Treasured Flavours Buffet Lunch at York Hotel Orchard

3 years.

That's how long it took for me to finally find the one. That one and only Curry Fish Head that I can say I totally love! You see, aside from the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice and Chili Crab, one thing that everyone has to try when in Singapore is a huge claypot of Curry Fish Head. It's such a yummy dish to share with a big group where everyone gets to have a plate of rice and you should scoop up big amounts of curry sauce and that big slice of fish meat to enjoy. My first taste of Curry Fish Head was when I went out for lunch with my colleagues. We had a really spicy one and it didn't help that we were dining at an al fresco zi char place so I ended up burning my tongue and sweating like crazy all throughout the meal. It sure was a fiery experience and it took me while before I got the courage to try it again. More tries after that and I still couldn't get myself to enjoy more than one serving as it was just too spicy.

A few weeks ago, I had lunch with Paul at York Hotel's White Rose Cafe and I was surprised that we were having Fish Head Curry for lunch. Uh oh! I was scared but I told myself that at least we're dining at an air conditioned restaurant. However, after my first serving of the fish head, I have to say that this is the BEST Fish Head Curry that I've ever had. It's perfect for people like me who loves the curry flavor but can't take the intense heat. It's loaded with veggies and the fish head itself is so big that 4-5 people can probably share this.



Apparently, White Rose Cafe is famous for their Chinese-style Fish Head Curry and for lunch, they actually have an on-going a la carte buffet where one can order the Fish Head Curry and more dishes to accompany it. The best part is, you get to take part of this promotion for only S$25! What a steal!

As we all know, a great, yummy dish needs its side kicks too so here are some side dishes that Paul and I tried for lunch that day. Let me share my top picks with you:

Beef Rendang 

Another local favorite of mine! I love the tender cubes of beef cooked in coconut cream and a bit of chili. This, together with the Fish Head Curry, will surely make you want to ask for that extra cup of rice. 

Black Ink Sotong

Among all our dishes that day, I loved the Black Ink Sotong! It reminds me of our Adobong Pusit minus the sour notes as I don't think they added vinegar in this dish. Nonetheless, it was yummehh!

Deep-Fried Ngoh Hiang with Pickles
 There's really something about these Chinese-style meat rolls that I love since I was a kid. Back in Manila, we call it "ngoh hiong" or "kikiam". Minced meat wrapped in thin beancurd skin and fried to perfection. It was served with some achar which was really delicious! We loved the achar so much that we specifically requested for an extra serving later on.

Deep-Fried Curry Drumlettes
I love chicken, fried chicken and chicken wings! One order comes in 4 pieces but if you're a fan too then I have a feeling you'll be getting an entire order all for yourself.

Chendol and Ice Kachang
Just the best way to end this delicious meal is by having some of White Rose Cafe's local desserts. I love the Chendol while Paul things the Ice Kachang was yummy! They also got some more options like the Cheng Tng and the Chin Chow with Palm Sugar too. Wish they also serve my favorite Bo Bo Cha Cha.

There are about 10 or more side dish options and these three were the favorites. Not only did they went well with the Fish Head Curry, they're really delightful too even eaten alone. We also tried some more dishes which were just a-okay for me.  

Silver Fish Omelette

I have to admit though that I wasn't too crazy about this as the flavor was pretty weak as compared to all the other dishes. 

Chap Chye
Not really crazy about this type of veggie dish.

I couldn't stop raving about the yummy Fish Head Curry and I can't wait for my family to come and visit for me to take them here. You see, when Mommy came to visit last year, she specifically requested that she wanted to try Fish Head Curry and I brought her to the same zi char place that served that extremely spicy version. Let's just say, Mommy had one small bite and I think she somehow regretted requesting for it since it was just too hot to be fully enjoyed. I'm sure she'll love White Rose Cafe's version too. 

Here's another piece of good news! From 25 to 29 April, the hotel is celebrating Administrative and Professionals Week so, for lunch this week, all diners will get to enjoy 10% discount when they availed of the S$25 lunch buffet. Plus, you can also try their King Prawn with a 1-for-1 deal. Now, you probably know where to head for lunch!

Photos by Paul Ang

White Rose Cafe is located in York Hotel Singapore, 21 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228516.