1
Market is Malaysia Number 1 Celebrity Chef, Chef Wan first foray in
Singapore restaurant scene. Located in Plaza Singapura, this place
opened with much fan fare and publicity in Singapore and across the
Causeway. This buffet restaurant is filled to the brim everyday, so
if you never make a reservation, your chance of getting a table is
very slim. Reviews on this establishment on food review websites has
not been positive, however it did not stop me from suggesting this
place for a catch up session with our friends.
Let
me start describing our experience from reservation. It actually took
me two days to get through to get a reservation. First, I make a few
calls during the break time in hope that the staff will be lessen
their work stress in taking reservation during their busy period.
Unfortunately, it went unanswered. Later I found out from their FB
page, they only take reservation during their operation hours. So I
tried the next day and by luck, managed to get through and place my
reservation for our big group. The person on the other line was
courteous and give me the details on pricing, especially for kids
under a certain age.
Come
to the D Day, we arrived on time and was shown to our table. Luckily
they already allocated the table, so as long as someone come on time,
they will allow you to be seated and the rest can come a bit late.
Normally you need to pay before you enter, however as we are in a big
group, they actually do the final count at the end and we can pay the
bill before the end of our meal. Kudos to them for allowing this
flexibility.
 |
| The Crowd |
So
once you enter the restaurant, can see their food selection starting
with cold seafood, Japanese section, Rotisserie section, Asian Home
cooking, Grill Section and deserts. So how is the food.
 |
| Cold Dish Selection |
We
start with the cold dish section. The prawn and blue swimmer crab are
quite reasonable in size, but not fantastically fresh. The cockles,
clams and mussels are over cooked, and the meat actually shrinks. To
accompany the seafood, you can choose their Thai Chili Sauce mix, but
according to the Little Devil, it is not spicy enough. Got no KICK!!
 |
| The Condiments |
 |
| Food the cold dish section |
For
the Japanese section, the selection is quite limited. For sashimi you
will have the Salmon, Tuna, Octopus. It is not the best cut, but it
is all right. The same can be said on the sushi and maki selection.
 |
| Sashimi |
Come
to the rotisserie section. Two options of meat, roast chicken and
beef rump. The service staff tried her best, however it is difficult
to de-boned and sliced chicken on the spot where you got a long queue
of hungry customers. Both the meats are very dry and it was not
well-seasoned. Disappointing.
 |
| The Beef Rump |
 |
| The Beef Rump - sliced |
 |
| The Roast Chicken - sliced and a bishop |
Come
to the Asian section, Laksa Lemak, Kueh Pie Tee, and Rojak. The lemak
gravy is quite thick and you can feel the lemak (coconut fat). Rojak.
The rojak here is DIY (Do It Yourself), so you can mix and match the
ingredients. The dressing is quite well balance, where you can taste
the ingredients of belacan, tamarind and black bean paste. Can't
comment on the Kueh Pie Tee, it seems we miss out on this.
 |
| The Laksa Counter |
 |
| Laksa Lemak |
 |
| Rojak |
On
the home cooked Asian section such as Chicken Belado, Lamb Stew, Thai
Prawn and Tumeric Crab. All the dishes are quite flavourful, however
nothing really pop up to be highlighted.
The
grills section. Probably the best part of section of the restaurant
other than the desserts section. The Satay, you can choose chicken
and beef complete with the condiments, ketupat and satay sauce. This
is fresh from the charcoal grill, you can taste the charcoal burnt
part with the thick satay sauce. The meat was well marinated but
slightly chewy. The ketupat is all right but not fragrant. Their
grilled sotong / calamari is a must-try. It is nicely grilled and
tender and you have to be quick as both dishes flying off the serving
place at an extreme pace.
 |
| The Satay Master!!! |
 |
| Satay |
Last
but not least, the desserts section. They have a numerous selection
of deserts, however the most popular is the waffle with ice cream. It
is so good, if you leave this till the end, you can expect long queue
until you want to give up. The sago, pandan pudding, peach pudding,
jelly are average. So don't miss the waffle. The drinks are free
flow.
 |
| Waffle with Ice Cream |
 |
| Sago, Pandan Pudding, Lychee Pudding |
1
Market has a modern decoration, bright and well space in between
tables. Service is average, but our table got cleared before any
noticeable stack of plates.
Overall
we find 1 Market provide another choice for Halal buffet. The food is
average but I was really amazed by the popularity of Chef Wan as the
number 1 celebrity Chef in Malaysia. This place continue to be
packed, packed and packed. I personally feel that if you never been
to this place, you should try at least once. Just keep your
expectation in check and have a good time with your friends. So
Selamat Makan!
Food
& Drink: 6/10
Value:
6/10
Service:
6/10
Ambiance:
7/10.
1 Market by Chef Wan
68
Orchard Road
#04-45
to 49. Plaza Singapura
Singapore
238839
Tel:
6341 9159 (Only call during op hours)
Website
/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1marketbychefwan
Op
Hours: Daily 11.30 – 14.30; 18.00 – 22.00
Pricing
available on facebook page.
PS: Apologies for the pictures, as we were more focus on catching up
with friends then taking photos :)
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