You’ve probably heard the name TungLok — it’s one of Singapore’s most established Chinese restaurant groups. But if you’re eyeing the TungLok Seafood outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter, you likely have a few specific questions: Who actually owns the place? Is the buffet still S$58.80++? And is there a Michelin star hiding somewhere? This guide pulls together verified facts from the group’s own sources, independent listings, and past reviews so you can decide if this PLQ spot is worth your next reservation.

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Restaurant Group: TungLok Group ·
Location: Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore ·
Cuisine: Singapore-style Chinese seafood ·
Buffet Price (Adult): S$58.80++ ·
Dress Code: Smart casual ·
Michelin Star: No

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • Buffet price in 2020: a la carte lunch S$28.80, deluxe dinner S$58.80 (The Ordinary Patrons)
  • By 2022: Deluxe Buffet listed at S$59.80++ (TungLok Group Facebook 2022)
  • Current official menu shows S$58.80++ (no date stamp, likely 2024/2025) (Official restaurant info)
4What’s next
  • Seasonal promotions (e.g., live abalone 50% off) may reappear – monitor official site (Official promotions section)
  • More outlets potentially opening under TungLok Seafood brand (Group expansion plans)

Seven data points from the official restaurant info and group sources show a clear picture at a glance. The table below compiles the most frequently sought details.

Label Value
Owner Andrew Tjioe (Founder & Executive Chairman, TungLok Group) (TungLok Group Leadership)
Head Chef (PLQ) Not publicly named (No chef on group page)
Address 10 Paya Lebar Road, #02-01, Singapore 409057 (Official restaurant info)
Contact +65 6909 8933 (Official restaurant info)
Price Range Buffet from S$58.80++ per adult (Official menu page)
Dress Code Smart casual (Official restaurant info)
Michelin Star No (Group site – no star listed)
Bottom line: The pattern: ownership, pricing, and policy details are well documented, while the chef’s identity remains off the record.

Who is the owner of Tung Lok Seafood?

The TungLok Group was founded by Andrew Tjioe, who currently serves as President and CEO of the group, according to the TungLok Group Leadership page. Tjioe started the first restaurant in 1984, and the group now operates more than 35 restaurants across Asia (TungLok Group home page). A profile from the National Library Board (Singapore government archive) notes the group manages over 40 prominent restaurants in Singapore and the region.

Who is the head chef of Tung Lok?

  • Head chef for TungLok Seafood PLQ: Not publicly named. The group’s leadership page lists only corporate officers (TungLok Group Leadership). Independent booking sites like Chope also do not list a head chef.
  • Bill Foo: Former CEO of TungLok Group, as cited by the Entrepreneurial Leaders Organization (third-party profile). Foo stepped down from the CEO role; the current CEO for the group is Andrew Tjioe.
The gap

Diners looking for a celebrity-chef draw at PLQ won’t find one. The restaurant relies on the group’s established kitchen protocols rather than a named personality. For those who care about the person behind the wok, that’s a notable absence.

The implication: ownership is firmly in the hands of the founder, and the group’s scale means day-to-day operations at PLQ are handled by a team, not a single star chef.

How much is the seafood buffet at TungLok?

According to the official TungLok Seafood restaurant info page, the Deluxe Seafood Buffet is priced at S$58.80++ per adult. The “++” indicates the price is subject to prevailing service charge and GST (tax). A 2020 review by The Ordinary Patrons listed an a la carte lunch buffet at S$28.80 and deluxe dinner buffet at S$58.80. A 2022 Facebook post from TungLok Group advertised the A La Carte Deluxe Buffet at S$59.80++ – a small increase that has since reverted to S$58.80++.

Does TungLok Seafood offer buffet promotions?

  • Seasonal promotions are periodically available. The official site has featured a 50% off live abalone promotion for dine-in (Promotions tab on official site).
  • For the most current deals, check the official website or the TungLok Group Facebook page.
  • Ala-carte buffet options may differ in price – confirm at the restaurant.
Watch the fine print

The S$58.80++ base price can easily exceed S$70 per person after service charge and GST. If you are on a budget, factor in the full cost before booking.

The trade-off: the buffet price has remained remarkably stable over five years (within a S$1 range), but the actual out-of-pocket amount is higher than the headline figure suggests.

What seafood dishes is TungLok famous for?

The menu at TungLok Seafood PLQ is built around Singapore-style Chinese seafood. According to the official menu page and independent reviews on Chope, these three dishes consistently appear as customer favorites:

  • Black Pepper Crab – a classic Singapore seafood staple, heavy on cracked black pepper and butter.
  • Cereal Prawns – deep-fried prawns wok-tossed with crispy cereal, curry leaves, and bird’s eye chili.
  • Drunken Prawns – live prawns poached in Chinese rice wine, served tableside.

Seasonal specials like live abalone (often offered at 50% off) also appear on the menu periodically (Official promotions). The buffet format allows diners to sample a wide range of dishes, but the signature items above are the ones that built the brand’s reputation.

Why these dishes matter

TungLok’s buffet isn’t about endless piles of generic seafood. The emphasis on specific, technique-driven dishes (cracking a whole black pepper crab, for example) means the buffet is more a la carte in spirit. That’s a plus for quality seekers but a downside for volume eaters.

The pattern: TungLok Seafood PLQ leans into premium, iconic Singapore seafood preparations rather than a generic international buffet spread.

What is the dress code for TungLok Seafood?

The official restaurant info page states the dress code is “Smart Casual”. This is consistent with other TungLok Group outlets such as TungLok Heen. The restaurant is located in a shopping mall (Paya Lebar Quarter, #02-01, 10 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409057), so flip-flops and beachwear are discouraged but proper shorts and sneakers are usually acceptable.

Where is TungLok Seafood PLQ located and what are the operating hours?

Address: 10 Paya Lebar Road, #02-01, Singapore 409057 (Official restaurant info).
Phone: +65 6909 8933.
Operating hours per the official site:

  • Lunch: Monday–Saturday 11:15 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM); Sunday & Public Holidays 10:30 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM).
  • Dinner: Daily (including PH) 5:45 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:45 PM).

Reservations can be made via Chope or Oddle (delivery). Payment methods include major credit cards and Nets.

Why this matters: the PLQ location is easily accessible via Paya Lebar MRT interchange, making it a convenient choice for both lunchtime office crowds and weekend family dinners.

Is Tung Lok a Michelin-starred restaurant?

No. As of 2025, TungLok Seafood PLQ does not hold a Michelin star. The TungLok Group official site does not list any Michelin stars for any of its restaurants under the “Seafood” brand. However, the group’s Sun Tung Lok outlet received a Michelin Bib Gourmand (value-for-money recognition) in the Michelin Guide Singapore. The group’s focus is on quality Chinese seafood at accessible price points, not on chasing star ratings.

The misunderstanding

Some diners assume “TungLok” equals Michelin because of the group’s long history and premium positioning. In reality, the PLQ outlet is a solid mid-range seafood restaurant – not a fine-dining star. If a Michelin badge matters to you, look at Sun Tung Lok instead.

The catch: you get consistent group-quality cooking without the star premium, but also without the prestige that a star brings.

The trade-off

Diners at TungLok Seafood PLQ get a curated Singapore seafood experience with stable pricing and a proven group back-end. The cost per head (S$60-70 after tax) puts it in the upper end of casual dining. For the same money, you could eat at a hawker centre for weeks – but you wouldn’t get the live seafood or the air-conditioned comfort.

Upsides

  • Stable pricing (S$58.80++ buffet for years)
  • Signature dishes like Black Pepper Crab and Cereal Prawns are consistently rated highly (Chope reviews)
  • Convenient location at PLQ Mall with MRT access
  • Smart casual dress code – no need to dress up
  • Multiple booking options (Chope, Oddle, phone)

Downsides

  • No Michelin star – may disappoint prestige-seeking diners
  • Head chef not publicly known – no “celebrity chef” draw
  • Buffet price subject to ++ charges (final bill ~S$70+ per adult)
  • Seasonal promotions vary – no guarantee of discounts
  • Limited vegetarian/gluten-free options (Chope menu listing)

Clarity: What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

  • Owner is Andrew Tjioe (group founder) (Leadership page)
  • Buffet price S$58.80++ per adult (Official menu page)
  • Smart casual dress code (Official restaurant info)
  • Location: PLQ #02-01, 10 Paya Lebar Road (Official address)
  • No Michelin star for this outlet (Group site – no star)
  • Former CEO Bill Foo (via Entrepreneurial Leaders Organization)

What’s unclear

  • Exact head chef for PLQ – not named publicly
  • Current promotions – change frequently
  • Historical opening year – not confirmed (estimated 2017)
  • Total number of group restaurants (35 vs 40 conflicting sources)

Quotes from the team

The TungLok Group was founded by Andrew Tjioe, who remains at the helm as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the group has grown to own and manage over 35 restaurants in Asia.

— TungLok Group official website (group overview)

Bill Foo was the CEO of TungLok Group, as noted by his biography on the Entrepreneurial Leaders Organization. The site describes his tenure and contributions to the group’s expansion.

— Entrepreneurial Leaders Organization (Bill Foo profile)

Summary

TungLok Seafood PLQ delivers what the TungLok Group does best: reliable, well-executed Singapore Chinese seafood at a buffet format that has held its price steady for years. For the average diner in Singapore, the choice between TungLok Seafood PLQ and a similar-priced competitor (like Jumbo Seafood) comes down to whether you prefer the all-you-can-eat a la carte format vs. a traditional zi char experience. For value-conscious seafood lovers who want signature dishes without hawker-level heat, TungLok Seafood PLQ is a solid, transparent option – just don’t expect a Michelin star or a named chef.

Related reading: TungLok Seafood PLQ – Restaurant Info · Tung Lok Group – Founder, President and CEO

Additional sources

purple-eats.blogspot.com, tripadvisor.com, tunglokheen.com, facebook.com, tripadvisor.com, parkregisbyprincesingapore.com

For those considering other PLQ dining options alongside TungLok Seafood, the Tanglin Cookhouse PLQ reviews offer a distinct atmosphere worth comparing.

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Frequently asked questions

Does TungLok Seafood PLQ have vegetarian options?

The menu is seafood-focused with limited vegetarian dishes. According to the Chope menu listing, there are a few vegetable sides but no dedicated vegetarian set. Call ahead to confirm.

Is there parking at Paya Lebar Quarter?

Yes, PLQ Mall has a basement carpark with ample parking. Rates are standard for the area. MRT Paya Lebar (Circle and East-West lines) is directly connected.

Can I make a reservation online?

Yes, reservations are available via Chope or by phone at +65 6909 8933.

What are the payment methods accepted?

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and Nets are accepted; check with the restaurant for digital wallets like PayNow.

Does TungLok Seafood cater for private events?

The restaurant can accommodate private dining events; contact the restaurant directly for group bookings and menu customisation.

Are there gluten-free options on the menu?

No specific gluten-free menu is advertised. Many dishes are based on soy sauce and wheat-based seasonings. Diners with dietary restrictions should contact the restaurant in advance.

What is the cancellation policy for reservations?

Policies vary depending on the booking platform (Chope or direct). Typically, no-show fees apply for large groups; check the T&Cs when booking.