pancit habhab – Jellybeans in the City

A culinary journey at the International Buffet of The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang

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.

AniLag at Café Ilang-Ilang: Exploring Laguna’s rich flavors and heritage cuisine

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure that will transport you to the beautiful province of Laguna, where rich flavors and centuries-old recipes await. The Manila Hotel recently unveiled a delectable collaboration that brings together two culinary powerhouses, Café Ilang-Ilang and Calle Arco, for an extraordinary dining experience like no other. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the vibrant tastes of Laguna and its captivating culinary heritage.

Café Ilang-Ilang, the legendary dining destination at The Manila Hotel renowned for its extensive international buffet spread, has joined forces with Calle Arco, a historic ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, that has been transformed into a restaurant of Filipino food wonders. Together, they have crafted a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna, a splendid celebration of the region’s rich culinary traditions.

EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s Assistant Director for Food & Beverage, can barely contain his excitement about this collaboration. “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AniLag to all the wonderful patrons of Café Ilang-Ilang. This partnership allows us to honor our cultural heritage in the most delectable way possible,” he shares.

Throughout the entire month of July, Café Ilang-Ilang will be your gateway to experiencing the magic of the Anilag festival. Brace yourselves for a carefully curated menu that showcases the authentic and time-honored recipes of Calle Arco, passed down through generations. From the very first bite, you will be transported to the heart of Laguna, where flavors dance on your palate and whisper tales of culinary tradition.

Prepare to indulge in a feast fit for royalty as you savor some of the festival’s highlights. Let your taste buds revel in the crispy, succulent goodness of Binagoongang Crispy Pata, a dish that combines the irresistible allure of crispy pork leg with the rich flavors of bagoong. Experience the regal delight of Hurnong Lechon, a roasted pig prepared with meticulous care and secret ingredients that elevate it to the status of a true gastronomic masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more! Brace yourself for a parade of flavors that will dazzle and delight. Savor the velvety richness of Kare-Kare (Galapong), a traditional Filipino stew made with a unique twist. Dive into the luscious depths of Pancit Habhab, a stir-fried noodle dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Indulge in the comforting embrace of Sinigang na Baka na may Langka, a tangy beef soup infused with the sweetness of ripe jackfruit. And that’s just the beginning!

Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako will take you on a journey to the lush landscapes of Laguna, with its perfectly grilled fish adorned with a refreshing fern salad. And for the grand finale, let the divine flavors of Kamote de Leche enchant your senses, as this delightful dessert made from sweet potatoes and creamy milk leaves you craving for more.

Are you salivating yet? Well, the good news is that these mouthwatering dishes will be available on a rotating basis throughout the month at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffets, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to indulge in Laguna’s culinary treasures. So, gather your fellow food enthusiasts, bring your appetites, and let the flavors of Laguna whisk you away on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

For more information and to secure your spot at this extraordinary celebration of flavors and culture, call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500, or simply shoot an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the culinary wonders of Laguna right here in the heart of Manila. AniLag at Café Ilang-Ilang awaits you!

Festive Feast ala Lucban, Quezon at Buddy’s, Cubao

Lucban, Quezon is famous for the colors of its Pahiyas Festival, the pancit habhab and longganisang Lucban.

All of these are in full force in the Cubao branch of Buddy’s.

Located at the Shopwise Arcade in the Araneta Center, Buddy’s brings the festiveness and Filipino flavors to Cubao shoppers.

When hubby and I found ourselves stuck in the Cubao area, we decided to have lunch here. The place was quite spacious, with seating in two floors. The decor is very cheery, with colorful leaf-shaped kiping all over the place as well as floor-to-ceiling pictures of Lucban scenery and people.

We ordered the following to share:

Apparently, these were too much for just two people and we ended up not finishing our food. We also found the continuous loop of whatever Pinoy novelty song blasting in the background quite bothersome.

This Buddy’s Pancit Lucban branch is located at Shopwise Arcade, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.