Here’s a list of the eats foodies will definitely miss from the popular fine dining buffet Spiral.
When discussing the best hotels in Metro Manila, Sofitel Manila—more often than not—pops up in the conversation. Let’s be honest, its luxurious and elegant look is one to beat!
But the recent news has been revealed: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila will cease its operations starting July 1, 2024. This announcement saddened not only travelers and staycation enjoyers, but also foodies who loved Spiral, the luxury hotel’s fine dining buffet.
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With 21 ateliers (more popularly known as stations), Spiral Buffet in Sofitel Manila offers a wide selection of food, ranging from vegetables to fresh seafood, as well as quality staple dishes from countries around the world. It’s not just a destination for those craving a global culinary experience, but also a favorite among foodies looking to indulge in dishes not typically found in other all-you-can-eat restaurants in the metro.
Fun fact: "Atelier" means "a room or building where artists work." They chose to call their stations ateliers because the dishes prepared by the chefs can be considered their own works of art—their masterpieces!
Before Sofitel (and Spiral) finally stops its operations, let’s take a closer look at the 21 ateliers at Spiral Buffet, and we’ll also share some buffet (not-so-secret) practices that gave foodies their best buffet experience over the past years.
Appetizer Area
Appetizers come first—always. The Salad and Appetizer atelier, along with the La Boulangerie atelier, are sure to whet the appetites of foodies. Whether you’re craving something light or loading up on carbs, these areas hit the spot.
Appetizer tip: Be sure to try the Olive Oil bread served at your table. It's a definite must-try if you enjoy bread that's crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with their pesto butter and caviar.
Salad and Appetizer Atelier
Fresh, organic, and locally grown at their garden, the salad components at this atelier aren’t only for those who are living the healthy life but also for those who want an unassuming introduction to what Spiral Buffet can offer.
Salad and Appetizer tip: Since this is a make-your-own-salad station, ensure that your salad components are fully coated with dressing by asking the chef at the atelier to toss the salad for you.
La Boulangerie Atelier
Bread lovers unite! Whether you’re craving all-around soft bread, crunchy crusty bread, or sweet and savory options, La Boulangerie has it all. This atelier boasts a vast variety of breads and offers a selection of jams and condiments that complement them perfectly.
Tip: Their breads go well with the cheese and cold cuts you can get from Spiral Buffet's cheese room. So, stock up a bit but don't stuff yourself with them before you've tried the other dishes from the other ateliers.
L’Epicerie
Speaking of the cheese room, then you’ll definitely love —a cheese and cold cuts lover’s heaven! Choose from their variety of 10 to 20 kinds of cheese and cold cuts which they get from all over the world and change every single day.
Asian Area
The biggest area of the buffet, the Asian section, not only houses the largest variety of cuisines but also features both familiar and intriguing dishes that are worth trying.
Tip: Easy on the starch—more specifically the noodles and the rice—and the soup or you'll get full quickly. If you want to try those, take a few or sample small bowls right after you try out the staple dishes from each cuisine.
Filipino Atelier
Serving up Filipino culture on platters, at the Spiral Buffet’s Filipino atelier, you can enjoy familiar Filipino dishes elevated to a whole new level—reminiscent of your homemade favorites if they were prepared and reinvented by a trained chef.
Some dishes they offer: Bulalo, Crocodile Adobo, Stingray in Gata, Crispy Pata, and Kare-Kare.
Korean Atelier
If you’re into Korean food—samgyupsal aside—then you definitely have to go to Spiral Buffet’s Korean atelier which features sizzling plates, freshly tossed vegetables, various banchan (vegetable side dishes), and even five kinds of kimchi.
Some dishes they offer: Bulgogi (thinly marinated slices of meat grilled to perfection), Squid Chili Barbecue, Bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), Beef Short Ribs, Barbecue, and Dak Dori Tang (spicy Korean chicken stew).
Thai Atelier
Flavorsome, bright dishes, and curries don’t scare you? If so, then you’ll enjoy the dishes at the Thai atelier. All of which you may enjoy either as an appetizer or even as mains.
Some dishes they offer: Yam Nua (spicy beef salad), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Chicken Satay
Tip: Thai dishes are mostly spicy. If you don't lean towards spicy dishes, then ask the chefs at the atelier which of the Thai dishes aren't spicy.
North Indian Atelier
Serving up dishes cooked in their own tandoori (Indian cooking based on the use of a tandoor), at the North Indian Atelier, you can have a taste of strong aromatic meats in rich, creamy sauces as well as vegetables packed with herbs, a complex layer of flavors, and aromas.
Some dishes they offer: Naan (flatbread), Chicken Tandoori, Dal (vegetarian side dish made of yellow or red lentils)
Tip: If you're vegetarian, Sofitel suggests that you try their selection of dal, paneers (non-melting soft cheese), and chutney—all of which you can scoop up and eat with their freshly made naan.
Japanese – Sushi and Sashimi Atelier
Prepared by their master sushi chef right in front of your eyes, have your fill of freshly sliced sashimi (fresh raw fish or meat sliced into thin pieces), expertly formed rolls, and perfectly prepared sushi (bite-sized vinegared rice with vegetables and seafood or meat) at no other place than Spiral Buffet’s Sushi and Sashimi atelier.
Some dishes they offer: Temaki, Nigiri, Tuna Sashimi
Tip: If you like your fish a bit torched or you're looking for aburi sushi, all you have to do is request it from the chef at the atelier.
Japanese – Hot Japanese Atelier
Not into raw or partially cooked Japanese dishes? Then head on to the Hot Japanese atelier and get your fix of some classic, toothsome Japanese dishes which are either deep-fried or grilled with the use of a robata or teppanyaki grill.
Some dishes they offer: Ebi tempura, katsu, sukiyaki grilled seafood, meat, and veggies.
Tip: Want a meal and a show? Watch as your chefs cook your chosen meat/seafood/vegetable on top of the teppanyaki.
Chinese – Chinese Wok Atelier
If dishes such as kung pao chicken, broccoli with oyster sauce, Hainanese chicken, and mapo tofu ring a bell and make your mouth salivate, then the dishes at the Chinese Wok atelier are a must-try for you. Wha they have to offer? You’ll just have to head on to Sofitel Manila to find out!
Chinese – Steam Baskets Atelier
Calling all dumpling lovers, this is the atelier for you! Serving up dumplings stuffed with either veggies or meat, at the Steam Baskets atelier, you can get your fill of a variety of hot, fresh, steamed, and even fried dim sum.
Some dishes they offer: Xiao Long Bao, Hakaw, Siomai, Wonton, and Spare Ribs
Chinese – Pecking Duck Oven Atelier
An atelier that specializes in only one dish: Peking duck. At the Peking Duck Oven atelier, you can indulge in this perfectly roasted Chinese cuisine specialty that’s surely a must-try.
Tip: Try out their Peking Duck Wrap.
Asian Noodles Atelier
If you find the dining area too cold, warm up with a bowl of hot soup and noodles from various Asian cuisines prepared at the Asian Noodles atelier. It offers all the ingredients and components you’ll need to customize it exactly to your liking.
Tip: If you want something rich and creamy, they also offer DIY laksa!
Western Area
The area that best represents Sofitel, the Western Area features some classic European eats which you’ll surely fall in love with.
Western Area Hack: Both of the ateliers at this area have customizable options so might as well take advantage of them by trying things you've been dying to try but haven't had the time to.
French Stove Atelier
Want to take your tastebuds on a journey across Europe? Then head on to the French Stove Atelier, a station that showcases seared foie gras (liver of a duck or goose, fattened), roasted meat, carvings, seafood, grilled food, and of course, regional French dishes.
Pasta Lovers Hack: Not feeling noodles? Then enjoy some customizable dishes at a station near the French Stove atelier.
Wood-Fired Oven Atelier
A European tour isn’t complete without pizza. Get your fill of ready-made pizza in various flavors cooked in a wood-fired oven for that charred flavor.
Hack: Feel like a chef and create your own flavor by getting ingredients from all over the buffet and asking the chef to make a pizza with them.
Meat and Seafood Areas
Whether you’re looking for some juicy meats or some savory seafood dishes, this area’s got ateliers with dishes that’ll make your mouth water.
L’Ecailler Atelier
Craving some cooked seafood this time? If so, steer away from the sushi and sashimi atelier and head to the L’Ecailler atelier where you can have your pick of premium oysters, clams, crabs and other seafood which you can ask the French Section to prepare any way you like!
Tip: If you want oysters which are best eaten raw with a dash of lemon, avail of their dinner buffet!
Churrasco Atelier
Meat lovers, are you ready for this? Boasting a wide selection of skewered roast meats, the Churrasco atelier is the station to go to if you want juicy, flavorful goodies prepared with Brazilian/Latin American flare which you can pair with delectable sauces.
Meats they offer: Pork Ribs, Leg of Lamb, and Beef Short Ribs
Rotisserie Atelier
Want the simple salt and pepper treatment or some non-Latin American/Brazilian spices to your meat and poultry? Don’t be a chicken and get going to the rotisserie atelier!
Some dishes they offer: Roasted Chicken, Slow Cooked Lamb Beef, Pork Seasoned with Assorted Herbs and Spices
Dessert Area
Chocolaterie
There’s a saying that chocolate goes great with everything, and indeed it does! Evidence? The scrumptious treats freshly made every day at the Spiral Buffet’s Chocolaterie. With so much to choose from, we simply can’t list all the varieties they offer. But one thing’s for sure: they are definitely worth trying.
Kinds of chocolates they offer: Artisanal Chocolates, Bark, Truffles, and Pralines (chocolates filled with a soft center)
Tip: Not into ready-made chocolate? They also offer chocolate fountains in several flavors that you can enjoy with their treats and fruits.
Creamery
Hot outside or simply craving something cold? Then the Creamery atelier is the dessert station for you. They not only offer various ice cream flavors—from fruity and citrusy to creamy—but also provide other ingredients to help you create your own halo-halo.
Hack: Upgrade your dessert by adding ice cream to your crepe.
La Patisserie
If you’re into something heartier than chocolate, then satisfy your sweet tooth at La Patisserie, the atelier boasting a variety of French pastries, cakes, and desserts in miniature glasses.
Hack: Want to try everything? Bring a friend along with you so you can get different desserts.
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Plaza Level, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay
Cover photo from Spiral Manila
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