The Restaurant @ Dover Road

Not known to many even for myself, there is actually a Chinese restaurant in Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild (SPGG) that is open to the public. The Restaurant, ironically that is the name of the restaurant offers zi char dishes in a air conditioned restaurant setting.

Upon being seated, we are served complimentary Achar and Papadum. I thought it was quite a interesting combination. I have never seen such combination being served elsewhere especially the papadum since it is a Chinese restaurant.

Stir Fried Four Seasons Vegetables 4/5

Stir Fried to fragrant is the Four Seasons Vegetables ($8.50) consisting of the long beans, lady fingers, winged beans and egg plants. A very homely dish with the spicy dried shrimp (hae bee) and garlic playing their role in the dish excellently and enhancing the flavours.

Deep Fried Beancurd with Chye Poh and Yellow Bean Crumb 4/5

The Deep Fried Beancurd with Chye Poh and Yellow Bean Crumb ($9.50) did impress me with its silky texture. My wife especially likes the thin crispy layer on the outside. Beancurd is usually quite bland so I actually applauded the idea of using chye poh and the light soy sauce to boast the flavour. A hearty dish that I enjoyed a lot.

Assam Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

I am a big fan for fish head curry and so when I saw the Assam Curry Fish Head ($31.80) on the menu, I knew I need to order it. Lucky I was not disappointed. The spices packed aromatic gravy was a winner for me with chunky cuts of lady fingers and egg plants. Definitely one of the better assam curry fish head I have eaten.

Assam Curry Fish Head 4.5/5

During my dinner time visit on a Sunday evening, I noticed the restaurant was quite packed and busy with families. I would probably come back again to try the other dishes on the menu. Meanwhile if you plan to check out the place, I would recommend the assam curry fish head and deep fried beancurd with chye poh and yellow bean crumb.


The Restaurant
Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild (SPGG)
1010 Dover Road (Singapore Poly gate 4)
Singapore 139658
Tel: +65 67969961
Website: http://www.spgg.org.sg/dining/the-restaurant
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line), Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 196. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to bus stop opposite Buona Vista MRT station (Stop ID 11369). Take bus number 196. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Atrium Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has unveiled an all new look with its newly refurbished guest bedrooms, revamped lobby interior as well as a all new dining concepts to offer guests a more modern and contemporary experience. Leading the hotel in the new changes is the newly appointed General Manager, Anne Johnston. The popular all day dining hotel restaurant, The Melting Pot has also been renamed as Atrium Restaurant boasting a bright and modern interior featuring a new buffet and a la carte menus.

Chilli Crab 4/5

The kitchen is now lead by former Grand Park Orchard Executive Chef Chua Yew Hock. With him on board, he also brought along some of his signature dishes such as the Chilli Crab, Mussel Otah Otah, Asam Fish and Curry Laksa.

Singaporean loves their crabs and the chilli crab being an iconic Singaporean dish, the spicy crustacean will be well received by both the locals and foreigners. It also served with mantou, a popular pairing which the locals enjoy savouring the delicious gravy to the max.

Mussel Otah Otah 3/5

The Mussel Otah Otah for me did not come together as a dish. It is good on its own,  putting 2 different components together on a mussel shell and served. Saying that, the steamed spicy fish paste was quite good with the different spices teasing the taste buds.

Asam Fish 4/5

Chef Chua is really good with his spices. The Asam Fish was really spot on with the heat and execution. While the fish meat was inclining to the dry side, I could not really fault it as it is offered among the buffet spread and not served ala minute. If Chef Chua offers asam fish head on his a la carte menu at an affordable price, it may become one of their signature item.

Curry Laksa 4.2/5

Not to be missed at Atrium Restaurant will be the Curry Laksa. The fragrant gravy with dried shrimps was not too 'lemak' but yet still giving it the needed creaminess. It was so good that some of us gone for second helping.

Risotto 3/5

Atrium Restaurant also offers a live station. During my visit, I tried the Risotto which was flavourful but I thought it was on the dry side.

Sashimi

Seafood

Like all buffet, Atrium Restaurant offers an extensive spread of varieties catering for everyone. The buffet spread also has Sashimi and Seafood which are very popular among the locals.

If you are cheese lover, there is a good selection too.

What is a buffet without the dessert section right? Worried not as Atrium Restaurant will satisfy your sweet tooth with their different dessert, cakes and pastry.

While I have read many negative reviews of the former Melting Pot, I did not experience such lousy food during my visit. I supposed the new executive chef and the revamped menu has lifted the standard. Of course, they need to continue on this good start to be one of the top buffets where diners want to go to. If you plan to visit Atrium Restaurant, I would strongly recommend trying their spicy dishes such as the Chilli Crab, Laksa and Asam Fish.

Buffet Lunch
Mon-Fri: $45++
Sat: $50 ++
Sun: $55 ++

Buffet Dinner
Mon-Thu: $50++
Fri-Sun: $55 ++


Atrium Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 67317172
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiatrium
Website: http://holidayinn.com/sinatrium
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1230am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 123. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes.  [Map]