By Cesar Cruz Jr.
EMBARK on a journey of amazing flavors through the best of South Korea, Japan and China. The food offering of the Land of the Morning Calm will certainly get one excited with its bulgogi jun, dukboki, japchae, galbi and Korean hot pots. Be transported to the Land of the Rising Sun with its fresh sushi, sukiyaki and katsu. Travel to the Middle Kingdom and discover roast meats, steamed fish and its assortment of dim-sum specialties.
The showdown takes place at the newly revamped Marriott Café. The all-day dining establishment exudes a fresh and inviting vibe. Furthermore, the well-thought-out floor plan makes navigating the different food stations a breeze. All of these provide the perfect backdrop to the real star of the show—the food! Diners can expect traditional dishes to be served (like the huge slab of rib eye) but they must make room in their tummies with the introduction of new and surprising offerings. There are several food stations that highlight well-known dishes from the three countries.
“The variety of having three different North Asian cultures, we get a lot more dimension so we are collaborating with the R&D team, interact with our chefs. We get excited about it. We get the whole team excited about it—the uniform, authentic cooking, just getting creative with food and drinks” Marriott Manila F&B Director Brendan Mahoney shares.
There is more to Korean food than just kimchi. Troop over to the Korean hot-pot station and choose the ingredients of your spicy soup. Have a bite of Korean pancakes, the taste of which is nothing like your ordinary pancake. The enticing aroma of sesame oil and gochujang (Korean hot-pepper paste) permeates the air at the Bibimbap station.
Not to be outdone are the Japanese food stations. Go beyond tuna and salmon sashimi. Diners can have other kinds of sashimi here, such as sea urchin, octopus, mackerel and garoupa. Noodle craving? Lay it to rest at the Ramen station.
The Chinese food stations assert its might with its roast meats—barbecued pork, soy chicken, roast duck. If it is dim sum you fancy, their selections will bring your wishes to life.
A complement to food, beverages can also celebrate the diversity of North Asia. In fact, bubble teas can be made according to a diner’s specification. Indulge in the sake bar, try the soju cocktails, and sample the Asian beer bar and the selections of wines specifically chosen to match Asian food.
“Everywhere you turn, you have something going on, but it is all about authenticity, quality food and really good interactive cooking stations,” Mahoney quips.
While the answer as to which cuisine reigns supreme in this showdown may remain a matter of personal preference, one thing is certain—with special attention given to food, the diners will emerge victorious in this North Asian showdown.
Marriot Café’s North Asian Food Festival runs from September 17 to October 15 with Monday-Saturday Lunch Buffet at P1,900 nett and the Sunday-Thursday Dinner Buffet at P2,100 nett.
Asian-inspired drinks and buffet at the Great Room
Raise your glasses as top liquors from Japan and South Korea slug it out at its bar menu. Enjoy Sapporo Beer, chilled Japanese sakes Namachozo and Nigiri, and soju and sake cocktails like Geisha Girl Apple Martini, Samurai Margarita, Seoul Sling and the Gangnam Cooler.
Partake in its buffet feast (from September 17 to October 15) that features Japanese sushi, Chinese dim sum high tea and Korean fried chicken, all of which are fittingly matched with its selection of Sapporo Beer, soju and sake cocktails, and bubble tea.
Savor these and more at the Great Room from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at P1,600++per head.