Bras Basah Road was formerly a site hosting sports events back in the days when Singapore was under the British ruling. These days, corporate buildings flank the once, popular hangout of Europeans in Singapore then. However, Bras Basah Road still retains its quaint charm in the likes of Rendezvous Hotel and Bras Basah Complex.

• The Vibe
  An aura of European air envelops diners who are ushered into the European colonial style restaurant. The apparent use of pinewood in its furnishings and old-fashioned pillars speak of an old English gentleman's hangout. Glass panels framing half the restaurant allows a peak into the outside world while enjoying that buffet spread in your own leisure. It becomes a lunch-time respite from the busy city life as a diner relaxes with his buffet delight while watching the commuters waiting alongside each other sweating it out at the bus-stop.

• The Food
  Desserts, despite being knowingly unhealthy, still allures many with its tasteful appearance. We marveled at the impressive spread of dessert as we enter in. Be it for Asian or European taste buds, they have a delectable delight to suit each palate, ranging from Pulut Hitam, Durian pudding cake to Chocolate Fondue.

  Light eaters can opt for the Mediterranean salads with a choice ofmore than 10 condiments. The signature dishes locals still hold dear are the Ayam Buah Keluak ($12.90 per serve, ala carte) and Nonya Claypot Laksa ($7.90 per small serve, ala carte). Fresh ingredients and tasty flavours are the characteristics of these dishes whipped up by a head chef of Peranakan training. The Wanton noodle ($12.90) will delight pork lovers with its bright-red tender char siew. Its generous serving portion with juicy wanton fillings of pork, is sufficient for 2 small eaters to share. A hot favourite will be the Po Piah which could itself be a substantial meal. Unlike the common ones available from hawker centers, this is one Po Piah which satisfies your craving. Compact with an assemble of ingredients resulting in an array of flavours tantalising your palates. Coupled with the right amount of sauce to soften the Po Piah Skin and enhance its flavour, one could be forgiven for being tempted to order another serve. The choice of Unagi Soba and Cha Soba adds on a Japanese flavour to the otherwise, Asian and European cuisines.

  Meat eaters can indulge themselves in the Lamb Rendang and meat carving station. Offering a wide spectrum of local flavours and western delights, diners will be spoilt for choice with an affordable lunch time buffet spread at $27+++.

• The Service
  As this is a buffet spread, the services of the staffs were only needed when it comes to ala carte dishes. Service will fare better had there been more waiting staffs or rather, observant ones.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Straits Café
For variety at an affordable price, you may wish to consider this an appropriate restaurant to bring your folks together with your children. From home-styled local cuisines to dessert spread catering to the taste buds of old and young alike, it is a one-stop for a comfortable meal without much fuss if you are not too particular about top-notch freshness in the sashimi selections.