Talk about Ellenborough Market Café> at Swissôtel Merchant Court, and one may go “Peranakan Food” and “Durian Pengat!”
Some friends would just speed to the dessert sections first, and dive for (almost countless) top-ups of the signature Durian Pengat during our weekend makan sessions.
If you have not been to Ellenborough Market Café in a while, you may be surprised at the new look and offerings.
[Also look out for the HSBC Credit Card Promotion at the end of the post. Buffets at Ellenborough Market Café priced at $80 for two diners!]
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As they say, “The Grand Dame of Peranakan cuisine returns bolder and better.”
Having eaten here with my family a few times before, I recalled the interior to be darker and more ‘traditional’ looking.
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Check out the revamped décor – the space was more spacious and contemporary-looking.
Plus, there are seats by the glass walls. That means some natural sunlight (if you come during lunch) and a distant view of Clarke Quay and the Singapore River.
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The refreshed halls comprise of three zones – the main dining area in whitish-cream and turquoise accent (my current favourite colour); lofty stained glass mezzanine; and a fresh-looking Hampton-esque dining room with the show kitchen buffet lines taking centre stage.
Compared with the previous incarnation, walking around didn’t feel that cramped, and the food selection was clearly organized. Thumbs up for the face-lift.
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Food-wise, newly appointed Executive Chef Louis Tay has expanded the range of international cuisine, working his ‘magic’ with recent additions of a Carving Station and European style dishes.
Other new menu highlights include Nyonya Satay Chicken and Braised Pork Belly La Mian, alongside all-time favourites including the signature Ayam Buah Keluak, Nyonya Chap Chye, Itek Sio, Opor Babi (pork cooked in coconut milk) Curry Fish Head and desserts of Pulut Hitam and Nyonya Kueh Kueh.
Here are some of the signature food items I tried from Ellenborough Market Café:
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Slipper Lobsters in Black Bean Sauce
My table’s favourite. Slipper Lobsters with succulent meat, wok-fried and covered with a sweet-savoury sauce with a hint of spiciness.
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Chilli Crab with Fried Man Tou
Their style of Chilli Crab happened to slant to the sweetish-side. I would personally prefer a sauce that was spicier and more egg-y, and the flesh to be chunkier.
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Kueh Pie Tee
This is from the DIY Kueh Pie Tee station, where you can choose to add your preferred amount of cooked radish and toppings such as shrimps, hard-boiled eggs and peanut. A childhood favourite.
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Durian Pengat
Need I write more about their signature must-have dessert?
Okay, okay. Here’s why I think diners like their Durian Pengat so much. It is smooth, rich, slight-bitter sweet, luscious, yet not pungent in smell.
The yellowish creamy dessert is also now available in these cute-sized bottles.
Good for non-durian eaters like me who want a try, but not too much (Yes, I admit I don’t like durians that much, but actually enjoy their Durian Pengat).
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Nyonya Kueh Dadar
Pandan-flavoured rolled crepe, filled with grated coconut steeped in gula melaka.
The Kueh Dadar is made right in front of your eyes at the live station, ONE BY ONE. Soft skin and generous sweet fillings, it’s worth saving some stomach space for these.
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Carving Station
Executive Chef Louis Tay explained that his training in European style cooking has inspired him to introduce more international flavours to this buffet.
Therefore, you would see the inclusion of hearty tasty meats such as Roast Beef, Rack of Lamb, Pork Knuckles and German sausages (note: only available during dinner, with items on rotation).
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Additional highlights for November and December 2016:
BBQ Seafood Bonanza (1 – 30 Nov 2016)
Feast on barbecued seafood where you can handpick your own from a selection available on ice, then grilled à la minute.
Expect Spicy Sambal Stingray, fragrant Grilled Garlic Tiger Prawns, Nyonya Sambal Marinated Squid and Assam Pedas Local Clams.
Family Festive Feasts (1 – 31 Dec 2016)
Christmas festive treats with a local twist, think Roasted Peranakan Buah Keluak Tom Turkey with Glutinous Rice, and Roasted Pork Belly Roulade with Apple Sauce.
Time to plan those year-end buffet meals with your colleagues, family and friends!
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Ellenborough Market Café
Swissôtel Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road, Singapore 058281
Tel: +65 6239 1848
Opening Hours:
Buffet Breakfast: 6:30am – 10.30pm Daily
Buffet Lunch: 12:00pm – 2:30pm Daily
Buffet Dinner: 6:30pm – 10:00pm Daily
Buffet High Tea: 3:30pm – 5:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
Reservations Email: dining.merchantcourt@swissotel.com
Website: http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-merchant-court/dining/ellenborough-market-cafe
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HSBC Credit Card Promotions
Exclusive at Ellenborough Market Café:
• Lunch buffet at S$80 for two (U.P. S$104).
Valid from Mondays to Sundays, from 1 October to 31 December 2016
• Dinner buffet at S$80 for two (U.P. S$124).
Valid from Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 1 October to 31 December 2016
• High-tea buffet at S$68 for two (U.P. S$84).
Valid every Saturday, Sunday and on Public Holidays, from 1 November to 31 December 2016.
Terms & Conditions: These Offers are for dine-in only, unless stated otherwise. Prior reservation is required and subject to availability.
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Other HSBC buffet offers:
Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore – Atrium Restaurant
1-fo1- for “A Great Catch” Seafood Buffet Dinner
317 Outram Road, Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6731 7172
Park Hotel Clarke Quay – Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill
One dines free with every two paying adults for Weekend BBQ buffet
Offer is valid from Fridays to Sundays.
1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 6593 8855
For more details on the latest HSBC dining promotions, visit www.hsbc.com.sg/dining
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* This post is brought to you by HSBC Credit Cards
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