Not only does the Furama Riverfront Hotel along Havelock Road house the Halal Kintamani Indonesian restaurant, it is also the residence of an elegantly casual eatery called The Square @ Furama. Serving up both an International buffet as well as a selection of a la carte dishes, this is one hotel restaurant that provides quantity without compromising on quality. Diners will also be pleasantly surprised at the affordability of The Square. It is truly a great place to go for a comfortable and delicious meal.

• The Vibe
  It is difficult to ignore the classy feel of the restaurant which is obvious the moment you step in. Though not as chic as a fine dining restaurant, The Square @ Furama does have an air of sophistication to it, with large glass windows that let in lots of natural sunlight in the daytime. As with most hotel buffet restaurants, there is an open concept kitchen so you can watch the talented chefs in action. With a bustling lunch crowd that includes people from all walks of life, The Square comes across as a popular place for hotel guests and the general public alike.

• The Menu
  The buffet spread is vast. Fusing Western styled dishes with an Asian twist, diners can expect a selection that includes yummy favourites including sushi, assorted cold cuts, tempura and Chinese style dishes. Not only that, but the dessert section is simply to die for, boasting a wide variety of pastries and cakes, a chocolate fountain and a range of decadent ice-cream to appeal to the kid in all of us.

  Start off a buffet meal with the Cream of Barley with Wild Rice, a thick, creamy soup also containing carrots that tastes deliciously home cooked. Follow the smoothness of the soup with the Cured Salmon Dill Yoghurt Cucumber Fraiche Salad, a bite-sized hors d'oeuvre that is light and refreshing.

  While the Black Pepper Beef “Chinese Style” is as authentic as it can be, and not too spicy, the real noteworthy dish is the Baked Mediterranean Cod with Light Soya and Honey, which impresses greatly with its freshness. The fish crumbles nicely and has a springy texture which is further complemented by the light sweetness of the honey.

  Other standout dishes include the Grilled Salmon with Celery and Garlic Puree, which is firm and possesses a layer of black pepper that gives it a bit of bite. When eaten along with the Steamed Parsley Potatoes and Gratinated French Beans, it is a meal in itself.

  The Stuffed Baby Pussan ($17.50), which is featured on the a la carte menu, is a dish worth trying. Containing a stuffing of wild rice and pancetta (Italian for bacon), this little bird is served with roasted pumpkin and a caramelized balsamic glaze. In addition to its flavourful stuffing, the meat of the pussan is tender and not at all dry.

  Fans of seafood will greatly enjoy the Scampi and Crab Timbale ($15.50). Served with roasted garlic, sesame aioli and a creatively presented seafood salad within an avocado casement, this dish is tasty, but may not appeal to all palates.

  End an all-round pleasant meal with the Hot Chocolate Soup ($7), a warm, rich concoction of dark chocolate served with light chocolate cake and vanilla anglaise. Decadent to a fault, this dessert avoids the mistake of being too sweet, and goes down well with a cup of coffee.

• The Service
  At The Square @ Furama, the wait staff cannot be faulted. Their friendly smiles and accommodating demeanors make dining here comfortable and fun. Dishes are replaced at appropriate intervals and should you require recommendations, the servers are more than happy to help.

The SD Food Advisor's take on The Square @ Furama
Though there are hits and misses on the menu at the Square, the overall service makes the place worth visiting, at least once. With a wide variety of both local and Western favourites, you are pretty much guaranteed a decent meal here. At only $29.90 for lunch and $32.90 for dinner, this is value for money.