There are few dining experiences that will have had me braving the July’s heavy monsoon rains, the threat of flooding and the metro’s infamous traffic jams, but that’s exactly what happened that particular Thursday evening, when I met up with fellow foodies to enjoy Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s much-celebrated dinner buffet spread.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
Named after the ilang-ilang tree which symbolizes love and romance, Cafe Ilang-Ilang is a much-beloved spot that transports diners to a world of culinary excellence. The Manila Hotel’s flagship restaurant has undergone several renovations and is now an architectural masterpiece. With a legacy spanning over half a century, Café Ilang-Ilang has become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences in Manila.
Global Flavors on Your Plate
Café Ilang-Ilang prides itself on offering an extensive array of cuisines from around the world. Here, my fellow foodies and I were able to explore the buffet spread that spans continents and satisfies every palate with a delightful showcase of diverse flavors.
Salads and Breads Station. Whet your appetites with Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s assortment of vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, cheeses and delicatessen. This station offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures to complement your buffet experience.
Churrasco Station. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and seafood. Indulge in succulent grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces.
Pan-Asian Station. Embark on a culinary journey through Asia with a wide selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries.
Italian Station. Indulge in classic Italian dishes that will transport you to the heart of Italy. Savor mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
Mediterranean Station. Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Sample refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes and perfectly grilled meats.
American Station. Experience the best of American hearty fare. Let loose your inner carnivore juicy steaks and tender roasts.
Dessert Station. Indulge your sweet tooth with a delectable array of sweet treats. From luscious cakes and pastries to creamy ice cream, the dessert station offers a delightful finale to your culinary adventure.
Anilag Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Heritage
The true showcase of that evening’s luxurious repast is the Anilag Festival, a carefully curated menu that showcases revered recipes from Calle Arco, an ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, renowned for its authentic Filipino dishes. Café Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Calle Arco in bringing the vibrant flavors of Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna on a rotating basis to the restaurant’s Filipino buffet station throughout this month of July. These include:
Binagoongang Crispy Pata. A fusion of two Filipino classics, crispy pata and binagoongan made cuts of deep-fried pork leg braised in flavorful stew made with shrimp paste.
Fried Itik. A signature dish from Victoria, Laguna wherein a duck is marinated in special seasonings then deep-fried to a crisp.
Kare-Kare (Galapong). A rich and flavorful oxtail stew with vegetables, simmered in a peanut sauce made from ground peanuts, chili peppers, spices, and glutinous rice.
Pancit Habhab. A stir-fried noodle dish made with miki noodles, shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
Sinigang na Baka na may Langka. The tangy and refreshing flavors of a sour soup made with beef, vegetables, and tamarind with some sweet notes from jackfruit.
Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako. Grilled tilapia served with pako leaves, adding a hint of sweetness and bitterness.
Adobong Kangkong. A staple in many Filipino homes, this dish is made with a combination of water spinach (kangkong) and classic adobo elements such as pork belly, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, oil, and black pepper.
Café Ilang-Ilang at The Manila Hotel is a haven for food lovers seeking a remarkable buffet experience. With its rich history, stunning ambiance, and an exquisite selection of global cuisines, it promises an unforgettable dining adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the diverse flavors from around the world while celebrating Laguna’s culinary heritage during the Anilag Festival.
Personally, the trek across the metro’s congested streets in the midst of a deluge for this feast was well worth it.
Cafe Ilang-Ilang serves dinner buffet from 6pm to 10pm daily, priced at Php3,145/adult and Php1,572/child from Sundays to Wednesdays, and Php3,790/adult and Php1,895/child from Thursdays to Saturdays.
For inquiries or reservations, please contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Cafe Lang-Ilang is located at the Ground Floor of The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.
Know more about Manila Hotel and its offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.
Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.
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