Tong Yang Plus SM Southmall

My recent dining experience at Tom Yang Plus in Southmall was a delightful journey of flavors, and our timing couldn't have been more perfect. Arriving at 5:45 PM, we found the restaurant pleasantly uncrowded, allowing us to navigate the buffet with ease and enjoy a relaxed start to our meal. This early-bird approach is definitely a tip I'd pass on to anyone planning to visit. The buffet spread itself was impressive in its variety. While it featured a diverse selection of Japanese, Malaysian, Korean, and other cuisines, it's clear that the stars of the show are the shabu-shabu and the grilling stations. The freshness of the ingredients, from the thinly sliced meats to the array of fresh vegetables, was immediately apparent. Upon being seated, we were offered the chance to choose two soup bases for our hotpot, a feature that I greatly appreciated. We decided on the Mala and the Laksa, and both proved to be excellent choices. The Mala soup was a fiery and numbing sensation, perfectly balanced with a rich, savory depth. The Laksa, on the other hand, was creamy, aromatic, and packed with a complex blend of spices that made every spoonful a treat. A special mention must be made for a little-known secret that elevated our meal to another level: the availability of beef chuck eye and pork jowl. While not on display with the other meats, a quick request to the staff was all it took. These cuts, particularly the beef chuck eye, paired exceptionally well with the spicy Mala soup, their rich marbling and tender texture making each bite an absolute indulgence. It’s a definite "pro-tip" that I believe truly makes the dining experience worthwhile, offering a premium feel that's not immediately obvious to every diner. The combination of the flavorful soups, the high-quality meats, and the wide selection of other dishes made for a memorable dinner. The fact that the restaurant offers better rates on weekdays is also a significant plus, making a visit to Tom Yang Plus a fantastic value-for-money option for a celebratory meal or a casual weeknight dinner. Overall, our evening was a testament to a well-thought-out buffet concept, executed with quality and a flair for flavor.