Belated Birthday Bliss: Buffet Lunch at Rise, Marina Bay Sands

Celebrating friendship (and food!) always feels extra special especially when it’s a belated birthday lunch for someone we hold dear. Since we were already planning to hang out at Marina Bay Sands, I figured... why not make it a bit more special and try one of the restaurants there?

Now, I’m not usually a buffet person as I can’t eat a ton in one sitting, but the content creator in me said, “Let’s go for it!” Plus, I’ve never really treated myself or even family and friends to something this upscale before, so it felt like the perfect chance to do just that. After browsing through a few options, Rise Restaurant at MBS caught my eye. 

An International Buffet Spread at Rise.

The Price Tag: Is the Experience Worth the Splurge?

Let’s talk numbers because this wasn’t your average buffet.

Since we went for the weekend lunch buffet at Rise, the price came up to $110.31 nett per adult, and for those with little ones, it’s $55.15 nett per child (ages 6 to 12). It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the experience aims to match that premium price tag.

One nice touch? The buffet includes a drink, either a beer or a glass of sparkling wine, which added a little celebratory sparkle to our meal.

Started my meal with Japanese cuisine spread

A Global Feast: What’s on the Buffet Line?

As an International Buffet, Rise really lives up to the name, bringing together flavors from all around the world under one (very elegant) roof. Whether you're a fan of bold spices, comforting classics, or seafood indulgence, there's something here for everyone.

We started with a walk through Asian favorites: think Chinese roast meats including the always-popular Peking duck, fragrant Malay-style nasi lemak, and rich, spiced Indian biryani. Over at the Japanese counter, there were generous slices of sashimi waiting to be picked, along with other sushi options.

The Nyonya Kueh section added a nice local touch, and I loved that there was even a kids’ corner, complete with smaller, more approachable bites for little ones (or kids at heart) like pasta and waffle fries.

But let’s be honest, the Seafood Corner was the real headliner. Towering displays of Crayfish, Prawns, Scallops, and more were on ice, ready to be devoured. If you're a seafood lover, you’ll be in your happy place here.

To balance out all the savory bites, we popped by the Salad and Cheese station, a nice break between heavier courses. And of course, we couldn’t skip dessert. From Classic Tiramisu to Matcha Cheesecake and even Ice Cream, and a colorful spread of sweets, this buffet ended on a high (and very sweet) note. Hey don't forget some Ice Kachang to cool yourself under this unforgiving weather.

 For Seafood Lovers out there

The Hits and Misses: What Stood Out (and What Didn't)

While the buffet at Rise was undeniably grand and diverse, not everything hit the mark and I think it’s only fair to share both sides of the experience.

One thing that caught our attention (and not in the best way) was the seafood. But I overheard an older patron chatting with the chef at the Peking Duck station. He mentioned that the seafood wasn’t as fresh that day and that the Peking Duck was the highlight and so much so that he’d already gone back six rounds just for that! 

And to be fair, he wasn’t wrong; the Peking Duck was one of the standouts. Crispy skin, tender meat, and well-balanced sauces which makes the crowd-pleaser of the day. Lucky I didn't miss it as I wrapped up my meal for the day with 2 rolls of Peking Duck.

So while the buffet looks luxurious, it’s worth noting that not everything lives up to expectations, especially when you’re paying a premium.

I miss my salad eating days!

My friend had some Briyani with satay and papadum!

Nyonya Kueh corner and a Orange Chiffon Cake

I die for fancy desserts!

When I made the reservation, I also noted that we were celebrating a belated birthday, and the staff surprised our table (and those tables with the same request) with a complimentary cake! It was a thoughtful gesture that made the occasion feel even more special. My friend actually wanted to pack it to go, but unfortunately, the cake is strictly for dine-in only so that's something to keep in mind if you're planning a surprise!

Happy Birthday Jeslyn!

The birthday girl rushing for the last bits of food before the lunch buffet ends at 2.30pm

Final Thoughts

Dining at Rise in Marina Bay Sands was definitely a nice experience, not just for the variety of food, but also for the overall atmosphere. There’s something about dining in a well-known luxury hotel that makes you feel a little more classy, a little more elevated and I thoroughly enjoyed that.

That said, this will probably be my first and last visit here. I’m constantly on the lookout for new dining experiences, and while Rise checked the “upscale buffet” box, I don’t see myself returning anytime soon. Still, if you’ve got some extra budget to spare or just want to treat yourself to something fancier, Rise is a choice but just manage your expectations.

One thing to note: Even with reservations, you’ll still need to queue alongside hotel and casino guests, so do plan for a short wait, especially during peak hours.

All in all, it was a fun way to celebrate a belated birthday and catch up with friends and a reminder that sometimes, the experience matters just as much as the food.

Miracle Coffee, located at Level 1 of the ArtScience Museum

Bonus Stop: Miracle Coffee by JJ Lin

Since we were already at Marina Bay Sands, we decided to make a little side trip to Miracle Coffee, located at Level 1 of the ArtScience Museum, right outside MBS near the Helix Bridge.

For those who don’t know, Miracle Coffee is a cafe founded by our very own local singer, JJ Lin which naturally makes it a hotspot for fans, museum visitors, and curious passersby like us who just wanted to check the place out.

When we got there in the mid afternoon, it was pretty packed, but the service was impressively quick. We got our drinks within 5 minutes of ordering, which was a pleasant surprise given the crowd.

I went for the JJ Wonderblend, a smoothie that tasted very natural, light, and not overly sweet, quite refreshing, especially after a heavy buffet lunch and also extreme hot weather outside. The drinks overall were decent, but nothing super fancy. It’s more about the vibe and novelty of visiting a JJ Lin-owned cafe than the drinks themselves.

The variety of food to enjoy with a drink

(Left to Right) JJ Wonderblend, Oatmilk Latte & Mocha Latte

Hope you enjoy this post and stay tune for the next, as usual!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All expenses were covered by the writer and her friend. All opinions and reviews are based on their personal preferences and taste, and do not reflect anyone else's views.