We Found A $8.90 Buffet In Lavender With A New Menu Every Day—Is It Worth It?

Dragon’s Bite has $8.90 buffet near Bendemeer MRT Station

When you think of the word “buffet”, the first images that come to mind are probably rows of seafood and premium meats laid out in a posh hotel setting. However, there are affordable alternatives to the luxury typically reserved for special occasions, with plenty of budget-friendly buffets for days when you want to indulge without breaking the bank. One such spot is Dragon’s Bite in the Lavender area. 

Located just a five-minute walk from Bendemeer MRT and on the outskirts of Jalan Besar Stadium, this no-frills standalone restaurant typically serves zi char dishes a la carte. But they also offer a special all-you-can-eat lunch buffet daily from 11:30am to 2pm, except Mondays, for just $8.90 nett per person, featuring a curated selection of comforting zi char-style dishes.

The buffet operates on a rotating menu, with the restaurant updating its offerings daily on its Facebook page. Its selection has a wide variety of predominantly Chinese dishes, and occasionally introduces themed menus such as Western, Japanese, vegetarian selections, and even a special Mother’s Day menu. Do note that each diner is only entitled to one plate of food with unlimited refills.

During our visit, we managed to catch them on one of their Thai-themed buffets. There were 10 dishes in total, making for a pretty good deal given the price point.

Starting with the two main carb options, the Pineapple Rice offered decent flavour, though it was slightly dry in certain parts.

We also tried the Stir-Fry Claypot Noodles, which carried a pleasantly savoury and slightly smoky flavour. The dish had good umami depth, with the sauce evenly coating the noodles.

On paper, one of the most value-for-money options is the Garlic Chilli Steamed Fish Fillets. Surprisingly, the fillets tasted quite fresh and came in generous chunks. However, the dish could have benefited from more sauce, as it felt a little lacking—we would have preferred a stronger spicy, garlicky kick to come through. 

There were no such issues with the Thai Curry Red Chicken, as you could easily drench your plate in as much curry gravy as you wanted. While the curry was lighter and less thick than typical versions, it still carried a nice balance of sweetness and spice. The chicken came in generous chunks, though it was again on the drier side, presumably from sitting out for some time.

The standout choice from this buffet selection had to be the Grilled Pork Collar, which was exceptionally tender. The darker outer crust had a nice char from the grill, while the juicy meat itself was fatty enough with a slight chew. Its seasoning was prominent enough too—a flavorful spice rub with hints of pepper that tied everything together nicely.

Be sure to try the Thai Style Tofu too, which features a crispy deep-fried exterior with a light and airy interior. It was topped with a sweet-spicy sauce that the tofu soaked up really well, giving each bite plenty of punch. 

Besides the main highlights, dishes such as Stir-Fried Vegetables, Lemongrass Chicken, and Deep-Fried Thai Fish Cake also helped round out the spread nicely. To complete the experience, Dragon’s Bite also provides soup, fruits, and dessert options alongside the buffet. 

While we cannot say that every dish was of exceptionally high quality, there is no denying that the buffet offers excellent value for money, justifying the $8.90 price tag. Consistency may vary from dish to dish, but that is inevitable with any buffet, especially one that rotates such a wide variety of items regularly. The ever-changing spread also prevents the experience from feeling too repetitive, making it easy for regulars to enjoy a hearty meal when they return each time.

One pro tip would be to head down right when the buffet starts at 11:30am, so you can enjoy the dishes while they are still fresh out of the kitchen.

For more affordable buffet deals, check out our guide to the best buffets in Singapore. If you are after something more indulgent, have a look at our Colony review, where we spotlight one of the most prominent buffets in Singapore. 

Address: 20 Cavan Road, Singapore 209851
Buffet hours: Tue to Sun 11:30am to 2pm
Tel: 9022 9143
Website
Dragon’s Bite is not halal-certified. 

Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was an independent review by Eatbook.sg.