Hotel buffet review: Shermay Lee's Peranakan Cuisine at Escape, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, Singapore 217562

After a month in Europe, there's nothing I would like more than local cuisine. So I was really pysched when I was invited to try out Shermay Lee's heritage cuisine at Escape Restaurant & Lounge at One Farrer Hotel & Spa located conveniently at Farrer Park MRT. This hotel buffet gave me the opportunity to enjoy authentic Singaporean and Peranakan cuisine to my heart's content! In case you're wondering, it is available every first Saturday of the month from now to April 2016 at S$60++ per person, from 6pm to 10.30pm. 

When I was there, I found out that Escape's concept is to feature small portions of their food items, so they can be replenished on the spot by the chefs cooking them fresh at the open kitchen behind, or per your demand (e.g. the laksa). That's a great way to approach a hotel buffet, because I often find the food mass produced and lacking in flavour. They also get some of their produce from the relatively near Tekka market from trusted stall partners so it is guaranteed fresh. How great is that!

There are plenty of different cuisines to choose from in the line up. Other than Peranakan ngoh hiang and cakes, there were also Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Western food and fresh seafood to sample from. This is just a small shot of what was available!

For example, some fluffy prata! Not pictured here, but equally delectable was the chili crab with mantou, and the lotus with pork rib soup, which was so good I had two bowls! It was a really homely and satisfying taste, which was what Escape strives to provide. That home cooked food feeling, which is really difficult to get especially when you are at a hotel buffet. They managed to do it though!

There are also some good desserts to pick from like the durian penyat (so rich and creamy, full of durian flavour) and a cheese selection. As well as these cute macarons, as an homage to the pandas that were adopted by the hotel in China, I reckon.

We also sampled some pickled goods that came from the garden that supplies the restaurant with some herbs and vegetables. These are pickled right at the hotel! That's amazing, for a hotel that might look just like any other. 

Definitely look into this monthly hotel buffet especially if you are visiting Singapore because it is a great way to sample local cuisine, but still enjoy an international spread of really fresh food. For locals, it is a great way to celebrate a special occasion with the family. 

Escape Restaurant & Lounge
One Farrer Hotel & Spa
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562
First Saturday of the month from now to April 2016
6pm to 10.30pm
For reservations email escape@onefarrer.com or call +65 67057828