The best Christmas buffets in Singapore
Dieting can wait till 2020. We are, after all, in the season of feasting
With Christmas comes the usual suspects. But let’s be real – turkeys, stuffing and the whole shebang is more of a borrowed concept. Sometimes, we just want to indulge in a slice of honey-glazed ham as much as a spicy bowl of laksa. And with cravings so diverse, only these festive buffets can satisfy.
RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas meals and festive menus in Singapore and the best Christmas takeaways in Singapore
Under $50
Novotel Clarke Quay
December 1 to 31
Fill your plate with everyone’s favourite dishes with the well-stocked lines at The Square Restaurant. Look forward to the festive classics that include a 24 Hours Roasted Brine Turkey, striploin, and Christmas pastries while slurping down the restaurant’s signature laksa, or freshly cooked pasta tossed in salted egg sauce. The dishes aren’t much to rave about, but the variety and affordability (from $48) will make up for it.
Jamie's Italian
December 25
Grab a seat at Jamie’s Italian during lunch and dig into a semi-buffet spread ($50) that starts with porcini arancini truffles, Caesar salad, and a selection of cured meats and bread. Mains include a festive turkey from the carving station and crispy porchetta, but remember to leave room for some risotto, pasta, and pizza. Then, end off the afternoon on a sweet note with the homemade tiramisu or panettone truffle.
IKEA
December 20
If you’re one of those who travel all the way to IKEA for a taste of its famed meatballs (and chicken wings), the restaurant’s Julbord Christmas Buffet Dinner (from $29.90) will definitely satisfy your craving. Enjoy unlimited servings of meatballs as part of the meal, served alongside all the lingonberry jam and gravy you desire. And while you're in line, pick up some marinated salmon and herring, cold water prawns, roasted turkey, and honey baked ham.
$50 to $100
Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill
December 20, 21, 24, 27, 28, 31
You might want to hold back on the slow-roasted turkey from the carving station. Instead, grab a plate and head to the grilled section; smoky, barbecued meats are the star here at Cocobolo’s Festive BBQ Buffet (from $78). Look forward to lemon dill snapper cooked in foil, red curry spice tiger prawns, Angus beef with herbs, lamb rack, assorted sausages, and other meats grilled to smoky perfection. Pair it with sides of Brussels sprouts and cheesy cauliflower and broccoli, and round off your meal with some festive mulled wine and pear in casserole.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
November 4 to December 30
Things get a little fancy at the Town Restaurant (from $59). Located at The Fullerton Hotel, it boasts views of the Singapore River which you can enjoy as you chow down on seared foie gras, Hokkaido scallops, porcini mushroom and truffle risotto tossed in a parmesan wheel, and a wellington made with Impossible Meat.
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
December 1 to 30
Depending on when you visit, some 110 festive dishes await you at the Mariott Cafe (from $68). Enjoy grilled seafood, charcuterie, turkeys, hams, foie gras, and Yuletide desserts. But it's during the festive period (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) where the menu gets even better – lobster Thermidor, grilled scallops, crayfish with chilli herb butter, slow-roasted Australian beef prime ribs, and other premium ingredients pop by at the buffet lines.
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
December 9 to 31
Your usual festive spread gets an Asian twist at Plate (from $68). Start your meal with some oriental turkey salad and Thai mango with crabmeat tartar, then get your fingers dirty as you move on to the restaurant's signature chilli and black pepper crab. Slurp down some soba noodles and grab the crispy tempura prawns and fish skin, and top it all off with an assortment of Nonya kueh. But for those hankering for a taste of the classics will also be taken care of, with slow-baked turkey, roasted beef rump, lamp Shepard pie, and more cuts of meat.
$100 and more
Melt Café
December 24 & 25
The variety offered at Melt Café is extensive, to say the least. Prices start from $188 on Christmas Eve and $158 on the joyous day itself. Lose yourself in the sheer variety, which spans from a salad bar, a range of cheeses, cold cut platter, bread, seafood, soups, curries, barbecue, Indian cuisine, and more. And when you’re done stuffing yourself, the dessert section is another well-stocked place to conquer. You’ll need to bring your heartiest of appetite for this hearty meal.
Tanjong Beach Club
December 25
Slip on some flip flops and enjoy a casual, festive brunch by the sea at Tanjong Beach Club. There’s none of the festive frenzy from the city here, just views of the sea, endless tipples, and of course, fresh seafood of oysters, prawns, Boston lobster, and whole tuna sashimi. Also on the menu of its Coastal Christmas (from $138) are meats from the live carving station and a selection of sweet treats, which include a refreshing strawberry watermelon cake and roasted pistachio cream cheese log cake. Face painting, balloon sculpting, and a Santa appearance will also help keep the young ones entertained as the adults imbibe.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
December 25
Gather the entire family for an afternoon filled with fun and festive dining at The Grand Ballroom (from $238). Beyond a feast of glazed gammon ham with jalapeño-spiced cornbread, roasted dry-aged prime rib, nitrogen-baked meringue with red wine poached pear sorbet, there's also a range of activities to keep everyone occupied. When you're done stuffing yourself, work off some of the calories at the arcade games or photo booth. The little ones can also look forward to a range of kiddy rides, a bouncy castle, and an appearance from Santa.
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