What: Called the ¡°Singapore flavours¡± lunch buffet, the emphasis here is really the authentic Peranakan fare. And with Baba Jolly Wee, an octogenarian Peranakan as consultant (he trained the chefs and actually inspects the spread personally three times a week to ensure its consistent quality), you can be assured the great array of Nonya fare (and dessert) here is authentic with a capital ¡°A¡¯. They must be doing something right, as the cafe is well patronised by the bibiks and babas at lunchtime.
Don¡¯t miss: The excellent ayam buah keluakCits thick, robust gravy makes you just want to keep heaping on the rice. There¡¯s also Nonya laksa, petai prawns, rojak (the Nonya version has more fruit like water apple (also known as rose apple) and guava) and mee goreng tinged with a lovely lemongrass flavour.
The buffet also includes a good array of local favourites such as oyster omelette, chilli or black pepper crabs and Hainanese satay with pineapple sauce. The smattering of Cantonese dishes is also worth sampling. The flavourful rice wine chicken soup is the real chicken soup for the soul and the dying dish, loh kai yikis a rare nostalgic treat. Its stew-like gravy is made from red fermented beancurdCthe chef dishes it up with your choice of meats (chicken, pork, liver, innards) and kang kong.
Why it¡¯s value for money: Peranakan cuisine is often pricey at the restaurants, so Spices Cafe¡¯s $25 per person ($12.50 kids, 3-12 years) buffet is an unbeatable deal. Plus, you get to savour some really good local dishes. The buffet is also going at just $20.50 from Aug 2 to 31, as part of the National Day celebrations.
