Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
With Singapore’s 54th National Day coming up, there are a plethora of dining establishments that are offering mouth-watering special menus that aim to commemorate this bicentennial celebration with local flavours.
One such place that comes highly-recommended is PARKROYAL On Pickering’s Lime Restaurant. This year, they are pulling all the stops with their Loco Local Buffet that’s a spread that pays homage to local dishes.
But, before you think this is just any other local buffet spread, you need to know the treats you’re in for! For only S$68++ from Sunday to Thursday/S$78++ on Friday and Saturday (adults) and S$34++ from Sunday to Thursday/S$39++ on Friday and Saturday (child), you only need to fork out the same as their regular buffet. No surcharge here!
One of their highly-raved buffet items is the Steamed Oysters that are plump and juicy. Pair them with your choice of either Thai Chilli, Mala or Sambal Belachan. My pick would have to be the Sambal Belachan, as it packed subtle heat with slightly sweet and sour notes.
For someone who ain’t an oyster fanatic, this is one I would gladly grab a handful of.
Be spoilt with elevated Alaskan King Crab Meat Char Kway Teow that’s brimming with Chinese sausage, Alaskan King crab meat and plenty of wok hei fragrance. The kway teow noodles were luxuriously coated in soya sauce and bits of egg, complete with pork lard.
Safe to say, this was a strong contender for best char kway teow in the city.
The most exciting dish that they are introducing is the Lobster Roti Jala. For the uninitiated, it is akin to a netted crêpe and has its origins from Malay Malaysians. It is an uncommon sight here in Singapore, so being able to help yourself to multiple servings of this will be a great win!
The lobster curry that accompanies it was decadent, thick and spicy. I could taste the medley of cardamom, star anise, curry powder and other aromatic spices in this wonderful dish. Not to mention, the use of lobsters really made me feel like royalty, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
For those who can’t keep their hands off the Singapore Chilli Crab, I don’t blame you! The sauce was viscous and leaned towards the sweeter side, so for those who are afraid of spiciness, this one is safe for you.
My personal favourite bit was ripping apart the mantous and dipping them ever-so-liberally into the chilli crab sauce. The crab meat was sweet and succulent — a testament to Lime Restaurant’s pride in using only the freshest ingredients.
Nothing beats the comfort of Bak Kut Teh Soup With Pork Ribs, and the version here was a winner. There are always two camps of people when it comes to this hearty soup — those who prefer the herbal version and those who prefer the peppery type.
I fall into the latter camp, and as such, this soup hit home instantly. The addictive pepperiness lingered long after I’d finished every spoonful. Don’t get me started on the pork; it was incredibly tender that I could cut it with a spoon! Trust me, you will want to return for multiple servings of this.
Other local favourites that you and your loved ones will be able to enjoy include Lobster Hokkien Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chicken Satay.
To wrap up the feast, head over to the Ice Kacang/Chendol station where a chef will shave down a block of ice for you so that you may create your very own ice kacang or chendol creation. Pour on more atap seeds, grass jelly or even durian paste if you please; there’s no limit to your own creativity.
Of course, for those who prefer smaller bites, there is a selection of nonya kuehs to sweeten your day.
My favourite of all was the Orh Nee (yam paste with gingko nuts). The yam paste was a delight and had just the right consistency — creamy without being cloying. The gingko nuts provided a nice crunchy contrast.
The Loco Local Buffet is a great way to have the opportunity to taste and savour as many local favourites in one place, and an even better reason to gather your family and friends for. Why? Because when you dine in a group of four paying adults or more, you are entitled to 15% off the total bill!
Alternatively, you can opt for a complimentary bottle of house wine when you dine in a group of four paying adults.
Be sure to make your reservations early, as the Loco Local Buffet only runs from 5 August – 1 September 2019! Mark this bicentennial celebration of Singapore’s heritage with a special hearty meal of the best local dishes.
Expected Damage: From S$68++ per person
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with PARKROYAL On Pickering.
