Embu at MO Singapore

Embu

Mandarin Oriental Singapore

5 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039797

When you think hotel buffets, a couple always stands out, Embu, Colony and Estate are amongst the ones frequently spoken about. It has taken us quite a while to finally visit Embu.

The revamped Mandarin Oriental reopened with Embu as its main all-day dining restaurant, a bright and sophisticated space named after the tropical tree that once shaded Singapore's old kampongs. The interior channels warmth through natural woods, clean lines and plenty of greenery. The layout is spacious with the tables being generously distanced and the buffet benches spread out across the entire space. This means you can move through the buffet line without ever brushing elbows.

Entrance to Embu

Embu's buffet doesn't try to overwhelm. Instead it is a confident edit of a curated spread. The mandatory seafood serves up sashimi, cold seafood as well as oysters of high quality. There are stations spanning local, western and Indian cuisines, with the roast stations being carved to order (including the roast duck stand).

In the local section are dishes that are not normally seen at buffets, including bak kut teh and claypot rice with lap cheong. If there is one wish I had, it would be for the presence of a traditional chinese double boiled soup. The bak kut teh offered instead was hearty and a mix between the fiery peppery local and the herbal flavours from our neighbours, but lacked the quiet finesse the rest of the spread carried.

Many diners come here for the Indian section, which has earned glowing mentions online. Whilst I couldn't sample every dish, the aromas and the selected dishes we had hinted at depth and wonderful flavours.

There is a separate section designated for children. Tables placed low so that it is at eye level for the kiddos and veg sticks in adorable capsicum cut out trains. Everything was definitely very attractive and thoughtfully curated for our little ones.

Back at the main buffet section, the dessert station is easily the jewel of the experience. Behind glass sits a dazzling array of cakes, ice cream and sorbets and local kuehs. The key lime tart was creamy and nicely acidic, and the dark chocolate sorbet left us wanting seconds.

The service matches the setting, polished yet approachable. Our tables were always cleared and our water glasses refilled. One thing that could be better is the booking system, we made an early dinner reservation for 5.30pm on the system and when we arrived we were told that the buffer only starts at 6.30 and if we were to dine at 5.30 we would have to go for the ala carte options. A little annoying and I wish they would fix the system but the staff was nice about it and helped us amend out reservation to 6.30 for the buffet instead.

As with most buffet experience, carpark coupons are provided but do note that the parking is within Marina Square and MO is not directly connected to the carpark, which means you would have to exit via the stairs to get ot the main entrance of the hotel. Similarly, the hotel is not directly connected to Marina Square, which means if you want to go to the mall, or access the MRT, you'd have to exit the hotel and head via the stairs to the mall. It is a little inconvenient and seems like a design quirk/miss?

Selection of Cakes

Booking

At the time of writing, there are tables still available for the weekend. Definitely book in advance, and make sure you go via the sevenrooms reservation to select the Buffet to avoid the same mistake we made of booking for an earlier non buffet slot.

Accessibility

Embu is located within Mandarin Oriental and the closest MRT is Promenade. However, from the train station, it is another 10 min walk through Marina Square.

The Damage

Through Sun to Thurs, the dinner is priced at 98 SGD ++ and 118 SGD ++ on Fri and Sat. The buffet is complimentary for children between the age of 5 and 50 % off the adult price for all children between ages 6 and 12. If you have a UOB card, Embu is currently running a promotion for 1 dines free with every 3 paying adult.

Would We Recommend?

Yes! The quality at the buffet is high. It is compact but definitely packs a punch. Like most Singaporeans, our primary motivation for going to a buffet, is usually either a birthday celebration, or a desire to eat oysters and seafood in abundance. Embu will remain one on our list to visit again.