Its been a while since I last ate at Ellenborough Cafe, probably about 3 years or so. Just for the record, Ellenborough used to be the buffet venue of my choice when they still were charging something to the tune of $26/pax for dinner. Had the opportunity to revisit when one of my friends initiated a get together dinner there (It helped that she could get a 50% discount as well).

Well, since I dislike buffets and I am rather inapt at doing a writeup on it, I shall leave it to my amateur photographs to tell the story. Please pardon my photos, both quality and quantity wise, as it was a bad field trip for me.

Honestly, I think the standard of the food has gone south while the prices have steadily gone north. The shark’s fin soup used to be decent but now its just a bowl of salty watered down starch serving with a couple of strands of shark’s fin. The famous Durian Pengat, which used to have me going back for more (think 5-6 helpings), is now ridiculously sweet and diluted. Variety of food has stayed constant and I’m pretty sure that they have been serving up the same few dishes throughout the years. The additional outdoor counters are only there due to the restaurant having some anniversary promotion and even then, the food is really not up to the mark.

$223 for 5 pax (before discount) is pure madness for some common and average tasting fare. However factor in the 50% discount ($22/pax) and it will probably be worth it. No prizes for guessing if I’ll be back.

Teochew food lovers!! Numerous traditional dishes from our childhood are here. We tried the kway chup with braised ducks, eggs, bean curds, preserved vegetables and pig trotters. Must comment that all are delicious just like home-cooked food.

The cafe also served porridge with steamed seabass, braised sea cucumber with fish maw and stir-fried prawns.

We were almost full when one of the staff asked us whether we are interested to try their freshly made yam paste with ginko nuts. My friends immediately commented that this is not a Teochew buffet if this famous dessert is not available.

Each of us took a small portion and believe us, it is simply heaven. The yam paste was smooth and has a very distinctive flavour. Coupled with the slightly sweetened ginko nuts, it is a perfect match.

When we were about to leave, the same staff directed us to their signature durian station where customers can feast on freshly opened durians. If eating with hands are messy, then try their nonya durian dessert.

Price is on the high side, average about $40 per person for buffet dinner but with such wide range of dishes to sample in small portions, it is worth while to give this place a try.