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INEXPENSIVE

imperial Herbal ** CHINESE HERBAL People come again and again for the healing powers of the food served here, enriched with herbs and other secret ingredients prescribed by a resident Chinese herbalist. Upon entering, go to the right, where you'll find the herb counter. The herbalist, who is also trained in Western medicine, will ask for the symptoms of what ails you and take your pulse. While you sit and order, he'll prepare a packet of ingredients and ship them off to the kitchen, where they'll be added to the food in preparation. Surprisingly, dishes turn out tasry, without the anticipated medicinal aftertaste. If all this isn't wild enough for you, order the scorpion.

The herbalist is in-house every day but Sunday. It's always good to call ahead, though, as he's the main attraction. When you leave, present him with a small ang pau-a gift of cash in a red envelope-maybe S$5 or S$7 (US$2.85-US$4). Red envelopes are available in any card or gift shop.
Metropole Hotel, 3rd Floor, 41 Seah St. (near Raffles Hotel). 6516337-0491. Reservations recommended for lunch, necessary for dinner. Small dishes S$14-5$24 (US$8-US$14). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11:30am2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm.

Bukhara NORTHERN INDIAN I like to recommend Bukhara for the buffet, which is a great way to savor many treats without going over the top with the expense. Tandoori lamb kabobs, fish, prawns, chicken, and more will make meat lovers' eyes pop-the food just keeps coming. Plu, tandoori veggies like cauliflower and stuffed potatoes and peppers are quite good. The decor is a little bit India-kitsch, with carved stonelike accents and beat-up wooden chairs. The buffet includes breads and dal. You can also order from an a la carte menu of standard northern Indian fare. If you're in Clarke Quay, this is the best choice in this price range.

3C River Valley Rd., #01-44 Clarke Quay. 6516338-1411. Reservations recommended. Buffet lunch S$14 (US$7.75), buffet dinner SS20 (US$11). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm.
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