Sungkai @ Deli Nutreesh

Yesterday we had sungkai at a restaurant with my office mates, except the bosses! Haha! I’m sure you all heard about this place which serves grilled food buffet for $10.90, don’t know the place? It’s just behind the QAF Plaza in Beribi. Now here’s my review and comments, or more to critic.

First of all, the food was good. I helped myself with the grilled lamb chop which made me kinda warm and restless this morning, but yea I love it! Now here’s the down part. Towards the course of the buffet, they did not refill some of the food especially the grilled items. Once all was grilled, then that’s it, you couldn’t ask for more, especially when you had to go through a big flock of hungry piranhas to get your share. I didn’t get to scoop the grilled prawn and when I asked for it, they were about to cool the coal already. And whats worst, they accepted customers’ reservations when they have a limited food preparation. Even before I could speak up, I heard some diners complained already.

But yea, I managed to eat what I wanted to eat, even though I had to share some of them with my friends, especially the grilled prawn. They didn’t even refill the tea and coffee, with that crowd, they just used a small pot for it!!! I’d say poor management on the buffet despite the good food.

Another thing, the place was cramped and packed. I found myself having to squeeze through my way amidst the crowd just to get around. I don’t know if I had to brush against breasts and butts with people in such crowd. The location of the restaurant was the biggest put-off to the experience, unless you’re early enough to secure a table indoors, like we did. Basically located on a sidewalk, the place did not provide a cozy environment to dine. Outdoors, it smell like drain water and they were lots of flies. Flies on food, that’s a major irritation for me, big time, especially for someone with weak immune system like me. Lucky us, we managed to get a table indoors, even that, they were one or two rogue flies flying around. Any health inspectors reading my blog? I think this place needs a spot check!

I guess that will be my last time visiting this restaurant. I don’t mean to destroy your reputation though nor I meant any harm. This is just my personal experience for your own improvement. Your food are delicious, it’s just that there are other factors you might need to look at.

Reviewed by Cintaislove.

Sungkai Buffet - Sheraton Utama Hotel

Ambience - Nicely lit food stations, the fairy lights and water trickle into the pool were nice touches.

Drinks - Free flow teh tarik & orange cordial & water

Food - Kambing bakar was blue rare and had to finished off in the bbq - thereby toughening the meat. Personally I think it should have been cooked earlier and longer with no raw parts (look at the legs). I am sure the meat will be more tender this way.

I can see why it was so popular as it was nicely marinated and very tasty and it was a shame about the texture of the meat. (Perhaps the tender parts have all been taken earlier.....)...

Rest of food was not bad -some good and some forgettable. Of particular mention would be the deep fried curry leaf battered prawns. They were of a good size and freshly fried, so was not hard (as all deep fried food left for long periods will become). The beef rendang was tasty and flavourful, but again the meat was tough. Shame. Perhaps longer cooking or a different cut of meat?

Desserts - Not a good idea to leave desserts (cream cakes, fruits - uncovered/unchilled) out for hours in the hot humid weather we are experiencing. I didn't have any.

Staff - Excellent as usual from Zul & Johannes and a big hello to Chef Nova. There were a number of new staff who appear enthusiastic and who were practicing the Sheraton 'touch'.

Value for money - At $22.00 + 10%, pretty good. The ambience and excellent service gather high points for me.

Worth a second visit? - Yes, but I will be go earlier (than 7.30 pm) to get the choice cuts of lamb and if the choice and display / storage of desserts is improved.

p.s The sambal belachan was excellent - very pedas with that delicious aromatic shrimpy smell/taste.

Andaman Sungkai Buffet

A couple of us bloggers got invited to try out the B$9.99 Sungkai Buffet recently. Overall we enjoyed the dishes and the choices offered are really value for money.

Click here for Maurina's review, here for Reeda's and here by Ranz.

Ramadhan Sungkai Guide

This guide has been making its rounds. Emailed, printed and photocopied nationwide I assume. Originally compiled by Maurina. Good job babe!

1. The Empire Hotel & Country Club (Atrium Cafe)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$25 per adult and BND$12.50 per child
- Prayer rooms available, $1 off every meal for charity
- Win Umrah packages as well
- For reservations: +673 2 418888

2. Charcoal Restaurant & Grill
- Skewer Buffet (whatever that means) @ BND$28.50 per person
- For reservations: 2221228

3. The Airport Restaurant
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$23.50 per adult and BND$12.50 per child
- Don’t forget extra cash for parking, especially if you tend to linger around after a meal.
- For reservations: 2331853

4. Seasons
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$20.90 per adult and BND$12.50 per child
- Gadong area: come early so you don’t need to fight for parking
- For reservations: 2422291/2/3

5. Dynasty Restaurant
- Set menu per table (Menu A: BND$140 per table, Menu B: BND$200)
- Sahur Dim Sum @ BND$13.90 per adult and BND$9.90 per child
- For Reservations: 2430185/6

6. Rizqun Coffee House
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$19.50 per adult and BND$10.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2423000 ext 7811

7. Orchid Garden Hotel
- Sungkai Buffet (Vanda Restaurant & Goldiana Cafe) @ BND$19.80 per adult
BND$12.80 per child
- Sahur Dim Sum Buffet @ $12.80 per adult and BND$6.80 per child
- For Reservations: 2335544

8. Misato
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$12.90 per adult and BND$7.90 per child
- For Reservations: 2239159

9. Zaika
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$17.00 per adult and BND$8.80 per child
- Bring extra cash for parking if you like to linger
- For Reservations: 2231133/2231155

10. Fratini’s
- 50% Discount on all Pastas & Pizzas
- For Reservations: 2451200/2451300 (Centrepoint), 2334520/2334530 (Piccolo)

11. RMS Diner
- 50% Discount on all Burgers
- For Reservations: 2423555/2452555

12. Restoran Nyonya
- Gadong: Nyonya Sungkai Buffet @ BND$9.80 per person
- Sahur Dimsum at Nyonya Restaurant @ 0.99cents per basket.
- Serusop: International & Halal Dim Sum Sungkai Buffet @ $12.80 per person
- Yayasan: Value Sungkai Buffet @ BND$6.80 per person
- For Reservations: 2231236 (Yayasan), 2447090 (Gadong), 2340038 (Serusop)

13. Pondok Sari Wangi
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$10.99 per adult and BND$5.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2445043 (Gadong), 2661893 (Sengkurong)

14. La Mee Restaurant
- Delima: Sungkai Buffet @ BND$6.00 per adult and $3.50 per child
- Gadong: Sungkai Set Meal @ BND$5.00
- For Reservations: 2430113 (Gadong), 2340112 (Delima)

15. Sheraton Utama Hotel (Poolside)
- Tamu Sungkai Buffet @ BND$22.00 per person
- For Reservations: 2244272

16. Swensen’s
- Exotic Seafood Kebabs @ BND$14.50
- Tropical Chicken Delight @ BND$14.20
- Texan Chicken & Lamb Kebab @ BND$18.90
- For Reservations: 2451864

17. Seafood Paradise
- Ramadhan Sungkai Seafood Buffet Promotion @ BND$14.50 per adult and $6.80 per child
- Free flow soft drink or air bandung and kurma
- For Reservations: 2231788, 8788934

18. Big Papa’s
- BP’s Buffet Sungkai @ BND$7.00 per adult and BND$4.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2233333

19. Millennium Restaurant
- Middle Eastern Sungkai Buffet @ BND$16.80 per adult and $10.80 per child
- For Reservations: 2424168

[added: 16/9/07 @ 11.09pm]

20. Tandoor.com (located behind The Arch building in Gadong)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$19.90
- For Reservations: 2450182

21. I-Lotus Restaurant
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$15.80 per adult and BND$9.80 per child
- For Reservations: 2422466

[added: 17/9/07 @ 5.11pm]

22. Deli Nutreesh
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$10.90 per adult
- For Reservations: 2651740

23. Jerudong Park Polo Club (Polo Restaurant)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$19.90 per person
- For Reservations: 2612500

24. The Holiday Lodge (Mills Coffee House)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$10.90 per person
- For Reservations: 2611618

[added: 17/9/07 @ 10.00pm]

25. Asma Hotel
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$12.90 per person
- For Reservations: 2612218

26. Mister Pizza
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$9.90 per person
- For Reservations: 2452277

27. Pizza Hut
- Promotion: Buy one, free one pizza for takeaway/pickup.
- You get a free large pan pizza when you buy one Cheesy Bites pizza (BND$24.90). Choices are either Honey Garlic, Tuna Delight or Hawaiian Lovers.
- Call 222-6111.

28. Arthini Cafe & Catering (Nasi Kandar Penang)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$12.00 per adult and BND$6.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2652699/8733397

29. D’anggerek Hotel (Aranda Cafe)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$10.00 per adult and BND$5.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2345222 ext 815

30. Saffron
- Ramadhan Sungkai @ BND$22.00 per adult and BND$12.00 per child
- Dessert Ramadhan Buffet @ BND$10.50 per adult and BND$6.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2235888

[added: 17/9/07 @ 10.47pm *maju eh*]

31. Capers
- Ramadhan Promotion: All You Can Eat @ BND$12.90 per person
- There will also be a buffet spread
- For Reservations: 2234000

[added: 18/9/07 @ 2.55pm]

32. Restoran Amanah Harith
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$6.90 per adult and BND$4.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2612140/8750292/8884546

[added: 18/9/07 @ 3.28pm]

33. Brunei Hotel (Mawar Coffee Garden)
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$9.90 per adult and BND$5.50 per child
- Guests in a group of 6 people will only have to pay for 5
- For Reservations: 2242372/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

[added: 19/9/07 @ 5.39pm]

34. Andaman Restaurant
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$9.99 per person
- For Reservations: 2653355
- Review by Turquoise and Roses

35. Coffee Zone Kiulap
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$12.90 per adult and BND$6.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2239333

[added: 20/9/07 @ 3.43pm]

36. Seri J.S Restaurant (Kg Kilanas)
- BBQ Sungkai Buffet @ BND$11.90 for adults and BND$6.90 for child
- For Reservations: 2670367, 8981322

37. KTM Thai Seafood Restaurant
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$6.00 per adult and BND$3.00 per child
- For Reservations: 2619140, 8875530

38. Takara
- 30% off on all Makis & items from the Ala Carte menu
- For Reservations: 2450180

39. Sushi Tei
- 30% off on all dishes
- For Reservations: 2447471

40. De Royalle Cafe
- Lontong Ramadhan @ BND$7.90
- Lontong: beef rendang, ketupat, papadam, sayur and salads wrapped in banana leaf
- For Reservations: 2220257

[added: 20/9/07 @4.15pm]

41. Fun Bread Cafe
- Ramadhan Special Set Meals @ BND$7.90
- Pick any rice dish and that will come with dessert and a choice of coffee or tea (hot or iced)
- For Reservations: 2451028

42. Seri Anjung Restaurant & Catering
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$8.00 per person
- For Reservations: 2222776, 8989766

[added: 20/9/07 @4.15pm]

43. TT Blues
- Sungkai Buffet @ BND$8.88 (nice!)
- For Reservations: 2424527

Sungkai Buffet @ Atrium Cafe, Empire Hotel

The kind folks at The Empire Hotel & Country Club have extended again an invite to the blogging team to experience their Sungkai Buffet at the Atrium Cafe. And boy, aren't we all delighted! Amongst us were the press people, all looking very happy to be there too.

I'll get to the prices later because I wanna talk about the food first! Oh, the Sungkai buffet line has daily-changing dishes which mostly focus on local delights, so varieties is ensured. I started with some belutak with pita bread, smoked salmon and pulut with some serunding on top. talk about east meet west huh? I forgot to try the lalap which I heard was yummy.

After that I had some Mee Rebus. It was simply da'bomb! The best meal of the evening for me and for most people too. I had mine with just prawns and mussels, no veggies as usual. The sauce is just rich with flavors. Ok I'm not good at this description thing like E, so I'll just say it again, its da'bomb! Hehe...

For the main course, I had the roast chicken, cinnamon sauce chicken, buttered fresh veggies, lamb something, that big fish.... man I should learn to write down those stuff I eat hehe... Well lets just say my plate was full. Oooh, I had some poppadoms too. I forgot to try the Sup Ekor which Reeda and Ranz said was really good. Btw boys, did it give some extra kick later in the eveing? Kekeke....

Last as usual was dessert, my favourite part of any meal. And at the Atrium, there is just a lot to choose from. Just look at the photos, you will be spoiled for choices. I had the yummy bread pudding and some local cakes. I also took one big plate of cucur (fried) tarap, pisang, ubi manis and nangka! All freshly fried on the spot. It was the first time for some of us to try the the cucur nangka and the overall verdict was good. Pity they didn't serve cucur durian, that would've been awesome!

To cool all of us down, we had some tea and coffee. I was so full and happy, alhamdulillah. I would very much recommend everyone to visit the Sungkai buffet at the Atrium Cafe. Its B$25 nett per adult and B12.50 nett per child inclusive of free flow Air Bandung, Soya Bean, Sugar Cane and Teh Tarik. More photos of the buffet can be found here. You cane read Reeda's review here.

Also every diner will have a chance of winning one of the 12 Umrah Pacjages or exquisitely hand crafted "Tasbih" - in Black Onyx & White Gold 18k finishings worth B780, in Pearls & White Gold 18k furnishings worth B$680 or in Jade & White Gold finishings worth B$880. All of these hand crafted Tasbih are sponsored by TAKA Jewellery.

The Sungkai buffet is open until 10:30pm. For convenience of all Muslim guest, a Surau and a special praying room are available from the Main Atrium of the Hotel. If Sahur is your cup of tea, the Sahur Buffet is served at the Lobby Lounge form 10pm to midnight-ish at B$15 nett per adult and B$7.50 nett per child.

They are also special discounts for Baiduri Bank cardholders, best call the Hotel at 2418888 for details. This year also, B$1 off every meal for Ramadhan dining at Atrium Cafe will be donated towards DANA Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah untuk Anak-Anak Yatim.

Oh one more thing, there is also a live performance of religious malay, english and arabic song as you dine. The guy did really well. I crack a lil smile though as we left the place, he was singing Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight. In his outfit, as you can see above, that song sounded kinda weird hehe...

A special thanks to Jen, Hafiza & Danny of The Empire's PR & Marketing Comms for being such a wonderful host again.

Fusion Restaurant

Tried Fusion at The Mall (located at Kura). Here’s my review…

Place : Décor and ambience reminds me of an indon restaurant kind of thing. Serving staff all in uniforms – waistcoats and kebayas. Not immediately attractive.

Service : Plates and glasses were sort of thumped on the table. Busboys were attentive though. Orders did get mixed up. We were a party of 10.

Menu : Wide range of choices under category of noodles & pasta, seafood & choice cuts. No vegetarian. All dishes accompanied with an explanation of what’s in it and a picture. Pictures were pretty flash so it gets you very excited about ordering. Beverage choices not so fantastic but then I’m the type who just opts for water cos I don’t like fizzy drinks, coffee or mocktails. I wouldn’t exactly say it was very “fusion”. Prices were tempting cos everything seemed reasonably priced.

Food : Nice presentation with nice chinaware. Seafood not fresh. I am very fussy about fishy smells and this was definitely fishy. Thank goodness I didn’t order the fish on its own. I had the seafood mix (fish slices, prawn, calamari & mussels) with rice. Rice was a bit mushy. Seafood was strangely marinated with a herb. I think it was thyme or fennel. Didn’t go very well but provided some flavour. Since the seafood was not at all fresh, I had to ask for chilli padi and soy sauce for cover up. There was not enough seafood portion to accompany the rice so I did not get to finish my rice. So I ended up still a bit hungry and not at all satiated. Generally, portions were small. Not very filling – but then I’m a big eater.

Dessert : No choices on the menu. You will have to check out the cake counter which had pretty looking tiramisu, oreo cheesecake, cherry cheesecake, cappuccino cheesecake and blueberry cheesecake. I tried a bite of each. Not worth the calories. I definitely make better tiramisu than what they were serving. Skip altogether - unless you don't know how real tiramisu should vaguely taste like and you can't be bothered.

Conclusion : Not going back no matter what. Not worth looking for parking and taking a gamble on which dish might turn out right.

This post is written by a friend of mine who went to the restaurant last month with her friends. If the owners are reading this, I hope you will accept this as constructive feedback and really look seriously into the source/storage of your ingredients. I can't think of anything worse than dubious ingredients - especially seafood - not only off-putting but downright dangerous. People do notice immediately and most will not tell you but just go away, tell their friends and never come back again.

And I have noticed in some restaurants, when you comment negatively on their food (even in the nicest possible way) to their service staff, they will look bewildered, bothered and give you that 'why are you telling me, I didn't cook it' look. It's really sad. So restaurant owners, if you're reading this, train your staff well, they are not there just to present the menu, take orders and serve. They are actually your restaurant ambassadors who play a very important part in a diner's experience in your establishment.

There are a few places I would not return to after just one awful experience with their food and service, and with the choice of restaurants we have in Brunei nowadays, you cannot afford to have anybody leaving your restaurant unhappy, dissatisfied and upset with their encounter.

Posted by Eleanor

Selamat Berpuasa

Ramadhan at The Empire

(click on image for a clearer view)

Savy's Restaurant

JKP and I had lunch at this newish restaurant in town. I think by now, everyone knows where this is located as they finally have a temporary signage put up. For those who don't, look out for the white tiled building opposite the Standard Chartered Bank. Just go up the stairs and it's located on the first floor.

When we walked in, who did we see, giving us big smiles and the warmest welcome? Oggy and Sam, two of our favourite service staff who used to work at the Sheraton Hotel. Both of them led us to our table by the windows, told us how nice we looked, pulled our chairs and sat us down, and neatly placed the napkins on our laps, presented the menu, recited the specials, took our drink orders and left us for a minute while we looked at the menu. (Doesn't that sound so professional? - excellent training from their ex-employer truly pays). A refreshing change from some restaurants where their service staff stare at you resentfully when you walk in.

This is their menu in a plastic folder which I'm sure is just a temporary measure.

Oggy came back with a leaf-shaped wooden boat heaped with warm homemade bread and a dip which is his Chef's special. By the way, he told us that his Chef hails from the Philippines where he was one of the chefs working in the Malacañang Palace for President Arroyo.

We detected some olives/peppers, herbs, and spices and something teeny bit sweet and spicy in the dip. It looks and tastes like harissa. Could it be? This was very nice - JKP and I ate 3 pieces of bread EACH.

Oggy made his recommendations and led us to the salad station so we could inspect the condiments/ingredients and to have a look at the soup of the day which was Potato and Leek Soup.

JKP chose a mixed green salad with vinagrette dressing. She said it was very good.

Here it my Chicken Caesar Salad - I was very pleased to learn and taste that the chicken was freshly grilled on order and NOT pre-grilled and heated up and sliced upon order. So it was still very tender, juicy with a mild marinade. And what a generous portion it was too, and yes, that's Cos and 'real' shaved parmesan.

Oggy told me their dressing is made without eggs yolks. It was very mild and 'dijony' but lacked the distinct taste of garlic and lemon juice. Now I love my Caesar Salad dressing oozing with TASTE so I asked Sam for a teensy bit more anchovies and dressing and heaps of black pepper. Those little touches made it perfect for me.

One thing I think they lacked was the sprinkling of bacon (beef bacon is fine of course to remain halal) on the salad and I think the croutons could be crispier and tastier. Roll the bread cubes in extra virgin olive oil and some garlic/rosemary before toasting and they would be absolute MAGIC!

For desserts, we shared a portion of crepes with apple (they also do pear or banana) which is served with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce. Sounds good? My camera failed me at this point and the ice-cream was starting to melt so we had to start.

The apples were sweet and tender, but JKP and I, being the wonderful food critics we imagine ourselves to be, wished that they could have added a tiny sprinkling of cinnamon or mixed spice to cook the apples with and serve the apples and crepes warm instead of cold. (I had a fantasy of pouring calvados slowly over the crepes and igniting the whole concoction over a flame, creating a syrupy river of apple liqueur - *shivers with excitement*).

Got the camera working after a while. Sorry about the mess!

With 2 diet cokes, our meal came up to B$47 with a 10% service charge included. Slightly pricy for me so I don't think I can indulge everyday. However we were very happy with the quality of our food so it was worth paying the price.

The restaurant certainly is very cosy, with interesting nooks and corners.

Hi Sam, thanks for looking after us. And Oggy too of course. Thank you for introducing us to the owner, Mr Chua, I was quite amazed he did not bat an eyelid at me taking pictures of his restaurant, menu and food, seeing that his was a fairly new restaurant and I could have been a 'competitor' sent in to check his prices, staff, and menu out.

No worries, I am not, JKP and I are just two women who love to lunch together. She never fails to make me laugh and I her. We enjoyed your restaurant ambience, and the food and excellent service will see us back again.

Posted by Eleanor

Nasi Lemak

I'm always on the search for a good nasi lemak and this one scores a 7 out of 10 for me. The rice was particularly good, very lemak and "coconutty" and hot (as in temperature), the fried chicken was freshly fried and lightly marinated (it was piping hot and juicy inside), the egg too. The cucumber slices were cold, which could only mean that it had been kept refrigerated (read - proper storage).

If the sambal had been more pedas, and the ikan billis crispier, and the peanuts had a tiny sprinkling of salt on them, it would have scored a perfect 10. Use freshly fried shallots (instead of readymade) and I would have scored it 10 star!

I've been back twice already, each time having the nasi lemak and a pot of green tea. (Total cost - under $10).

The place is pretty, the menu pretty extensive and very reasonably priced. There are many women's magazines on a shelf (Oprah, Martha Stewart, Vogue Entertaining and more) and although not the latest issues, it's enough for me to while away an hour and half, waiting for my kids to finish their swimming training at the National Sports Centre pool, just 2 minutes away.

Yes, you guessed it, I am at D'Anggerek. Extra features are free wifi and it's smoke-free in the restaurant, with a verandah nearby to cater for smokers.

Here is a pretty picture of the hotel taken from here.