If you’re searching for a Singapore Hotel Buffet trying to figure out which lunch spread is actually worth your calories (and your dollars), here is my completely honest Carousel lunch buffet review at Royal Plaza on Scotts.
My usual food-loving gang and I visited Carousel for lunch on 10 September 2026 for the National Day Special Deal (S$61++). As a seafood and sashimi lover, the moment I saw “Lobster claws and fresh sashimi” on the lineup, my expectations as well as my appetite immediately skyrocketed.
Table of Contents
About the Hotel
Situated inside the 5-star Royal Plaza on Scotts right in the heart of Orchard Road, Carousel is widely recognised as one of Singapore’s top 100% Halal-certified hotel buffets. Beyond its Halal status, it also stands out for offering a dedicated Indian vegetarian selection alongside with a broad international spread ranging from fresh seafood, Japanese favourites to Mediterranean-style dishes, live cooking stations and dessert which make it a go-to choice for mixed corporate groups and multi-generational family gatherings.
📌 Quick Buffet Info
Lunch Hours: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (Daily)
Weekdays Rate: $72++
Weekends & PH Rate: $82++
Address: 25 Scotts Rd, on Scotts, Royal Plaza, Singapore 228220
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14), Exit A — 5 min sheltered walk via Scotts Rd
National Day Special Lunch Deal
- Free flow lobster claws, fresh chilled seafood, thick cut sashimi
- Live Teppanyaki, Rotisserie meats, Mediterranean hot mains
- Extensive dessert parlour with local hot sweets
Carousel Lunch Buffet Review: Station Breakdown & My Buffet Strategy
Salads & Cold Platters (First Things First!)
I kicked off my lunch buffet with a fresh salad topped with smoked salmon – always the perfect combination. It was a refreshing, well-balanced and set a foundation before moving on to the main attraction.
Chilled Seafood (Pro Tip: Arrive Early!)
This was easily my favourite part of the buffet. I went straight for the lobster claws, prawns and scallops.
While the seafood quality is good, my biggest advice is:
Come early if you want the bigger lobster claws!
Long queue builds up fast during peak lunch hours. When the ice bed was replenished later, I noticed that the massive lobster claws had already been snapped up by the early birds leaving mostly smaller claws on ice for later refilles.
So if lobster is one of the reasons you’re visiting Carousel, don’t wait until later in you meal.
Japanese & Sashimi Station (Don’t fill up on sushi only)
The sashimi was another standout of the lunch.
The chef constantly replenished the counter with thick, generous cuts of fresh Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna and Tai (snapper).
My advice? Skip the sushi unless you see something that catches your eye. The sushi varieties are quite standard and simple. Save your stomach quota for the sashimi!
Hot Mains, Cut Beef & Teppanyaki Live Station
Moving on to the cooked dishes, several hot stations impressed me:
- Carving Station (Rotisserie): The slow-roasted Beef Striploin was carved to a perfect medium-rare, juicy, tender and well-seasoned.
- Hot Mains: Gratin of Spinach paired well alongside with Mushroom and Cheese.
- Teppanyaki Live Station: The teppanyaki-style mussels were packed with flavour. I also picked out a fresh bowl of vegetables for the chef to stir-fry on the spot making it a great, hot savoury option.
Dessert Bar: Hit-And-Miss (Durian saved the Day)
The dessert bar is packed with varieties of sweet temptations. A chocolate fountain, chocolate lava pudding, assorted local kueh, and a premium ice-cream parlour. However, as a cheesecake lover, I was a little disappointed not to find a cheesecake on the counter.
LUCKILY…
The Durian Chocolate Cake saved the day.
This was not expected in my makan-list when I walked in. As a huge durian fan, this cake completely made my entire day!
Rich and decadent. Oh well, from the appearance it didn’t look like a durian cake until I got my first bite (See photo below).
The warm bread and butter pudding.
This dessert can be tricky because texture varies so much from kitchen to kitchen. The version here was surprisingly comforting and delicious – warm, custardy and delightful.
A side note on the Creme Brulee:
Instead of being served in individual ceramic ramekins, it was served scooped out a massive shared tray onto a my own plate. This made the presentation feel a bit messy.
Atmosphere, Service & Birthday Celebration
A Thoughtful Birthday Gesture
One of my lunch mates was celebrating her birthday this month. We quietly requested a small gesture from the staff during the seat booking.
The service team was incredibly accommodating and helpful!
The moment we signaled that everyone was seated, they brought out a complimentary birthday cupcake, we sang a cheerful “Happy Birthday” song, and the staff even offered to take a group photo.
This simple touch made our celebration special.
Service: Friendly and Lightning-fast
The floor staff were proactive throughout our meal. At one point I finished my plate, stepped away to grab a coffee, and returned to find my empty plate cleared and table reset. That’s efficient!
Dining Atmosphere: Surprisingly Peaceful
Even during peak lunch hour when I could see a queue forming at the buffet stations, the dining floor itself remained remarkably cozy and quiet.
We don’t have to shout over table noise which makes the dining experience felt relatively relaxed and comfortable. I think this is why it makes Carousel lunch buffet a solid pick for group lunches, family gatherings and birthday celebrations.
What I Loved vs What Could Be Better
| Category | What I Loved ❤️ | What could be better 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Spread Quality | Thick melting sashimi, tender roast beef and the standout Durian Chocolate Cake, of course the Lobster Claws. | Individual Creme Brulee ramekins and richer sushi options. |
| Service & Hospitality | Proactive, fast plate clearing as well as the complimentary decorated surprise cupcake. | None – floor team was attentive throughout the two hour lunch time. |
| Dining Atmosphere | Cozy and quiet making group conversations effortless. | Better queue management at the seafood counter during peak hours. |
My Buffet Scorecard
Here is my scorecard for the Carousel lunch buffet:
| Category | Rating | Standouts |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood & Sashimi Freshness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Thick, buttery salmon; Arrive early for big lobster claws. |
| Cuisine Varieties | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent hot & cold dishes though sushi options felt simple. |
| Halal & Dietary Inclusivity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 100% Halal certified |
| Service & Flow | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast plate clearing and warm gesture. |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good deal at S$61++ promo; solid but average value at regular S$72++ rate. |
| OVERALL SCORE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Solid, reliable and recommended for group feasts. |
Final Verdict: Would I Return?
At the S$61++ (~S$73.14 nett), I would definitely return! Being able to indulge in free-flow lobster claws, thick cut sashimi and that mouth watering durian chocolate cake makes it a fantastic deal.
However, at the regular weekday price of S$72++ (~S$86.33 nett), I think Carousel lunch buffet is consider a solid, dependable buffet for large group but not an essential one.
While it might not be a “must-visit” at full price, its warm hospitality, comfortable atmosphere and crowd-pleasing spread make it one of the hassle-free dining option.
The absolute star of my meal were the lobster claws, fresh salmon sashimi, durian chocolate cake and warm bread pudding. Coupled with the attentive service team and the sweet birthday gesture.
Last but not least, check the latest menu updates and promotions on the official website before visiting.
Summary at a Glance
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience during my visit on 10 September 2026. Buffet menus, prices, promotions and available dishes may change. Check the official restaurant website before planning your visiting.