21 on Rajah

21 on Rajah is a buffet restaurant in the East Wing of Aloft Singapore Novena, at 1 Jalan Rajah in Balestier. It is a dedicated Asian buffet restaurant. The spread mixes local classics with well-loved dishes from around the region.

The kitchen is overseen by Executive Chef Melvin Lim, who leads the hotel's kitchen team. He has been cooking for more than 24 years and has a background in classical French and Italian food. Assistant Chef de Cuisine Jason Ang put together the restaurant's Penang-themed buffet. It suits family meals and get-togethers.

What is on the buffet

The buffet runs at lunch and dinner. The menu changes with themed promotions through the year, but recent menus share a similar layout:

• Seafood on ice: snow crab legs, tiger prawns, mussels and clams, with Thai-style dipping sauces.
• Japanese corner: salmon and tuna sashimi, sushi and maki.
• Carving station: roast meats such as beef ribeye, plus whole fish or chicken on some menus.
• Live noodle station: noodle soups made to order, with Singapore laksa a regular choice.
• Hot dishes: rotating curries, crab dishes, grilled chicken, stews and fried rice from across Southeast Asia.
• Salads, cheese and desserts: a salad bar, a cheese board, cakes and local sweets such as durian pengat.

Themed buffets sometimes bring in guest chefs. In 2026, for example, the restaurant ran a Vietnamese buffet created with a chef from JW Marriott Hanoi. If you would rather not have the buffet, a short à la carte menu offers dishes such as nasi lemak, laksa, beef rendang and chilli crab pasta.

The setting

The room is stylish but the dress code is casual. It also hosts private events such as weddings and celebrations, with a private dining room and an outdoor area for smaller groups. The hotel sits next to Zhongshan Park, away from the busy city centre.

Good to know before you go

• Children: the buffet has child prices, and the à la carte menu has a kids' section for children aged 12 and under.
• Booking: reserve online through the website, or call the restaurant.
• Dietary needs: the à la carte menu marks vegetarian and gluten-free options. Buffet dishes rotate, so tell the staff about any allergies when you arrive.
• Seasonal menus: festive buffets run around Christmas and New Year, so check the website for the current theme.

Nearby

Balestier has plenty of local food close by. For pork rib soup, try Founder Bak Kut Teh (Balestier), or go to Whampoa Makan Place for hawker dishes. Beside Zhongshan Park, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a museum in a restored villa. See more hotel buffets in Singapore or all restaurants in Balestier and Toa Payoh. Current menus are on the 21 on Rajah website.