Sunday Brunch in Racines, Sofitel Singapore City Centre – One of the More Affordable Sunday Brunches in a Luxury Hotel

There’s no dearth of Sunday brunches in Singapore, with just about every luxury hotel offering their own versions of the weekend ritual with their own set of defining features. Racines at the new Sofitel Singapore City Centre is the latest property to roll out a Sunday brunch with what it calls a “Magnifique Sunday Family Brunch.” This Accor property’s take throws in a couple of extras such as an activity lounge just for kids and a farewell souvenir gift but the most astounding thing about this Sunday brunch is probably the price. For every full paying guest, the second guest gets 50% off. Assuming you go for the champagne option which is S$168++, it works out to be approximately S$126++ per person after factoring the 2nd guest discount. I can’t think of any other Sunday brunch with champagne in a luxury hotel that is comparable in price so this may very well be the most affordable Sunday brunch in a luxury hotel in Singapore.

Racines is an oddity when it comes to Singapore’s restaurant scene because of the duality of its cuisine. It is not a fusion restaurant but rather, it presents French and Chinese cuisine separately. The ala carte menu is fantastic and one could choose between some Sichuan dishes while throwing in a steak or two if the craving warrants it. I come here occasionally for lunch so I was curious to see what their Sunday brunch buffet would look like and whether that duality would be retained.

I was greeted by a welcome drink as I took to my seat – a refreshing bottle of lemongrass with pandan.

As with any premium buffet, there is a cold seafood section with items such as Maine Lobster, Tiger Prawn, Mussels, Oysters and Snow Crab. For sushi lovers, the modest Japanese section appeals with its selection of rolls and sashimi. You’ll also spot some delectable raw scallops here which is a rarity in buffets, plump and juicy due to the light dressing.

Elsewhere, the charcuterie and cheese sections offer around three to four types of ham and two or three cheeses. The variety here is just enough to allow diners to concentrate on the mains or some of the pre-mixed appetizers. I quite liked the Mushroom Salad and the tangy Marinated Crab Salad. Interestingly, this Sunday brunch also features an array of dimsum – something I don’t normally see during a buffet except in specialized dimsum brunches. If you are the type who would enjoy siu mai, hakaw or crystal dumplings; you can have your fill here.

The selection here is just right to allow diners to try everything. The carvery has one choice while there are separate stations for Western and Asian dishes.

At the time of my visit, the Western section carried the likes of Barramundi Fish, Aglio Olio Pasta and Chicken and Mushroom Ragout. My favorite here was the Spanish-Style Pork Belly which has also made an appearance in Racines’ set lunches.

The Asian section on the other hand featured the likes of Sauteed XO Scallops, Braised Duck, Fried Rice and E-fu Noodles. It is worth noting that dishes change from time to time but this is a good indication of the quality that’s being offered.

One can also choose among the made-to-order dishes. I opted for the laksa which came brimming with a large prawn and scallops (seems to be a common ingredient here and I’m not complaining).

If you love desserts, you’d be pleased to find a disproportionally large allocation for sweet endings in this brunch buffet. In true French style, guests can take their pick among various types of chocolates, jellies, macarons, tarts, cakes as well as made-to-order items such as crepes and waffles.

The Western desserts certainly outshine the Asian ones here but for those who’d like to indulge in some local kueh, there are a couple to choose from in the basket.

A bartender with a drinks trolley in tow goes around the restaurant to offer an array of cocktails and mocktails. In case you’re wondering what sort of champagne Racines offers during the Sunday brunch, it’s the Duval Leroy Brut Reserve.

For its Sunday brunch, Racines doesn’t promise the largest buffet out there (and it doesn’t aim to) but for what it has, the food is of wonderful quality with plenty that you won’t find in other similarly-styled affairs in other luxury hotels in the island. There’s a degree of meticulousness that’s evident here and when compounded with the amount of natural light peering in the well-designed dining area through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ve got yourself one of the most beautiful indoor settings for a leisurely weekend meal.

CHECK OUT MY OTHER SINGAPORE SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEWS HERE

Prices:

S$108++ with free flow juices
S$128++ with free flow juices, beers, wines
S$168++ with free flow juices, beers, wines and champagne

S$58++ for kids below 12

Up to 2 kids dine for free with each paying couple
For every full paying guest, second guest gets 50% off

Racines
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885

+65 6428 5000