Straits Kitchen

Straits Kitchen Restaurant Review:

A favorite first stop for newly arrived visitors to Singapore, this seemingly endless buffet runs the global gamut. But the emphasis is on indigenous dishes, some prepared by actual 'aunties' lured from their popular food stalls in the island's most famous hawker centers. By bringing flavors to the Grand Hyatt in central Singapore, like popiah, an elongated summer roll filled with braised turnip, prawns, boiled eggs and peanuts, everyone can enjoy the island nation’s rich edible heritage. Gluttons who develop an instant and insatiable attraction to the yam cake with prawns at the sprawling breakfast buffet will be overjoyed to find it back on the generous lunch menu. Classic Chinese stir-fry, Malay ayam santan, a chicken curry made with fresh coconut milk plus an entire array of Indian breads are among the many ethnic flavors to be found and indulged in amidst the industrial chic yet inviting space. Homesick Westerners can also choose from plenty of comfort foods, including authentic fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers and Australian sirloin, along with an extensive selection of homemade ice creams and multi-layer cakes. The restaurant allows diners to take full advantage of the hotel's considerable wine list, though most are eating family-style or having a speedy business lunch so the focus is more on the food or sipping unusual local liquid concoctions.