Offshoot from the main shopping street, Orchard Road, there is a lane, Killiney Road, where lesser passerby may access is filled with eateries and restaurant such as Suanthai Restaurant and Korea House Singapore. Further down the road stood an old building named Orchard Grand Court, a service apartment, that housed Crystal Cafe offering comforting Taiwan Porridge Buffet for lunch and dinner.

 

Interiorly, it has this old 80s vibes. Maybe it is a good place for some to reminisce since nothing might have changed for a long time. In short, nothing spectacular but functional.

 

 

 

Upon entering the premise, one is immediately welcomed by the buffet spread of Taiwan Porridge.

 

 

Attracted my attention instanteously was the Salted Egg, a favourite and must have ingredients for my Porridge.

 

 

 

Every porridge place, never missing is an assortment of Braised item; be it Braised Pig Trotter, Braised Chicken Feet, Beancurd, Pork Belly, Egg, Tau Pok are part of the spread. A pity the Pig Trotter and Chicken Feet weren’t soft enough.

 

 

 

Two other must have, the Kiam Chye (Salted Vegetables) and Bioh Chye (Preserved Vegetables). Both were lightly salted hence diners could indulge in them.

 

 

 

More vegetables were available at the table too; stir-fried Kang Kong and Brasied Cabbage. Other non-vegetable dishes are Omelette and Dory Fish.

 

 

The only fried food available was a fried fritter in it was filled with Spinach.

 

 

Finally, there were Chilli Sauce, Fermented Beancurd, Ikan Bilis, Olives Vegetables, Peanut and Preserved Cai Xin (Pickled Vegetables).

 

 

 

Diner could opt for the Sweet Potato Porridge, Fried Noodle or even rice to enjoy with the buffet spread.

 

 

Surprising to find Roti Prata and Curry Chicken.

 

 

Finally, dessert time. 2 flavours of Ice Cream, vanilla and mint were available on our day of visit. Not sure if the flavours rotate.

 

 

 

Butter Cake and Mango Pudding were also part of the dessert offering.

 

 

 

Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Peanut filling in Ginger Soup was available. The former was pretty sweet, fortunately, the latter was mild, hence balance was achieved. Fruits were available too with Pineapple, Watermelon, Melon and Oranges.

 

 

Lastly, end your meal with Coffee and Tea.

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

Looking for gathering with some old folks or friends and especially if they love porridge, Crystal Cafe is a choice buffet place. Offering about 30 dishes with changes to dishes every now and then and the best part, it is under $20 including service charge and GST, it is certainly affordable.

 

 

 

Crystal Cafe

131 Killiney Road, Orchard Grand Court, Singapore 239571
Tel: +65 6830 2020

Website: https://www.ogc.com.sg/dining.html

 

Opening Hours

 

Lunch buffet: 1200 to 1430 (Weekday), 1200 to 1600 (Weekend and public holidays)  |  Dinner buffet: 1800 to 2200 

 

Getting There

 

By MRT:

• North South line – Somerset station

 

By Bus:

• Winsland House along Penang Road   7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174e, 175, 190, 700, 700A, 971E, 972

• Concorde Hotel Singapore along Orchard Road   7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 174e, 175, 190, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 700, 700A, 971E, 972

• Orchard Plaza along Orchard Road   123, 143

 

Rating: 7/10