Epicurean Singapore at Circles Event Cafe of Makati Shangri-La Hotel

From August 1 to 10, 2013 Circles Event Cafe of Makati Shangri-La Hotel will run a 10-day Singaporean Food Festival called Epicurean Singapore. Known as one of the best hotel buffets in Manila, Circles Event Cafe will feature various Singaporean specialty dishes prepared by guest Sous Chef Tan Kheng Boon and Assistant Sous Chef Ricky Young Soon Khiong from Traders Hotel Singapore.

Aside from the Singaporean feast at Circles Event Cafe, a cooking demo class will be held on August 7, 2013 hosted by Chef Tan Keng Boon. This demo is priced at Php2000 nett inclusive of a buffet lunch at Circles Event Cafe.

Prior to the food festival that started August 1, a media event was held where we sampled some of the dishes which are included on the line up for the Epicurean Singapore feast. Singaporean dishes are known for its rather spunky flavor that leans on the spicy side of the spectrum. However, the chefs were considerate enough to tailor fit the dishes to the Filipino palate without assaulting its authenticity.

Popiah and Fruit Kojak were the two appetizers that graced our table first. Popiah was essentially fresh spring roll with spicy kick meant to excite the palate. The spiciness was not the type that lingers long enough to carry you through the entire meal. Rather, it was the type that punched aggressively in one go and shyly evaporates in the myriad of flavors that caressed the palate. Fruit Kojiak on the other hand was similar to our beloved green mango and bagoong only a little less pungent in terms of flavor.

I lost count of how many great tasting Laksa I have on my list but this one fits the bill. Although it could use some additional coconut cream, it was still a delight to the palate. The spiciness level I found rather soothing to the palate, needless to say that it was toned down to suit the palate of their target market. I must say it was a smart move since this only steeled my resolve that this food festival is worth going back for if only to taste this Laksa again.

Satay with Peanut Sauce was equally delightful. Rarely do I encounter a well executed satay since most of them were a tad too tough and dry for my liking. Such was not the case with chef Tan's rendition. The satay was tender and notably moist that no sauce was necessary. yet, since the peanut sauce that came with it was not just good but great, I indulged on the goodness of the combination.

The last time I enjoyed a crab was during my previous visit at Gloria Maris with their rendition made all the more special with salted egg. Singaporean Chili Crab at Circles however was equally delightful hence, I enjoyed it just the same. I love that it was served with fried mantou which was perfect in sopping up the remains of the sauce after you feasted on the crab meat.

Beautifully plated Singaporean Chicken Rice boasts of rice balls neatly arranged that almost stood as the main event on the plate instead of the chicken itself. While the chicken carried a notable flavor and tenderness, the rice balls were at par in terms of flavor.

Another dish which I found surprisingly indulging was the Fish Head Curry. It was a tad spicier than I hoped it to be, but a spoonful was never enough since it was so good I didn't mind the sweat that ran through my forehead. It was the kind of dish I would gladly devour with heaps of steamed rice and milk tea on the side.

Tempe Goreng was a vegetarian dish made of tofu and spices. I was given a head's up that it was really spicy so I skipped it.

One of my favorite Singaporean dishes Char Kway Teow was also served and I was glad that it did not disappoint. The blending of flavor was just

perfect and I appreciate that it was not as oily as the usual Char Kway Teow one can get from any Singaporean restaurants in Manila.

A trio of dessert was served to cap off our Singaporean feast; Pulut Hitam which reminded me of our local chocolate porridge, Pisang or fried banana fritter, and Coconut Ice Cream which goes perfectly well when mixed with the Pulut Hitam as per my friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy's recommendation.

Epicurean Singapore is available for both lunch and dinner at Circles Event Cafe of Makati Shangri-La Hotel Manila from August 1 to 10, 2013. In line with this promotion, group diners with at least 4 person will get a chance to win a round trip tickets to Singapore with free accommodations at either Traders Hotel Singapore or Shangri-La Singapore. This special promo is made possible with the participation of Cebu Pacific.

Epicurean Singapore Buffet Rates:

Lunch Buffet

Php1,460++ Monday to Saturday

Php1,750++ Sunday

Dinner Buffet

Php1,735++ Sunday to Thursday

Php1,950++ Friday to Saturday