Did you know that right on the Royal City square stands a magnificent Chess Palace - the only dining spot in Royal City not located underground?
The mysterious Chess Palace I'm about to mention isn't really a mystery at all. It sits right on the breezy Royal square, facing the captivating Four Horses statue, attracting crowds of visitors snapping photos every day!
1. The Legendary Chess Pavilion – Four Horses Chronicles
Whether there's truly any 'lan quyên' here or not, the position facing the four-horse chariot statue at Royal Buffet always brings to mind the saying: 'First word seals fate, four horses difficult to pursue.' Perhaps in feng shui, this is also a 'fortunate' position, isn't it?

Up close to the magnificent four-horse statue in Royal City's square
Regardless of its feng shui auspiciousness, I haven't had the chance to explore. However, this Royal Buffet does indeed possess an advantage that other eateries in Royal City lack, as it's the only restaurant in the mall located on the ground level!

Royal Buffet restaurant faces the four-horse statue and is the only ground-level eatery in Royal City
Unlike all the other restaurants in Royal City, this one is much easier to find. For someone naturally blind to directions like me, I'm ready to give it a bunch of likes for its convenience.

From your dining table, you can admire the breezy square and majestic four-horse statue
Adding to that, Royal Buffet not only overlooks the square, but its other two sides 'command' the cool, breezy greenery of the courtyard. Compared to the perennially 'hiding' eateries under the basement, Royal Buffet has indeed been generously favored by nature, hasn't it, folks?

The left side overlooks rows of lush, breezy green trees

The right side is also filled with lush greenery and sunlight
Returning to the main point, why do I call Royal Buffet the 'Chess Palace'? Let's slowly uncover the answer together!
2. Giant chessboard right inside Royal Buffet at Royal City
Not only facing the majestic four-horse statue, but right at the entrance of Royal Buffet are also two chess knights, one black and one white, standing parallel.

Two knights, one black and one white, stand guard at the entrance
Stepping through the door, the first 'object' that catches your eye and undoubtedly leaves a super strong impression is the giant white King piece on the chessboard, exuding grandeur and elegance right in the center of the grand hall.

This majestic King piece at the heart of this 'chessboard' harmonizes perfectly with the royal essence of Royal Buffet, wouldn't you agree?
According to the profound implication of Royal Buffet (excluding feng shui), this King piece coupled with the restaurant's crown logo placed right in the grand hall is a gesture aimed at conveying to customers: 'This is your palace, step in here, and you'll be served like royalty.'

From the name, logo to the King chess piece symbol, they all aim to imply the 'royal' quality of service here.
'Supporting' the King are two rooks, one black and one white, positioned on opposite walls in a 'castle-guarding' stance. Another interesting point is that the floor here is tiled with alternating black and white square stones, resembling a giant chessboard turned restaurant!

One white rook...

...and one black rook, standing parallel, supporting both sides of the Emperor.
Not only that, as you stroll around Royal Buffet, you'll randomly spot a 'troop' of chess pieces 'hiding' in every nook and cranny, here a rook, there a bishop, over there a knight, in the distance a queen,...

The white rook conceals itself under the cherry blossom branch in a corner of the wall

Can you guess the name of the chess piece hidden in this picture???

Chess pieces used for decoration scattered all around
It seems like the founder of Royal Buffet is a big fan of chess, even the paintings on the walls are artistic chess pieces!

Immerse yourself in artistic photos of chessboards

Images like these adorn every wall of the restaurant
3. Magnificent culinary palace within Royal City
I've already explained the 'chessboard' to everyone, but why call Royal Buffet a 'palace'? Let's take a stroll through the 'interior' of this upscale buffet restaurant to find out!

Royal Buffet = Buffet Palace in royal style
Firstly, I'm sure you've noticed, this restaurant is enveloped in two main colors: gold and white – the epitome of 'posh' royal hues – this contributes to creating a space imbued with the regal ambiance of Royal Buffet.

The restaurant is enveloped in two primary color schemes: gold and white
Parallel to the dominant golden hue, even the smallest details like fruit stands, screens, flower baskets, lighting fixtures,... are intricately crafted and elaborate. The crucial point is that while these details individually are intricate and complex, when placed together, they harmonize in an unexpectedly cohesive manner!

Intricately decorated, refined style

Does this image remind you of 'royal elegance'?
The most important thing I want to mention when (emulating others) calling this place a palace is because of the top-notch royal-quality service just like its name suggests, folks. Just imagine, as you step in, there are two people on either side impeccably dressed, bowing respectfully at 90 degrees to open the door, serving warmly, courteously, attentively, not to mention the neatly arranged, comfortable seats, very cozy indeed!

Neat, comfortable seats

The staff is courteous, professional
After strolling through this magnificent chess palace, I discovered another thing: the staff here are very accustomed to customers taking photos. That day, both me and another group of tourists took photos around without anyone seeming uncomfortable or pressured, so feel free to check-in here!

This place would be a great choice if you're looking for a place to dine and unwind after a tiring stroll around Royal City!
If one day you're wandering around shopping and looking for a restaurant in Royal City to stop by, don't forget about this 'royal' buffet restaurant! Despite its luxurious architecture and royal demeanor, the prices here are quite 'affordable', you don't need to be a princess, prince, or tycoon to dine here. Let me tell you a secret: normally, a buffet meal here costs 298 - 398k, but just with a click to reserve in advance on the smart booking app PASGO, you'll only have to pay 253 - 338k!
Detailed information about our 'chess palace' Royal Buffet:
Royal Buffet Restaurant – 1st Floor, Building R5, Royal City Square, Royal City Shopping Mall, 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi
Nguyen Nguyen.
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