With dine-in rules changing faster than you can make reservations for Friday night drinks, one thing’s for sure: there’s nothing we miss more than strolling into our favourite buffets and savouring expertly-crafted dishes with a view of Singapore’s bustling central district. Silver lining though – you can dine in either in groups of two, or five if everyone is fully vaccinated according to current dine-in guidelines. 

Enjoy a smorgasbord of Peranakan dishes and international cuisines at Ellenborough Market Cafe Buffet at Swissôtel Merchant Court. Like many of its buffet counterparts, the riverfront restaurant has pivoted to an ala carte style of serving, with dishes of your choice brought to you and your dining companions. 

For the month of July, enjoy a Seafood Bucket exclusive to dinner sessions at Ellenborough Market Cafe, complete with fresh, succulent crustaceans, shellfish, and other goodies. Feast your way through Boston lobster claws, snow crabs, prawns, and clams that are well-marinated with a tangy chilli sauce that will set your tastebuds tingling.  

Ellenborough Market Cafe’s flair for local seafood shows in its Asian offerings. The EMC Signature Laksa lives up to its name as one of must-try dishes at this buffet, with fresh river prawns and clams upping the ante for this local favourite. While the Rock Lobster in Singapore Chilli Crab Sauce  serves as an encore to that mouthwatering Seafood Bucket. Finish off these comfort foods with comforting staples such as Blue Pea Rice. 

Work your way through various selections of  Sushi, Sashimi, and even Mini Donburi in the Japanese section of Ellenborough’s international menu. 

Or head straight to the good ol’ West! We loved the tender meat of the Sliced Beef Sirloin with Caramelised Onion and Horseradish, as well as the refreshing flavours of the Granny Smith Apple Salad which helped reset our palates after working through more than a couple of rounds of rich, delicious food. 

While desserts tend to be overlooked by diners (myself included) whose appetites often peak too early during the main courses, it would be a crime to leave Ellenborough Market Cafe without trying its sweets. Especially the Durian Pengat, whose rich concoction of durian, coconut, and gula melaka have regulars calling ahead to ensure it’s in stock before even reserving their table! 

Price: 
Buffet Lunch (Monday to Sunday): $58++ (adult), $29++ (child)
Buffet Lunch (25 December and 1 January): $78++ (adult), $39++ (child)
Buffet Dinner: $78++ (adult), $39++ (child)  
Weekend Festive Tea: $48++ (adult; includes gourmet coffee or premium tea), $24++ (child; includes soft drink or juice)

Address: Swissôtel Merchant Court, Level 1
Google Maps 
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay NE5
Buffet Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm (lunch), 6.30pm – 10pm (dinner)
Contact: +65 6239 1847/ +65 6239 1848/ dining.merchantcourt@swissotel.com 

Website/ Facebook/ Instagram 

chueonit.