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- International Buffet Restaurant Melt's Seafood Selection
- International Buffet Restaurant Melt's Fresh Fruit Selection
- International Buffet Restaurant Melt's Tandoori
mini-IS-EVENT-CRP-011-012-014-015-016-017-018-030
We just had to check out this addition to Singapore's mega-buffet scene. The door staff at The Oriental’s café greeted us very professionally and showed us to our table. Throughout the night the service was exemplary, and the food was generally satisfactory though not consistently excellent. Our drinks orders were taken promptly and we dived into the dinner buffet. To start, we zeroed in on the sushi and sashimi counter, which was relatively small but filled with good stuff. Various types of sashimi, sushi and hand rolls were on offer in suitably generous portions. The chilled seafood was fresh and tasty, the giant prawns were sweet and cooked just right, and the lobster was tender and fleshy. Of the mains, the north Indian dishes were the best. Creamy dhal accompanied a hearty vegetable curry, and the chicken korma was deliciously full flavored with a hint of sweetness. The fish curry was slightly too spicy, and the chicken tikka was delectable. In contrast, the Chinese section was more average. While the chap chye (vegetable stew) was acceptable, the fried baby squid was soggy and limp, quite a ways from the crispy crunchy dish it should be. Western selections were decent with the usual array of sautéed potatoes and vegetables, and pleasing grilled meats. After every course, our plates and cutlery were changed at the right time, and wait staff were available without being intrusive. Most of the desserts were very good. By far, our favorite was the peach clafouti with vanilla sauce, with the crème brulee a close second. But the fruit shots in jelly paled in comparison. The raspberries were too sour, the mandarin slices lacked taste, and the jelly was a bit bitter. A nice surprise came at the end. A server overheard us pointing out cut fruit which we liked, and before we knew it, a platter arrived at our table. The same server also obliged our request for a second platter, and cheerily thanked us for our patronage when we left as satisfied customers.
Price Guide
$: Less than $40
$$: $40-$80
$$$: $80-120
$$$$: $120-200
$$$$$: $200 and up
Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course and dessert. Prices do not include bottles of wine unless stated. For 2011, our price bands have been updated to reflect changes in the market.
Ratings
★Forget it
★★: Only if you’re stuck in the neighborhood
★★★: A pleasant dining experience
★★★★: More than just great food, tell your friends
★★★★★: Not to be missed
Our Policy
Reviews are based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge of the restaurants. Reviews are included at the discretion of the editors and are not paid for by the individual restaurants. Opinions expressed here are those of I‑S Magazine and our super‑sneaky team of hungry reviewers. Menus, opening hours and prices change and should be checked. New restaurants are not reviewed within one month of their opening.
Reviews are written from a typical diner’s perspective. A dining experience includes more than just food; ratings are also based on service, atmosphere and fun. Ratings are awarded in accordance with the type of restaurant reviewed, so the city’s best wonton noodle stall could earn a “not to be missed” rating while a fancy French restaurant could be a “forget it.”


Phone: 6885-3084 Opening Hours: daily 6:30-10:30am, 6:30-10pm; Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm; Sun noon-3pm | Where: Melt ~ The World Café, 4/F Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave. Singapore, Singapore Area: Marina Bay Nearest train: Promenade Alfresco, Reservation recommended, Parking available: at Marina Square, Takeaway available, Dress requirements: Smart Casual AE, DC, MC, V |
