Level 4, The Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue,Tel: 6885 3082
Operating Hours: A la carte: 6.30am – 11 pm Breakfast buffet: 6.30 am-10.30 am Lunch buffet: Noon – 2.30pm Dinner buffet: 6.30pm – 10.30pm 

As its moniker suggests, Melt promises a multicultural gastronomic experience – the proverbial melting pot itself. The mix is predominantly Asian, with its beautifully laid out signature buffet showcasing Indian, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Italian cuisine. The Indian station was my favourite – it had a real tandoori oven which turned out my fantastic charred, spicy, smoky-sweet fish tikka, chicken tikka and a puffy brown naan bread, smeared with oil and garlic. The other stations also turn out commendable dishes — the sashimi is really fresh — but what really took the cake (literally) here were the desserts. Taking centre-stage near the entrance is the wondrous sight of a massive dessert bar with jars of colourful candies and jams, baskets of fresh, tropical fruit, a cornucopia of desserts served Tapas-style, a chocolate fountain, a hawker-style crushed ice dessert stall for making your own personalized ais kacang, and shelves laden with freshly baked bread, pastries and cookies. I was spoilt for choice. I dipped some strawberries in the chocolate fountain, grabbed a fistful of cookies and a raspberry champagne jelly (unbelievably good) and made a ais kacang with strawberry syrup, sweet red beans and minty grass jelly, then sat down and gorged. I was very, very happy.WINE: Flawless mix of quality boutique vintages and good value house pours. Selection by the glass is limited.