MELT~ The World Café presents Journey to Iloilo, a Filipino-themed Buffet (19 to 28 June 2014)

From 19 to 28 June 2014, MELT~ The World Café at Mandarin Oriental Singapore brings you the vibrantly rich and colourful Filipino dishes that transports diners to Iloilo, a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region.

Holding the reigns in the kitchen during this period is renowned guest Chef Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing, whose culinary flair in Ilonggo cuisine has earned her recognition internationally.

Having visited the country once, Boracay to be specific, I can’t agree more with the expression “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, in the sense that locals do enjoy their lives to the fullest more than others.

Tourism in the Philippines is thriving, and for that reason lots of restaurants are set up to cater to foreigners, losing authentic flavours along the way. It’s not easy to find a place where you can enjoy a diverse range of Filipino dishes, or at least at Boracay where I visited.


Kadios, Baboy at Langka (Native Beans, Jackfruit and Pork Belly Stew)

Right here in Singapore, it’s even harder to find good Filipino cuisine. I cannot be more thankful for the Filipino-themed buffet spread at MELT~ The World Café. Homesick Filipino friends can finally satisfy their cravings, while non-Filipinos can get to know more about the cuisine.


Ensaladang Langka (Jackfruit Salad)

Ensaladang Langka a vegetarian salad comprising unripe jackfruit tossed in coconut milk.


Green Mango Salad

The Green Mango Salad comes with thinly shaved crunchy green mango and is accompanied by salted egg.


Apan – Apan (Morning Glory sautéed with Filipino Shrimp Paste)


Kinilaw na Pusit (Cooked Squid with Native Vinegar and Philippines Spice)


Binagoongang Baboy (Crispy Fried Pork Belly with Shrimp Paste)

Traditional Filipino seafood and meat dishes rely heavily on the use of fresh herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables for a balanced and full-bodied flavour.


Chicken Adobo (Chicken with Black Peppercorns, Laurel Leaves and Vinegar)


Prawns with Tabang Talangka Sauce

Every dish is refined yet rustic at the same time. This is indeed where you can finally immerse yourself fully in the world of Filipino fare.


Pinakbet (Mixed Vegetables with Shrimp Paste)


Bopis (Sautéed Pork and Beef Lungs)

Unexpectedly, this was one of my favourite items!


Pinaksiw na Bangus (Boneless Milk Fish cooked in Vinegar)


Beef Shortibs Nilaga (Beef Stew with Short Ribs)

Another must-try is the Signature Chicken Inasal, fragrantly charcoal-grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass and a medley of spices.

Apart from the Filipino spread, you can also find international fare including scrumptious Indian cuisine, seafood and meat dishes.

As for dessert, do not miss out on the shaved ice dessert at the DIY Halo Halo Station. It has a similar concept as our much-loved Singaporean dessert, Ice Kachang, except it comes with a different set of toppings, such as jackfruit, banana, sweet potato, yam and coconut.

Other desserts include the Fried Banana, Langka Turon (jackfruit spring rolls), Yema Balls (made of egg yolk and milk), and Leche Flan (an egg and milk custard capped with caramelised sugar).

The Journey to Iloilo promotion is available from 19 to 28 June 2014 for both lunch (12pm to 2.30pm) and dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm). For enquiries and reservations, email or call .

MELT~ The World Café
, Mandarin Oriental Singapore
6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, Singapore 039797