During my last trip to Bali, Indonesia, I stayed at my favourite hotel in Nusa Dua - the Conrad Bali. As it was my birthday weekend, I decided to splurge a little (but not that much!) on the Conrad Bali Suites - click HERE to check out my review on the Conrad Bali Suites with its very own private entrance, pool and amazing inclusions like unlimited laundry! While I was there, I visited one of the most famous Balinese restaurants in Nusa Dua - Bumbu Bali.

One of the best buffet restaurants in Singapore, MELT ~ The World Café at The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, launches a special collaboration with Bumbu Bali today. Keeping aside a few sections for the Balinese cuisine feature, MELT ~ The World Café brings to you the enchanting flavours and spices of magical Balinese cuisine by Chef Heinz von Holzen from the famed Bumbu Bali. This promotion runs from now until 08 May 2015 only so get in quick because you won't want to give this one a miss - it is THAT good!

Balinese dishes are known to be one of the most complex cuisines in the world as it relies heavily on a harmonising variety of spices to balance the natural flavours of meat, seafood as well as vegetables. Change your perception on the usual Satay that we are so used to in Singapore and feast on delicious Saté that is cooked to order. Indulge in classic signatures like the prawn and squid salad mixed with lime and mint. (Dojang Nakeng), a delectable prawn and squid. Clear your palate with a delicious and hearty bowl of oxtail soup with vegetables (Sup Buntut).

Click HERE to check out a complete list of Balinese dishes from the lunch and dinner menu.

Live Carving Station at the MELT ~ The World Café (The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore)00 — Live Carving Station at the MELT ~ The World Café (The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore)00

My personal favourites? For starters, both live carving stations feature some of the best dishes from this Bumbu Bali feature - the Babi Guling (Spit Roasted Suckling Pig) and
Bebek Betutu (Roast Duck in Banana Leaf). Reminiscent of the experience I have had in Nusa Dua, Bali, the dishes were well executed and comparable to the standards at the main restaurant.

Bebek Betutu Live Carving Station at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

For the Babi Guling, expect a crispy skin and a moist, tender meat underneath. For the latter, savour the delicate and tender duck meat infused with the natural flavours of the banana leaf - definitely one to watch out for!

Other dishes that I truly enjoyed was the Bebek Menyanyat (Creamy Duck Curry), Siap Mepanggang (Grilled Baby Chicken), Hasil Laut (Assorted Braised Seafood in Coconut Milk), Kambing Mekuah (Balinese Lamb Stew) and Pesan Wong (Steamed Mushrooms in Banana Leaf)

Indian Cuisine at the MELT ~ The World Café at The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore — Indian Cuisine at the MELT ~ The World Café at The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Of course, the frequent-goers to MELT ~ The World Café at The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore will tell you that no meal is complete without digging into the delicious Indian cuisine section which features a selection of delicious curries, freshly made naan and fresh tandoori meat dishes.

While the food is excellent, be sure to leave some stomach space for desserts! You will be able to sample different local, traditional as well as Western desserts here and there are easily over 10 different kinds so be sure to bring your spare stomach!

PRICES

The Magic of Bumbu Bali
28 April to 8 May 2015

Lunch: S$68++ | Dinner: S$88++