We are always up for a buffet that pays tribute to Asia’s vibrant culinary traditions and if you are someone who enjoys the rich and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian recipes and are always on a hunt for affordable buffets, try Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre. Year after year, Window on the Park has been constantly expanding and refining their buffet spread.

Featuring three Seafood Woks—Sambal tomato, black pepper and cream sauce—that comprise crustaceans such as lobster, crab, crayfish, prawn, clams and mussels, these new highlights at Window On The Park are the creations of Executive Chef Ivan Lim and his dedicated culinary team.

The best part? From now until 14th May 2018, diners are entitled to one Seafood Wok per person on top of their popular 1-For-1 weekend dinner from Fridays to Sundays (S$96++ for two pax)!

Aside from that, look forward to other Asian delights such as laksa ‘live’ station, seafood on ice as well as DIY rojak and kueh pie tee stations. Can we also add that there is complimentary beer for everyone who quotes ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations?

SEAFOOD WOK – BLACK PEPPER

Starting with our favourite of the lot, the Black Pepper Seafood Wok is slightly different from the usual black pepper sauce Singaporeans are used to.

While still boasting the usual peppery spiciness, Chef Ivan Lim’s rendition comes with some sweetness in it too; the sauce strikes a harmonious blend of flavours that will have you licking up your fingers.

SEAFOOD WOK – SAMBAL TOMATO

Inspired by Malaysian and West Javanese culinary techniques, the Sambal Tomato Seafood Wok is a nostalgic taste all locals will be familiar with. The spicy and slightly tangy sauce is made from a blend of sambal chili, tomato paste and a combination of various Asian spices to bring about complex layers that enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster, crab, crayfish and other seafood in the wok.

Pro tip: get a mantou (deep-fried bun) from the buffet counter and dip it into the sambal tomato sauce for the ultimate satisfaction.

SEAFOOD WOK – CREAM SAUCE

If you are not one who enjoys spicy food, then the cream sauce will work instead.

Window On The Park’s Cream Sauce Seafood Wok is a treasure chest filled with all sorts of seafood goodness and sits in a pool of luscious cream sauce. We thoroughly enjoyed digging into the crab legs which were oozing with full-favoured cream sauce.

LAKSA ‘LIVE’ STATION

The ever-popular laksa ‘live’ station at Window On The Park is one that regulars will always make a beeline for. Guests can customise their very own laksa, just the way they enjoy it. Choose between yellow or white noodles (have them both if you wish) and add on toppings such as prawn, fish cake, hard-boiled egg and bean sprouts.

Do not be shy about making multiple trips back to the laksa station because that was what we did too!

ASIAN DELIGHTS

Once you are done with the signatures, it is time to go all out on the Asian spread at the main buffet counters. Some options on rotation include Singapore Chili Crab, Hong Kong Fried Noodles, Bak Kwa and Lotus Rice.

Do not skip their two DIY stations where you can make your own kueh pie tee and Chinese rojak.

DESSERT COUNTER

Should you still have room after all the feasting, head over to the dessert section where you will be able to choose among classic desserts such as brownie, cupcake, whole cakes and ice cream as well as Asian delights in the likes of durian pengat and red bean pancake.

Do note that diners are entitled to one Seafood Wok per person and it can be ordered from any of the friendly service staff at Window On The Park. Dine in a group of two or more and get to enjoy a wok prepared specially for you and served to your table.

Here’s also a gentle reminder to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy complimentary beer for everyone at the table!

Succulent Seafood In A Wok
Dinner (Friday to Sunday): 6.30pm -10.30pm
S$96++ for two persons, S$24 nett per child (6 to 12 years old)

Window On The Park
11 Cavenagh Rd, #02-00
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre,
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6733 8333
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset / Dhoby Ghaut

This post is brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.

Window on the Park at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has a lobster buffet spread that focuses on Asian delights, though there are still international elements.

Paying homage to the ASEAN Golden Jubilee and the region’s rich culinary heritage, Window on the Park will be showcasing culinary styles and dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore. This is part of their Southeast Asian Culinary Dinner Showcase that happens every evening from Monday to Thursday and it is only going at S$80++ for two pax.

And as you gear up for the weekend from Friday and through to Sunday, reward yourself with the ultimate seafood treat—the Boston Lobster Weekend. Making its debut at the live station is the pan-seared Boston lobster as well as a myriad of seafood indulgences including baby lobster, fresh succulent prawns and scallops—all this for a steal of S$96++ for two pax! Window On The Park’s buffet promotions will be available from now until 30 November 2017.

While many other buffet restaurants out there pride themselves on having the largest and most extensive range of food and cuisines, Window on the Park adopts the ‘less is more’ approach by dishing out a substantially sized spread of only the good stuff, allowing diners to be able to savour each and every item before their bellies beg them to stop. Read on to find out just what stellar creations they have in store!

With brightly lit chandeliers looming in the air, Window on the Park maintains a cosy atmosphere that is inviting to diners from all walks of life—from t-shirt and shorts-clad hotel guests to office workers.

The evening buffet spread at Window on the Park encompasses the culinary icons from across the region so you can expect to load up on dishes such as chilli crab, fish head curry and roti prata—just to name a few.

This stellar line-up takes is available every evening from Mondays to Thursdays from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, from now right up to 30 November 2017.

CHILLI CRAB

This iconic dish is one that requires no introduction. Fresh crabs are stir-fried to perfection and tossed with copious amounts of that luxuriously thick sweet and mildly spicy chilli crab sauce. With crab meat that firm and sweet, coupled with a chilli sauce that decadent and flavourful, we must admit that it is difficult to be disappointed.

Deep fried buns (or mantous) are also part of the spread to help you ensure that you mop up every morsel of that delicious sauce.

FISH HEAD CURRY

This spicy Indian dish is a scintillating stew of curry cooked with vegetables and the whole head of a fish—typically a Red Snapper. Subtly tart with a good amount of spice and umami, this is a dish best enjoyed with plain rice.

ROTI PRATA WITH FISH CURRY

Many locals may find it ridiculous to eat a dish as common as roti prata at a buffet but we beg to differ. Crispy on the outside whilst maintaining a soft and chewy interior, this is an extremely versatile item that can be used to mop up anything (not just curries)—we used it to mop up the chilli crab sauce and it was pretty darn delicious!

BAMBOO CLAMS WITH THAI BASIL

The bamboo clams were juicy and fresh and prepared using common Thai ingredients. The end result was succulent and flavourful shellfish and the use of bell peppers really helped to enhance the sweet flavours of the clams—it was so good that we just had to go for seconds.

BLACK PEPPER CLAMS

Clams are versatile in that whatever it lacks in a scallop’s melodic sweetness and an oyster’s distinct flavour, they make up for in their rich, earthy notes and subtle brininess.

As such, serving it in a Malaysian style that uses lots of black pepper and oyster sauce does well to bring out a supple sweetness from the clams. Tasty and incredibly flavourful, this dish would certainly go well with some rice to mellow out the flavours.

SAMBAL STINGRAY

The sambal stingray here ranks pretty close to the ones you would typically get at zi char stalls. The sambal was spicy and mildly sweet and the stingray was tender enough to slip off the bone easily. It also gave off a nice smokey aroma which was rounded off nicely with a squeeze of fresh lime.

BOSTON LOBSTER

On Friday evenings right through to Sunday, treat yourself to as much Boston lobsters as you can possibly stomach. Cooked to perfection by Executive Chef Ivan Lim and his culinary team, the pan-seared Boston lobsters boast a subtle charred quality that really boosts the umami of this dish.

The meat of the lobster itself was sweet, succulent and plump. Overall a hugely satisfying seafood dish, which is no wonder why a batch of these bad boys can disappear in literally minutes.

END YOUR MEAL OFF ON A SWEET NOTE

We highly recommend that you do not overstuff yourselves at the main buffet, but even if you do, just make sure to leave a tiny room for dessert. Offering a small yet substantial array of both local and international sweet treats—such as their creamy durian pengat and their Portuguese egg tarts that will have you longing for seconds, and possibly even thirds!

Whoever said that indulging should be a costly affair? This delectable array of Southeast Asian culinary delights can be enjoyed at only S$80++ for two persons. It is available from Mondays to Thursdays between 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

And if you love lobsters, do not miss out on their Boston Lobster Weekend going for only S$96++ for two persons that takes place every Friday to Sunday between 6.30pm to 10.30pm. A price like that for Boston lobsters is as unbelievable as it is hard to come by.

These lovely spreads are available from now right up to 30 November 2017. Do note that the menu items are on a rotational basis and they are subject to changes.

Window On The Park
11 Cavenagh Rd, #02-00
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre,
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 6733 8333
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset / Dhoby Ghaut

This post is brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.

Xin Cuisine at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium may not be the fanciest Chinese restaurant around, neither does it have a lavishly posh interior to boast. But you know what? We love Xin Cuisine; always have, always will.

Xin Cuisine has a steady following accumulated over the decades, and if you’ve dined there before, you would know how they never disappoint. As for us, we enjoy its relatively quiet environment and how the chefs always upkeep the consistency of the food. No efforts are spared in putting the most tantalizing dishes on your table for your enjoyment.

Whether it is a gathering with family and friends, corporate luncheon with your esteemed business partners, or simply a quiet dinner with your loved one, a meal at Xin Cuisine will be ideal.

There are many dishes to fall in love with, and today, we share with you every reason to love Xin Cuisine. Here are the highlights of our meal.

For the month of May, quote ladyironchef or flash this post on your mobile to get 15% discount off Xin Cuisine’s ala carte menu.

[ Giveaway ] We are giving away 4 X S$50 Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant dining vouchers. Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.

BARBECUED SUCKLING PIG WITH FOIE GRAS, YAM AND JAPANESE CUCUMBER

And this, our friends… this is the bomb! We started our meal with this dish that combines all our favourites into one. Can you imagine the distinct textures of crispy crackling, chewy fats and creamy foie gras altogether? Once you’ve tried this dish, you will never look at suckling pig the same way again. Who would have thought that suckling pig and foie gras would go so well together? But then again, everything tastes better when you add foie gras in it.

For S$35 per portion, it may seem expensive, but think of all the premiums you’re gonna get on one plate. An indulgent treat that will be worth your while, we’d say.

CHEF’S SPECIAL TOMATO SOUP WITH LOTUS SEED

Nothing like the usual Western-style tomato soup that we are all too familiar with. Xin Cuisine’s rendition remains very skewed for Asian palettes, and the Chef’s Special Tomato Soup with Lotus Seed (S$10 per portion) is a creative vegetarian option for those who are seeking a light taste. Nourishing with a tinge of tanginess, this signature soup is boiled over low heat for long hours to produce that natural thickness. This makes a lovely soup dish to whet your appetite.

PAN-FRIED LAMB CHOP AND THREE MUSHROOMS WITH POMMERY MUSTARD SAUCE

There are not many Chinese restaurants in Singapore who do lamb meat well, and we happened to be craving for lamb that evening at Xin Cuisine. Oh God, when the chef presented this Pan-fried Lamb Chop and Three Mushrooms with Pommery Mustard Sauce (S$15 per portion) dish, our eyes lit up and our hearts skipped a beat.

The mustard sauce cuts through the meat so well that there was almost no taste of gaminess. And it is served with lovely onion ring that is homemade with big and fresh onions.

BARBECUED PORK RIB WITH SPECIAL PLUM SAUCE

If lamb is not your thing, try the Barbecued Pork Rib with Special Plum Sauce (S$12 per portion). Also classified as the chef’s signature, we enjoyed the tender pork rib. Plum sauce is just about the perfect complement, and it has a faint spicy note on the aftertaste. We can totally understand why this dish is so popular!

HOME-STYLE ROAST DUCK WITH TEA LEAVES

Chinese roast duck is always a good idea, right? Especially so if it is roasted with tea leaves! That unique fragrance with a woody note will definitely tug your heartstrings, and it is indeed “home-style” – comforting with a touch of elegance. It comes in either a half portion (S$28) or a whole duck (S$52).

BAKED SEA PERCH WITH JAPANESE MISO SAUCE

If we had to pick a single favourite from the entire menu, the Baked Sea Perch with Japanese Miso Sauce (S$16 per portion) is definitely it. A generous slab of sea perch that is baked fresh with no marination or anything funny to change its taste, this is one hearty fish dish that had us scrambling for adjectives to describe it.

We don’t even think ‘heavenly’ is befitting enough! And that Japanese miso sauce that goes with the fish? Yipe, salty yet light; more than perfect.

FRIED FRAGRANT AND BROWN RICE SERVED IN STONE CASSEROLE

Fried Fragrant and Brown Rice with Roasted Pork, Diced Shrimp, Dried Scallop, Peanut and Raisin, served in Stone Casserole. Boy, that was quite a mouthful! But it also means there are heaps of goodness in that stone casserole! It is not your ordinary carbs dish; it is a carbs dish that is earthy, so flavourful, and it will be worth the calorie count. Good for sharing, and it comes in three sizes – S$20 for the small, S$30 for the medium, and S$40 for the large.

BRAISED LIVE LOBSTER EE-FU NOODLE

The Lobster Noodle is nothing fancy; just well-cooked noodles paired with lobster. At S$22 per portion, it is an absolute steal for a decadent bowl of happiness. And you read that right; live lobsters mean you get nothing but the freshest treasure of the sea.

DIM SUM

Dim Sum is another reason why you should head to Xin Cuisine. Most of the dim sum are reasonably priced at S$4.50 per basket. The dim sum menu is available daily, and on Sundays and Public Holidays, the menu features additional items.

The classic offerings – including Siew Mai, Xiaolongbao, Har Gau – are all nicely executed, but if you are there for yum cha with your family on Sundays, you can look forward to other noteworthy creations that include Steamed Melon Ring with Shrimp, Pork Paste in Abalone Sauce (S$4.50 for 3 pcs), Steamed Cuttlefish with Spicy Sauce (S$4.50), Baked Chocolate and Custard Bun ($ 6.00 for 3 pcs) and Deep-fried Bacon and Crab Claw with Salad Sauce ($9.00 for 3 pcs).

Chock full of liquid gold, Xin Cuisine’s Custard Bun gets our vote. The skin of the bun is so airy and thin, and the filling explodes with a strong tinge of salted egg yolk goodness.

Need to sin more? The Roast Pork was SO. BLOODY. DIVINE. It is miraculous how our minds caved in to the sin and we just ate away – a piece after another, without a care in the world, like diet didn’t matter anymore.

CHILLED MANGO COULIS AND HASHIMA SERVED IN MINI PUMPKIN

This pretty little dessert (S$15 per portion) shall pamper you with some sweetness and to “cleanse your palate” after all that savoury moments. It is a chef’s signature, and an evergreen favourite among regulars. Well, it is ours too!

FRIED SESAME BALL WITH RED BEAN AND LIQUEUR CHOCOLATE FILLING

Beyond the ubiquitous Mango Sago and Mango Pudding, Xin Cuisine presents the Fried Sesame Ball with Red Bean (S$8 per portion of 4pcs). It looks like the usual fried Chinese pastry that you get at most Chinese restaurants. However, tear apart the sesame ball and you will find liqueur chocolate filling oozing out. How’s that for a Chinese dessert? Sheer brilliance.

As mentioned at the start, remember to quote ladyironchef or flash this post on your mobile to get 15% discount off Xin Cuisine’s ala carte menu during the month of May,

XIN CUISINE CHINESE RESTAURANT GIVEAWAY

1. Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant is giving away 4 X S$50 dining vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post to tell us which dish you would like to try at Xin Cuisine, and why we should choose you.
3. ‘Like’ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium on Facebook
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 6 May 2015, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

For the latest updates, head over to Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium website and like Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium on Facebook.

UPDATE: The four winners are Jason Chew, Goh Yee Ping, Jolynn, and Doreen Yau Siok Ching.

Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
#04-00 Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Tel: +65 6731 7173
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 10.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram

This post is brought to you by Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.