Goodwood Park Hotel is probably best known for its scrumptious English afternoon high teas at L'Espresso. However, the hotel's Coffee Lounge is also a favourite among female dinners who are looking for a full meal.
Its local degustation menus feature a range of Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes along with a sizeable dessert buffet. It is easy to see they are popular with women - the carefully portioned dishes are just enough to whet the appetite, while leaving you with space for the dessert buffet, which includes Chinese desserts, poopular items from L'Espresso as well as Movenpick ice-cream.
One might bulk at the prices of the local dishes, but most of them are well worth the price tag. The dishes at a recent tasting session were all above the average hawker center standard, and the elegant surroundings create the impression that you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Coffee Lounge is also known for its Taiwan Porridge dishes, and its ongoing Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet is also extremely popular with women.
Contact details Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1746
Opening hours
Lunch: 12noon – 2pm; Dinner: 6:30pm – 10pm (Degustation menu)
6am – 11pm (Western & Local A La Carte)
Cuisine
Local dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, Hokkien noodles and Bak Kut Teh. It also serves over 70 types of Taiwan Porridge dishes.
Portions
Each course is roughly 1/3-1/2 of the standard serving - the 4-course menu would be ideal for most ladies. Have a large appetite? Try the 5- or 6-course menus instead.
Setting
Revamped less than a year ago, the 31-year-old Coffee Lounge has a spacious yet surprisingly intimate ambience while ceiling fans and stately arches impart an old-world charm.
Must-tries (also available on the a la carte menu) • Satay ($18++/dozen): Served as an appetiser, the two-stick portion may seem puny at first, but this chicken satay is big on taste. It is accompanied by a bowl of full-flavoured sauce.
• Prawn noodles soup ($17++): Full-bodied, robust and aromatic.
• Fish curry with roti prata ($17++): This rich spicy curry had just the slightest amount of tanginess. The meaty slices of threadfin (ikan kurau) and generous amounts of vegetables were a pleasant surprise.
Price factor
Local degustation menus: $28++ (4-course); $32++ (5-course) and $3++6 (6-course).
Taiwan porridge a la carte buffet: $32++ (until 31 Aug 2008)
Dessert Buffet: $12++ (until 31 July 2008, the Dessert Bar includes items from the durian pastry selection and is priced at $15++)
A la carte: About $30 per person for Taiwan porridge, and $20 per person for local dishes.
Things you didn't know
Tables situated at the lower terrace are more widely spaced apart, creating a greater sense of privacy. Request for a table here if you are dining in a small group. Larger groups might prefer the main dining area.
Verdict Great flavours, good portions, and an intimate ambience that is perfect for either a cozy tete-a-tete or a relaxed meal with your best girl friends.
