Hotel buffets need not be the most extravagant and fancy; we are happy if the food is good and the price is reasonable. Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has constantly been on our list of affordable buffet spreads in Singapore since its opening and we are giving you another reason to love them.

For the next three months, Royale is going to pay tribute to Asia’s dynamic flavours. The new Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet is the next buffet with local spread to try. It is super value-for-money and it is like enjoying all your favourites at Chomp Chomp Food Centre in a comfortable air-conditioned environment for just one price.

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ROJAK

Rojak is a dish that needs no further introduction. In Malay, ‘rojak’ is a word that means ‘mixture’. In Singapore, ‘rojak’ is a local “salad”. Essentially a salad tossed in sweet sauce, rojak compromises dough fritters, turnips, pineapples, cucumbers and jellyfish.

Look forward to the D.I.Y. rojak station at Royale where you can customise your rojak to your own liking. We like the sound of unlimited D.I.Y. rojak because it means we can add as many pineapple and dough fritters as we please!

OUTDOOR BBQ STATION

This time, Royale at Mercure Singapore Bugis has taken their buffet spread a notch up by featuring a live barbecue station outdoors. Think your favourite BBQ seafood stalls from Chomp Chomp, but even better because this is free flow!

You can indulge in a myriad of barbecued food items, which include ayam panggam, grilled squid, 3 different varieties of satays and everyone’s favourite grilled sambal stingray!

Just think about the value you are getting for the price you are paying—at your typical hawker centres, you pay an average of S$12 per sambal stingray; you pay S$26.60++ (on weekdays) here for endless servings. Isn’t it unbelievable?!

DO IT YOURSELF STATION—ASIAN BAO-WICH

Royale has decided to redefine ‘kong ba bao’. Choose from not 1, but 3 different types of meats.

Besides the classic Braised Five Spice Pork Belly, Royale also offers diners Nyonya Chicken and Black Pepper Beef fillings that sit in between soft, pillowy steamed mantou buns.

While the fatty and mildly sweet pork belly is surely a crowd-pleaser, we sang nothing but praises for the Nyonya Chicken, which had a really nice crispy skin. The Black Pepper Beef was well-marinated and came with a hint of spice, although the heat is not lip-smacking so children can enjoy this dish as can everyone else.

FRIED KWAY TEOW

Fried Kway Teow may not be what you’d expect to get at a hotel buffet but you would be thankful for this delight at Royale.

The Fried Kway Teow at Royale boasts smoky and robust flavours and every mouthful of this char kway teow is bursting with a complex charred aroma. This station will definitely be one that Singaporeans will be making multiple rounds to.

HAR CHEONG GAI

Trust us when we say that Royale’s version of Singaporeans’ favourite Har Cheong Gai is insanely addictive. The crispy and succulent prawn paste chicken is richly marinated in shrimp paste and just the aroma of this dish alone is enough to whet your appetite.

Royale has executed this dish so brilliantly such that die-hard fans of prawn paste chicken will definitely be pleased. 

WOK FRIED SALTED EGG YOLK PRAWNS 

Here in Singapore, we take our food trends seriously. The salted egg yolk trend is undisputedly one that will last for a long time and it is dishes such as the Wok Fried Salted Egg Yolk Prawns at Royale that keeps this food trend alive.

Royale’s rendition of salted egg yolk prawns definitely did not disappoint—the prawns were beautifully coated with a creamy, rich and piquant salted egg yolk coating which came with a hint of spiciness.

PAPER BAG OVEN-BAKED LAKSA CHICKEN

Having been marinated for 24 hours before being roasted in a paper bag, the tender meat of the chicken is a showstopper in its own right, especially when complemented with the luscious broth.

Royale’s version of the Singapore laksa broth differs slightly from the traditional ones—made with a blend of seven spices, the laksa broth which the chicken is doused in is rich and fragrant, bursting with a distinct spicy coconut flavour.

Every piece of chicken you have would have locked in the was creamy and full-flavoured laksa broth, making the tender chicken surprisingly flavourful.

SNAPPER FISH HEAD CURRY

The Fish Head Curry at Royale is a slightly tangier version and less spicy than what we had hoped for it to be, but it left an impression on us anyway. We were pleasantly surprised by the strong aroma and richness of the curry despite it being slightly watery.

Coupled with a variety of vegetables such as lady’s fingers and brinjal, this is one hearty dish that stood out in the line-up and is one that will make us return to the buffet for.

TRADITIONAL DESSERTS

Royale’s Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet includes not just their usual sweet treats but also a repertoire of traditional local desserts which come with a modern twist.

Look forward to items such as Durian Crème Brûlée, Coconut Custard Tart and an assortment of Nonya Kueh—every one of their desserts is made fresh in-house. Don’t miss out on the classic Pandan Chiffon Cake sweetened with a layered of fluffy marshmallow, inspired by the nostalgic ice cream sandwich.

There is also a D.I.Y. Chendol station which will be part of the buffet spread—customise your dream chendol and end off your meal with this icy treat!

From 01 June to 26 August 2018, indulge in a huge array of local goodies which features an extravagant lineup of over 30 local and Asian delights. You may quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 30% off the buffet upon making reservations from Sundays to Thursdays, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. Do note that the discounts are not applicable on Father’s Day, Eve and Public Holidays and it is limited to a maximum of only 10 diners per booking.

Rasa Sayang BBQ Buffet Details
1 June – 26 August 2018
Daily Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Price: Adults—S$38++, S$68++*, Children—S$19++

*Inclusive of free flow wines and beer

Royale
Level 3, Mercure Singapore Bugis
122 Middle Road
Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030 / or email HA0D7-FB1@accor.com
Buffet Dinner: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by Mercure Singapore Bugis.

TungLok Seafood — a concept by the reputable TungLok Group — has made quite a name for itself amongst Singaporeans with its exceptionally fresh Singapore-style seafood delicacies.

Known for their commendable service and quality seafood, expect nothing short of a stellar dining experience at this award-winning establishment; choose to dine at either the restaurant at Orchard Central or the outlet at Arena Country Club in Jurong.

Everyone who has been to TungLok Seafood only has good things to say about the place, and rightfully so. Their extensive menu only means that you will be spoilt for choice. Look forward to hot favourites such as Laksa Crab Bee Hoon, Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, Mee Goreng and Crisp-fried Baby Squid.

Readers of ladyironchef can flash this article to get 15% off (no minimum spending) a la carte food orders at TungLok Seafood.

Here are 12 Singapore-style Seafood Dishes from TungLok Seafood that we thoroughly enjoyed.

#1 CRISP-FRIED BABY SQUIDS (S$12++/SMALL)

The Crispy-fried Baby Squids (S$12++/small) definitely whets your appetite for more, and it was an appetiser that left all of us in awe.

These baby squids have been deep-fried till crisp, but sink your teeth into them and you would realise that every piece has retained its chewiness within. Covered in sweet sauce and a handful of sesame seeds, these crispy baby squids are pretty damn addictive.

#2 TUNGLOK CHILLI CRAB (S$65++/KG)

Chilli crab is not just a hit among the locals, it has also become one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes. TungLok Seafood’s Chilli Crab (S$65++/kg) is one of the restaurant’s bestsellers and why are we not surprised.

The crabs are cooked to perfection and its plump flesh does not stick to the shell; the outer shell breaks easily hence allowing one to dig into the fresh crabmeat almost effortlessly. The secret ingredient that lies in the chilli-based tomato sauce is one that gives the viscous gravy an extra oomph, and you would never have guessed that it is freshly squeezed orange juice.

Try it and witness the difference. You will be convinced why TungLok Seafood has one of the best chilli crabs in Singapore.

#3 SPICY CURRY LAKSA CRAB WITH THICK RICE VERMICELLI (S$65++/KG)

This new dish is reason enough for you to visit TungLok Seafood.

We all love our XO Crab Bee Hoon, but what if we told you there is a Laksa version? Tunglok Seafood’s Spicy Curry Laksa Crab with Thick Rice Vermicelli (S$65++/kg) serves just the same purpose of bringing comfort to the soul.

This massive pot features premium Sri Lankan crab immersed in an aromatic spicy curry broth. The dish is complemented with a generous portion of chewy thick rice vermicelli. A pot is typically good for 2-3 diners.

#4 DEEP-FRIED PRAWNS WITH CRISPY OATS (S$24++/300GM)

The aroma of TungLok Seafood’s Deep-fried Prawns with Crispy Oats permeated the restaurant when it was presented to us. Huge prawns are deep-fried with oats to crispy, crunchy excellence; this dish perfectly marries sweet with savoury.

It comes in a single serving size starting from S$24++ per 300 grams, but that is enough to feed two. Once again, you will be treated to plenty of prawns stacked on top of a bed of fragrant golden oats.

#5 DEEP-FRIED PRAWNS WITH SALTED EGG YOLK (S$24++/300GM)

What is a seafood meal without some salted egg yolk prawns, right? We have all grown too accustomed to ordering salted egg yolk-something, and when in a seafood restaurant — TungLok Seafood in particular — the Deep-fried Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk (S$24++/300gm) is the ultimate crowd pleaser.

The prawns are deep-fried, leaving it with crispy shells that give way to juicy and succulent prawn meat. See those strips on top of the prawns? Those are salted egg yolk strips that were so irresistibly yummy, like we were munching on chips.

#6 SAUTÉED CLAMS WITH SAMBAL SAUCE (S$18++/SMALL)

Singapore seafood dishes go hand-in-hand with sambal sauce. These Sautéed Clams with Sambal Sauce (S$18++/small) are no different.

A hefty portion of clams is stacked high on the plate, all drenched in sambal sauce that has an irresistible spicy tanginess. The molluscan is fried over high heat quickly to achieve a tenderness and served atop a bed of green lettuce; briny, fresh and spicy.

#7 STEAMED RAZOR CLAM WITH GARLIC AND VERMICELLI (S$10++/PC)

Steamed Razor Clam with Garlic and Vermicelli is a well-loved Hong Kong-style dish that is commonly seen in Chinese restaurants, and TungLok Seafood has hit all the right spots with their rendition.

Priced at S$10++ per piece, the steaming process brought out the sweetness of the succulent meat, and the chopped garlic enhanced the fragrance further. This is such a classic dish and it has become one of our must-orders when at TungLok Seafood.

#8 BAKED NORWEGIAN SALMON WRAPPED IN BANANA LEAF (S$12.80++/PC)

No, that’s not a grilled fish otah. We were initially deceived by the misleading banana leaf wrapper, but soon realised that within the fragrant parcel is actually a high-quality baked salmon (S$12.80++/pc).

The fresh Norwegian salmon is baked with a hint of fragrance borrowed from the banana leaf. This east-meets-west seafood dish far exceeds expectations, and its uniqueness is one that will leave your jaw dropping upon the first bite.

#9 STEAMED SEABASS WITH ASSAM SAUCE, TOMATOES AND EGGPLANT (S$45++/KG)

The rich Assam sauce in this one beckons like no other. If you like tangy flavours, this one is definitely a must. Together with the sweetness of fresh fish, the Steamed Seabass with Assam Sauce, Tomatoes and Eggplant (S$45++/kg) is a clear winner.

#10 THAI-STYLE BRAISED BEANCURD (S$12++/SMALL)

These Thai-style Braised Beancurd features firm tofu cuboids topped with julienned cucumber and chicken/pork floss. The soft white blocks – encased by its fried golden skin – are accompanied by sweet Thai chilli sauce.

#11 BRAISED RICE NOODLE WITH PRAWNS AND CLAMS (S$24++/SMALL)

The Braised Rice Noodle with Prawns and Clams (S$24++/small) is another carbs dish that is great for sharing. It comprises fresh clams, juicy prawns, mushrooms and mixed vegetables, and is especially comforting on a cold rainy day!

#12 MEE GORENG (S$18++/SMALL)

TungLok Seafood’s interpretation of the Chinese-style Mee Goreng (S$18++/small) is hands down one of the best we’ve ever tried in Singapore and we cannot stop raving about it!

These noodles – stir-fried with shrimps and calamari rings – boast a distinctive complex taste profile of sweetness, spiciness and tanginess. Let’s just say we will return to TungLok Seafood just for this dish. No joke about that.

Readers of ladyironchef can flash this article to enjoy 15% off a la carte food orders at TungLok Seafood (no minimum spending). This promotion is valid from now until 30 November 2016 and not valid on eves of and on Public Holidays and special occasions.

TungLok Seafood
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road , #11-05
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6834 4888
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and PH: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset

The Arena Country Club
511 Upper Jurong Road
Singapore 638366
Tel: +65 6262 6996
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun and PH: 10am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MRT Station: Joo Koon

This post is brought to you by TungLok Seafood.