Durians are not fruits, they’re clearly Pudding!

Had this yesterday for my Dad’s birthday “cake”. Soft, delicious, sweet and pungent durian. Burp!

Just Curious

Ramadhan Promotions 2011: Cafe Au Lait

I went to Cafe Au Lait yesterday for sungkai. A nice, somewhat cozy cafe, with plush sofas and big screen TVs, where you chill and have coffee with your friends. If you are a regular you would probably know that the kitchen recently changed management and is now headed by a new chef.

This year they are doing the BBQ themed sungkai again, for a constant price of $15.90 per person and as usual, I love their barbecued chicken wings!!!

The selection was bigger than last year and there was also some food from the regular menu like the buttermilk chicken, and ginger beef.

And of course I dove straight into the barbecued chicken, and lamb and the pastas. And had my salads and my coleslaws. I always think barbecued stuff goes best with coleslaw and potato salad! Hot and cold. Smoky and creamy. Slurp!!!

We also tried their ayam penyet from the ala carte menu. Which was probably a mistake cause the portion was HUGE. NAFSU!!!!

We ended the meal with my most recommended item from their dessert menu: the chocolate souffle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Warning: EAT SLOW OR BURN YOUR MOUTH. Hehehehehehe.

For more photos: check out my Facebook album here.

Au Lait Cafe

Sungkai at Au Lait @ $15.90 (adult) &$9.90 (child)

Call 223 1901

Ramadhan Promotions 2011: Sorriso Restaurant & Pizzeria

Sorriso is a nice little Italian restaurant that has just opened its doors in Regent Square, Kiulap. I’ve actually been there before a few weeks back and had a very nice lunch meal so I was very excited to come back and try their Ramadhan promotions.

To my surprise there is actually no buffet, and no all-you-can-eat. There is an honest to god 10% discount on all their ala carte items. Despite this, Sor Riso was full, and tables were turned over at regular intervals during dinner time.

We met the chef, Salvatore, who some of you may find rather familiar. Yes he has broken away from the Chef Mauri group of restaurants and created this little gem. And thankfully, he did because his food is robust, rich and hearty, much like the Chef’s personality, but most importantly they are delicious. He handles his dishes personally and takes great pride in his food. Don’t be surprised if he, tomato-stained on his lapel, comes bursting of of the kitchen just to read you the specials.

For starters we had some Chantrelle Mushroom Soup. There’s a pungent familiar flavour that I couldn’t identify until Emmagoodegg pointed out that it’s truffle oil. It is highly possible that it is the best mushroom soup I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had MANY MANY bowls of the stuff. I always love Chef Salvatore’s Magic Mushrooms cause they’re amazing, and I love the Tuna Raw Limone, which reminded me of our own lawar.

The mains was mindblowing. I had my very first Tenderloin Rossini. I’ve never had it anywhere else before so I have no where to compare this with but I love seared foie gras, I love the medium rare beef, and I am in love with the rich and robust gravy it is enveloped in. I have absolutely no words. The combination of all three delicious items however make this a very very very very expensive dish at more than $60. But I am here telling you that if you are a fan of beef, and it’s a special occasion, then please by all means, SPLURGE. IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH EVERY PENNY.

Dolce was the usual Italian fare: Cannolis, Caprese, Limone Pannacotta, and Tiramisu. The best, earning 4 out of 5 surprised faces subsequently followed by “OMIGOD THIS IS SO GOOD!!!!!” is the Caprese. A warm and fudgy almond cake, served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Head on over to Sor Riso Restaurant & Pizzeria at Regent Square, Kiulap. For reservations, call them at 2233030.

Ramadhan Food Series 2011: The Atrium, Empire Hotel & Country Club

The Atrium, as you know is located at the grand Empire Hotel & Country Club, so as you can imagine, the mood and feel of the Atrium is very different from any other sungkai buffet in Brunei. The ambience is very relaxed and polished, and deco is done with much attention to detail.

I would have to say, the Sungkai Buffet at the Atrium has really captured my attention today. It’s not a sungkai place where you eat a lot and rush home. It’s a relaxed affair, whereby you take your time, do your prayers, come back for more food, then relax and then eat some more. And trust me, you’d definitely want to eat a lot!

The spread is quite diverse. I’m especially taken by the Mongolian Barbeque. The noodles were wet, and saucy, just the way I like it. I love the curry that came with the martabak, absolutely thick and drinkable.

I love the custom bento set used for the ambuyat. Very convenient! The condiments were very well prepared, especially the sayur pakis, which is rather uncharacteristic of big hotel restaurants. Also deserving a mention is the make-your-own-rojak station. The rojak sauce is delicious! I wish they had included cucumber too though!

And of course what kind of self respecting sungkai buffet is complete without freshly fried, piping hot cucur. I had it with the rojak sauce. Very nice! Desserts were pretty standard, cakes, ice cream, fresh fruits, and the very interesting twist on the bread and butter pudding, the Um Ali. It tasted a bit like baby food: rich, comforting and simply yummy! Wish I had more space to eat that.

Indulge in some hot drinks in the Main Atrium, where an Arabian themed rest area is available. It’s so awesome. After such a big meal, you’d really don’t want to see or smell what you just ate. But u still wanna chat and relax with your friends over a cuppa. There is also a very upscale version of the Gerai Ramadhan selling Empire Goodies.

Indulge, if you still have some space, in the Kek Batik. Yummy. It’s my favorite Kek Batik in the whole wide world!

Here we are at the lovely Empire Deli Cafe. Wish I wasn’t too full!!! LOL glutton!

The price of $28 per person is considered steep, so it is perhaps not for everyone. But I recommend it highly and not just because of the Kek Batik! Head on over to the Atrium if you are looking for an indulgent place to have a long, leisurely sungkai, of great food and great company.

Atrium Cafe , The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Sungkai Buffet @ $28 (adult) & $14 (child).

Call 241 7700

Ramadhan Promotion 2011: I-Lotus

I-Lotus is one of my must-go sungkai buffets in previous years. It’s always packed, a good sign, and food is definitely plentiful. From salads, to appetisers, to cucur, to hot plates, to main course, to ice kacang. You can be sure to leave I-Lotus very very full. Furthermore, there’s a surau upstairs, so no need to rush out for Maghrib, which I find really awesome.

Feel so full looking at these photos. The food is quite similar to previous years.

This year’s format however, is different in which they introduced a bigger space inside an amazing white tent, with basically the same price!

Fun. It’s very comfortable and if you’re worried about parking, fear not. A lot of space is allocated and there’s even a traffic controller, Jakarta style to direct you to the nearest empty spot! I think that’s rather thoughtful of them!

Head on over to I-Lotus for a not-too-expensive, family friendly place, with plenty of room and plenty to eat!

I-Lotus Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $18.80 (adult) & $12.80 (child)

Sahur Steamboat Buffet & Hot Plate Grill Buffet @ $12.80 (adult) & $8.80 (child)

Call 2422466

Review from 2009 is available here. For more photos, kindly click here to view the album.

Sungkai & Sahur Spreads This Ramadhan: Promotions in 2011/1432

Today I saw a spike in my blog stats. I was wondering why until my friend asked me, “Babe, ur blog no hap dis year’s ramadhan sungkai promos?”. I forgot! So here it is! As usual, since it’s the start of Ramadhan, the list is pretty bare still. Andddd:

This list is a result of information I aggregated from various sources online, newspapers, ads, from word of mouth and from recommendations through emails and blog comments.

Despite so, it’s still always not so complete. I always need your help in compling this list.

So:

• If you see any missing, or;
• If you own a restaurant;
• If you know someone who owns a restaurant;

Do your bit in helping out the eternally indecisive and hungry community by leaving a comment, or drop me an email at maurina@gmail.com or simply use my contact form here.

I welcome KB, Tutong & Temburong restaurants in the list as well 

This list is free to use (because, well, it’s free to make haha) but please do not copy and paste it without linking it back here!

Enjoy your first sip of water today!

Airport Restaurant

International Ramadhan Buffet Dinner @ $30.00 (Adult) & $16.00 (Child)

Call 2339207/2331853

Note: Baiduri Cardmembers are entitled to Special Discounts during the promotion period (20% for Infinite & Platinum, 15% for Gold and 10% for Classic & Debit)

Aranda Restaurant, D’Anggerek Service Apartments

Sungkai Buffet @ $13.90 (Adult) & $7.90 (Child)

Call 2337129/2345222 ext 815

Atrium Cafe , The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Sungkai Buffet @ $28 (adult) & $14 (child).

Call 241 7700

Au Lait Cafe

Sungkai at Au Lait @ $15.90 (adult) &$9.90 (child)

Call 223 1901

Axtivo Cafe

Ramadhan Special @ $9.90

Call 2335642

Big Papa’s Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $8 (adult) & $5 (child)

Call 2233333 or 2236132

Blue Eden Cafe

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.90 (adult) & $5.90 (child)

Call 2239476 or 8750055

Bombay Palace Restaurant & Catering

Sungkai Buffet @ $13.90 (Adults) & $9.90 (Child)

Call 2427313

Buffalo Steak House

Sungkai Buffet @ $16.90 (adult) and $8.90 (child)

Call 2426769

Cabana (Next to Casbah London Kebabs in Lambak)

Puasa Combo Deal of 2 Dishes for $7

Call 8723809 or 7104933

Capers Cafe & Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $14.80 (adult), $7.50 (child)

Call 2238996

Ceri Cafe

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.90 (Adult) & $6.90 (Child)

Call 2339997

Charcoal BBQ & Grill

Skewer Buffet @ $34.90 (adult), $1 per year for children below 12

Call 2221171

Cheezbox Cafe & Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $22.90 (Adults) & $13.90 (Child)

Call 2425506/7

*Please read 2009′s sungkai review available here.

Choices, The Brunei Hotel

Sungkai Buffet @ $16.80 (Adult) & $8.40 (Child)

Call 2244828

Coffee Zone

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.90 (Adult) & $5.50 (Child)

Call 2239333 (Kiulap), 2423333 (Gadong)

Deli Bites Cafe

Scrumptious Sungkai Buffet @ $13.90 (adult)  & $6.90 (child)

15% discount off on ala carte menu.

*Special menu set at $8.

Call 2221481/2228070 ext. 53 & 16

Dynasty Restaurant

Sahur Buffet Dim Sum (11pm-1.30am) @ $20.80 (Adult) & $15.80 (Child)

Call 2430185/6

Note: Baiduri Cardmembers are entitled to Special Discounts during the promotion period (20% for Infinite & Platinum, 15% for Gold and 10% for Classic & Debit)

Excapade Sushi (Gadong) NEW

Sungkai Buffet @ $28.80 (Adult) & $18.80 (Child)

Call 2443012/8740012

*Read all about it here.

Express Fast Food

Talapia served with rice & condiments @ $7 per set

Call 2337777

Fratini’s Restaurant

50% off on all Pizzas & pastas

Call 2231467/2232555 (Yayasan),  2451200/2451300 (Centrepoint), 2334520/2334530 (Piccolo), 3335050 (KB) or 3221055 (Seria)

Fun Wok Hong Kong Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $18.80 (Adult) & $10.80 (Child)

Call 2232397

Goldiana Cafe & Lounge, Orchid Garden Hotel

Sungkai Buffet @ $23.00 (adult) & $12.90 (child)

Sahur Buffet @ $18.80 (adult) & $10.80 (child)

Call 2335544 ext. 5

* Read review from 2009 available here.

Grazie Mauri

All you can eat buffet @ $13.90 (Adult)

Call  2447471 

I-Lotus Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $18.80 (adult) & $12.80 (child)

Sahur Steamboat Buffet & Hot Plate Grill Buffet @ $12.80 (adult) & $8.80 (child)

Call 2422466

*Review from 2009 is available here.

Kitaro Japanese Restaurant

All-You-Can-Eat Menu @ $26.80 per person

Call 2457373

KNY Kitchen

Sungkai promotion @ 25% discount from all ala carte menu

Call 2450828

Lee Loi Fatt (Gadong)

Sungkai Buffet @ $7.90 (Adult) & $3.90 (Child)

Call 2236432 (Kiulap number)

Manjaro Restaurant

All you can eat treats @ $13.80 (adult) & $6.90 (child)

Call 223 6493

Millenium Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $22.00 (Adult) & $11.00 (Child)

Call 2424168

Mills Banquet Hall, Holiday Lodge Hotel

Sungkai Buffet @ $18.00 (adult) $8.00 (child)

Call 2611618

Mojaya Restaurant (opposite Hua Ho Manggis)

Sungkai Buffet @ $6.50 (adult), $3.00 (child)

Call 2342940

Muwaffaq Cafe & Restaurant, KB

Sungkai Buffet @ $4.90 (adult) & $3.00 (child)

Call 3227061

Nur Wanita Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $18.00 (adult), $12.00 (child).

Call 2426789

Nyonya Restaurant

Yayasan, Serusop & Gadong: Sungkai Buffet @ $13.80 & $8.80 (child)

Call 2447090

Pastamania NEW

Ramadhan Combomeals

Set Meal A @ $9.90 & Set Meal B @ $12.90

Call 2338000 (Times Square) 2457441 (Gadong) 2671977 (Tanjung Bunut)

Pizza Hut

50% discount off on selected appetizers and any pasta perfetto with the purchase of ala-carte large pizza.

Call 2226111

Pondok Sari Wangi

Sungkai Buffet @ $12 (adult), $6 (child).

Call 2445043 (Gadong), 2661893 (Sengkurong)

Poolside Cafe (formerly Amigos Restaurant)

Ramadhan Buffet @ $16 (Adult) & $8 (Child)

Call 2334189/2334197

Note: Baiduri Cardmembers are entitled to Special Discounts during the promotion period (20% for Infinite & Platinum, 15% for Gold and 10% for Classic & Debit)

Prego Mauri 

All You Can Eat Buffet @ $20 (Adult)

Call 3347144 

Rangmahal Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @$7.50 (adult) & $4.50 (child)

Call 2227379

RBA Golf Club Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.90 (adult) & $6.00 (child)

Complimentary basket of dim sum

Call 8985642

Red Canopy

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.00 (Adult) & $5.00 (Child)

Call 718 4878

Rizqun Coffee House

Sungkai Ramadhan @ $23.00 (Adult) & $11.50 (Child)

Call 2423000 ext 7811

Saffron Cafe

Buffet Ramadhan @ $25.00 (Adult) & $13.00 (Child)

Dessert Only Buffet @ $12.00

Call 2235888

Seasons Restaurant

Ramadhan Buffet Dinner @ $30 (Adult) & $16 (Child)

Call 2422291/2/3

Note: Baiduri Cardmembers are entitled to Special Discounts during the promotion period (20% for Infinite & Platinum, 15% for Gold and 10% for Classic & Debit)

Secret Recipe

30% off on all dishes

All set meals come with dates, bandung and your choice of cream cake.

Call 2336556 (Serusop Branch) or 2457123 (Mall Branch)

Serikandi Kiulap

Ramadhan Buffet Dinner @ $12.00 (adult) & $5.90 (child)

Call 2460432 or 8857458

Soto Rindu Giant

Sungkai Buffet @ $7 (adult) $5 (child)

Call 879 0579

Soto Rindu Sengkurong

Sungkai Buffet @ $6 (adult) $4 (child)

Call 267 1040 

Stadium Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $12.80 (Adult) &  $6.80 (Child)

Call 2382857

Swensen’s Cafe & Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $15.00 (adult), $12.00 (child)

Call 2451864

Tarindak d’Polo Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $22 (adult), $11 (child).

Call 2612500

Tasek Brasserie, Radisson Hotel.

Ramadhan Feast @ $23.00 (adult) & $1 per year (child)

Call 2244272

Note: For every 10 paying adults in a single receipt, the 11th guest gets to dine free.

Tomato Cafe NEW

Sungkai Buffet @ $8.90 (adult) & $5.50 (child)

Call 2232883

TT Blues Cafe

Sungkai Buffet @ $9.90 (Adult) & $4.90 (Child)

Call 242 4527

Twelv Bistro , The Palm

Sungkai Buffet @ $24.00 (adult) & $10.00 (child)

Call 2233323

Vanda Restaurant, Orchid Garden Hotel

Weekend Sahur Dim Sum & Steamboat @ $18.80 (adult) & $10.80 (child)

Call 2335544 ext. 8023

Villa Mauri

All you can eat buffet @ $20 (plus 10% service charge)

Call 2335585

Wywy Restaurant

Sungkai Buffet @ $5.90 (Adult) & $3.90 (Child)

Sungkai promotion of up to 40% discount on selected food items

Call 2660196 (Sengkurong), 2652557 (Bengkurong), 3335140 (KB), 3224717 (Seria), 2334301 (Lambak) 0r 4220277 (Tutong)

**********

Also for your info, there is another list here as well made by Foodhungry.

For reference (kepo) purposes, 2010 list is available here, 2009 list is available here, and 2008 list is available here.