Even though it's been a while I find myself revolving around a handful of different places and seriously need to find some new venues... Here are my experiences so far with lunchtime super-deals:
- Sakura @ Dhoby Green (other locations available)
Non 1-for-1 but darn cheap at $12+ for 1-hr buffet, DBS Visa/MC cardholders only (AMEX not accepted).
The sushi is a big letdown, dim sum are fine (just a few to choose from though), a handful on mains available, salads, some deep fried stuff that I gave a pass. What's good is that you have these little plastic clips at your table that you take with you and then attach them to little metal stands depending on what you'd like from the grill. Here you have all sorts of satays, rib-eye steak (very thin cut so nothing special), prawns, and other stuff.
Decent fare at the price, so hard to complain.
- Earle Swensen's Grill
1-for-1 mains 12-2pm, promotion is not restricted to specific cards/banks.
This seems to be a spin-off from their regular Swensen's outlets, and there are only two Earle Swensen's places in Singapore: Vivo City and Changi Airport T3. Decent menu, especially for steaks - this is what makes it worthwhile to come here and collect two for the price of one. I often ask for medium-rare because lots of places tend to overdo it anyway, but I risked just saying medium here and it turned out perfect. Another really good thing is that all mains from the grill come with free salad bar.
Definitely worth checking out the 1-for-1 deal while it lasts.
- Kuishin Bo
$21++ for 1-hr buffet (Express Lunch), not restricted to specific cards/banks.
I've only been to their Great World City outlet, but I have seen that they have one in Suntec as well (close to the Toys r Us). A good buffet if you are into Japanese food. The choice of sushi there is good, prawns and other seafood as well, you can order all sorts of stir-fried meats (or fish), several mains available as well as appetizers. I usually have a few different teas there while I'm at it, it's all self-service. To top of a great meal and to end on a healthy note, save some space for the fresh fruits section.
Worth doing the weekday Express Lunch, wouldn't take the regular lunch.
- AquaMarine at Marina Mandarin Hotel
Normally $38+ , but 1-for-1 promo turns this into $38 for two diners. UOB cardholders only.
Definitely my pick of the lot. A really nice restaurant with some great food, and all at an astounding price (I paid more for two chicken caesar salads, one chicken breast with baked potato and one slice of dessert cake y'day at Marche.
). Several mains to choose from on the far side of the buffet (chicken, fish, beer, lamb) with a spicy section right opposite (various meats available in Indian-style sauces). Seafood section is nice, but I don't do oysters so mostly settle on crab claws (just one is enough as they are a pain to deal with) and prawns. Salads and entrees quite limited. Apart from the mains, the best thing about this place is a sushi corner where there are always 1-2 sushi maestros that prepare tuna and/or salmon sashimi (the only two I ever eat anyway) for you on the spot. I have to admit that the sashimi there is some of the best I've ever had anywhere.Definitely worth checking out, especially if you like sushi. I'm there min. 2 times/week.
