Racines @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - The Brand New Ultimate Racines Brunch Buffet, Turf & Tide Edition

Saturday brunch gets a new Surf & Turf spin at Racines with the latest edition of its Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition. Available every Saturday from 12.30pm to 3pm until 31 October, the buffet brings together a generous selection from both land and sea — from fresh seafood on ice and sushi to grilled meats, whole fish, local favourites and, of course, a very tempting dessert spread.

Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu

Assorted Sushi and Maki

Poached Prawns

Seasonal Freshly Shucked Oyster

Sea Whelk

We started with the seafood and Japanese selection, featuring Cured Salmon with Chilli and Yuzu Ponzu, assorted Sushi and Maki, Poached Prawns, freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters and Sea Whelk. There’s a good variety of seafood on ice, and more importantly, everything we tried was very fresh. The oysters were a little smaller than we would have liked, but they made up for it with a pleasantly sweet flavour. The poached prawns were another easy pick, especially if you are the kind who can happily spend half your buffet attacking a mountain of seafood. The assorted sushi and maki also make for a nice start to the meal, though with everything else waiting, we would definitely recommend pacing yourself!

Nyonya Fish Maw Soup (Hu Pioh)

Seafood Chowder

There were two soups available during our visit — one Western and one Asian. Unfortunately, the Seafood Chowder was one of the weaker dishes for us. We found it a little too diluted, and the only seafood we really found in our bowls was clams. The Nyonya Fish Maw Soup, on the other hand, was almost exceptional. It was packed with ingredients and had a lovely consistency without being overly starchy. If we had to nitpick, all it needed was some black vinegar and white pepper on the side, and we would have been very happy.

Signature Rojak

Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce

Beyond the usual suspects such as Caesar Salad and Classic Prawn Cocktail, two items stood out to us — the Signature Rojak and Gado-Gado Salad with Peanut Sauce. The Signature Rojak comes pre-mixed with plenty of fresh fruits, making it refreshing and surprisingly easy to keep eating. We also enjoyed the Gado-Gado, especially since you can DIY your own bowl with as much of that rich, nutty peanut sauce as you like.

Classic Seafood Otak-Otak

Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs

Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin

Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse

This is where the Surf and Turf theme really comes through, with the grill section featuring a mix of meats and seafood, including Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs, Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin, Grilled Red Snapper in French Bouillabaisse, and Seafood Otak, alongside chicken, prawns, and other fish selections. And I have to say, Racines really does its cooked food very well. The Charred Cumin Lamb Ribs were especially inviting with that smoky, spiced exterior, while the Slow-Roasted Macka’s Beef Striploin makes a satisfying choice for the meat lovers. The Grilled Red Snapper is also quite a centrepiece on the buffet line. Served whole in a French bouillabaisse with mussels, it’s one of those dishes that immediately catches your eye as you walk past.

Crabmeat Fried Rice

Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass

Now, I know what everyone says: don’t waste precious stomach space on rice at a buffet. But hear me out. The Crabmeat Fried Rice with Egg Whites, Prawns, Sakura Ebi and Tobiko is really yummy! There are generous chunks of crabmeat throughout, while the Sakura Ebi and tobiko add even more seafood flavour and texture. Seriously, please don’t skip this one.

Another dish worth trying is the Whole Nyonya Assam Curry Seabass. The fish was fresh and meaty, while the gravy was rich and lemak with that familiar tangy-spicy Assam curry flavour. This is definitely one for those who enjoy stronger local flavours.

DIY Noodle Bar

If you somehow still have room, there is also a DIY Noodle Bar, with two noodle options rotating weekly. During our visit, the choices were Kelantan Style Laksa and Creamy Tom Yum Seafood Noodles. Both looked extremely tempting but, unfortunately, we had to make the difficult buffet decision to save whatever stomach space we had left for dessert. And looking at the dessert spread, I think we made the right decision.

Durian & Coffee Tiramisu

Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly

Assorted Choux Puff

Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake

Ondeh Ondeh Cake

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Assorted Traditional Nyonya Kueh

Fritter Bar (Cempedak, Banana and Ubi Keledek)

The dessert section is probably one of the most visually impressive parts of the buffet. There is a glorious selection covering Western cakes and bakes, local flavours and traditional favourites, including Durian & Coffee Tiramisu, Coconut & Blue Pea Flower Jelly, Assorted Choux Puffs, Baked Burnt Butter Pandan Cake, Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Traditional Nyonya Kueh, Pulut Hitam Gelato and Signature Bubur Cha Cha.

There were hits and misses amongst the desserts, but visually, almost everything looked too good not to try. I particularly like that Racines doesn’t just fill the dessert counter with the usual chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and pastries; there is a strong local influence throughout the selection.

The Fritter Bar is another dangerous addition, with freshly fried cempedak, banana and ubi keledek. Because apparently after an entire buffet, we still need fried cempedak.

Teh Tarik

Besides the usual coffee and tea, there is also free-flow Teh Tarik. It was fragrant, smooth and, most importantly for us, not overly sweet. It is a simple addition, but a very welcome one, especially after all the rich food and local desserts.

Overall, the Ultimate Racines Buffet Brunch: Turf & Tide Edition offers a good variety for a leisurely Saturday brunch, particularly if you enjoy having both seafood and cooked dishes rather than a buffet that focuses heavily on just one or the other.

The restaurant itself is also a lovely space for a long weekend meal, with full-height glass windows bringing in plenty of natural light.

The brunch is priced at $108++ per adult and $54++ per child. There is currently 40% off adult prices with DBS, OCBC, Citi, JCB and Maybank cards for up to eight persons, while ALL Accor+ Explorer members enjoy 1-for-1 on adult prices for up to eight persons.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Level 5
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 64285000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 1030am, 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Peck Seah Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut @ Sengkang Grand Mall - Crispy Indonesian Fried Duck and Authentic East Javanese Flavours

For those craving authentic Indonesian flavours, Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut has opened its latest outlet at Sengkang Grand Mall, bringing its signature crispy fried duck and a selection of traditional Indonesian dishes to the heart of Sengkang. The halal-certified restaurant specialises in East Javanese-style flavours, transforming humble ingredients such as duck, chicken, tofu and vegetables into hearty, satisfying dishes. While the crispy fried duck is undoubtedly the main draw, the menu offers plenty more worth exploring.

Original Crispy Fried Duck + Rice 4.2/5

We started with the Original Crispy Fried Duck + Rice ($12.50), the signature dish that Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut is known for. The duck is marinated for 24 hours in a savoury blend of secret spices, then deep-fried until the exterior is beautifully crisp. As expected from a deep-fried duck, the meat is not particularly juicy, but the trade-off is a wonderfully crispy exterior with plenty of texture and bite. The duck comes with rice, tofu, tempeh, a side salad, and Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut’s Original Chilli Sauce. The sambal is seriously spicy, so a little goes a long way, but for those who enjoy heat, it adds a fiery kick that works particularly well with the savoury duck. The crispy skin, fragrant spices and fiery chilli make this a satisfying introduction to what Pak Ndut does best.

Crispy Fried Duck in Green Chilli + Rice 4.2/5

If the Original Chilli is a little too fiery, the Crispy Fried Duck in Green Chilli + Rice ($12.50) is a more approachable option. The Green Chilli has a pleasant aroma and moderate heat, giving the duck a nice spicy lift without overwhelming its crispy, savoury character. I particularly liked that the chilli didn’t mask the duck’s flavour, letting the crunchy texture and seasoned meat stay the focus.

There are five chilli options — Original Chilli, Green Chilli, Sweet Chilli, Belacan Chilli and Sangan Chilli — so you can customise your meal to your preferred level and style of spice.

Sangan Crispy Fried Chicken + Rice 4.2/5

Not a fan of duck? Pak Ndut also offers crispy fried chicken with the same selection of chilli sauces. I went for the Sangan Crispy Fried Chicken + Rice ($10.50), which gets its distinctive character from being fried in a clay pan, which imparts a subtle smoky aroma to the chilli. The chicken comes with rice, tofu, tempeh, side salad and Sangan Chilli. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy, smoky char chilli makes this a worthwhile alternative if duck isn’t your thing.

Gado Gado 4.5/5

Beyond the rice dishes, I recommend ordering a few traditional Indonesian side dishes to share. The Gado Gado ($8.50) was one of my favourites. This classic Indonesian salad brings together a mix of fresh and blanched vegetables, including cabbage, long beans, bean sprouts and cucumber, alongside fried tofu, tempeh and quarters of hard-boiled egg. A generous coating of thick, creamy peanut sauce brings it all together. It is rich, nutty and savoury with a hint of sweetness, garlic and tamarind, while remaining relatively mild on its own. Crispy keropok adds another layer of texture, providing a satisfying crunch against the soft tofu, egg and vegetables. If you prefer more heat, you can always add some chilli from the free-flow sambal station. This is a hearty and substantial version of gado gado that works particularly well as a sharing dish.

Oxtail Soup (Sop Buntut) 4.5/5

The Oxtail Soup ($10.50) is another dish worth ordering, especially if you prefer something warm and comforting. The clear beef broth is rich and savoury, with traditional aromatics such as nutmeg, clove and white pepper lending a gentle warmth and fragrance to the soup. Generous chunks of oxtail fill the bowl, cooked until tender and easy to pull from the bone. Carrots, potatoes and tomatoes add sweetness and substance, while fried shallots and fresh herbs provide an aromatic finish. Despite the richness of the beef, the clear broth keeps the soup relatively light, making this a comforting accompaniment to the heavier fried dishes.

Tahu Telour 4.8/5

Another standout was the Tahu Telur ($8.50), a classic Indonesian dish that combines soft tofu with beaten egg, then deep-fries it over high heat. The result is an impressive golden, fluffy tower that is crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy within. The contrast in textures makes this particularly enjoyable, especially when paired with the accompanying peanut sauce. The sauce combines creamy peanuts with sweet soy sauce, giving it a savoury-sweet profile with a gentle hint of spice. Shredded vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots and cucumber add freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the fried tofu and egg. Simple ingredients, but executed in a way that makes the dish surprisingly satisfying.

Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut offers a solid introduction to traditional Indonesian comfort food, with crispy fried duck as the main attraction. The duck may not be the juiciest because of the deep-frying process. Still, the crisp texture, aromatic seasoning and variety of chilli sauces make it an enjoyable dish, particularly for those who love their food with plenty of crunch and heat. Beyond the signature bebek goreng, I would also recommend exploring the sides. The Gado Gado, Oxtail Soup and Tahu Telur were our standouts, offering a nice balance to the fried mains and showcasing the variety of Indonesian flavours on the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut
Sengkang Grand Mall
70 Compassvale Bow
#01-38
Singapore 544692
Tel: +65 6913 7787
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Nearest MRT: Buangkok (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9:30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buangkok MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Bara Food @ Altez / Icon Village - True Indonesian Flavours With Nasi Bakar, Indonesian Special Grilled Rice

Bara Food is a Halal Indonesian restaurant located inside Altez at Tanjong Pagar, serving Nasi Bakar, Indonesian special grilled rice. The restaurant offers a number of set menus with the nasi bakar as well as side dishes complete the meal.

Ayam Goreng Serundeng 4.2/5

The first set we had is the Ayam Goreng Serundeng, which comes with a whole Javanese-style fried chicken leg topped with serundeng, mixed fried Indonesian herbs and spices. The sides include tempeh and fried tofu. All these are accompanied by rich and aromatic rice wrapped in banana leaves, grilled over fire.

Ayam Goreng Cabe Ijo 4.2/5

If you like spicy food, I recommend trying the Ayam Goreng Cabe Ijo. The fried chicken topped with green chilli sauce is fragrant, spicy, and has a spicy punchy kick.

Ayam Bakar Betutu 4.2/5

The Ayam Bakar Betutu will be a delicious option if you are not into spicy food. It comes with Balinese-style grilled chicken in sweet kecap manis paired with sambal matah (a mixture of different raw spices in special chilli oil), fried tofu, tempeh and nasi bakar.

Kangkung Belacan 4/5

We ordered Kangkung Belacan cooked in shrimp paste sauce for a balanced diet. The rich shrimp paste flavour accentuated the enjoyment of the crunchy morning glory.

Gado Gado 3/5

We also ordered the Gado Gado, an Indonesian mixed salad in peanut dressing.t I am not a fan of it. I find it weird to have cold vegetables in peanut dressing.

Bergedel 4.5/5 and Corn Fritter 3.8/5

I would recommend the snacks at Bara Food too. The Bergedel was so good. It is probably one of the best I have eaten. As for the Corn Fritter, It lacked the crispiness I was expecting.

I visited the place during the weekend for lunch, which is packed. Fortunately, I made a reservation. Hence if you plan to check out the place, avoid the peak hours or make a reservation.


Bara Food
Altez / Icon Village
16 Enggor Street
#01-10
Singapore 079717
Tel: +65 81826876
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Peck Seah Street towards Gopeng Street. Walk to Icon Village. Cut through Icon village to Altez. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

White Rose Cafe @ York Hotel - Rejuvenates Dining Experience With A Refreshed A La Carte Menu

White Rose Cafe at York Hote, known for its authentic local and Asian classics, revitalised its a la carte menu showcasing a delectable selection of local, Asian, Western, and premium carbon-neutral beef specialities conjured by the culinary team.

Gado Gado 3.5/5

New highlights for the appetiser include the Gado Gado and Seafood Couscous Salad. The light and appetising Gado Gado ($15) comprising of long beans, boiled potato, cabbage, bean sprouts, fried bean curd and egg is dressed in a fragrant peanut sauce for a nutty finishing.

Seafood Couscous Salad 4/5

The Seafood Couscous Salad ($20) consisting of prawns, squid and fish in a refreshing mango salsa dressing is excellent for whetting up the appetite.

Minestrone 3.5.5

For the soup option, diners can choose either the Minestrone or the new Crab Bisque with Cognac. The sweet and tangy Minestrone ($15) soup comes with delightful bites from the accompanying ingredients such as beans, pasta, potato, carrot, zucchini and cabbage.

Crab Bisque with Cognac 4/5

The Crab Bisque with Cognac ($18) is much more robust and richer in flavour, paired with garlic bread and cream.

Thai Green Curry 4/5

Besides the local classic, the kitchen has expanded the menu to include Thai cuisine. We tried the Thai Green Curry ($25) with tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut-based curry. It is served together with a plate of fragrant steamed rice topped with a silverfish omelette.

Chicken Roulade 4/5

We moved from local and Asian cuisines to Western fares, such as the Chicken Roulade and Ribeye Steak ($52). The tender and juicy Chicken Roulade ($25) is paired with mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccolini and baby carrots. It is a classic and simple dish executed beautifully for a delicious meal.

Ribeye Steak 4/5

Consumers are more into sustainable diet nowadays, so the culinary team has replaced the regular ground beef with carbon-neutral beef from Five Founders, Australia. Beef lovers can look forward to the perfectly grilled Ribeye Steak ($52) served with potato gratin and seasonal vegetables.

Paneer Tikka 3/5

Green Burger 3/5

For the vegetarians, customers have the option of Paneer Tikka ($16) served with raita and papadum. I am not a fan of it. I thought it was bland, lacking a sauce. Maybe a vegetarian curry will help to elevate the dish. For something for filling, go for the Green Burger ($18), whereby plump and juicy portobello mushroom is sandwiched between charcoal bun with pesto mayo dressing.

Chocolate Lava Cake 3.5/5

Sago Gula Melaka 3.5/5

Creme Brulee 3.5/5

End your meal on a sweet ending with a selection of desserts such as the Chocolate Lava Cake ($12) with vanilla ice cream, Sago Gula Melaka ($9) with coconut milk and Creme Brulee ($12), a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelised sugar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


White Rose Cafe
York Hotel
21 Mount Elizabeth
Singapore 228516
Tel: +65 67370511
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road towards Goodwood Park Hotel. At Goodwood Park, turn right and walk to the end of the carpark. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]