Restos lines up for Sofitel’s famous Spiral buffet.
 
When I say I like buffets, people usually take one look at me and agree readily, mainly because I am, well, quite chubby. However, I’d like to believe that the extra poundage testifies to my wide appreciation of food and eating out. It probably goes without saying that yours truly has tried a number of buffets around town—resorts, hotels, restaurants, and good caterers, even—but even I had to admit that I was awestruck by Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Spiral buffet.  

My mouth watered at just the sight of the variety of dishes they serve (though said mouth was mostly full as the evening progressed). Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Middle-Eastern, Western—there are literally endless choices, and you don’t really have to go on a super-binge to enjoy Spiral’s spread. You don’t even have to be matakaw like me.

My mom—seeing in me a potential buffet raider even as a wee little girl—gave me invaluable advice for attacking a bountiful buffet spread: forget the rice or potatoes or corn; go straight for the viands and dessert. So, after being seated, I picked up a plate and eagerly scanned the stations for dinner. 

I had to choose carefully, because I was looking forward to the dessert buffet. I started with a couple of slices of Peking duck (It was okay, not quite as good as the version I’d had in a Chinese restaurant a couple of years back—my memory for good food is excellent!), tender beef from the European station, curried prawns, and shrimp and vegetable tempura.

The second round was devoted to Spiral’s Japanese station, which is quite impressive. There’s tempura (cooked in light batter, making it more delectable), impeccably-rolled maki, sushi, and nicely-sized sashimi slices in tuna and salmon, which are undeniably popular among sashimi fans because of their delicate flavors. I knew these dishes were best-sellers, because they ran out quickly. As expected of a hotel buffet of Spiral’s class, the ingredients are first-class—you can even tell from the type of wasabi they use (which was remarkably smooth, with a pleasantly hot flavor).  

The Chinese station is also among Spiral diners’ favorites. There’s fresh dim sum—even hakaw, shrimp dumplings in a translucent wrapper. I loved their hakaw, a Chinatown treat that I enjoy—Spiral’s dumpling is a more expensive, but equally delicious version. You can also have different kinds of noodle soups at the Chinese station—something that my noodle-loving dad will think of as heaven. The good thing about the noodles is you can choose the toppings you want, customizing your own variation of mami.

I love Asian food myself, but for those who like Italian dishes, you can easily find a wide variety of pizza and pasta. Another excellent station in the Spiral spread is the assortment of cheese, offered with fruits, nuts, and even wine. There are also healthy dishes, as part of the cuisine vitale thrust of the restaurant. The number of delectable dishes and offerings can go on and on, but you’re sure to find whatever it is you’re craving for at this topnotch buffet.

When dining at Spiral, make sure to leave some room for the exceptional dessert buffet. I went crazy over the sinful chocolate goodies—liquored pudding, opera cake, and the ultra-creamy truffle cake. I even had a couple of marshmallow sticks from the chocolate fondue fountain—which is amazingly good quality chocolate—and a scoop of green tea ice cream, drizzled with strawberry syrup. As I write this article, I’m wishing for a serving of their opera cake, which still haunts me to this day.  

Now we have to go to the harsh part—the cost. Spiral’s prices are quite steep, with the dinner buffet being the most expensive, at about PhP2,000 per person. I suggest going to the lunch buffet, cheaper at around PhP1,800 per person, plus there’s more time to burn off the evil carbs. But I assure you, every penny is worth it. The ambiance and service are great; the food exceptional.

Just remember to wear loose clothing, so you can hide the evidence of your momentary overindulgence! And always take a friend—aside from having enjoyable company, it’s less embarrassing to go back to the buffet area, and it partially assures that someone is as matakaw as you are.

(For Palo Garcia, food is definitely serious business.  Aside from buffet raiding, she also enjoys reading toothpaste labels, micro-blogging, and playing video games.)