Cover Princess Terrace’s lobster Hokkien mee (Photo: Princess Terrace)
Princess Terrace’s lobster Hokkien mee (Photo: Princess Terrace)
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Princess Terrace at Copthorne King’s Hotel has been Singapore’s faithful gateway to Penang’s vibrant food culture. With live cooking stations, time-honoured recipes and an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia, this beloved buffet continues to deliver authentic Malaysian flavours that have stood the test of time
For over five decades, Princess Terrace at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore has brought the vibrant flavours of Penang to the Lion City, earning its reputation as a must-visit destination for lovers of Malaysian cuisine. Since the 1970s, diners have flocked here for a buffet that celebrates time-honoured recipes and the rich culinary heritage of Penang.
Stepping into Princess Terrace is like entering a nostalgic Penang café. The interiors exude the charm of old-school Malaysia, while staff dressed in traditional kebaya guide guests through a spread of classic street delights. Over the years, several dishes have become inseparable from the restaurant’s identity—from the aromatic Penang Hokkien mee and richly spiced berempah chicken curry to crisp belacan chicken wings. The DIY Penang Rojak remains a highlight, elevated by the chef’s closely guarded prawn paste sauce, a Penang-style blend perfected in-house and found nowhere else. For dessert, homemade Nonya kuehs, kueh pie tee, and the indulgent durian apam balik capture the sweet, nostalgic side of Penang’s culinary heritage.
Read more: Haute Spots: Kim Hock Su on discovering Penang beyond its street food
Above Princess Terrace has been serving up the flavours of Penang since the 1970s
Princess Terrace has been serving up the flavours of Penang since the 1970s
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Live stations bring the buffet to life with noodle specialities: ark thui mee sua, koay teow th’ng, Hokkien mee, and the restaurant’s signature assam laksa. Each dish is cooked to order, infused with deeply flavoured broths and robust flavours that transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Penang. Meanwhile, the made-to-order apam balik, fresh beancurd daily from scratch, and DIY ice kachang at their respective stations let guests customise their desserts for a playful and interactive element to the dining experience.
The buffet goes beyond familiar favourites. Dishes like Penang char kway teow and nasi ulam showcase the kitchen’s mastery of traditional recipes, offering returning diners something new while keeping authentic flavours intact. Suffice it to say, every dish captures Penang’s unpretentious charm—hearty, fragrant and full of character.
Above Princess Terrace buffet spread
Princess Terrace buffet spread
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Princess Terrace is more than just a meal though; it’s also a family-friendly destination. Children five years and under dine for free, while weekday evenings buzz with energy, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or a culinary escape to Penang without leaving Singapore. Classic drinks, including freshly pulled teh tarik, complete the experience, perfectly complementing the rich buffet spread.
Whether you’re craving the smoky depth of char kway teow, the comforting warmth of noodle soups, or the sweet nostalgia of homemade kuehs, Princess Terrace offers an authentic taste of Penang that has truly stood the test of time.
Credits
Images: Princess Terrace
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Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
