Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis – Bugis, Singapore

Calling out to all seafood and meat lovers for a Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale. Previously, The Royale has introduced various buffet theme such as Peranakan and even buffet for the festives which include Christmas and Chinese New Year.

 

This round, Mercure Singapore rolled out the meat and seafood theme, lasting till 27th May. The buffet offers well over 30 varieties, no mean feat for a restaurant that does not seem to occupy a lot of space.

 

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale

 

A Welcome Platter was served at the start of the Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale. Comprised a mini beef burger, a cheesy gratin jumbo clam and black pepper crab in a bucket. I am not a black pepper crab person but it made the greatest impression as the pepper taste was not too overwhelming and managed to bring out the sweetness in the meat. A pity that the portion was small and served only once.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Welcome Platter

 

The cold dishes were the standard fare of sushi, prawns, mussels, scallops and clams. I was not expecting lobsters for the price but it was disappointing that there were no oysters and crab claws, especially when seafood is part of the theme. The only redeeming factor was that the prawns were fresh and succulent and, the mussels were huge.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Cold Dishes

 

Moving on to the hot dishes, the live station has always been the highlight as with most buffets. Royale was no exception and its home-made Lor Mee with Crayfish had me going back for another serving.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Live Station

 

The dish had two winning points: (1) the broth used in the lor mee was not the usual starchy type that will congeal if left to stand and, (2) the crayfish has been fried to the perfect tenderness before being boiled again for the final touch.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Crayfish Lor Mee

 

For the remaining hot dishes, the restaurant recommended the Nyonya Baked Seabass Fillet, Sauteed White Wine Mussel, Pan-seared Garlic Prawn on steamed egg, Mongolian-style Lamb Leg, BBQ Pork Ribs with Lychee Pearls and Duck Leg Confit.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Nyonya Seabass

 

The seabass dish was my favourite because of the softness of the flesh although the Nyonya blend of spices could be stronger. Another seabass dish (Steamed Seabass Fillet with Superior Soya) also caught my attention as it was cooked with olives which gave it a unique taste.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - White Wine Mussels

 

The giant mussels were fresh with only a slight hint of wine. The prawn on eggs was good but I was expecting more after having tasted plenty of chawanmushi in the past.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Pork Ribs

 

The meat dishes were not as good as the seafood. Not sure if it had to do with the fact that I was under the aircon vent because they were a bit dry and on the tough side. Luckily, the lychee pearls gave out a burst of sweetness and helped to ‘moisturize’ the pork ribs when eaten together. A bit more gravy sauce for the meat dishes would definitely make them tenderer.

 

There was a Prawn Bisque with Brandy soup which tasted like prawn noodle soup (in English-style). It felt like an overdose of prawn for me as I was never a big fan of prawn noodle soups in the first place. However, the prawny taste should gratify those who appreciate such soups.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - Dessert Bar

 

The dessert bar was compact and yet sufficient to sweeten up the taste buds after all the savoury food, ranging from mildly sweet to wonderfully sweet. The Vanilla Tapioca Pudding and Chocolate Pandan Financier stood out amongst all as they were unusual and had a light taste which allow one to eat a couple more at one go.

 

Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale, Mercure Singapore Bugis - My selection of desserts

 

The salad bar was decent but I gave it a miss since this is a Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale after all. For those who need a well-balanced diet, the salad bar should still pass the mark.

 

 

Promotion

 

Lunch & Dinner

$58++ (Adult) / $29++ (Child)

$88++ per pax incl. free flow wine & beer

Children under 6 years dine free

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

The crayfish lor mee was exceptional but not enough to make one head for the Surf and Turf Buffet @ Royale. If only the black pepper crab from the welcome platter could be served more than once and there were oysters, I would be tempted to go back for another experience.

 

 

 

Royale @ Mercure Singapore Bugis

Level 3, 122 Middle Road, Singapore 188973
Tel: +65 6521 6030

Website: http://www.mercure-singapore-bugis.com/restaurants-bars/royale/

 

Opening Hours

 

Daily 0600 to 2300

(Buffet Lunch Saturday & Sunday 1200 to 1430 | Buffet Dinner Thursdays – Sundays 1800 to 2200)

 

Getting There

 

By MRT:

  • Circle line – Bras Basah station

 

By Bus:

  • Opp Prime Centre along Middle Road   56, 64, 65, 131, 139, 147, 166, 857
  • Peace Centre along Selegie Road   64, 65, 131, 139, 147, 166, 857
  • Rendezvous Hotel ong Bras Basah Road   7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174e, 175, 190, 502, 502A, 518, 518A
  • Manualife Centre along Bras Basah Road   131, 147, 166, 857

 

Rating: 6.5/10

 

 

*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.