After having some serious gastric issue that caused an unintentional weight loss of 6 KG in two months, I have since changed my diet. Though that happened 3 years ago I am still following my stomach-friendly diet religiously. I would cautiously select what I take daily but occasionally indulge on cheat days. So when it comes to local food like Char Kway Teow or Hainanese Chicken Rice, it is considered an indulgence to me. I don’t eat them daily, but when I am, I’ll make sure I eat the best version. My personal mantra here is: If I were to spend the quota, I will make them worthwhile.
I was happy to hear about PARKROYAL on Pickering’s hawker themed buffet where all our favourite local delight got a gastronomy upgrade. The ‘Loco Local’ buffet aims to inject a touch of luxe into Singapore’s humble hawker food, blending the taste of familiarity with the finest ingredients. Think Hokkien Noodles with Baby Lobster, Alaskan King Crabmeat Char Kway Teow, Lobster Roti Jala and more.
This exciting spread is to celebrate Singapore’s 54th Birthday and to all my foreigner readers, if you are in Singapore during the month of August, you are so very lucky. Because you get to enjoy almost all Singaporean dishes at 1 place, and the food will be served in sample size, which is a great way to explore our local flavours, more so if you are short of time! There are also live stations where you can observe how our local dishes are prepared too.
So, here are some of my favourite during my recent tasting session at the hotel.
I was excited to try out Roti Jala, a Malay-style crêpe which is not easily found in Singapore. The thick and aromatic lobster curry was a keeper. Try dipping the Roti Jala into the thick gravy and you’ll know why, the curry was creamy and fragrant, and so comforting it kept me going back for more. – Definitely a must-eat here!
The Hokkien Noodles with Baby Lobster is another star item here. Prepared freshly upon order, the noodles come piping hot. Do remember to drizzle some lime juice over the dish as the juice elevates the flavour of this briny, sweet plate of hokkien mee.
Next was the Alaskan King Crab Meat Char Kway Teow. I love how the kway teow noodles are nicely coated in the soya sauce, eggs, Chinese sausage, pork lard and complete with the Alaskan King Crabmeat. The sweetness and tenderness from the crabmeat, together with the kway teow was divine. Though I hope the chef could be even more generous with the crab meat.
Another dish worth a mention was their steamed oyster. You can choose to pair them with Thai Chilli sauce, Mala or Sambal Belacan, 3 of the restaurant’s highly raved pairing sauces. I must say the oysters were fresh, plump and succulent – a delightful dish especially paired with Thai or Sambal Belacan sauce. I don’t even like oyster that much, and this is coming from me so be sure you fill up your plates with plenty of the oysters!
Other live stations include Fried Carrot Cake, Hainanese Chicken Rice and even a Teh Tarik station where you get to see the “Tarik” in action! You can even order a Milo Dinasour if you want! I also love the Lime’s staple dish Pig Trotter in Vinegar, and their local themed dessert section filled up with Orh Nee, Soya Bean Jelly and Assorted Nyonya Kuihs.
Writer’s Note:
I’ve always loved the offerings at Lime Restaurant. I have been there many occasion but the Christmas theme buffet remains as my favourite at Lime. That said, I feel that ‘Loco Local’ is a great place to savour the upscale version of our favourite local delight. It is also a great place to impress our foreigner friends as they get to try out our local food and drinks all at one go, great to include this into your Singapore itinerary if you happen to visit Singapore this August. The variety and the quality matched the price point, and I am sure many would enjoy the food there.
Contact Details:
‘Loco Local’ at Lime (5th August to 1st September 2019)
PARKROYAL on Pickering
3 Upper Pickering St, Singapore 058289
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Price:
SGD68 per adult (Sunday to Thursday) | SGD78 per adult (Friday and Saturday)
Includes free flow of Teh Tarik, chilled coconut water and a selection of local beverages
SGD34 per child (Sunday to Thursday) | SGD39 per child (Friday and Saturday)
Price is applicable to children between the age of four and 12
*Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars and subject to 10% service charge and 7% goods and services tax.
** Enjoy 15% savings on the buffet bill with four or more paying adults
