A collective sigh echoed through Metro Manila last week as the iconic Sofitel Spiral closed its doors on July 1, 2024. For many, it wasn't just a buffet; it was a culinary adventure, a celebratory destination, and a cherished tradition.
But fear not. In the wake of this void, we've sought out the recommendations of certified foodies to fill the gap in the city's dining scene.
So, get ready to satisfy your appetite and explore some fantastic alternatives to the beloved Spiral.
Cafe Ilang Ilang at The Manila Hotel
"The legendary Cafe Ilang Ilang at Manila Hotel still holds the top spot for me in terms of buffet selection and quality. Though I am still not a huge fan of the glass barrier. You definitely need to try their Indian section. Most people tend to skip this line, but personally, I think Cafe Ilang Ilang serves the best Indian food in a buffet setup. If it's a Thursday, do go for their unlimited foie gras, which is just beside their perfectly cooked prime ribeye station. For dessert, I always go for their bibingka and puto bumbong, among many other options." — Nathaniel Uy, chef and foodie. @thehungrychef
Spectrum at Raffles-Fairmont Makati
"Makati is my stamping ground, so if you ask me to choose a lunch and dinner buffet that satisfies, my ‘little secret’ would be Spectrum at the Raffles-Fairmont Makati. It doesn’t over-promise in terms of selection, but knows how to ensure that the quality of what it’ll put on display is worth your consideration. Plus, it changes things up on a regular basis. Beyond the ‘usual suspects’ of national cuisines, you’ll often find an outlier whose presence surprises you. Last time I ate at Spectrum, it was the Arabic lentil stew—spicy but in a good way.
The F&B outlet has a lot of history for me. It’s where Issa and I first met Chef Miko Llamanzares-Aspiras when he was the pastry chef at Spectrum. This was back in 2013, eleven years ago. It has evolved through the years but has managed to stay consistent and dependable. With a buffet, you often balance the immediacy of what you’re putting on your plate against the fact that the dishes are not freshly cooked or baked. I appreciate how, for several grilled items, Spectrum will let you choose your slice and grill it a bit more right before it’s laid on your plate. Spectrum is that ‘old friend’ of a buffet." — Philip Cu Unjieng, lifestyle columnist
Corniche, Admiral Club, Seasonal Tastes
"I have three recommendations. Diamond Hotel's Corniche offers a carefully curated buffet experience featuring Asian, Western, Japanese, and fresh seafood catches. You can easily find me at their dessert bar, munching on those homemade ice cream and ensaymada—an oldie but definitely a goodie.
Then there's Admiral Club, which is located on top of Admiral Hotel with the perfect sunset view. They offer unlimited seafood on Thursdays and Fridays featuring their lobsters, Fine de Clair oysters and shellfish.
And then there's Westin's Seasonal Tastes, which features fresh and sustainable meat, seafood and primary ingredients. Aside from the usual buffet selection, they have a plant-based section, sugar free and keto selections for those who want to binge but still watch what they eat." — Kelby Uy, lawyer and foodie. @nakakalokal
The Café at Hyatt Regency
"The Café at Hyatt Regency in City of Dreams has left a lasting impression on me. Its extensive offerings span from fresh seafood and international cuisine to Filipino favorites and decadent desserts. The live cooking stations are a standout feature, where chefs prepare dishes like grilled meats and pasta dishes based on your request. Complimentary (and unlimited) juices, sodas, iced tea, coffee, tea, local draft beer, red and white house wines are also part of their lunch and dinner buffets.
The overall dining experience is also important for me, and The Café lives up to my standards. The ambiance enhances the meals with its high ceilings and spacious layout, offering ample breathing space for between different groups of diners. Relaxing ambient music adds to the enjoyable atmosphere. The staff provide top-notch service, ensuring diners have an exceptional experience." — Jane Kingsu-Cheng, lifestyle columnist
Jasmine at New World Makati
For our contribution to the list, we recommend Jasmine at New World Makati. The hotel has recently launched a new breakfast menu at the restaurant, featuring a blend of Chinese and Malaysian flavors. The menu caters to both local and international guests, offering a wide variety of traditional dishes alongside breakfast staples.
From kaya toast, a Malaysian breakfast option, to steamed and fried dim sum, this menu promises a delicious and satisfying start to your day. Diners can also choose from rice, noodle, and congee options, explore healthy vegetable and tofu dishes, and indulge in sweet desserts like deep-fried sesame balls with lotus paste, red bean broth, and warm taro cream.
While the absence of Spiral's iconic dining experience is certainly felt, Manila remains a haven for adventurous palates, offering a wealth of exciting foodie destinations. We eagerly anticipate future culinary creations and innovative menus to further tantalize the taste buds of hungry diners.