Yue (乐) @ Aloft Novena Singapore - Unlimited A La Carte Zi Char Buffet from $29.90++ with 1-for-1 Promotion

Yue at Aloft, nestled within Aloft Singapore Novena, launches what may be Singapore's most value-for-money a la carte zi char buffet, priced from just $29.90++ per person. And for a limited time, diners can enjoy an even sweeter deal with a 1-for-1 promotion (U.P. $59.80++/$71.80++ per pax, min. 2 to dine). The buffet features over 20 dishes showcasing Yue's signature modern Chinese cuisine with touches of local seafood flair. On top of that, each table receives two complimentary premium dishes: Crab with Creamy Milk and Salted Egg Lime Sauce and Kung Pao Duck Confit, making this deal even more irresistible.

Crab, Creamy Milk and Salted Egg Lime Sauce 3/5

While the Crab itself was fresh, sweet, and decently sized, the creamy salted egg lime sauce was overly zesty, throwing off the flavour balance. The sauce felt more citrus-forward than salted egg-rich, which may divide opinions.

Duck Confit, Kung Pao 3.8/5

The Kung Pao Duck Confit was a generous serving with two tender duck legs in a claypot. The meat was beautifully fork-tender, but the sauce lacked the bold, spicy, sweet punch typical of kung pao dishes. A little more heat and tang could have lifted it further.

Deep-Fried Mid-Joint Wings, Shrimp Paste 4/5

The Deep-Fried Mid-Joint Wings were a solid favourite. Deep-fried until crisp and marinated in shrimp paste, they were packed with umami and remained juicy inside. It is a classic zi char delight.

Crispy Baby Squid, Sweet Shrimp Paste and Ground Peanut 4/5

A clever, rojak-style take on Crispy Squid. These baby squid were deep-fried to a golden crunch, then tossed in a sweet shrimp paste and crushed peanuts. Addictive and well-executed. It is a standout dish.

Mapo Beancurd, Minced Pork 2.8/5

The Mapo Beancurd missed the mark. Using firm tofu instead of the usual silky type removed the velvety texture one expects from Mapo Tofu. Moreover, the sauce lacked the signature kick of doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns, making it flat and underwhelming.

Deep-fried Sea Bass Slices, Superior Soy Sauce 3.5/5

A simple and comforting dish, much like something you'd find in a home kitchen. The superior soy sauce played an essential role in adding depth and lifting the flavours of the tender Deep-fried Sea Bass Slices.

Cereal Prawns 4.2/5

This is a zi char staple that delivers on flavour. The Cereal Prawns are succulent and crispy, generously coated in buttery sweet cereal and fragrant curry leaves. They are comforting and well-balanced.

Sweet and Sour Pork, Popping Candy 4.2/5

The Sweet and Sour Pork was both playful and delicious. The succulent pork pieces were glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce, and the addition of popping candy gave it a whimsical, fizzy touch that added both texture and fun to the dish.

Spring Chicken, Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila 3/5

Served sizzling, the Spring Chicken with Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila was tender and well-braised. However, the dish lacked the aromatic complexity expected from the Luzhou Laojiao Zisha Tequila, making it feel more like a standard brown sauce braise.

Sliced Beef, Black Pepper Garlic Sauce 4.5/5

The Sliced Beef in Black Pepper Garlic Sauce was one of the stars of the night. The beef slices were juicy and tender, and the black pepper garlic sauce packed a sharp, pungent punch that paired exceptionally well with the meat.

Wanton Noodles Soup 2/5

The Wanton Noodles Soup is a letdown. While the noodles were decently springy, the soup lacked depth and body, resulting in a bland dish that felt more like an afterthought.

Yue's Signature 'LIMPEH' Bee Hoon 4.8/5

The must-order dish is Yue's Signature 'LIMPEH' Bee Hoon. A modern take on Chao Ta Bee Hoon, this version has a charred, crispy crust and deep wok hei. The soy sauce and lup cheong add an extra dimension of flavour, making it incredibly fragrant and satisfying. It is easily the best dish on the buffet.

Yue at Aloft impresses with a robust selection of zi char classics and playful modern twists. While a few dishes fell short of expectations, the value-for-money is undeniable, especially with the 1-for-1 promotion and free premium dishes. This buffet is worth every penny. It offers over 20 items, including crowd-pleasers like Cereal Prawns, LIMPEH Bee Hoon, and Sweet and Sour Pork with Popping Candy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yue (乐)
Aloft Novena Singapore

Lobby Level
16 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329982
Tel: +65 68086846
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Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]