Plaza Brasserie, Plaza Parkroyal

Buffet-driven restaurants are so ubiquitous in town that it is rather difficult to differentiate one from the other. Plaza Brasserie at the Plaza Parkroyal, however, differentiates itself from the rest with its better-than­ average food and relaxed atmosphere. First I went to the seafood station where chefs deftly sliced me some tuna, salmon, octopus and amberjack sashimi – the tuna, salmon and amberjack were subtly rich with oil, and the octopus was beautiful: fresh, firm and clean. Then I headed to the ‘live’ station for some lamian pulled in front of my eyes and dunked in a bowl of hot, sheep-y mutton broth – chewy, delicious and filling. To finish I went for the durian fruit prata — a crisp prata roll filled with the unusual, almond tasting, custard-y durian pulp. Easy to get to, this modern and breezy restaurant is a favourite of mine and, it seems, with many others! Turn up early or book ahead to avoid disappointment.WINE: A classy list of well established Australian and French labels, offered by both the bottle and the glass.

Plaza Brasserie, Plaza Parkroyal

Lobby Level, Plaza Parkroyal Singapore, 7500 Beach Road, Tel: 6290 8218 / 6298 0011Operating Hours: Lunch: Noon – 2.30pm(Mon – Fri)Noon – 4 pm(Sat to Sun)Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm