Though not piping hot, they were warm and crispy enough for a buffet setting. I also noticed staff replenishing the tray every 15 minutes or so, keeping them fresh throughout the evening.
Other Western highlights included Mashed Potato and Organic Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce, both of which are staples on the IKEA Swedish Restaurant menu.
We also loved the bread and soup station! The Mushroom Soup, paired with a Soft Wholemeal Bun and Garlic Bread, was the perfect snack to enjoy between the main dishes.
Adding to the spread are local favourites, including Ayam Masak Lemak Chili Padi, Sayur Campur Goreng, and Nasi Kunyit.
The Ayam Masak Lemak Chili Padi, a traditional Malay dish with tender chicken chunks cooked in a rich turmeric and coconut gravy, was a hit. There was also the Sweet and Sour Fish, with its perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce that paired well with the fragrant rice.
Don’t forget to leave room for a sweet ending—head straight to the dessert section for an array of assorted kueh and cakes!
When we were there, we found Ondeh-Ondeh and Durian Chendol mini cakes, served bite-sized, so you can try more without feeling too full.
Kueh is my weakness, so I went all in on the assorted platter of Kueh Salat and Kueh Lapis. I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and delicious the kueh were, especially since this wasn’t the main focus of the buffet!
The halal-certified buffet is set up in a separate section of the restaurant, near the halal line. I thought this was a smart move, as it allows buffet-goers to enjoy their meal without having to jostle with the main dining crowd at the IKEA Family Restaurant, which can get pretty crowded during dinner time.
So, back to the big question: is the IKEA Tampines halal buffet worth the hype? We’d say yes, thanks to its affordable price and wide variety of dishes. The experience of dining in a dedicated section—without having to queue at the regular restaurant line or fight for a seat during peak hours—definitely made it worth the upgrade.