Fancy a restaurant that allows you to match your culinary preferences according to your mood? Then you will probably fancy a trip to Melt - the World Café. This international restaurant looks to be at the heights of present-day dining sophistication, offering not only a boundless reach of cuisines from all over the world, but also an eclectic visual experience to open up your eyes.

This dynamic metamorphosis takes shape on the fourth level of the prestigious Oriental Hotel, which is a part of award-winning Mandarin Oriental Group of hotels and resorts. Think pristine counters and orient-inspired settings, fit for a classier Manchu dynasty. Now colour that in with a palette of vibrant shades derived from the sumptuous spread whipped up by the skilled team of chefs at Melt. Your experience at Melt is made more pleasant with amiable staff ready to serve you should you require any assistance. Something tells me that a meal at Melt is no ordinary dining affair, and I sure am not relying on my sixth sense.

• The Vibe
  A buffet experience in Melt definitely offers a different gastronomic experience. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this restaurant offers an exciting trip round the world within its location. A quick browse through Melt will show you that it is designed to resemble a vibrant, multi-cultural market, where you can take your pick of favourite cuisines from around the world.

   

  Coated in warm hues of crimson, brown and aubergine, the theme of Melt follows distinct Asian elements of the classic bamboo motif, delicately interweaved rattan screens and intricate lanterns that breathe much style into this space. The lightings are set such that your moods will change with each flicker. Some areas subtly-litted with an intimate aura, while others take a more dramatic focus with pools of light illuminating specific design features and live cooking stations. Do keep a lookout for the alcohol bar basking in its foxy neon pink posterior and mirrored counters that is simply hard to miss!

• The Global Feast
  The crossroads where Asia meets Europe and America takes shape in this chic café, where a team of 20 chefs work hard at keeping the standards high, and ever more impressive.
  

  Right in the heart of Melt is a chilled island filled with ice cold crustacean choices of oysters, lobsters, prawns and mussels that prove to be excellent for priming your appetite for some heavy duty feasting. When you are done with that, get a move on to the many different stations continue your international “feastivities”!

  For some exquisite Asian flavours, delight in the various stations dedicated to showcasing cuisines of Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, China, Vietnam and of course, favourites from our very own tropical island! Popular selections include delicately sliced Japanese sashimi, tangy Thai salads, scrumptious North Indian meats and fish grilled fresh from the tandoor and heartwarming local noodles.

  No long haul flights for you to savour the cultural cuisines of the European continent. Pastas, sausages, fresh baked bread and wild array of cheeses, a variety of hors d’oeuvres, grilled meats; you name it, you got it. On weekends, the outdoor patio is opened up to accommodate a barbeque station to satisfy all your grilled desires.

  All is not well till you conclude your buffet with their dizzy selection of desserts that range from elegant little cakes. The selection of pastries showcased in immaculately dressed glass casings resembling those of the jewel shop, and warmly baked waffles and baskets of fresh fruit, will give you more than just a sugar rush. Similarly, chocolate fondue lovers will delight in the large chocolate fountain that flows with silky smooth semi-sweet chocolate, where sticks of marshmallows and assorted fruits will serve as the perfect accompaniment. If you render yourself more of a health junkie, make a note to order yourself an invigorating smoothie at the fruit juice bar.

• The Service
  Unlike other busy establishments, the staff demonstrates a commendable level of warm hospitality, constantly spotted with smiles on their faces that made the dining experience in Melt that much more enjoyable. However, the used plates were not cleared as promptly as I had hoped, which can pose as a problem to fast eaters who switch plates ever so often.

The SD Food Advisor’s take on Melt – The World Café
With such a great demand amongst the locals for good buffet spreads, it seems like many restaurants in Singapore are competing for a share of that pie. Some attempt to get ahead of the others by offering an extensive range of food, while others choose to focus on serving up specific cuisines catered to niche markets. Unfortunately, it is often observed that those who lean towards the former category usually substitute quantity for quality, which are unable to deliver that satisfying punch much needed for a noteworthy buffet meal. I am glad to say that Melt – The World Café is a place where much emphasis is placed on offering a superior sensory discovery of a great amount. Without compromising on the quality in each of their unique dishes, it prepares its patrons for an authentic culinary journey that will be an unforgettable experience.