Lobster Nights at Ellenborough Market Café
I am an ardent fan of lobsters, therefore a buffet with various lobsters executed in tantalising styles is the perfect reason for me to indulge and satiate my cravings for the King of the Crustacean.
Swissôtel Merchant Court, Singapore's Executive Chef, Martin Tan and his culinary team has curated an extensive buffet menu featuring a plethora of succulent lobsters prepared in innovative styles from sweet to savoury to spicy, in addition to perennial Peranakan and local classics such as Ayam Buah Keluak (chicken braised in a thick, spicy tamarind gravy with Indonesian black nuts), Babi Pongteh (Nyonya style braised pork with fermented soy bean sauce), Ikan Assam Gulai (fish in rich tamarind gravy), Terong Balado (Eggplant with Chilli Sauce), Nyonya Chap Chye (mixed vegetable stew), Slipper Lobster in Chilli Sauce, Braised Beef Brisket, Fish Head Curry and more. Items are available on a rotational basis and you can look forward to at least six delectable lobster creations per night.
Titillate your senses with Seafood on Ice specials including Boston Lobsters, Crab, Tiger Prawns, Yabby, Black Mussels and Whelk and satisfy your appetite with Rock Lobsters with Tangy Coconut Sauce, Sweet Sambal Onion or Cheese Sauce at the Teppanyaki Station. I like the Tangy Coconut and the Sweet Sambal Onion which are richer in flavours. If you enjoy cheese, you will be besotted with the Cheese Sauce.
Lobster Rolls and Tartlets are my all-time favourites. Generously topped with sweet lobster meat accented with celery, onion and a gentle hint of yuzu, the warm toasted brioche buns are buttery and melt readily in my mouth. The Lobster Tartlets are irresistible too, offering a lovely contrast between the crunchy tart and the smooth, creamy and luscious lobster meat. The best part is that the Lobster Rolls and Tartlets are available nightly.
If you like local delights, my recommendation is the Lobster Laksa steeped in an aromatic coconut-based gravy. Brimming with Rock Lobsters and egg and topped with laksa leaves, it leaves one yearning for more.
I also love the Rock Lobster with Golden Salted Egg, which is a quintessential local creation. The lovely lobsters are coated with a savoury and rich sauce which make them lip-smackingly irresistible.
If your palate veers towards stronger, spicier flavours, you will enjoy the Nyonya Curry Lobster, which draws inspiration from the traditional Nyonya curry which is tangy and rich in flavours. The lobsters are cooked in the fragrant curry with Peranakan spices, adding depth and dimension to the dish.
Another highlight is the fresh hand-pulled La Mian with Lobster Dumplings cooked in mouth-watering chicken broth. Every morsel is generously filled with juicy and sweet lobster meat. Feast your senses as La Mian Chef, Li Xiao Hui dexterously kneads, pulls and strings the dough through his fingers to make the La Mian. He also showcases the making of lobster dumplings by kneading, pressing, shaping and folding the dough and adroitly stuffing the lobster fillings in each dumpling.
Ellenborough Market Café's signature Black Pepper Rock Lobsters are not to be missed. The delectable lobsters hit the right notes with their inviting peppery and slightly sweet sauce.
Get ready to set your taste buds ablaze with the tongue-numbing Szechuan Mala Baby Lobsters packed with Szechuan peppercorn and spices. A must-try for those with an inclination for spicy food!
A good meal is never complete without heavenly desserts. For a sweet finale, bring your meal to a spectacular closure with assorted Nyonya Kueh and the signature Durian Pengat.
Ellenborough Market Café's Lobster Nights Buffet is available from 15 to 30 November 2019 during dinner and is priced at S$98++ for adult and S$49++ for child. The restaurant is located at level one, Swissôtel Merchant Court, Singapore (20 Merchant Road, Singapore 058281). For reservations, please call 6239 1847/1848 or email dining.merchantcourt@swissotel.com