Wednesday 1 December 2010

Market Cafe at Hyatt Manila


It's quite unusual for us to go to the other side of the metropolis for food. No, that's not true. When I think about it, we've gone everywhere in search of a good meal. So it was only a matter of time before we ended up at Market Cafe inside Hyatt Hotel in Manila.

I know most people won't believe me when I say that I don't really like hotel buffets. I really don't. To me, eating in a hotel buffet is more a sport rather than a meal--it's really just a very silly test of human endurance and blind gluttony. Given the option between a nice plated meal and standing behind hordes of Chinese tourists all making a beeline to the carving station, I prefer the former.

The Market Cafe at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila, however, is a very nicely edited version of a buffet. They do have the spread one would expect in a regular hotel buffet, but the stations also give diners the option of ordering freshly prepared food items delivered to their tables. My friend Francis David took us there for lunch and it was nice to see that the choices, varied as they are, are not too overwhelming.

There's an Indian Station with Lamb curries, basmati rice, naan bread and mango chutney.



A Dessert Station which features a gelato counter, cakes, pastries and a chocolate fountain.


A Carving Station which serves roasts.


And Japanese Station with maki rolls, sushi, sashimi, tempura, etc. I had two plates of these!


My absolute favourite was the Mango Pavlova. Will definitely go back there again!