Top 5: The Best International Buffets in Singapore

It’s an all-you-can-eat extravaganza with drool-worthy, dainty portions of food lined up in neat ‘too pretty to mess up’ rows... the joy of grabbing whatever you want and forming a little mountain on your plate… ah, buffets – don’t we just love ‘em? Pick up some buffet tips to maximise your experience It’s no secret that you can find an endless array of buffet choices all around Singapore. However, nowadays the type of cuisine being offered is rather specific, from Italian buffets to nothing but desserts for a sweet spread. With this in mind, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to see why one would appreciate an international buffet, where you can get a little bit of everything inspired by, what else, but the world!

Photo by Marina Bay Sands

Rise Marina Bay Sands – 10 Bayfront Avenue, Hotel Lobby Tower 1, Singapore 018956 | Call 6688 5525 As a towering structure, you’re bound to feel like an ant when dining at Rise at MBS. Located right smack in the middle of the massive hotel lobby, you can marvel at the interior of this architectural feat while feasting on the ever-changing creations by the skilled chefs here. Buffet highlights change according to seasonal ingredients available, but certain stations and items remain permanent, such as the sushi and sashimi bar, Tandoori station, fresh seafood station, cold cuts station, salad bar, a fine selection of cheeses and a smorgasbord of international desserts, from homemade ice cream to a chocolate fountain to cakes and kueh (although some of the sweets do also change from time to time). Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time! Buffet timings and prices Lunch – Daily from 12pm to 2.30pm ($48++/adult, $24++/*child) Dinner – Daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm ($68++/adult, $38++/*child) *No charge for children under five

Photo by Royal Plaza on Scotts

Carousel Royal Plaza on Scotts – 25 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Singapore 228220 | Call 6589 7799 Carousel has bagged an unbelievable number of awards, including Singapore’s Top Restaurant Award by Wine & Dine three years in a row. While we keep ourselves busy with questions like, “Why haven’t they run out of space to display their achievements?”, we must insist that you pay them a visit to see just how awesome the spread really is. With no less than seven stand-alone kitchens, the chefs bring you all sorts of top-notch fare from simple Asian favourites to divine Mediterranean delights. The signature seafood station and the Rotisserie station are some not-to-be-missed highlights. But the one thing most look forward to over here is the dessert section. It’s not just one counter that offers treats to satisfy that sweet tooth – it’s actually THREE. Look out for the gool ol’ chocolate fountain! Buffet timings and prices Lunch – Daily from 12pm to 2pm Weekdays (Mon to Fri) – $46++ Weekends (Sat, Sun and PH) – $50++ Dinner – Daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm Weekdays (Sun to Thurs) – $62++ Weekends (Fri, Sat and eve of PH) – $75++

Photo by Mandarin Oriental

MELT ~ The World Café Mandarin Oriental – 5 Raffles Avenue, Level 4, Singapore 039797 | Call 6885 3500 “MELT ~ The World Café” is a very apt moniker for this award-winning restaurant. Featuring a potpourri of specialties from all over the world, the variety of choices available at this buffet is truly stunning. With plenty of live stations for chefs to whip up their own creations on the spot, there’s bound to be something to suit your mood, be it pancakes and waffles for breakfast or delectable pasta and stir-fried Chinese cuisine for lunch. Drop in on weekends if you want something a little special because during everyone’s favourite part of the week, the ever popular Sunday Champagne brunch and outdoor barbecue grill dinner take centrestage. Buffet timings and prices Lunch – From 12pm to 2.30pm Mon to Sat – $68++ Dinner – Daily from 6.30pm to 10pm Sun to Wed – $78++ Thurs to Sat – $88++ Brunch – Sunday from 12pm to 3pm ($158++ with free flow Veuve Clicquot brut NV champagne)

Photo by Shangri-La Hotel

The Line Shangri-La Hotel – 22 Orange Grove Road, Level 1 Tower Wing, Singapore 258350 | Call 6213 4275 Step into The Line and the first word you’ll think of is: immaculate. Its clean, minimalist design almost makes you feel like you shouldn’t be stuffing your face like there’s no tomorrow at such a venue… but please, don’t stand on ceremony. Sixteen very different culinary food styles await you at The Line, but most would say that its crustacean counter is the real showstopper – in particular, the fresh oysters. Additionally, The Line holds a special seafood-themed night every Tuesday and Thursday. “Marine Harvest at The Line” presents an extensive spread of seafood delights in its theatre kitchens and also introduces various cooking techniques and ingredients used across the world to seafood lovers. Buffet timings and prices Lunch – From 12pm to 2.30pm (to 3pm every Sat) Mon to Fri – $49++/adult, $26++ /child Sat – $55++/adult, $26++/child Dinner – Daily (except Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat) from 6pm to 10.30pm Mon, Wed, Sun – $72++/adult, $36++/child Fri & Sat – $78++/adult, $36++/child Marine Harvest – From 6pm to 10.30pm Tues & Thurs – $92/adult, $44++/child

Photo by Singapore Marriott Hotel

Marriott Cafe Singapore Marriott Hotel – 320 Orchard Road, Lobby Level, Singapore 238865 | Call 6831 4605 After a three-month long refurbishment, Marriott Cafe reopened last April in 2012 – taking its “freshness redefined” dining concept to a whole new level. You can now whip up a bowl of your favourite greens at the salad bar, with over 15 varieties of salad leaf market style and over 20 condiments to choose from. The upgraded buffet also offers a Live Carvery station not to be missed; indulge in slow-roasted Prime Ribs, Whole Baked Fish, and the ever-popular Crispy Pork Saddle with Pancetta Prune and Mixed Herbs. The freshest selection of oysters, crayfish, snow crab, and lobster is also available for fans of seafood. Don’t skip the sweets (they’re almost too pretty to eat!) – Almond Cranberry Bread, Raspberry Earl Grey Cake and Marriott Cafe’s signature Sticky Date Pudding are some freshly baked goodies that’ll give you the sugar rush you need. Buffet timings and prices Lunch – Daily from 12pm to 2.30pm Mon to Sat – $50++/adult, $25++ /child Sun – $55++/adult, $30++/child Dinner – Daily from 6.30pm to 10pm Sun to Thurs – $65++/adult, $30++/child Fri & Sat – $75++/adult, $32++/child See Also: Explore more buffets at these fine dining restaurants Love sushi and sashimi? Check out here!