[Review] Penang Street Feast + Free-flow Durian: The Ultimate Halal Buffet Experience at 21 on Rajah

Singapore’s buffet scene is notoriously competitive, but 21 on Rajah has consistently carved out a niche with its inventive themes and generous offerings.

Fresh from a month-long refurbishment, the restaurant is pulling out all the stops with a dual celebration: a flavour-packed Penang Street Feast and an indulgent free-flow durian buffet. We were invited for a dinner tasting to savour both of these offerings for the ultimate halal buffet experience and it did not disappoint in terms of variety and pricing.

The Penang Street Feast: Authentic Flavours, Curated by a Master

In a savvy collaboration with Penang Marriott Hotel, 21 on Rajah has brought Guest Chef Nor Ismail bin Mat Esa to its kitchens. The result is a sprawling, rotating selection of over 30 Malaysian hawker classics that are a far cry from standard buffet fare.

The star of the show is the authentic Penang Assam Laksa, presented with a balanced broth that is simultaneously tangy, spicy, and fragrant.

Other highlights include the Ayam Goreng Bawang Rempah Ratus (fried chicken marinated in a blend of herbs and onions) and the Udang Raja Rempah Ratu (large prawns in a rich, royal spice paste).

No Penang feast is complete without its iconic desserts.

The D.I.Y. Penang Muah Chee station is a fun, interactive experience where you can coat soft, warm glutinous rice dough in a mix of crushed peanuts and sugar. A bowl of authentic Penang Chendol, with its rich gula melaka and creamy coconut milk, is the perfect way to beat the heat in sunny Singapore.

On top of the Penang food items, the regular selection of international and local fares are available for the buffet as well, ranging from the cold seafood station to Japanese sushi and sashimi, plus many more, making it super value for money.

Free-flow Durian Buffet Top-up

Without contest, the pièce de résistance for the night was the free-flow durian buffet, organised in collaboration with Ah Meng’s Durian @ Ghim Moh, which you can enjoy with a $50 top-up for buffet diners or $168 on a 1-for-1 basis for walk-ins. This is available from now till 28 September 28, only from Friday to Sunday.

Served in the alfresco dining area to contain the potent aroma, it features premium varieties like the bittersweet, creamy Mao Shan Wang and the subtly sweet D13/Red Prawn.

A Sweet Deal for SG60

As part of Singapore’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, 21 on Rajah is running an enticing $0.60 promotion. For lunch, the second diner pays just $0.60, and at dinner, the third diner gets the same incredible deal. It is a fantastic way to experience this extensive buffet with friends or family without breaking the bank.

Location: 
1 Jalan Rajah, Aloft Singapore Novena (East Wing), Singapore 329133

Nearest MRT: 
Toa Payoh (with a free shuttle bus also available from Novena station)

Penang Street Feast Buffet (till 2 October 2025)

Buffet Lunch
Weekday (Monday to Friday): $56 per adult | $28 per child
Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, eve of Public Holiday, Public Holiday): $68 per adult | $34 per child

Buffet Dinner
Weekday (Sunday to Thursday): $68 per adult | $34 per child
Weekend (Friday, Saturday, eve of Public Holiday, Public Holiday): $78 per adult | $39 per child

Durian Buffet (till 28 September 2025)

Fridays – Sundays, after 6pm, till 28 September
$50 top-up for buffet diners or $168 on a 1-for-1 basis for walk-ins

SG60 Promotions (till 7 September 2025)

Celebrate Singapore’s 60th with a special dine-in deal from 7 August to 7 September 2025.

Lunch: 2nd diner dines at $0.60
Dinner: 3rd diner dines at $0.60

Aloft Singapore 2nd Anniversary Promotions (8 September to 2 October 2025)

Lunch: 2nd diner dines at $2.00 
Weekday Dinner Bundle: $200 nett for 3 diners
Weekend Dinner Bundle: $222 nett for 3 diners