pair it with your preferred chutney.

Mint and imli aur adrak ki chutneys

Garlic naan

Buns and breads as well as plain rice are available to soak up the delicious curries.

Murgh dum briyani (aromatic rice with chicken)

But who wants plain rice when you can have the aromatic briyani rice?

Lahsooni palak (spinach curry)

A noteworthy dish is the spinach curry. Its dark green colour may be off-putting to some, but the unappealing appearance does no justice to its taste. This dish absolutely enters the realm of comfort food that is good for both the soul and the health. Even the most hardened veggie haters will find themselves indulging in spoonful after spoonful that slides down the throat easily.

Tawa surmai (marinated king fish darne)

The marinated king fish darne may look dry and slightly burnt, but the tenderness of the flesh will surprise you. It does beg for a sauce or gravy to add more flavour.

Spices and curries are the essence of Indian cuisine. A selection of curries is available for curry fans.

Butter chicken

Among the meaty options, the butter chicken is one popular choice. The thick fragrant gravy goes very nicely with bread. The balanced spicing is more zingy than fiery and will be comfortable for most.

Nail ni nazakat (lamb shanks)

For the discerning diner who yearns for something a little more sumptuous, the fork tender lamb shank submerged in a pool of curry will certainly satisfy. The meat falls off the bone easily and practically melts in the mouth — it’s the epitome of tenderness! The lusciously rich curry is sufficiently thick, spiked with a good balance of spices and aromas; it is gently spiced, just enough to tantalise your taste buds.

Jinga masala (prawn with bell peppers)

Paneer khurchan (shredded cottage cheese)

As tempting as the paneer khurchan (shredded cottage cheese) looks, I wouldn’t recommend it; it is dry, tough and lacking in flavour.

From the seafood counter, you can get prawns, mussels and oysters.

The freshly shucked oysters disappear from the station almost immediately upon being replenished. Stand by the station if you want apiece.

Butter naan

Here comes the crowd pleaser, the butter naan. Best enjoyed as a communal dish, simply break off a portion for yourself and pass the bread around the table. Curry is an indispensable accompaniment to complete a naan experience; the aforementioned butter chicken dish is highly recommended.

You can order a freshly made naan at the live cooking station. As it turns out, the buffet spread slants more towards North Indian cuisine. I am slightly disappointed with the unavailability of roti prata, which is from the South.

At another live cooking station, you will find the chef ready to prepare a set of pav bhaji (potato curry and bun) upon order.

Pav bhaji (potato curry and bun)

The buns are lightly coated with butter, then placed on a flat grill, producing a slightly sweet crust surrounding a light, airy interior. You can even customise your own toppings with choices of diced tomatoes, onions and chillies. The fragrant crusty buns couple well with the potato curry. A must-try!

Laksa

Order a piping bowl of laksa. The thick and mouthwatering laksa gravy has a coy hint of spiciness, but if you’d like more oomph, go ahead and scoop on more chilli.

Don’t miss out on the various toppings, chillies, condiments and dipping sauces; you can play around with different combinations to discover new tastes!

Desserts

You can’t end your meal here without having a sweet bite from the colourful array of handcrafted Indian desserts.

Coconut burfi (condensed milk cooked with sugar)

White pumpkin kesari (grated pumpkin cooked with milk)

The white pumpkin kesari (grated pumpkin cooked with milk) is a simple dessert with a thick pudding-like texture that is not overtly sweet.

Sweet samosa

Deviating from the conventional savoury samosas with curry filling, this sweet version consists of mixed nuts within a crispy exterior. The filling is dry, a contrast to the savoury version.

Kaju kaili (ground cashew nuts with sugar)

The edible silver foil adds visual appeal to the kaju kaili, a traditional Indian sweet confection. This rhombus-shaped snack is a popular choice amongst the Chinese as it has a texture similar to certain Chinese New Year cookies.

White pumpkin halwar

Kaja katali

Pineapple halwa (grated pineapple cooked with milk and sugar)

Another authentic Indian dessert is the pineapple halwa that consists of grated pineapple cooked with milk and sugar. While many have raved about it, it doesn’t appeal to me; the dense, thick pudding-like and slightly gritty texture is a little too bizarre for my liking.

Gulab jamun (flour mixed with milk)

Chocolate cake with roasted pistachio

If exotic Indian desserts aren’t your cup of tea, the pistachio cakes may yet delight your taste buds.

Carrot cake with roasted pistachio

The carrot cake fares better than the chocolate rendition; the soft custardy layer on top exhibits the right amount of creaminess, and the cake doesn’t feel dry.

Pair your desserts with ice cream. The coffee flavour is a popular choice.

Bring back nostalgic memories with these childhood sweets. The preserved dried ginger is almost in extinction. Makes you wonder where the restaurant gets its supply!

Try your hand at the ice kacang station with the multi-coloured syrups and toppings.

Despite having a mixture of cuisines in the buffet, most of the spread remains true to the Indian culture, and successfully avoids the label of “fusion food”. If you’d like a good taste of Indian cuisine, Feast@East is an ideal dining spot for an affordable meal.

Where can you find the best Indian buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Feast@East Buffet Restaurant
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, Level 3
50 East Coast Road
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 6340 5665 | Website
Service:

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/mandarin-orchard-triple-three-hokkaido-seafood-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/mandarin-orchard-triple-three-hokkaido-seafood-buffet/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:00:00 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1231

From now till 30th October, buffet and seafood lovers can look forward to a wide range of ocean delights at Triple Three, Mandarin Orchard. Enjoy authentic and fresh Hokkaido cuisine with specially imported ingredients.

Discover Hokkaido buffet
Available till 30 October, during dinner and Sunday brunch only.
Mon – Sun dinner (6:30pm – 10pm): S$138++ per adult / S$33++ per child
Sunday brunch (12noon – 3pm): S$168++ per adult / S$42++ per child

Following the Hokkaido theme, there is an abundant selection of fresh seafood at the seafood on ice station. Besides the usual oysters, king crabs, snow crabs and Hokkaido steamed scallops are also up for grabs!

King crab

The king crab is a must-try. Neatly cut open, digging into its sweet, fresh flesh is made easy and convenient.

Sashimi

The sashimi counter is probably the most popular area after the fresh seafood. Chefs are stationed here to serve you your request upon ordering.

Salmon sashimi

Check out that ample serving of salmon sashimi! I also enjoy the scallops and swordfish sashimi very much.

Chef Shigeru at work

On some evenings, Chef Shigeru, the man behind the buffet spread, would make an appearance to slice up the imported yellowtail tuna!

Tuna sashimi

Sliced off the fish and delivered right onto your plate, you are ensured maximum freshness in each bite.

Lobster mentaiyaki

The soft sizzling sounds of the lobster mentaiyaki beckon to you even before you lay your eyes on that appetising sight. The creamy Hokkaido mentaiko mayo sauce makes a great pairing with the fresh lobster meat and has me going back for seconds.

Right beside the lobster mentaiyaki, you will find an array of fried titbits. The trays here empty quickly with everyone snatching up the goods while they are still hot from the pan. Go for the kani cream croquette, which has a nicely fried exterior covering soft, mushy crab meat.

Madara agedashi (deep fried codfish sperm)

For the more adventurous diners, you can venture into the madara agedashi (deep fried codfish sperm). This is my first experience with the dish, whose springy texture makes it fun to eat, although it does not hold much flavour apart from the batter.

Ramen station

The station that offers Sapporo-originated ramen noodles will be hard to miss. Choose from a choice of miso or shoyu-based soup and watch as the chef prepares it expertly.

Teppanyaki

Live teppanyaki

Another live cooking station is the teppanyaki counter, where the chef tosses and cooks a variety of items on an iron griddle. The prawns are big, firm and juicy, but my personal favourites are the beef cubes which are done just right.

Wagyu beef

While the black truffle sauce makes a great team with the succulent Wagyu beef, most of the meat is in fact fat which I find too much of a mouthful.

Tempura

The vibrant colours at the tempura counter sure attracts one’s attention. Besides the usual ebi tempura, you can also get less common delicacies like pumpkin and sea eel tempura.

Tempura

Soba noodles

I enjoy the small servings of cold soba noodles that provide a cooling respite between my plates of fried food.

Robatayaki (Japanese barbecue)

There are also two Hokkaido specialty counters cooking up a varied selection of steamed items, as well as robatayaki (traditional Japanese barbecue). You can look forward to sampling perfectly grilled shishamo, samma fish and Hokkaido scallops.

Hokkaido chawanmushi

The Hokkaido chawanmushi is a must-try with its extremely smooth and silky steamed egg custard. You can almost slurp it out of the cup without the need for a spoon!

Roast meats

Besides the Japanese-themed items, there is also a tasty Asian section featuring exotic Indian and Chinese cuisines. While I haven’t tried the roast duck myself, I overhear diners saying that it is really yummy.

Indian cuisine

Fish curry

The Indian fish curry appeals to me with its rich and flavourful gravy.

Assorted breads

Diners who like their breads will be happy to know that there is a huge variety of buns and breads available.

Matcha bun

The matcha bun, with its soft texture and subtle green tea flavour is worth a taste.

Assorted cheeses

Fruits and crackers

For those seeking a more Western touch to end their meals, look out for the small assortment of cheeses, alongside fruits and crackers.

Chocolate fountain

Fresh fruits

Apart from the usual chocolate fountain and fresh fruits, the desserts section also offers a wide range of Japanese sweet treats. The light and airy pumpkin mousse is sweet without being cloying, while the yuzu compote with jelly is refreshing with a strong citrus taste.

Japanese desserts

The highlight of the desserts will have to be the house-made ice cream. Ranging from flavours like salt (a creamy mix of vanilla with a dash of salt) and black sesame (a rich and dense ice cream reminiscent of black sesame paste) to saffron pistachio (an acquired taste with the coupling of pistachio nuts with the spice), these will please even the pickiest palates.

Ice cream and toppings

With almost all the food freshly prepared upon each order, Triple Three brings quality and freshness to a whole new level. It is no wonder that the restaurant is packed even for a weekday evening. I will definitely recommend this buffet to people seeking the freshest seafood.

Where can you enjoy the best seafood buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/buffet-town/ http://sparklette.net/food/buffet-town/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:00:56 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1228

Buffet Town is the new kid on the block of buffet restaurants. Located at Raffles City where Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar used to sit, the restaurant aims to be the ultimate international buffet venue with an offering of over 300 food items.

Buffet
Lunch (Mon-Fri): Adult $23.80++; Child $16.80++
Lunch (Sat-Sun, Eve of and PH): Adult $28.80++; Child $16.80++
Dinner (Mon-Thu): Adult $33.80++; Child $19.80++
Dinner (Fri-Sun, Eve of and PH): Adult $38.80++; Child $19.80++
Buffet rating:

Priced very reasonably for a buffet conveniently located at the heart of Singapore, it’s no wonder that the 450-seat restaurant is bustling with activity even on a weekday evening!

Mussels

As with all buffets these days, the seafood counter is a big hit and always crowded. Many diners can be seen piling up their plates with seafood. Look out for the big and juicy freshly shucked oysters.

Chilled crayfish and prawns

Maki

At the Japanese counter, the food is replenished quickly, ensuring that the freshest quality is always made available to diners. Check out the large assortment of maki rolls, ranging from the usual California rolls to asparagus. Hand-rolls are also prepared à la minute by the chefs on duty.

Assorted maki and sashimi

Grilled chicken

The hot food section is one of the largest I’ve seen, stretching around almost the whole of the restaurant interior. You will not be disappointed with the variety of items, ranging from grilled to deep-fried, and even curries!

Western stews and curries

Forrest pizza

Boasting a thin crust and a generous serving of ingredients and mozzarella cheese, it’s no surprise that the pizzas are snatched up almost as quickly as they are replenished!

Fish and chips

One of the most important components to a good fish and chips is the breading. The fish and chips served here have just the right crispiness — a pleasant surprise for this commonly overlooked dish.

Pasta station

A highlight of Buffet Town is the pasta station where you get to create your very own pasta. Simply choose the ingredients you fancy from choices like seafood, mushrooms and even bacon, then select your preferred pasta and sauce.

Penne aglio olio

While my penne aglio olio is packed with yummy ingredients, too much black pepper has been used, hence overpowering the dish. I also try a bowl of creamy spaghetti, in which the cream sauce is lacking and prawns are undercooked.

Roast beef

The restaurant has a few main dishes that are refreshed on a regular basis, namely the carving of the day and Chinese herbal soup. I enjoy the roast beef, which is tender and nicely cooked to pink.

Old cucumber soup

Tempura

Go for the tempura, which is executed to a crisp delight. The sweet potato and ladyfingers are unanimous favourites.

Teppanyaki

Fill your plates with the meats and greens from the teppanyaki station. The chefs are friendly and ever ready to cook up a storm with your selected items. A pity that there is no alert system to inform you when your order is done, which sometimes results in collecting a plate of food that has already gone cold.

You would also find chefs hard at work grilling Japanese and local items.

Grilled pineapple

These skewers of grilled pineapple provide an interesting combination of textures and flavours, and complement the sweet satay meats.

Grilled skewers

The scallops and mussel mentai are highlights from the Japanese grilled section, cooked to perfection and still retaining the fresh seafood goodness. Best enjoyed when they are fresh off the grill!

Mussel mentai

And we’re still not done with this review yet! Buffet Town also has quite a few booths — like the adorable mini rojak stall — dedicated to serving Singapore local favourites.

Rojak station

Carrot cake

The carrot cake is just the way I like it — chunky, slightly sweet and savoury.

Laksa

While my dining companion enjoys the laksa, I feel it could have used more spices and chilli.

Hainanese chicken rice

The chicken rice may be a bit dry, while the meat is just the right oiliness and very flavourful.

Chilli crab

Sinful, but oh-so good, the scrumptious chilli crab gravy is finger-licking good and couples well with the deep-fried mantou.

Coffee and tea station

Having a ‘kopitiam’ right within the restaurant is a stroke of genius! After a heavy meal, there’s nothing better than to kick back and unwind with your favourite kopi-O or teh-si!

For those who prefer something else, there are also drinks machines, and even soy milk.

Soy milk

Mini cakes and éclairs

Not to be left out is the desserts selection. Aside from the usual cakes and tarts, you can also opt for green bean soup, cheng tng or even make your own ice kachang!

Ice cream

While the goreng pisang and waffles are nothing out of the ordinary, I find the ice cream flavours surprisingly tasty and appealing. Do try the rich chocolate as well as macadamia, which has a smooth, subtle sweetness.

Buffet Town has its share of hits and misses. While it is not on par with the high-end buffet establishments, it offers diners a very good range of items at an affordable price. As it is still relatively new, I expect improvements and better things to come.

Where can you enjoy the best value buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 7 http://sparklette.net/food/ellenborough-market-cafe-crab-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/ellenborough-market-cafe-crab-buffet/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:00:05 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1226 The highly anticipated crab buffet of Ellenborough Market Café at Swissôtel Merchant Court is finally made its return! Buffet fans will be spoilt for choice with the wide spread of crustacean delights such as Indian curry crab, Alaskan crab legs with ponzu and salt baked crab.

Up for Crabs Buffet
7 – 22 October 2011, 6:30 – 10:30pm daily
Adult S$64++/ Child S$32++

Crabs

Bakwan kepiting (crabmeat and pork ball soup)

For an extremely authentic and traditional experience, go for the bakwan kepiting (crabmeat and pork ball soup). The meatballs in the light, clear soup will stimulate the palate and prep your appetite for the meal ahead.

Sri Lankan chilli crab

Traditionalists will not be disappointed with the popular Sri Lankan chilli crab. The fiery sauce makes the crabs even more scrumptious, and pairs perfectly with the fluffy fried mantou buns.

Claypot crab bee hoon (rice vermicelli)

Served in a rich, crab-seafood broth, the claypot crab bee hoon (rice vermicelli) is divine with just the right balance of spices and flavour. Infused with soup, the crab meat is absolutely delectable!

Marmite crab

If you are up for a fusion fix, do try the marmite crab. Even for someone who’s not big on Marmite, this creamy dish can very well make me a convert.

Wasabi crab

As a wasabi fan, I immediately go for the wasabi crabs. I especially like that the crabs have been lightly fried, lending added texture that complements the fish roe topping and piquant taste of wasabi. A must-try!

Peranakan food

Apart from the crab highlights, you will be delighted by the local and international cuisines available, including the restaurant’s famed Peranakan section.

Ikan chilli garam

Ayam buah keluak

Not to be missed is the quintessential Peranakan dish, ayam buah keluak. A plus point is that the filling of the keluak nut has already been scraped out into a bowl, so you can pile on as much of the savoury paste as you like.

Kueh pie tee

Also available is a DIY kueh pie tee station where you can have some hands-on fun at making your own kueh pie tee.

Seafood

The oysters are extremely popular here — I only manage to grab two during my meal — so do make a beeline for the seafood section once the staff refills it.

Sashimi

While the choices for sashimi are quite limited, the fish is all really fresh and of good quality.

Crispy fried tilapia with soya sauce

Wok fried slipper lobster in black pepper sauce

A highlight of hot dish selection, I particularly enjoy the pairing of the fleshy slipper lobsters with black pepper sauce. It’s no surprise that this is another popular item alongside the fresh oysters.

Salad

Those who like their greens will be happy to know there is a wide variety to choose from at the salad corner. Can’t make up your mind? Go for the mushroom salad, which is my pick from the selection.

Chin Kiang spare ribs

The Chin Kiang spare ribs are really delicious! The marinated meat is tender and full of flavour.

Desserts

After the indulgence, kick back and relax with sweet treats from a variety of local and western desserts, including raisin pear tarts, almond cream, pulut hitam and many more.

Nonya kueh

These colourful Nonya kueh are not only a treat for your eyes, but fun to eat as well!

Bread and butter pudding

White chocolate mousse

The white chocolate mousse is light and not overly sweet.

Peanut roll

The peanut roll — a cross between a peanut waffle and a Swiss roll — makes a fragrant and interesting dessert.

Durian pengat

The signature durian pengat — a thick, luscious durian mix — is extremely smooth and yummy. I enjoyed it so much that I went back for thirds!

If your friends or family are looking for a great place to enjoy a tasty meal of crabs, then this buffet is the one to book right now.

Where can you enjoy the best seafood in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 5 http://sparklette.net/food/plaza-brasserie-parkroyal-seafood-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/plaza-brasserie-parkroyal-seafood-buffet/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:00:30 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1223 Plaza Brasserie at Parkroyal on Beach Road has brought back its popular seafood buffet. You can have your choice of the freshest catch of the day such as pomfret, sea bass, snapper, sea bream and tilapia prepared in the way you prefer. Choose from various cooking styles like Hong Kong, Teochew, Nonya or even Thai lime and chilli!

And on weekends, a wider selection of seafood is available along with your buffet, including white clams, mud crabs, fresh prawns, bamboo clams and more.

Seafood Galore
September 2 – October 30, 2011
Mon – Thu Dinner: Adult: S$45++ / Child: S$27++
Fri – Sun Dinner: Adult: S$48++ / Child: S$29++

With the exception of the salad counter and the chilled seafood platter, much of the buffet slants towards Asian cuisines. Indeed, as one of the longer standing buffet restaurants in Singapore, Plaza Brasserie has built its reputation as a place to go for Asian buffet alongside a spread of local cuisine.

I like the little Asian touch at the bread and cheese section with the fish and prawn crackers.

Fried pomfret with sweet and sour sauce

Perfectly executed, the pomfret is nicely fried to a crisp. The accompanying sweet and sour sauce only makes the dish more appetising.

Black pepper white clams

Black pepper bamboo clams

I don’t know what secret lies in the recipe of the black pepper sauce, but Chef Jackson has managed to refine it to further enhance the freshness of the clams. Definitely my choice of preparation style next time I’m there.

Mussels in sambal sauce

The mussels are a highlight amongst the seafood dishes. I particularly enjoy the pairing of the big, fleshy mussels with sambal sauce. Delicious!

Hong Kong-style steamed sea bass

While I am usually not a fan of steamed fish, the Hong Kong-style steamed sea bass is a hit. Steamed to perfection, the flesh is firm with a subtle sweetness.

At the hot food section, you may be pleasantly surprised by the wide spread of local favourites.

Hainanese chicken

The Hainanese chicken is superb, especially when paired with sweet chilli sauce and a serving of fragrant chicken rice. You even get to choose your preferred chicken parts here!

Black pepper beef

Braised sea cucumber with mushroom

The sea cucumber and soft-shell crabs are permanent fixtures in the hot food section — and it’s not hard to see why. I enjoy the soft-shell crabs immensely, which have been deep-fried in a spiced-batter, lending extra oomph.

Deep-fried soft-shell crabs

Laksa

At the ‘live’ cooking station, a selection of local delights, such as laksa, roasted meats, oyster omelette and noodles are available.

Oyster omelette

Served fresh off the pan, the oyster omelette is so scrumptious, I find myself getting repeat servings.

Look out for the Japanese section, where they serve up a variety of sushi and sashimi, as well as items like cold soba noodles.

Assorted tempura

I hardly praise the tempura found at buffets, but I must say that I thoroughly enjoy the prawn and eggplant tempura here!

You can indulge in a good selection of prata with flavours like banana and even chocolate, alongside two curries of the day — vegetable and prawn on the day of our visit.

Durian prata

Durian lovers will surely go gaga over the durian prata. As one of the signature dishes, it will impress with the fresh, high quality durian pulp wrapped in a thin layer of roti prata. You can also opt for a scoop of ice cream on top, instantly turning it into a delectable dessert!

Apart from a chocolate fondue fountain with various dippers, the range of desserts also includes items like bubor cha cha, cheng tng and chendol.

Chocolate cake

Go for the chocolate cake, which is rich yet light enough to keep you wanting more. You can also opt for the colourful nonya kueh.

Nonya kueh

If your family or friends are seafood fans, then this is one great promotion you would not want to miss.

Have Your Say!

Where can you enjoy the best seafood buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 5 http://sparklette.net/food/cafe-swiss-spanish-night/ http://sparklette.net/food/cafe-swiss-spanish-night/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:00:14 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1209 For those who have yet to try Spanish cuisine, Spanish Night at Café Swiss, Swissôtel the Stamford is perfect for sampling the cuisine without spending a bomb. If you are a grazer and can’t commit to one dish, this is the opportunity where you can flirt with lots of different flavours. By the end of the night, I promise you’ll become an expert in Spanish cuisine!

The ¡ESPAÑA! Spanish Nights
S$55.00++ per adult / S$27.50++ per child
Every Wednesday 6:30pm – 10pm

Upon entering Café Swiss, you are greeted by a waitress in a Spanish costume who will lead you into the lively atmosphere. The décor of Spanish wine bottles and ornaments lend much character to the ambience. A Spanish singer serenades the crowd, accompanied by a keyboardist and a violinist. That makes conversations a bit of a problem if you’re seated near the stage. No complaints though; the music is good, and the food keeps everyone busy!

Drinks

Red sangria
S$$30.00++ per pitcher

Sangria is a staple in any Spanish events; it’s almost like a religion! It is very typical of the Spanish to have wine along with a meal.

White sangria
S$$30.00++ per pitcher

I end up having two glasses: a red and a white sangria. I enjoy the latter more although both are really good!

Tapas

Commence your meal at the starters section where a wide selection of tapas is available, such as Torte, swordfish, prawns, meatballs, tuna turnovers, Padron peppers, garlic mushrooms on toast, octopus, baked salt cod cakes and ham croquettes.

Cold items include shaved Serrano ham, salt cod, artichokes, broad beans with ham, potato salad, sweet peppers and Spanish tuna, chilled seafood salad, tomato and onion salad, as well as an assortment of Spanish cheeses.

Most tapas dishes are suitable for the health conscious, consisting of many fresh greens and fruits.

Mix and match to create your own tapas with the numerous toppings and toast bread available. The refreshing dishes from the station will definitely whet your appetite for the mains.

Ensala da Campera (potato salad, sweet peppers and Spanish tuna)

Pulpo a la Parilla (char grilled octopus marinated in rosemarry, thyme and olive oil)

Bacalao de Granada (salt cod with oranges and olives)

Shaved Serrano ham on tomato bread

The shaved ham is too dry for my liking. But on a positive note, the tomato bread is crispy and fragrant.

Anti-clockwise from right: Tuna Banderilla with lemon dressing on a skewer, potato and onion tart with egg and garlic aioli, baked salt cod cake, tuna turnovers, ham croquettes, char-grilled marinated octopus, potato salad, salt cod, pork meatball stewed in tomato sauce and goat cheese fritter (centre)

With so many tapas to choose from, tuna is a safe bet for the less adventurous.

Tuna Banderilla with lemon dressing

The tuna Banderilla is fresh, slightly seared to perfection with a rare centre. The tangy lemon dressing complements the fish impeccably.

Tortilla de Patatas (potato and onion tart with egg and garlic aioli)

Being a quintessential part of the Spanish gastronomy, the Tortilla de Patatas is one dish I had high hopes for. The omelet itself has a starchy texture, and is quite forgettable. The aioli (garlic mayonnaise) on the other hand, is so delectable, I decide to use it as a dip for other dishes!

Coated in golden breading, the melted goat cheese is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It doesn’t have a terribly strong odour, although my partner across the table begs to differ! Goat cheese is definitely a food that divides — you either love it or hate it!

Savoury pork meatballs stewed in tomato sauce

The savoury pork meatballs stewed in tomato sauce may be a little tough, but each meatball is infused with a myriad of flavours.

Bunuelos de Bacalao (baked salt cod cakes)

The Bunuelos de Bacalao (baked salt cod cakes) are chock-full of nutritional salt cod, and are rich in taste and quality.

Iberico ham croquettes

The Iberico ham croquettes (on the right) are quite a hit, and get polished off the station quickly. Thankfully, the chefs are efficient in re-filling the trays with new batches. This delicious snack has a crispy breaded crust on the outside with a smooth and tasty filling.

Roast piglet with Salsa Verde

At this station, you will find a chef ready to slice a slab of roast piglet on the spot. It is definitely the star of the night; the moist and tender meat under a crispy skin is perfectly seasoned. This is the time to forgo your diet, because the mouthwatering pork is totally worth the calories!

Before moving on to the second round, have a glass of refreshing lychee tea to cleanse your palate and aid in the digestion!

A station with a selection of breads, soups and main courses awaits you.

Spicy Catalan seafood soup

The spicy Catalan seafood soup is over-salted and the seafood is almost absent, likely devoured by quicker diners. But it has a perfect consistency and is full of flavour. The tangy aroma that fills my nostrils begs me to gulp it all down.

Paella Marinera

Save some room for the Paella Marinera, an identifying symbol of Spanish cuisine. Even though rice is a belly-sweller, it is definitely worth the space in your tummy!

My only nitpick is that the paella rice isn’t cooked and served the traditional way in a paella pan. But it is still extremely fragrant and well-infused with authentic flavours. You won’t be short-changed in terms of meat chunks and seafood. I just miss the caramelised crust of rice from the bottom of a paella pan that I had at Sol Tasca.

Potato gratin

The potato gratin is made with a Spanish Manchego cheese that is creamy and isn’t overpoweringly rich. The potatoes are a little al dente, but it doesn’t stop me from getting a second helping!

Monkfish marinated with roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, parsley. roasted chilli and red pepper sauce

Lightly spiced, the flavourful monkfish has a broad spectrum of flavours. A shame though, that it is a little tough for my liking. A moist and tender countenance would have made it perfect.

Mussels with tomato, wine, garlic, onion and coriander

Seafood, one of the pillars of Spain’s gastronomy, is essential at the spread. The mussels are large and juicy. But as tempting as the sauce is, the station is missing a ladle for hungry diners to scoop it out.

You can also find a selection of chicken, goat, stuffed peppers with Serrano ham and chickpeas with Chorizo at the main course station. These will definitely satisfy your inner epicure.

Desserts

The dessert booth is somewhat of a disappointment, with just a small selection of six ice creams and sorbets that are rarely replenished, five Spanish desserts and no sign of cakes.

Andalucian-style fried bread with honey

The Andalucian-style fried bread drizzled with honey is prepared on the spot. Similar to French toast, the mini-sized bread is drenched in egg and pan-fried.

Raspberry sorbet

Raspberry sorbet doesn’t exactly scream Spanish. The custard-filled fritter — smooth custard coated in a crispy golden breading — on the other hand, is delightful.

Baked Catalan custard with lemon and cinnamon

The baked Catalan custard with lemon and cinnamon is the most popular dessert of the night, flying off the shelf as soon as they have been replenished.

Similar to the French dessert, crème brulee, it has a crackling caramelised sugar crust on top of smooth custard. The added lemon and cinnamon make a zippy and fragrant combination. What more can we ask for? What a great way to end the night!

It is apparent that the chefs have done an extensive amount of research and put in much effort to bring Spanish culture into Café Swiss. The service is brisk and professional; the wait staffs are efficient in clearing plates from your table so there would constantly be room for more plates. This is one buffet that is totally worth your bucks!

Where can you find the best Spanish food in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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]]> 0 http://sparklette.net/food/fairmont-buka-puasa-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/fairmont-buka-puasa-buffet/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:00:56 +0000 Melissa Koh http://sparklette.net/?p=1203 Having met the stringent requirements, Asian Market Café at Fairmont Singapore is now halal certified. During the month of Ramadan, the restaurant rolls out the authentic flavours of the Middle East combined with traditional Malay cuisine, boasting an extensive spread including pan-Asian cuisines and local favourites with live cooking stations, fruit and salad stations and a dessert station.

Ramadan dinner buffet
S$55++ per adult / S$30++ per child (6-12 years)

Separate male and female prayer areas adjacent to Asian Market Café are available, and the traditional fast breaking experience is further enhanced with television monitors placed around the restaurant indicating Salat al Magrib (the time to break fast). Each table is provided with a complimentary plate of dates and a serving of ayram (yoghurt drink) to be consumed upon breaking fast.

The dim lighting lends a distinctive cosiness, but you can choose to sit at the area closer to the food stations if you prefer somewhere brighter. Roomy with ample seats, the atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, and a great place to bring foreign friends to experience authentic Asian cuisines.

Commence your meal at the fruit or salad stations; the fresh produce will get your appetite pumping for the main course.

Toss up your salads with the condiments and dressings provided.

Bamboo shoot with baby shrimp

Nyonya Achar

Grab some fresh buns, pita, crispy crackers or papadam to pair with the nutritional hummus spreads and Farrosh salad.

Tabbouleh

Chickpea salad

Kimchi

Savour the high notes of briny freshness as you slurp on the juicy oysters. The sizeable molluscs are soft, fleshy and distinctively fresh; you wouldn’t mind loading your plates with this low calorie appetising food that has lots of health benefits!

The Japanese cuisine offered includes various sushi, mini servings of soba and chawanmushi.

Clockwise from top: Fresh oysters, chawanmushi, turmeric chicken, deep fried fish, salmon sashimi

Kept warm in a traditional bamboo steamer, the tasty chawanmushi is light and so smooth that it slides right down your throat.

The hot favourite salmon sashimi gets polished off very quickly, so the staff will be busy replenishing them the entire evening!

Chicken Shawarma with condiments

The sumptuous buffet is complemented by live action stations that include meat carving, satay grilling and roti prata making, where you can watch the chefs show off their nifty skills!

The “Ouzi-style” lamb leg from the carving station looks juicy and tempting.

Satay (meat skewers)

The fried oyster omelette is the ultimate crowd pleaser. The chef is kept busy the entire night as the dish gets wiped out as soon as it gets to the tray! This dish certainly does not lose out to the famous hawkers out there! The ratio of flour, egg and oyster is perfect, and the aroma certainly attracts diners to the station like bees to honey!

The deep fried mantau (bun) is yummy enough to be eaten on its own — crispy on the outside and not oily. It also pairs the chilli crab gravy perfectly. Time to get your hands dirty!

Fried beehoon (rice vermicelli)

Nasi goreng (fried rice)

The sambal stingray is flavourful with a slightly spicy sauce that is bursting with richness. The stingray is slightly tough; a little tenderness would have made it a perfect dish.

Deep fried fish with Thai spicy sauce

The deep fried fish with Thai spicy sauce is amongst the top favourites. The batter insulates the fish so well that the flesh remains tender. The sauce isn’t over-the-top fiery and the spices are well integrated.

Turmeric chicken

The turmeric imparts an exotic fragrance to the chicken. The only disappointment is that the chicken turns out to be a little dry for my liking, though it certainly does not lack the taste factor.

Sayur Lodeh (Indonesian vegetables in coconut curry)

Sambal Udang Belimbing (spicy sambal prawns)

Daging Lembu Masak Lada Hitam

Nonya chap chai (mixed vegetables)

Nonya chicken

Kabsah Dajaj (Arabian “Briyani” with tomato and onion braised chicken on tomato rice)

The intense flavours and well-defined grains make a well-executed Arabian briyani. You will find this hard to resist once the aroma reaches your nostrils!

Foul Modmes (braised broad beans with tomato, onion and spices)

Ayam Panggang (roasted chicken with fresh spices)

The ayam panggang has to be my favourite chicken dish! The well-seasoned chicken is lip-smacking tasty and tender, unlike a few of the chicken dishes in the spread that turn out a little tough.

Mutton rendang

The mutton rendang is well executed in terms of texture, creaminess of the thick curry, the spiciness that is just right, and the robust aroma. There is no gamy smell at all.

Beef Semur (Indonesian beef stew)

If you like your meat well done, you will enjoy the aromatic beef semur — well marinated and full of flavour. The beef may be a little chewy for some who enjoy their meat done slightly rare, but the authenticity of this dish is definitely evident.

For the adventurous, you can try the exotic Moroccan Harira soup with chickpeas. The various textures from the chunks of tomato, lentil and chickpeas is palpable in every spoon. The soup is slightly thick and perfectly seasoned.

Soup Samunpai (Thai herbal soup)

Those with a lighter palate will enjoy the nourishing Thai herbal soup consisting of chicken, dates, ginseng and other herbs. The chicken meat is so tender — with no traces of fat — it falls apart easily. The soup is flavourful and must have been simmered for hours!

Laksa

Cook your own piping hot bowl of laksa with many condiments provided. Laden the noodles with the thick and rich laksa gravy that smells absolutely mouthwatering.

Roti prata (Indian pancake) station

Hop over to the roti prata station and watch the master in action, from kneading the dough to flipping the roti prata, and finally cooking it on the flat grill. You can have the traditional plain prata or egg prata, perhaps even a cheese prata! The friendly chef will gladly oblige to your requests as long as the ingredients are available.

Roti prata (Indian pancake)

The prata is perfectly browned, crispy on the outside with an eggy interior. Amazingly, it does not feel oily at all. Drench it in the accompanying fish curry, and you’re all set. The fragrant curry is so tasty, I am tempted to drink it like soup!

Teh tarik

You can order a cup of teh tarik at the live station, where your tea is pulled till foamy and frosty.

An aromatic cup of coffee is available upon order.

Save room for desserts — a dazzling array of sweet indulgence awaits!

Sweet papaya soup

For something healthful, go for the sweet papaya soup with white fungus, ginger and dates.

Nyonya kueh

The beautiful array of Nyonya kueh neatly arranged in contrasting colours sure make you want to sample every piece!

Cincau Soya

Ang Ku Kueh

Crème caramel flan

Baked jackfruit tart

The jackfruit tart is baked perfectly with a nice crispy texture that is slightly crumbly. The buttery tart has tiny bits of the fruit.

Macau egg tarts

Rice pudding

Turkish semolina cake

Unlike most cakes that are light and airy, the Turkish semolina cake is rich and slightly dense, and yet does not feel heavy on the palate. There is an extra punch of flavour from the orange zest that adds a fragrant citrusy zing. The texture is perfect and the cake isn’t crumply; cake lovers have to try this.

Durian fans must not miss the rich durian purée, a best-seller at Asian Market Café for more than 15 years!

You may also try your hand at making your own ice kacang (shaved ice dessert) at the ice grinding machine with various syrups and toppings.

Service is prompt and swift, and in fact, a little too efficient at times. You may not want to leave your food unattended, as it may be cleared once you leave the table!

The vast variety of delectable food offered at the Asian Market Café Ramadan buffet will make you wish for an extra stomach. Definitely a memorable Buka Puasa experience.

The buffet is available until August 30, 2011.

What is your favourite type of rice dumplings? Are you a traditionalist or do you prefer new flavours? Tell us in the comments!

Asian Market Café ( Halal certified)
Fairmont Singapore, level 2
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156 | Website

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]]> 1 http://sparklette.net/food/fishermans-market/ http://sparklette.net/food/fishermans-market/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:00:42 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1194 Fisherman’s Market, the first restaurant by Japanese company Create Restaurants to open outside of Japan, is the latest all-you-can-eat seafood buffet to hit Singapore shores.

Fisherman’s Market buffet
Lunch: S$29.90++ (weekdays), S$39.90 (weekends)
Dinner: S$39.90++ (weekdays), S$44.90 (weekends)

Not to be confused with The Manhattan Fish Market, Fisherman’s Market features a full bar and 60-seater diner — perfect for chilling with friends over drinks or a la carte orders. Sprawling over two floors at The Central, the spacious 300-seater buffet dining area on the second floor boasts a selection of over 90 food dishes prepared in Japanese, Chinese and Western styles.

Apart from the large array of food, you can also enjoy a great view overlooking the Singapore River and the surrounding vibrant nightlife at Clarke Quay.

At the buffet area, there lies a myriad of the usual offerings including the likes of sushi, sashimi, pizzas, pastas, cakes and desserts. I would suggest starting with the chilled dishes, where there are some tasty and interesting choices.

Maguro (tuna)

The tuna slices are firm, fresh and of a good thickness. Sashimi lovers can also go for the platters of neatly-sliced salmon and swordfish.

Chicken and apricot with mustard dressing

While the chicken and apricot with mustard dressing is light and refreshing, it can definitely do with more fruits to sweeten up the mix.

Blue crab cocktail

Go for the chilled blue crab cocktail — the crabs are sweet and fresh!

Head over to the sushi area for a colourful display of assorted rolls, ranging from spicy tuna rolls to delectable rainbow rolls.

The chef stationed at the fresh seafood counter — probably the most popular station here — is ever ready to replenish the items as they fly off the ice. Do try the large, juicy fresh oysters, perfect with a dash of Tabasco and lemon juice.

The hot dish section offers a wide selection, featuring dishes like fried rice, barbecued ribs, seafood bouillabaisse and baby octopus tomato stew.

Chilli crabs

Both black pepper and chilli crabs are available, a pleasant surprise as these are not a common sight at restaurant buffets. While the gravies are tasty and quite authentic, the crabs hold little meat — a pity.

Provence-style mussels

If you’re not a fan of fresh mussels, go for the Provence-style mussels. The flavourful sauce makes a good pairing with the cooked mussels.

Fried mackerel Tatsuya-style

Nicely fried with flavours locked in, the fried mackerel is one of my favourites from the cooked food section.

Curry fish

The curry fish does not disappoint with its taste and richness.

Assorted tempura

Each table is equipped with a few number clips. You can drop these off at the tempura or teppanyaki stations, where the chefs would whip up your piping hot orders and have them served right to your table. Do order the assorted tempura or tempura soft-shell crab, both of which are nicely battered and very delicious.

Cheese fondue set

Cheese lovers are in for a treat with the ultra cheesy cheese fondue set.

The dessert section has plenty of pickings, from cakes and soft-serve ice cream, to a chocolate fondue fountain and a selection of desserts. The most outstanding dessert has to be the crème brûlée with its sinfully sweet and thick layer of caramel atop the custard base.

Though Fisherman’s Market offers a good range and variety of dishes and fresh seafood for the buffet dinner, it is slightly pricey compared to similar buffet restaurants. Perhaps this is the price to pay to enjoy a beautiful river view while tucking into scrumptious seafood.

Where can you indulge in the best seafood buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

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Located just across the street from Parkway Parade shopping centre, the 10 year old Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel may not look like much from the outside. The restaurant interior, however, exudes a casual ambience with decidedly homey touches.

Vintage furnishings such as multi-coloured tiffin carriers, oil lamps, and wooden furniture add an old school elegance. (If you are keen to learn more about Peranakan culture, you can visit the Peranakan Museum in Singapore.)

I am especially intrigued by these wooden cabinets. They are filled with so many jars of sweets and tins of biscuits from my childhood years, they are like a window to the past! Not only do the sweets add an interesting touch of detail to the décor, they are great for snacking too. Recognise any of these?

Does anyone remember those haw flakes? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them. They are little flat discs of dark pink candies stacked on top of one another in a paper wrapper.

Buffet

The buffet spread comprises a line-up of Peranakan and other local flavours. During the Mother’s Day period (ending May 15, 2011), the theme is predominantly Peranakan and highlights more dishes from the Nonyas.

Appetisers include jellyfish kerabu, honeydew and prawn salad, and achar.

Salads also make excellent starters. You can toss up vegetables like Romaine lettuce, Mesclun salad and cherry tomatoes with Caesar, Thousand Island and balsamic vinaigrette dressings. The condiments include black raisins, croutons, Parmesan cheese and roasted peanuts.

The chilled seafood section has a selection of scallops, mussels and prawns. The display of small quantities at a time does not look very appealing, although this is probably done to preserve the freshness of the seafood.

At the live cooking station, the staff are on hand to make you piping hot bowls of laksa and mee siam. The laksa boasts a thick and rich, slightly sweet coconut milk gravy. It is so tasty that I can’t help but drink it like soup, stopping only after feeling a tinge of guilt for my heart.

If you feel like getting your hands dirty, create some kueh pie tee.

Buah keluak is one of the signature delicacies of the Peranakan community. Those black nuts are something of an acquired taste, but if you are at all inclined, this is definitely the place to give it a try. While it is usually cooked with chicken, the Feast@East version uses pork, braised to marvellous tenderness that will leave you wanting more.

Help yourself to the various deep-fried goodies like chicken wings, spring rolls and ngoh hiang (meat rolls).

Amongst the hot dishes, I find myself getting second helpings of the petai prawns, assam fish and satay chicken. The satay chicken, a sweeter rendition of the peanut gravy in satay beehoon (rice vermicelli), is superb.

For the dinner buffet, crayfish is also available.

Desserts

To complete the retro dining experience, try your hand at making your own ice kacang (shaved ice dessert) with the classic ice grinding machine, then top it up with the coloured syrups.

As for me, I prefer to save room for the dazzling range of cakes and Nonya kueh.

There are the ubiquitous ang ku kueh, kueh dadar (rolled pancake with coconut filling), kueh lapis (multi-layered cake), onde-onde (cake with brown sugar filling), and more. Durian fans can tuck into the durian cake.

While the aforementioned are good, it is hard to beat the luscious durian paste. How good is it? Well, let’s just say that of all the desserts here, this one is presidential.

The Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel buffet affords an extremely welcome alternative to the run-of-the-mill hotel seafood and international buffets. The cooking is impeccably good, the atmosphere is relaxed and the service is quick and efficient.

Where can you find the best Peranakan food in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Feast@East Buffet Restaurant
Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, Level 3
50 East Coast Road
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 6340 5665 | Website
Service:

Opening hours:
Lunch: Mon – Sat 12noon – 2:30pm
Dinner: Mon – Sun 6pm – 9:30pm
Brunch: Sun 11am – 3pm

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Located on the ground level of Wanderlust boutique hotel, COCOTTE serves up unpretentious, rustic French cuisine in an eclectic setting. Just for Mother’s Day, the French restaurant would be open for brunch, dishing up items like egg cocotte with foie gras, escargot gougeres and hormone-free roast chicken.

Available from 11am – 3pm on May 8.

Oriole Cafe & Bar

Full English breakfast at Oriole Cafe & Bar

Wake up and smell the coffee at Oriole Cafe — a not-so-secret brunch option. The “lazy Sunday brunch” promotion offers choices like the full English breakfast (S$17++), featuring pork sausage, bacon, mushroom, fried sunny egg and toast, Moroccan lamb merguez sausages (S$17++), served with braised chickpeas, spinach, feta and sunny egg, and a classic Brioche French toast (S$12++) paired with crispy bacon and pure maple syrup.

• Check out our review of Oriole Cafe.

Available from 10:30am – 3pm on May 8.

Aerin’s

Open-face omelette at Aerin’s

Aerin’s at Raffles City Shopping Centre has a buy 3 get 1 free promotion for Mother’s Day, i.e., mothers get a free main course with every three accompanying main courses ordered. You can pick from Sunday brunch options such as full English breakfast and open-face omelette, or the lunch menu such as fish and chips, Aerin’s burger and seafood casserole.

• Check out our review of Aerin’s.

Available from 11:30am – 3pm on May 8.

Hotel Re!

Muslim friends need not feel left out. Partake in the halal international buffet at Hotel Re! during the Mother’s Day weekend. The hearty spread includes favourites like laksa and roti prata (made live), grilled lamb chop, roast chicken, salmon sashimi, Caesar salad and more. If you like, go for the dinner buffet on Saturday, or alternatively the brunch buffet on Sunday. (S$32.80++ per adult, S$19.80++ per child aged 4-12)

Tip: Hotel Re! Facebook fans are rewarded with attractive discounts!

Available from 6 – 10pm on May 7; 11am – 3pm on May 8.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar

Enjoy brunch with an impressive view at Kinki Restaurant + Bar. Located on the second floor of Customs House at Collyer Quay, the restaurant boasts a breathtaking view of the Marina Bay waterfront and skyline that Mom will absolutely love.

The très chic restaurant is introducing a special Mother’s Day brunch promotion. Kick off the meal with appetisers such as pan-seared tuna salad with Gobo and wasabi cream dressing (S$18++). Tantalising mains comprise pulled Kurobuta pork belly sandwich (S$25++) and slow roasted US prime short rib with wasabi potatoes (S$28++). As for desserts, take your pick from crepe with green tea Ice Cream, candied red bean, chocolate and whipped cream (S$10++), and vanilla ice cream cake (S$13++).

Mother’s Day Lunch/Dinner

Dian Xiao Er

Duck roasted with Ten Wonder herbs at Dian Xiao Er

With restaurants decked out like ancient Chinese inns, it’s almost as though you have gone back in time at Dian Xiao Er. Apart from the unique décor, the dishes are also consistently good. My Mom personally approves! The Mother’s Day sets include the popular herbal roast duck, stewed Ee-Fu noodles and braised shark’s fin broth with crab meat. Our favourite dish? Definitely the roast duck with Ten Wonder herbs.

• Check out our review of Dian Xiao Er.

Putien

Steamed lobster with minced garlic at Putien

Putien is celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with seven specially prepared dishes dedicated to moms and dads. With ingredients such as cordyceps, red date and bird’s nest, these dishes are mostly braised, baked or steamed. Not only do they taste good, they’re good for you — just like home-cooked food. Prices range from S$9.90++ for an individual portion of baked scallop in egg white to S$93.90++ for a large serving of braised shark’s fin with crab meat and cordyceps.

Available throughout May and June.

Red House Seafood Restaurant

Chilli crab with man tou (steamed bun) at Red House Seafood Restaurant

For a scenic waterfront view, pamper Mom with a luxurious feast of seafood treats at Red House Seafood Restaurant. Some highlights are the seafood platter, steamed fresh razor clam, pan-fried Canadian cod fish, braised Boston lobster and the must-have signature chilli crab or black pepper crab. I am not sure if the delicious chrysanthemum tea jelly from their Chinese New Year specials has been retained, but if it’s still available, I recommend it for your dessert. (S$398 – 888++ for 10 persons)

Available from May 6-8.

Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant

Hungry for more exotic flavours? Take Mom to Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant. The exquisite lunch buffet features an assortment of Indian delicacies complete with freshly prepared chaats (Indian street food), sizzling kebabs, mouthwatering curries and spiced desserts. Mothers get a free door gift, and also dine for free when they are accompanied by a paying adult son or daughter. (S$42++ per adult, S$32++ per child aged 4-10)

Zhou’s Kitchen

Braised pork shank at Zhou’s Kitchen

One of my family’s favourites is the Tung Lok-run Zhou’s Kitchen. Some dishes are a marriage between tradition and innovation, such as the creative coffee pork ribs with almond flakes. Other house specialties include the braised pork shank, dumplings and steamed crab with glutinous rice.

• Check out our review of Zhou’s Kitchen.

Bedrock Bar & Grill

Bedrock Bar & Grill celebrates Mother’s Day a day earlier on Saturday, May 7, which all Singaporeans now know as Polling Day. With every purchase of the S$32++ set lunch, Mom gets the set free!

The three-course set comes with a soup, followed by a choice of enticing main courses such as US rib-eye fillet with Diane sauce, or smoked aged cheddar chopped steak with Gorgonzola sauce. Sides feature a choice of creamed spinach, mac and cheese, sautéed mushrooms or rocket and parmesan salad. Dessert is the Bedrock signature apple crumble.

Available on May 7.

Heart Bistro

Steamed chicken in Chinese wine and chicken essence at Heart Bistro

Heart Bistro at Palais Renaissance has created an extravagant multi-course meal promotion for Mother’s Day. The menu includes the all-time favourite steamed chicken in Chinese wine and chicken essence, braised beef cheeks and strawberry trifle. Every party of at least two would receive complimentary home-made cookies. (S$98 / 188 / 288 / 388 / 488++ for 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 10 persons)

Available on May 8.

Mother’s Day High Tea

Goodwood Park Hotel

Durian mousse cake at Goodwood Park Hotel

If Mom is a durian fan, why not use this opportunity to pamper her with an array of durian pastries at the Goodwood Park Durian Fiesta? The perennial favourite durian mousse cake is available at the Deli (S$9 per slice) along with other sweet treats like durian puffs, ice cream cakes and éclairs. For a more intimate celebration at home, these items are available for take-out.

• Check out our review of Goodwood Park Durian Fiesta.

Novus Café

Mother’s Day high tea at Novus Café

Housed at the charming National Museum of Singapore, Novus Café is offering a high tea set (S$40++) this Mother’s Day. Arranged on an elegant tiered tray is a smorgasbord of tasty canapés such as crab meat toast and salmon and white radish, and delicious nibbles like pink macaron, chocolate and Baileys truffles, and mini strawberry and cream scones. The set serves two, and can be washed down with the free flowing coffee and tea. If it’s nice out, you can even choose to dine out in the courtyard.

That’s not all; every order of the high tea set gets you a complimentary pair of museum tickets. There are 50 tickets up for grabs, so hurry!

Available from 3-6pm on May 8.

• Check out our review of Novus Restaurant & Bar.

Concorde Hotel

Afternoon tea at Concorde Hotel

For an indulgent afternoon tea session, bring your family to Spices Cafe at Concorde Hotel. The afternoon tea buffet features a diverse selection including mango prawn rolls, Thai salad, cream of asparagus with scallops, mee siam, Manzo Brasato beef, octopus fritters, chocolate fountain, mango purée, crème brûlée, and more. Book a table for 3 or more paying adults, and Mom dines for free! (S$42++ per adult, S$20++ per child aged 3-12)

Available from 12-5pm on May 7 & 8.

The hotel is also offering an international buffet dinner where you can indulge in avocado and crab meat cocktail, lobster bisque, marinated crocodile ribs with Chinese herbs, drunken prawns, soft shell crab with chicken floss, durian puff, and much more. (S$55++ per adult, S$25++ per child aged 3-12)

Available from 6:30 – 10pm on May 7 & 8.

Where do you plan to take your Mom this Mother’s Day? Do you follow any special family traditions? If you decided to follow our suggestions, let us know in the comments!

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]]> 4 http://sparklette.net/food/crystal-cafe-porridge-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/crystal-cafe-porridge-buffet/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:00:33 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1102 Don’t let the fact that Crystal Cafe is located at the quieter side of town give you pause. The restaurant has been around for more than a decade and from the looks of the crowd, is still going strong.

Based at the ground floor of the Orchard Grand Court serviced apartments along Killiney Road, Crystal Cafe is popular for its affordable Taiwan porridge buffet that features a range of traditional Teochew dishes.

While the restaurant looks dated, it maintains a cosy and laid-back ambience; the typical bermudas and flip flops clad Singaporean would feel right at home here. You enter a very spacious dining room filled with wooden tables, rattan chairs, carpeted floors and the buffet spread at its centre. Ample seating is available.

Taiwan porridge buffet
Weekdays: S$11.80++ per adult; S$9.80++ per child
Weekends, Eve of & Public Holidays: S$13.80++ per adult; S$11.80++ per child
Rating:

For the low prices, the variety of the spread is decent. You can help yourself to more than a dozen dishes that include
- Braised chicken feet
- Braised pork belly
- Braised tau kwa
- Braised tau pok
- Braised mui chye
- Braised kiam chye
- Braised egg
- Fried jacket fish
- Steamed brinjal with chai poh and bellpepper
- Hae bee hiam (sambal dried shrimp)

I personally would not touch these chicken feet with a ten-foot pole even as I watch my mom help herself to one after another. I keep refilling my plate with brinjal and fish while steering clear of the braised dishes (I know — what a waste!).

Most of the items are meant to complement the sweet potato porridge. If porridge isn’t your thing, try the delicious mee goreng instead. I enjoy pairing it with the savoury hae bee hiam.

As for desserts, there is a small selection of mini cakes, cut fruits and almond jelly.

The cakes include mango, chocolate, carrot and one with thick cream layers. A self service coffee and tea station is also available. Not bad at all.

Looking around the restaurant, I see a very good evening crowd of mostly families, including grandparents and kids, and some apartment residents. Admittedly, the food may not be to everyone’s liking, especially the younger generation. My parents are big fans though and it’s their second time to Crystal Cafe. The staff are quick to remove your used plates and refill the trays — two very important points for a buffet. Overall, it’s an inexpensive buffet that would appeal to those yearning for a piece of nostalgia.

Have Your Say!

Know of any buffets that provide great value? Share with us in the comments!

Crystal Cafe
Orchard Grand Court
131 Killiney Road
Singapore 239571
Tel: +65 6830 2020 | Website
Service:

Operating hours:
Mon-Fri: 12noon – 2:30pm; 6-10pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 12noon to 10pm

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]]> 4 http://sparklette.net/food/regent-singapore-high-tea/ http://sparklette.net/food/regent-singapore-high-tea/#comments Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:52:10 +0000 Jasper Aston Lim http://sparklette.net/?p=1052 With many establishments offering high tea these days, it is no surprise that Singaporeans are getting the hang of relaxing and watching the world go by while feasting on delectable teatime snacks.

The Regent Hotel is one of the few five-star hotels in Singapore that has an entire restaurant dedicated to serving just high tea. The elegantly decorated Tea Lounge located at the hotel lobby is a hot favourite for diners seeking a delicious selection of tea delights and a great place to relax on a sunny afternoon.

Having had their afternoon tea sets before, I decide to celebrate a friend’s birthday with their weekend international high tea buffet.

High tea buffet
S$45++
Available on Sat & Sun 1:30 – 5:30pm
Rating:

Even before we are seated, we have been visually treated to the spread of savoury delicacies and desserts. Everything is neatly categorized and laid out in clear view, which is perfect if you would like to first check out the dishes before committing to the buffet.

There are both sofa and regular seats available on both sides of the lounge area surrounding the buffet line, as well as outdoor seating.

All things Japanese such as sushi, sashimi and miniature servings of cold soba noodles are available at this counter.

Next up, the cold dishes include chilled petite-sized sandwiches and burgers, vegetable skewers, a variety of salads that you can mix yourself.

The hot dishes are separated into two sections, — international and local delights.

Do try the bite-sized chicken puffs. The flaky pastry paired with a thick, creamy chicken mix inside sure makes one salivate!

At a nearby small counter, a designated chef will serve you slices of grilled salmon or roast beef. Both are full of flavour and done to perfection.

The local section carries popular Singapore dishes such as satay (meat skewers) and spring rolls as well as a selection of dim sum.

I enjoy the fried chicken and laksa flan very much. The latter is an extremely interesting concoction, with a taste like mildly spicy chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard) infused with laksa flavours. This is a must-try!

No high tea would be complete without desserts, and the Tea Lounge certainly does not cut back in the sweet treats area. A whole section is catered to assorted cakes, sinful pastries and other goodies.

What I find most interesting in the desserts corner is this huge bowl of fresh fruits and berries. You can help yourself to the fruits; add it to a salad to spruce it up, or scoop some hot chocolate from the fondue and create your own berry mudpie. No prizes for guessing what I did!

Right beside the desserts section is a mini kitchen where chefs prepare lava cakes and whip up crepes based on your preference. There may be some waiting time as they do each order a la minute, but the wait is all worth it. The warm lava cake paired with homemade vanilla ice cream is overflowing with chocolate even before I sink my fork into it.

The strawberry crepe, with my choice of raspberry sorbet and maple syrup, is so light and delicate, I’ll admit to having more than one serving.

Also not to be missed when visiting the Tea Lounge is their renowned scones! These are firm and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. When paired with sweet jams or clotted cream, it seems to just melt your troubles away as you bite into it.

Knowing that it is my friend’s birthday, the ever prompt and polite waitresses decide to surprise us by specially preparing a slice of cake and a birthday song – complete with accompaniment from the lobby pianist! Their standard of service and thoughtfulness certainly delight us and make it a very memorable dining experience.

With a selection that changes periodically, repeat visits to the Tea Lounge would not get boring. I can’t wait to see what new additions they will cook up next!

Where do you go for high tea in Singapore? If you have any recommendations, don’t forget to share with us in the comments!

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]]> 6 http://sparklette.net/food/concorde-hotel-lunch-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/concorde-hotel-lunch-buffet/#comments Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:00:38 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=1024 When you’re in the mood for a little nostalgia — and some good old-fashioned Singapore food — pay a visit to the Spices Cafe at Concorde Hotel. On weekdays the hotel’s flagship restaurant offers the popular Singapore Flavours lunch buffet, comprising of local delights from the Peranakans and other Chinese dialect groups — Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Hokkien.

Singapore Flavours buffet
Adult: S$26++
Child (3-12 years old): S$13++
Senior Citizens (above 55 years old): S$21.50++
Weekdays 12noon – 2:30pm
Rating:

83-year-old local Peranakan veteran Chef Baba Jolly Wee helms the kitchen, putting together Peranakan staples like ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with black nuts) and assam (tamarind) prawn. Other familiar favourites include satay (skewered meat) and fruit rojak (a local salad).

Start your meal with seafood like the baby octopus, sambal crab legs and assam prawn.

For a full-on seafood buffet, check out the hotel’s Harvest of the Sea dinner buffet, complete with lobsters, crabs and sashimi!

Tuck into popular hawker food such as fried oyster omelette, garnished with spring onions and coriander.

The fruit rojak is a highlight. With the dazzling myriad of ingredients, a mixing guide sure comes in handy for the less culinary inclined! Here’s the recipe for making a fruit rojak (serves 2):

Sauce
- 1 spoon of black shrimp paste
- 1 spoon of tamarind juice
- 1 spoon of crushed peanut
- ¼ spoon of chopped pink ginger flower
- ¼ spoon of sugar
- Optional: Chili paste

Fruits
- 4 pieces of fruits each

Mix the sauce in the rojak bowl, add the fruits and stir well. Place the rojak on a plate and sprinkle with peanut.

One of the staff, dressed in the Nonya sarong kebaya takes care of this for us.

The end product tastes delightful, especially with the ginger flower’s characteristic peppery sweetness.

Like the rojak, the mee rebus is right on the money. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this dish, it is an ubiquitous Malay dish of yellow noodles cooked in a thick spicy potato-based gravy. (Tip: Read more about the mee rebus in a separate review.)

At the satay station, help yourself to chicken and pork skewers along with the usual sliced cucumber and onion and the obligatory peanut gravy. I am most delighted by the find of mashed pineapple sauce that adds a nice zesty flavour to the gravy. This isn’t readily available at many satay stalls, even the Chinese ones. Have you come across any? To date I have only seen it at Old Punggol Satay where, sadly, the standard of the food has declined.

Soup is a good bet here. The Chinese rice wine chicken soup is flavourful and light.

Another alternative is the meatball soup.

There are a host of classic Peranakan offerings from which to choose, such as the achar (spicy pickled vegetables), sambal okra (lady’s fingers) and kueh pie tee (ingredients stuffed in a mold shaped like a top hat).

The ayam buah keluak, an icon of the Nonya kitchen, is probably not for the faint-hearted. The distinctive dark colour of the gravy comes from the strong-tasting black keluak nuts. These nuts, or seeds rather, are about 5 centimetres in diametre and originate from a fruit as big as a coconut. They are dried in the sun for about 2 or 3 days before being sold for cooking. In their raw form, they contain the poisonous cyanide acid, and are fit for consumption only after being boiled or soaked in water.

Taste-wise, the dark gravy has a slight bitterness. It is an acquired taste that I have yet to appreciate. This is one of those dishes that you really have to try for yourself.

End the meal on a sweet note with Peranakan desserts like bubur terigu (white wheat sweet porridge) and kueh dada (pancakes with sweet coconut).

My favourites are the bite-sized kuih cara (cupcakes) in green and apong bak kuah in white and tinged with blue. The latter are little pancakes that you can dip in banana and durian sauces. Both dips are excellent. Truly a dessert-lover’s dream come true!

On the last Wednesday of every month, singer Rosalind Leong would serenade the lunch crowd with Peranakan songs. She is accompanied by the visually impaired keyboardist Cheok Cheng An.

Like the hotel’s seafood dinner buffet, the Singapore Flavours lunch buffet is solid and satisfying, and the service crisp and professional. If you are in search of a large variety of quality local and Peranakan fares at a reasonable price, you will find this buffet difficult to beat.

(Tip: For more on the colourful world of Peranakan culture, check out my trip to the Peranakan Museum in Singapore.)

Are you a fan of Peranakan and Singapore cuisines? Where do you usually go for a lunch buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Spices Cafe
Concorde Hotel
100 Orchard Road
Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 6739 8370 | Website
Service:

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The spectrum of Japanese fares you would find at Kuishin Bo includes sushi, sashimi, cold seafood, tempura, grilled meats and seafood, a dessert line that can match any hotel buffet, and a host of other enticing possibilities.

With three restaurants island-wide — Suntec City Mall, Jurong Point and Great World City, we check out the quietest of the three so as to beat the crowd. The first thing that greets you when you enter the Great World City branch is the 5-tiered chocolate fountain at the dessert station. A long continuous buffet line stretches across one side of the restaurant while the dining area occupies the other.

Kuishin Bo buffet
Price chart
Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm daily
Dinner: 5:30-10pm daily
Rating:

Seafood fans can wolf down the cold items that include the King Alaskan crab legs, prawns, mussels and scallops. The mussels are the freshest!

To get a little cooking action, you can cook various ingredients steamboat-style in the Kaminabe. This is the amazing Japanese paper hot pot that doesn’t burn. (Check out a similar dish with snow crab at Tetsu.)

While the prices here are pricier than that of its competitors, every diner at the dinner buffet gets a complimentary serving of half a lobster to sweeten the deal. (Can anyone confirm if this is a permanent promotion?)

The lobster flesh is moist, juicy and firm, coming off the shell easily at the tug of the fork.

One of the Japanese delights that I always enjoy is the Unagi Kabayaki (grilled eel), doused in a sweet soy sauce and grilled to perfection.

The salmon sausages, a healthier and yummier alternative to the usual meat sausages, are fun to eat, with a nice taste and texture.

If you want more Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, there is salmon sashimi. Also available are tuna, bream and even swordfish sashimi! These are fresh and replenished frequently.

The Ebi Furai (deep fried prawn) is a joy to eat with its light and crispy breaded coat.

The Takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls) are presented in pairs, held in cute little boats.

These eggs seem rather interesting, served with a dollop of wasabi.

A small selection of sushi is available, including Inari and hand rolls.

To prevent the seaweed from getting soggy, the Temaki sushi (Japanese hand roll sushi) are wrapped in clear plastic sheets.

Before you head to the desserts, don’t forget to make a stop at the grill station. If you have been too focused on the galore of good food, you may miss the little staircase at the side leading to the outdoor barbecue area. This is where you would find grilled meat skewers and foot-long King prawns!

At the desserts station, these impossible-to-resist sweet treats are a feast for the eyes. The spread includes about 20 items, as well as a chocolate fountain with fruit, marshmallow and breadstick dippers!

You would find miniature cakes (cheese cake, green tea, mousse, chocolate and more), tartlets, mochi balls, pralines, dango and jellies in tiny glasses.

A coffee-making machine (similar to the one at Sakura Buffet Restaurant that dispenses mocha, cappuccino, etc) and a selection of tea bags are available for you to make your favourite hot beverage to wash down these sweet snacks.

If you are looking for a buffet that offers a diverse range of Japanese food, Kuishin Bo would not disappoint. The prices are quite steep, but the good-quality cooking, prompt service and gratifying spread may just make up for it.

Do you think the prices are worthwhile for the type of food offered? Where can you find the best Japanese buffet in town? Share with us in the comments!

Great World City outlet

Jurong Point outlet

Suntec City outlet

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Having enjoyed the hotel’s luxurious international seafood buffet previously, we arrive at the buffet line with high hopes. The poolside atmosphere is casual and relaxing, with tables laid out spaciously, some under the stars.

Buka Puasa buffet dinner
Mon – Thur: S$42++ per adult, S$20++ per child aged 3-12
Fri – Sun: S$45++ per adult, S$20++ per child
(one child dines for free with every paying adult)
6:30 – 9:30pm daily (Ends September 9, 2010)
Rating:

The dishes include salads that you can mix and match, beef Rendang, sambal prawns, salmon wrapped in banana leaf, Pepes Bandeng Presto Kaluwak (steamed milk fish with spiced buah keluak), seafood Nasi Goreng (seafood fried rice with tumeric spices) and even oxtail soup!

This is the chicken salad, offered as a cold dish, which tastes kind of bland. The other chicken dish we have tried is the deep fried chicken, which gets the unanimous feedback of being too stiff and dry. I’m not sure if this is due to the Indonesian style of cooking, because some of the popular Indonesian eateries at Lucky Plaza serve chicken that is equally dry.

The Balado Terong (fried eggplant with red chilli salsa) is flaming hot!

While most of the food are already spicy, you can still scoop up some of this Balinese chilli for more zest. It seems that Bunga Siantan is an ingredient in the the chilli mixture. Does anyone know how this flower or plant is used?

The Pepes Ikan Woku (steamed Fish with Woku Spices in banana leaf) sounds good on paper, but unfortunately is partially burnt and overall unpalatable that night.

The barbecue station is no doubt the most popular “haunt” of the buffet line. The satay and grilled stingray run out almost as quickly as they hit the trays!

Our favourite item is the prawn satay. The sweet dark sauce provided as a dip complements it perfectly and really brings out the fresh seafood flavour.

The other satay served is veal cheek, which I personally don’t eat. We’re a little disappointed and surprised that chicken satay isn’t available!

The dessert counter boasts an extensive spread that includes colourful fruit tarts, various types of kueh, Crème Brulée, Cendol, Kolak durian with sticky glutinous rice and more.

I am thrilled to find the fabulous strawberry mousse here, too!

The colourful Kueh Lapis (9-layered cake) was one of my favourite childhood snacks and I’m glad to enjoy it here.

Here, the Crème Brulée is done with an Asian twist, with some sort of coconut cream/mousse. It is one of the highlights among the desserts.

I love Indonesian cuisine for its flavoursome, spicy and colourful dishes. For the same price, the Buaka Puasa buffet does not exactly offer the same value and quality as the hotel’s Harvest of the Sea buffet. With my initially high expectations, I cannot help but feel slightly underwhelmed. That being said, the service remains consistently excellent and prompt, dished out with a smile by very friendly staff.

Muslim friends, where would you go to break fast this Ramadan? Share with us in the comments!

Concorde Hotel (Poolside, level 4) ( Halal certified)
100 Orchard Road
Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 6739 8370 | Website
Service:

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]]> 5 http://sparklette.net/food/concorde-hotel-buffet/ http://sparklette.net/food/concorde-hotel-buffet/#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:17:03 +0000 Veron Ang http://sparklette.net/?p=994 It is no secret that Singaporeans love buffets. We are always on the lookout for buffets that offer great food at good prices. Seafood fans can now dive into the newly launched Harvest of the Sea buffet at the Concorde Hotel (former Le Meridien Hotel). The dinner buffet takes place at Spices Cafe, featuring a fabulous oceanic spread that includes prawns, scallops, oysters and crabs.

Best of all, the price is among the most decent of hotel buffets.

Harvest of the Sea buffet
S$42 45++ per adult, S$20++ per child aged 3-12
(one child dines for free with every paying adult)
6:30-10pm daily
Rating:

Apart from the good spread of seafood, a large variety of desserts is offered. As part of the deal, every diner also gets to enjoy a serving of half a lobster. Absolutely sumptuous!

The restaurant sports a spiffy decor and emanates an airy feel, with mirrors and floor to ceiling windows. You can sink into plush seats while tucking into delectable seafood delights.

It tastes so good that I literally lap up every last drop!

We commence the meal with the drunken prawns with Chinese herbs. Fresh prawns rather than live ones are used. The chef would cook the prawns only after you have placed your order at the cooking station, ensuring you get to enjoy a bowl of piping hot soup.

Chilled seafood such as freshly-shucked oysters, scallops, prawns and sashimi are available at the cold station.

While I am a big fan of mussels, I find these ones a tad bland and chewy.

The crabs are prepared a la minute and you can have them cooked in six ways, such as chilli crab (above), black pepper crab and soft shell crab. The chilli crab is delicious! Most people would find the mild spice level comfortable. It comes along with a crab cracker, so be prepared to get your hands dirty!

If you would like an easier time, go for the soft shell crab. Get some sauce to go along!

Is it just me or did that picture of the lobster make you salivate as well? Trust me, the real thing tastes even better! Every diner is entitled to a 200 gram portion of the precious shellfish. I hear that it is prepared in a different way everyday. Personally, as long as the flesh retains its heady sweetness, it would taste heavenly whether it is boiled, steamed, grilled or baked.

For those of you who prefer a well-rounded assortment of tastes, a range of hot dishes is available, too. These include mushroom strudels with leek sauce…

… grilled sea bass in Sabayon sauce…

… and local delights such as Mee Goreng, spicy La La (clams) and beef Rendang. While I am not so huge on the clams, I do like the Kungpow chicken that is cooked with crunchy cashew nuts.

In addition, the pasta station offers a few choices of pasta with salmon, squid, prawns, mussels and mushroom sauces.

The salad bar offers 4 types of dressings and a large mixing bowl to toss your salad.

We wrap up the evening with some sweet indulgence. The desserts available include fruity ones such as the colourful fruit cake, jelly and pudding.

Sink your teeth into these bite-sized French pastries.

I love chocolate mousse, and am especially thrilled to find a strawberry mousse here.

From the very first mouthful, I am hooked!

The creme brulee is not too rich or too light. Mmm… perfect creamy goodness!

For those of you that need a chocolate fix, you can indulge in the chocolate fondue fountain. Do remember to save some space for that!

Where is your favourite hotel buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Spices Cafe
Concorde Hotel
100 Orchard Road
Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 6739 8370 | Website
Service:

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Ever since stumbling upon the Rendezvous buffet dinner quite by chance a few years ago, I have returned at least twice every year to feast on the goodies.

While the buffet is international style with both Western and Asian dishes tossed in the mix, what I love most is the seafood. If I could use one word to sum up the dinner buffet, it would be quite simply “crayfish” — loads and loads of it!

Over here, the staff always refill the trays once the food runs out. You can be sure to get a bellyful of the shellfish each time!

Of course, apart from that you can also indulge in other seafood such as baby octopus, crab legs and scallops. These go especially well with the Thai sweet chilli sauce provided, among other dips.

Look, the canapé is topped with a slice of bak kwa (sweet barbecued pork)! These days, bak kwa sure is showing up in many unconventional dishes, including mooncakes!

Spot a running theme here? Yes, the crayfish is omnipresent on every dinner plate. That is my single most favourite item in the buffet spread.

As for desserts, a few durian specialties are offered. The blended durian purée is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you love durian mochi, you would absolutely enjoy this!

Then there’s also the hotel’s well known durian fudge cake that is filled with layers of soft durian pulp, minus the durian stench. Yum!

Perhaps what is lacking in this buffet is a nice chocolate fountain and more ice cream flavours.

Love the colourful picks!

International buffet
Lunch 12noon – 2:30pm: S$37++ per adult
Dinner 6:30-10pm (Weekday/Weekend): S$44++ / S$47++ per adult
Rating:

Where is your favourite hotel buffet in Singapore? Share with us in the comments!

Straits Café
Rendezvous Hotel
9 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189559
Tel: +65 6335 1777 | Website
Service:

Bus services: 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 14E, 162, 166, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, 502, 518, 587, 590, 598, 700, NR7, 162M, 174E, 502A, 502B, 518A, 518B, 700A, 857
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut

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