Christmas Buffet at IKEA : A Pleasant Dinner

Where were you and what did you eat on the eve of Christmas? As for me, i went for the buffet dinner at IKEA. This was the second time, i was at the IKEA Tampines last year but decided to go to IKEA Alexandra this year. There was already a queue outside of the restaurant even before 5.30 pm. I overheard a conversation between their staff whether to allow 2 different groups coming in at the same time or having it a group at a time. The queue was rather systematic when we were allowed to enter at 5.25 pm. We were ushered to our table quickly. 

Rather quickly, queue started to form at the buffet table but it was moving rather quick even for those that just joined the queue did not have to wait for too long. 

There is a wide variety of dishes like Turkey, Honey Baked Ham, Baked Smoked Salmon, Gratin with Marinated Hering, Baked Meatballs, Sausages, Salads, Log Cakes and more.

Most of the food items tasted quite average but their Honey Baked Ham tasted rather stale, i left it uneaten. For just $30 per pax with a $10 IKEA voucher given, i have nothing to complain. 

IKEA ALEXANDRA

317 Alexandra Road SINGAPORE 159965

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 11.00 pm

IKEA Tampines : Buffet on Christmas Eve

I went down a week or so before the event to purchase a ticket, the ticket is priced at $25 for member and a $10 voucher was given along. They announced a few days later on their facebook that all tickets have been fully sold out. A table number has been allocated upon purchase to monitor the number of person attending the Buffet. There were a total of 3 sessions on that day to choose. First session was for lunch from 11.30 pm to 2.00 pm, the second session was from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm and the third session was from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm. 

We gotten there slightly after 5 pm, the queue was already formed right at the entry and we joined in. They allowed entrance at about 5.10 pm, we presented our tickets to exchange for a banner to be worn on our wrist while dining there. This is definitely a good way to allow their diners to leave for a toilet break and come back. That service staff that supposed to lead us to our table ended up took us for a merry-go-around as she couldn't locate the 17A. The table was the end of a long table right at the corner. We were told to start the buffet right after. 

The buffet spread consists of Turkey, Ham, Bacon wrapped Sausage, Baked Salmon with Potato & Onion as well and not forgetting their signature meatballs. The appetisers were pretty extensive, it consists of chilled prawns, potato salad, spicy salmon salad and more. The dessert selection were cream puffs, log cakes, fruits cocktail and different types of fruits.

The queue started to get really long when more diners joined in, the waiting time was really long as per diner usually went for multiple plates of food as they did not want to wasting time to be in the queue again. Part of the reason that contributed to it was the buffet line is to be closed 30 minutes before the ending time at 7.30 pm. 

Another disturbing scene was most of these diners ended up with too much unfinished food and contributed to food wastage. I guess this is something for them to work on if there is next such event. They could also work on the replenishment rate a bit, certain items like the popular log cakes did not replenish fast enough as they only supplied 2 rolls each time. It was snapped up almost immediately every time when it served.

It was somewhat an enjoyable Christmas Eve nevertheless.

IKEA TAMPINES

60 Tampines North Drive 2 SINGAPORE 528764

Old Hong Kong Essence Ala-carte Cha Chan Teng Buffet

Purchased a voucher from deal.com.sg for $19.80 to use for lunch. Please note service charge and GST are exclusive from the price stated earlier. Foods were very much below average and service was not attentive. 

Don't waste money! I would definitely not recommend this buffet. 

OLD HONG KONG ESSENCE

8 Sinaran Drive Oasis Hotel @ Novena #02-05 Singapore 307470

Todai Singapore - Buffet Restaurant at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)

Having heard so much of this supposedly amazing 'Mother of all buffets', i decided to purchase a discounted voucher when i came across it online. The voucher offered a good 30% discount for lunch buffet during the weekdays. Reservation is expected at least 1 day in advance. I have done so through their reservation system on their website. I gotten a call back almost immediately when i submitted the reservation. 

We went slightly earlier on that day itself. We were asked to wait for a bit till 11.30 am before proceed to the counter. We were quickly ushered to a table for 2 after presented the vouchers. The walking space between tables was a little narrow. The selection of foods was not as wide range as expected thus not too impressive. Service was rather attentive though. Overall, it was a not too bad experience but not good enough to get me go back too soon. 

The cooked food section has got quite a good range for selection and all tasted quite decent.

The selection from the Italian section was rather limited and served in small portion.

As were seated right below the spot light and the surrounding was not brightly lifted as well thus i do not have the perfect

TODAI SINGAPORE BUFFET RESTAURANT

2 Bayfront Avenue The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-01 SINGAPORE 018972.