We have dined at Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road many times but they always manage to get us excited for our next trip back. When looking for an affordable buffet place that suits the dynamics of a multi-generational family or a diverse group of friends, Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road will, without doubt, be on top of our list.

Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s culturally-rich enclaves with many dishes being heavily influenced by Asian flavours and helmed by their new Executive Chef Vincent Aw, expect a wide range of new, exciting dishes that are perfect for your Christmas feasting.

From 1st December 2018 to 1st January 2019, a sumptuous Christmas feast certainly awaits you here at Ginger, so put your diets on hold and get ready for the season of feasting!  What’s more, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef‘ upon making reservation to enjoy this lavish buffet spread at 25% discount from 1st December 2018 to 1st January 2019 (exclude blackout dates), and 15% discount on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

TRADITIONAL WHOLE ROASTED TURKEY

Christmas is not Christmas without a classic roast turkey. Ginger’s Traditional Whole Roasted Turkey is served with Cranberries and Pan Jus. The exterior of the turkey had a good, crisp roast to it and the meat was surprisingly pretty tender and moist.

Served with a savoury giblet sauce at the side which really enhanced the flavour of the turkey and added a nice savoury element to it.

HONEY-GLAZED HAM WITH ORIENTAL SALSA

Another quintessential festive centrepiece we cannot do without is ham. Though Ginger’s rendition may not be the grandest of sorts in terms of appearance, the sweet and smoky notes were pretty distinct.

ROAST BEEF

Among the multitude of roasts available at the carving station is a giant hunk of roast beef. Ginger has put an interesting twist on the classic festive roast; the beef was covered in a layer of crispy breadcrumbs, giving the meat a nice, crisp exterior.

ROCK LOBSTERS BOUILLABAISSE

Besides their array of yuletide whole roasts, Ginger’s buffet line-up also includes a variety of other dishes that will only be available exclusively during their festive season.

One of which would be their luxurious Rock Lobster Bouillabaisse—cooked upon order, what you can expect is naturally sweet and succulent lobster flesh that goes hand-in-hand with the umami bouillabaisse sauce doused all over it. Treat yourself to as many as you can stomach!

FESTIVE BUFFET LINE-UP

The feasting doesn’t stop there; there is an abundance of other dishes for you to dig into if you still have room left in your stomach. From fresh seafood on ice to satay that is grilled right before your eyes, there is definitely something for everyone.

Also part of their festive buffet is the Seafood Mac and Cheese, Spanish Pork Casserole with Paprika and Pan-Seared Halibut with Mussels and Saffron Cream.

Do note that these items are on a rotational basis and are subject to changes.

BARBECUED AND GRILLED DELIGHTS

Ginger will also be showcasing various culinary styles that Singaporean would likely be familiar with. Look forward to items such as Grilled Scallop with Yuzu and Shoyu, Hawaiian Pizza, Assorted Satays and Grilled Sambal Stingray.

We would like to give a special mention to their Scallops and Grilled Stingray. The scallops were incredibly plump and absolutely divine; they may be some of the best-grilled scallops that we’ve had in a while. The very tender stingrays, on the other hand, were grilled in a fragrant sambal marinate that was delightfully sweet, tangy and spicy all at once.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

Unlimited plates of fresh seafood is never a bad idea. Indulge in Ginger’s array of fresh seafood which includes mussels, clams and sweet, plump prawns.

FAMOUS CHILLI CRAB 

How could we forget their famous chilli crab? This much-loved Singaporean classic is a staple dish at any buffet spread here at Ginger. We are obsessed with its luscious, rich gravy that is the perfect blend of sweet, savoury and spicy. The silky egg that is stirred into the sauce also elevates the dish up a notch and gives the concoction and even creamier texture.

Complete the meal by dunking some golden fried mantous into that decadent sauce and have those plump, soft buns soak up all that sinful gravy. ‘Tis the season for indulgence; it’s worth it!

ROUND YOUR FEAST UP ON A SWEET NOTE

Now, no matter how stuffed you are after all that feasting, be sure to grab some of their sweet treats to round off your meal.

You can expect to find a range of assorted Christmas Cookies, Fruit Cakes alongside their signature Gula Melaka Log Cake with Coconut Flakes.

We are fans of the Gula Melaka Log Cake with Coconut Flakes—the sponge and cream layers are not overly sweet just the way we like it while the coconut flakes added an extra crunch to the sweet treat and it is truly the best way to end our feast on a good note.

FESTIVE PORK KNUCKLES WITH DRIED CHILLIES AND PEPPERCORNS FOR TAKEAWAY

If you’re planning to spend your Christmas in the comfort of your own home, you can opt for their catering option to help you ease the preparation for your Christmas dinner.

Available as part of PARKROYAL On Beach Road’s festive takeaway and courtesy of Si Chuan Dou Hua, the Festive Pork Knuckles with Dried Chillies and Peppercorns is available for takeaway. Unapologetically piquant and peppery, this sure isn’t for the faint-hearted!

The Festive Pork Knuckles with Dried Chillies and Peppercorns is available for takeaway at S$58 nett.

Takeaway orders can be made via email to dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com or at +65 6505 5710. Advance orders of three working days are required for festive takeaway items.

As mentioned, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservation to enjoy this lavish buffet spread at 25% discount from 1st December 2018 to 1st January 2019 (exclude blackout dates), and 15% discount on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (the full payment must be made before 20 December 2018).

Festive Lunch (12pm – 2.30pm)
Mondays to Fridays: Adults S$58++, Children S$29++
Saturdays & Sundays: Adults S$68++, Children S$34++
24, 31 December 2018 & 01 January 2019: Adults S$68++, Children S$34++
25 December 2018: Adults S$88++, Children S$44++

Festive Dinner (6pm – 10pm)
Mondays to Thursdays: Adults S$78++, Children S$39++
Fridays to Sundays: Adults S$88++, Children S$44++
24 & 31 December 2018: Adults S$98++, Children S$49++
25 December 2018: Adults S$88++, Children S$44++
01 January 2019: Adults S$68++, Children S$34++

GINGER
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
For reservations: +65 6505 5710 or dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Nearest Stations: Bugis/ Nicoll Highway

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL On Beach Road.

With so many festive lights adorning the streets of Orchard Road and Christmas carols being played all across town, there is no denying that the holiday we have all been waiting for is finally here. That’s right, it means that it is time to shop without restraint and more importantly, feast like there’s no tomorrow.

This Yuletide season, prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure with the endless array of tasty offerings by highly renowned buffet restaurants such as Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis, Edge at Pan Pacific and the unbeatable 10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore. From roast lamb to a gorgeously carved Christmas turkey as well as an array of delectable local and international dishes and desserts, this is perhaps something worthy of your year-end holiday plans this year.

If the thought of whipping up a Christmas feast at home frightens you, why not head out for a merry buffet instead? It takes the hassle away from all that tedious prep and all you have to do is literally sit back and stuff yourself silly. Here are 5 Christmas buffets in Singapore this year that you and your loved ones can indulge in this Christmas—just be sure to make your bookings early!

Our readers get to enjoy exclusive promotions to these Christmas buffets in Singapore. ‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. 

ROYALE AT MERCURE SINGAPORE BUGIS

Royale is an all-day dining restaurant located at Mercure Singapore Bugis that has made it into our list as one of the best options for Christmas buffets this year. The team behind the restaurant has prepared a sensational holiday buffet and you would be surprised by its affordable price tag too.

For the entire month of December, delight yourself in ‘A Globetrotting Christmas’ buffet feast from S$48++ per adult and S$24++ per child. The buffet features over 40 holiday recipes intertwined with Asian flavours such as their Oven Baked Nonya Turkey served with Homemade Chili Sauce and Baked Honey Cinnamon Gammon Ham with Citrus Sauce.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations to enjoy 20% off total bills for Royale’s festive buffets from 01 to 31 December 2017 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve).

Royale’s Christmas Buffet Prices:

Globetrotting Festive Buffet (01 to 30 December 2017, excluding 24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$48++ (Adult) / $ 24++ (Child 6-12 years)
$78++ per person with free flow wines & beer

Globetrotting Christmas Buffet (24 & 25 December 2017)
Lunch & Dinner
$68++ (Adult) / $34 ++ (Child 6-12 years)
$98++ per person with free flow wines & beer

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Buffet Dinner:  6pm - 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

EDGE AT PAN PACIFIC SINGAPORE

When it comes to hotel buffets with flair, the award-winning Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is one that never disappoints. Boasting a whopping seven live food theatres and over a hundred dishes to choose from, it is safe to say that they go above and beyond every measure of the word epic.

This Christmas, revel in festive splendour with a dazzling array of both sweet and savoury Christmas treats, enchanting visual presentations as well as a multitude of South-East Asian and European delights. Well, let’s just say Edge is always one Christmas buffet we look forward to—from mouth-watering wintertime roasts to an extensive array of Asian and Pacific delicacies, and not forgetting their over-the-top dessert spread that features a life-sized gingerbread house filled with layers of thematic bonbons.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations to enjoy 20% off for both the Festive Lunch and Festive Dinner from 20 November 2017 to 23 December 2017.

Edge’s Christmas Buffet Prices:

Festive Lunch (excluding Sundays)
13 to 30 Nov 2017
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm
Adult S$58++, Child S$29++

1 to 23 Dec 2017 & 26 Dec 2017
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm
Adult S$68++, Child S$34++

Festive Dinner
13 Nov to 23 Dec 2017 & 26 Dec 2017
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun to Tue: Adult S$88++, Child S$44++
Wed to Sat: Adult S$98++, Child S$49++

Edge
Pan Pacific Singapore, Level 3
7 Raffles Boulevard
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Reservations: +65 6826 8240 / celebrate.sin@panpacific.com
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

10 AT CLAYMORE AT PAN PACIFIC ORCHARD, SINGAPORE

Among one of the most popular dining destinations in the city and one of our personal favourites when it comes to international buffet spreads is 10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore. This award-winning buffet restaurant is a true highlight for carnivores, local food connoisseurs, and just about anyone who appreciates an endless spread of tasty treats.

This Christmas, 10 at Claymore is set to enthral guests and diners with a Yuletide menu that pairs traditional favourites subtly imbued with tropical flavours. Promising a medley of both new and traditional favourites, expect a stellar array of edible treats such as the succulent Herb Crusted Organic Rack of Lamb, Roasted Turkey, Honey Baked Ham as well an extensive line-up of thematic desserts perfect for the little ones.

Quote ‘ladyironchef festive dinner buffet’ upon making reservations to enjoy the Festive Dinner Buffet at S$108++ for two.

10 at Claymore’s Christmas Buffet Prices:

Festive Lunch Buffet, 10 at Claymore (20 Nov 2017 to 14 Jan 2018)
Mon to Fri (exclusive of PH & eve of PH): S$42++ per adult, S$21++ per child
Sat and Sun (exclusive of PH & eve of PH): S$48++ per adult, S$24++ per child
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: S$58++ per adult, S$29++ per child
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: S$98++ per adult, S$49++ per child

Festive Dinner Buffet, 10 at Claymore (20 Nov 2017 to 14 Jan 2018)
Mon to Sun (exclusive of PH & eve of PH): S$72++ per adult, S$36++ per child
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: S$128++ per adult, S$64++ per child
Christmas Day: S$128++ per adult, S$64++ per child
New Year’s Day: S$98++ per adult, S$49++ per child

10 at Claymore
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
10 Claymore Road
Tel: +65 6831 6686
Daily: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GINGER AT PARKROYAL ON BEACH ROAD

Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s diverse cuisines and cultural influences, what diners can look forward to at Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road this festive month is a sumptuous buffet spread that comprises a stunning array of local delights and traditional festive roasts—few of which are given a lick of Asian flavours for that special kick.

Helmed by Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat, Ginger will showcase thematic dishes such as Oven-Roasted Goose infused with Five Spice and Onion Marmalade, Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Seafood Paella as well as a smorgasbord of crab dishes done in different styles. His signature slow-braised Pumpkin Crab in Claypot is a must-try!

Quote ‘ladyironchef x Christmas’ upon making reservations to enjoy the dinner buffet at S$58.50++ per adult. This promotion is valid from Mondays to Thursdays from 09 December 2017 to 29 December 2017.

Ginger’s Christmas Buffet Prices:

Festive Lunch Buffet
9 December 2017 to 1 January 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$58++, Child S$29++
Sat & Sun: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
24, 25, 31 December 2017 & 1 January 2018: Adult S$98++, Child S$49++

Festive Dinner Buffet
9 to 30 December 2017
Mon to Thu: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
Fri to Sun: Adult S$88++, Child S$44++
24 & 31 December 2017 (Sun): Adult S$118++, Child S$59++
25 December 2017 & 1 January 2018 (Mon): Adult S$108++, Child S$54++

Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
For reservations: +65 6505 5710 or dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6pm – 10.00pm
Nearest Stations: Bugis / Nicole Highway

SPICE BRASSERIE AT PARKROYAL ON KITCHENER ROAD

In light of the many buffet restaurants out there who have all geared up for the festive season with their traditional roasts and log cakes, Spice Brasserie over at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is perhaps one of the few that remains true to its Asian-focused cooking style.

Infusing a smorgasbord of culinary influences from Southeast Asia ranging from Chinese, Peranakan and even Indian, be dazzled by their impressive array of traditional Yuletide mainstay items—such as turkey and ham—that are all given a touch of Asian flair.

If you’re a fan of Indian tandoori and roast turkey, allow Executive Chef Kelvin Chuah to take your breath away with his Tandoori-style Roast Turkey that comes with a luscious spicy coconut gravy. Moist, aromatic and succulent beyond belief, there is truly no better expression to describe this genius dish other than to say that East met West, got married and had a baby.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy 20% Discount (minimum of 2 persons and maximum of 10 persons per booking), with 1 complimentary Wine or Beer (soft drinks for those under 18 years old). Blackout dates on 24 and 25 Dec 2017.

Spice Brasserie’s Christmas Buffet Prices:

Festive Buffet Lunch
18 to 22 December 2017
26 to 30 December 2017
1 January 2018
Adult S$40++, Child S$20++

23, 25 & 31 December 2017
Adult S$52++, Child S$26++

24 December 2017
Adult S$68++, S$34++

Festive Buffet Dinner
18 to 22 December 2017
26 to 30 December 2017
1 January 2018
Adult S$48++, Child S$24++

23, 25 & 31 December 2017
Adult S$68++, Child S$34++

24 December 2017
Adult S$88++, S$44++

Spice Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Christmas is less than twenty sleeps away and we are all psyched for a festive Yuletide with our loved ones over a good buffet dinner. Whenever we want something that suits the dynamics of a family with three generations, one of our favourite spots is PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s all-day-dining restaurant, Ginger.

Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s diverse cuisines and cultural influences, what diners can look forward to at Ginger this festive month is a value-for-money buffet spread that comprises both local delights and traditional festive roasts—few of which are given a lick of Asian flavours for that special kick.

Helmed by our friend Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat, Ginger will showcase thematic dishes such as Oven-Roasted Goose infused with Five Spice and Onion Marmalade, Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Seafood Paella as well as his signature slow-braised Pumpkin Crab in Claypot.

Whether you’re a devoted crab lover or just someone looking to stuff yourself silly, this buffet spread will please both the young and old in the family. Simply quote ‘ladyironchef x Christmas’ upon making your reservation to enjoy Ginger’s dinner buffet at S$58.50++ per adult. This promotion is valid from Mondays to Thursdays from 09 December 2017 to 29 December 2017, and it is not available on the eve of and public holidays.

The restaurant boasts a cosy buffet line that features an array of lobsters, crabs and shellfish varieties alongside a live carving roast meat station where you can find anything from turkey to honey baked ham, seafood on ice, and selection of pastries and desserts.

Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat helms Ginger’s massive kitchen and is also the man behind this year’s Yuletide spread. Die-hard fans of shellfish can look forward to a dazzling array of crab dishes—from local favourites such as pepper crab and chilli crab to Chef Low’s signature crab with pumpkin purée (that is absolutely divine).

TURKEY JUNIOR WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING

More often than not, turkey has a bad reputation for being a gimmicky Christmas showpiece mostly because it looks stunning as a food item but is usually extremely dry and tasteless. However, the Turkey Junior with Chestnut Stuffing that Chef Low will prove that notion wrong.

Its exterior boasts a deep roasted flavour with apparent hints of herbs and the meat was surprisingly moist and pull-apart tender. The giblet sauce provides a savoury element to the meat while the cranberry sauce adds a subtle tartness that works wonderfully well with the roasted bird.

OVEN BAKED GAMMON HAM

Among the multitude of roasts available at the live carving roast meat section is the Oven Baked Gammon Ham.

Believe us when we say that you will not find a more delicious baked ham elsewhere. Baked with the bone-in, this glorious hunk of meat is given a generous and regular basting of honey to develop its caramel-like flavour and a golden sheen. The ham itself was insanely succulent and tasty which made it almost impossible for us to resist going back for seconds.

Ginger definitely has the best Christmas ham this year!

ROAST BEEF

Beef aficionados will definitely not want to miss the Roast beef. Cooked rare, the meat is pink and so outrageously tender. No sauce is needed; it is so good on its own!

Our recommendation is to request for your roast beef to be sliced thinly so as to be able to enjoy it and its textural best.

KANGAROO CARPACCIO

Although kangaroo meat is far from festive, let alone a common sight at many dinner tables around here, it is still something worth trying. Prepared raw as a carpaccio, a kangaroo loin is given a heavy sprinkling of black pepper, sliced thinly such that it literally melts on your tongue and drizzled with olive oil.

OVEN ROAST GOOSE INFUSED WITH FIVE SPICE

One of the stars of this year’s festive buffet line up at Ginger is the Oven Roasted Goose infused with Five Spice and Onion Marmalade. Served slightly pink, we were able to truly savour the rich robust qualities of the goose without it being overly dry. Coupled with the warm, savoury and aromatic five-spice powder, this bird was as aromatic as it was tasty.

By default, goose and orange work brilliantly together which was a no-brainer when it came to the onion marmalade that diners will have the option of dolloping over their goose. Props to the chefs for cleverly injecting the sweet onion element into the citrusy marmalade. Overall, this was one of our favourite dishes out of the lot.

A LIFE-SIZED GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Perhaps one of the most captivating sights to behold is their life-sized gingerbread house. Yes, it is one hundred percent made using real edible gingerbread and it houses all things sweet from Christmas log cakes to fancy pastries—even Hansel and Gretel would be intrigued.

All seasoned buffet diners would know to save a little room for dessert, and you will be sorry if you didn’t here at Ginger. Tuck into a medley of sweet treats at the dessert corner including Scandinavian log cakes, Christmas stollen, raspberry cheesecake, gingerbread cookies, crepe Suzettes and flambéed Cherries. This particular section is sure to be a hit with the kids as well as all the sweet tooth out there.

Put your diet plans on hold (temporarily) and allow your appetite free reign at this sumptuous Yuletide feast at Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

Don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef x Christmas’ upon making your reservation to enjoy this sumptuous Christmas feast at S$58.50++ per adult. The buffet promotion is available for dinner only from Mondays to Thursdays from 09 December 2017 to 29 December 2017.

**Valid from 09 to 29 December 2017

**Valid for festive dinner from Mondays to Thursdays only.

**Prior reservations to be made via +65 6505 5710 or email dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com.

**Not valid on eve of and on public holidays.

**Offer not valid with other promotions and discounts, unless otherwise stated

**Prices are subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST)

**The hotel reserves the right to amend the promotional details without prior notice

Festive Lunch Buffet
9 December 2017 to 1 January 2018
Mon to Fri: Adult S$58++, Child S$29++
Sat & Sun: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
24, 25, 31 December 2017 & 1 January 2018: Adult S$98++, Child S$49++

Festive Dinner Buffet
9 to 30 December 2017
Mon to Thu: Adult S$78++, Child S$39++
Fri to Sun: Adult S$88++, Child S$44++
24 & 31 December 2017 (Sun): Adult S$118++, Child S$59++
25 December 2017 & 1 January 2018 (Mon): Adult S$108++, Child S$54++

Ginger
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Road
Singapore 199591
For reservations: +65 6505 5710 or dining.prsin@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6pm – 10.00pm
Nearest Stations: Bugis / Nicoll Highway

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Beach Road.

In this day and age, we are accustomed to believing that Christmas dinners have to be over the top, or at the very least, presentable for the guests. However, those who understand the true meaning of this festive season would know that it is simply just a dinner that brings your loved ones together. Yes, Christmas dinners do not have to be extravagant.

Living in Singapore is not exactly a cheap affair and most of us have other financial responsibilities to bear. Going for a fancy dinner on a festive occasion may be out of the budget for some of us but that does not mean we cannot have a delightful Christmas party at home!

In this guide, we share with you 6 Tips On How To Host A Great Christmas Dinner Without Breaking The Bank.

#1 SHOP AT GROCERY STORES

Most grocery stores have cheaper alternatives compared to big hotel brands. Do your grocery shopping at NTUC, Giant or any other big supermarket brands in Singapore—they usually offer Christmas food products as well.

#2 BAKE YOUR OWN DESSERTS

Instead of purchasing festive goodies, learn how to bake your own desserts for snacks instead. There are tons of recipes to be found in cookbooks and on the internet but be sure to choose those that fit your level of expertise.

If you are looking for some recommendations, why not try this easy no-bake Strawberry Jelly Hearts Cheesecake recipe? Fans of matcha will enjoy these simple matcha recipes.

#3 SWAP TURKEY FOR CHICKEN

Who says you must have turkey for Christmas? Choose to swap that for a roasted chicken as the table’s centrepiece to cut down on cost. You can easily purchase chicken meat from supermarkets and wet markets at an affordable price.

To further reduce your expenditure, do your own stuffing at home instead of purchasing ready-made ingredients.

Photo Credit: Party Pieces

#4 BAKE YOUR OWN CAKE

Log cakes are beautiful to look at and they never fail to impress the crowd. Appealing as they may be, log cakes are usually on the higher end of the price scale because it takes effort and time to craft them out.

Since that is the case, why not try baking your own cake instead? A simple sponge cake with whipped cream and toppings is manageable by almost anyone—even if you only have limited baking experience.

#5 PURCHASE AFFORDABLE ALCOHOL FROM SUPERMARKETS

There is a decent range of wine, beer and hard liquor to be found at our local supermarkets with prices that will not burn a hole in your wallet.

For something lighter, you can also make ‘Shandy’ beer at home by mixing beer and 7 Up. That way, you can offer three different kinds of beverages at your dinner party!

#6 SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AT DAISO

To add some festive vibes at the venue, get your Christmas decorations such as table placements, ornaments and even Christmas trees from Daiso, supermarkets or online websites before the big day hits. Some wholesale party suppliers are also able to offer cheap disposable cutleries and plates.

Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road had everyone talking about them a few months ago with its value-for-money Lobster and Crab Buffet. And the awesome international buffet is back again this Christmas and will be available from 19 Dec 2016 to 01 Jan 2017.

Look forward to an array of yuletide offerings such as Gammon Ham, Roasted Turkey, Fillet of Beef, Log Cakes and whatnot. Also, Spice Brasserie is showcasing an incredible dessert room decked out in Christmas ornaments and over 38 types of sweet treats.

Your little ones can keep themselves occupied at the Kids’ Corner with fun-filed activities, i.e. face painting, balloon sculpting and sand art on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The best part? Prices start from S$40++ per adult for the Festive Lunch Buffet and S$48++ per adult for the Festive Dinner Buffet.

Here are the highlights of Spice Brasserie’s Festive Buffet for Christmas 2016.

For December, Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is launching a plethora of roasts on a daily basis.

From roasted beef, roasted ham, roasted lamb, roasted turkey to roasted vegetables, you surely will not want to miss out on this splendid fiesta.

No Christmas is complete until you have your traditional turkey. Spice Brasserie’s homemade Turkey Junior with Chestnut Stuffing has been roasted to perfection and the fork-tender slices are best eaten with the artisanal Cranberry Sauce.

The juicy and boneless Gammon Ham is first poached and glazed with honey before it is baked in an oven. The process is tedious, but the end result is a delectable and succulent ham. The classic dish is served with cherries, pineapples and peach sauce.

Next up, we have the mouthwatering Fillet of Beef with Madère Au Jus Bouquetière. Spice Brasserie’s roast beef rendition is essentially a 200-day Grain Fed Beef served with an assortment of roasted vegetables, including Roast Butternut Pumpkin and Potatoes.

The Signature Stuffed Home Meatloaf is hands down our favourite festive dish in the entire line-up. While Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat was extremely secretive about his passed-down recipe, we have been told that some of the key ingredients include white wine, creamed bread and ground beef.

It was the best stuffing we have tried; we are not even exaggerating when we say we’d go back to the buffet for this!

Those with a carnivorous appetite can continue their meat indulgence with the Jamaican-style Leg of Lamb with Roasted Garlic and Mint Gravy.

Do take note that the roasts from the carving station are on a rotational basis.

If it is your first time at the hotel, you must try the Slow Braised Pumpkin Crab. The in-house special crab—cooked inside a claypot—is slow-braised with aromatic viscous pumpkin sauce. It is available during Spices Brasserie’s Christmas Festive Dinner Buffet (from Thursdays to Saturdays), as well as Christmas Eve and Day Dinner Buffet.

Here’s the good news: Spice Brasserie’s Christmas Eve and Day Dinner Buffets come with their signature Char-grilled Lobster with Mentaiko Gratin and the aforementioned Slow-Braised Pumpkin Crab in Claypot.

The lobsters are flame-grilled, coated with a rich mentaiko gratin and torched. Regulars would know this is one station to keep going back to.

Last but not least, let us introduce to you the highly anticipated Dessert Room! The Dessert Room boasts over 38 sugary treats on rotation and will be exclusively available for a limited period of time.

There are at least four different types of log cakes displayed every day and flavours include Green Tea, Mango Coconut, Passionfruit and White Chocolate etc. There also other traditional Christmas treats— from Christmas Pudding to Panettone and Stollen.

Come for dinner on Thursdays to Sunday and enjoy live action station with the chefs preparing Flambé Cherries and Crêpe Suzettes!

The only problem would be figuring how to stuff every dish into your belly. #Firstworldproblems.

For those opting for homely gatherings, you can play host to a joyous party with the Festive Platter Takeaway at S$98+. Filled with sliced and ready-to-serve festive favourites like Roast Turkey Slices, Pork Liver with Chestnut Stuffing and classic Cranberry Sauce, Honey-glazed Gammon Ham paired with homemade Peach Sauce, Cumberland Sausage and Salt-crusted Sirloin Beef with Au Jus dip, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, this Festive platter is available from now untill 31 December 2016.

Spice Brasserie
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Festive Lunch Buffet
19 Dec 2016 to 01 Jan 2017: 12pm – 2.30pm
Daily (except 24, 25 & 31 Dec 2016): S$40++ per adult, S$18++ per child

Festive Dinner Buffet
19 Dec 2016 to 01 Jan 2017 (except 24, 25 & 31 Dec 2016): 6pm – 10pm
Sun to Wed: S$48++ per adult, S$18++ per child
Thu to Sat: S$58++ per adult, S$25++ per child

Christmas Eve Buffet
24 Dec 2016^: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Lunch: S$52*++ per adult, S$25++ per child
Dinner: S$78*++ per adult, S$35++ per child

Christmas Day Buffet
25 Dec 2016^: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Lunch: S$62*++ per adult, S$25++ per child
Dinner: S$68*++ per adult, S$25++ per child

New Year’s Eve Buffet
31 Dec 2016: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Lunch: S$40++ per adult, S$18++ per child
Dinner: S$78**++ per adult, S$35++ per child

* Inclusive of a glass of wine or beer and unlimited soft drinks
** Inclusive of unlimited soft drinks and complimentary admission to Club 5 for the New Year Countdown Party
^ Kids Activities and dessert room available

UOB, DBS/POSB, HSBC & Maybank card holders enjoy 15% off Festive Buffets and 20% off Festive Takeaway Platter.

This post is brought to you by PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

Are you hosting a dinner party this year? Well, we have some tips for you if you are working on a budget. Turkeys, hams and other Christmas necessities can be so incredibly pricey, especially during the week before the D-day itself.

One great way to save money is to cook most of the dishes yourself, and only pre-order pre-made items that are really difficult to make, such as log cakes. It is actually really simple to make a Christmas turkey at home, if you have an oven that is big enough.

Here are 5 Simple Tips On How to Plan For A Christmas Dinner On A Budget that will help you save time and money!

1. PLAN BEFOREHAND/DO UP A LIST

Do up a list way before the actual day and do be sure to set your budget then already.

First, make a list of the dishes you want to cook, as well as the list of items you need to order. Then, write out all the individual ingredients you need to buy and the estimated prices.

From there, you can easily sieve out the unnecessary ones to stay within your budget. This will also make your shopping process so much easier.

2. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR GUESTS CAN/ CANNOT EAT

Understanding your guests’ preferences and diet restrictions is so vital in menu planning. This may streamline your option, but it saves you from preparing unnecessary dishes and having to throw them all away at the end of the day.

Say you know that the majority of your guests do not take pork, then skip pork completely and focus on another dish instead. If you have a couple of diners that are vegetarian, you can re-portion your meats-to-buy in your shopping list. This will save you a lot of money and time.

3. COOK YOUR OWN DISHES INSTEAD OF PRE-ORDERING

We know that making a turkey sounds really tough, but in actual fact, it is really easy if you have a substantially huge oven. There are many quick and easy recipes you can find online that are super easy to follow.

Making your own turkey is most definitely cheaper and the process is pretty fun, especially if you are in the kitchen with your loved ones. Best part of them all? You get to be all creative with the stuffing!

4. ONLY BUY INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR SURE

If you have second thoughts about some of the ingredients, leave it out; you probably won’t need them. This will give you more money to invest on other better quality ingredients.

We often overbuy because grocery shopping can be therapeutic that way; just chuck everything onto your trolley and end up with a bill that will shock you. And more often than not, we do not need half of what we bought; or we only use less than half of them, and the remnants will go to waste.

Be sure to work out your proportions and to shop accordingly to avoid wastage as well as unnecessary spendings altogether.

5. STICK TO YOUR INITIAL BUDGET

No matter what you do, stick to the budget that you had planned in Step #1. This sounds simple, but it will really help to avoid feeling horrible afterwards when you know you have overspent. But of course, if you can afford it and since it is Christmas after all, a little more splurging should be fine!

Happy holidays!

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.