Heat at Edsa Shangri-la is fast becoming my go-to place when it comes to hotel buffets in Manila. I ate there 5 times in the past year alone even as I was living in Singapore for the most part of 2014.
I had my first meal at Heat in 2015 just last week and realized the restaurant was spruced up to start the year. For the entire first quarter, Heat is being touted as a Farmers’ Market, with fresh and healthy produce in tow and juxtaposing against chic but casual interiors. This became evident the moment I stepped into the well-known all-day-dining restaurant, with a fruit and vegetable cart greeting me as I entered and light bulbs encapsulated in birdcages. Aesthetically, this is the biggest change to the restaurant aside from the Christmas decor in December.
Food-wise, all the favorites are still there. I was again treated to Heat’s Filipino selection which has always been my favorite. I especially loved the lechon kawali or roast pork. The Japanese selection has become more extensive and now features more complicated sushi rolls alongside succulent sashimi.
In line with the theme, the seafood portion has taken on a market-y vibe, with crabs deliberately hanging on weighing scales and lobsters and mussels placed on large pails.
A buffet spread at Heat won’t be complete without their iconic pastries and these meticulously designed creations are laid out extensively for guests to enjoy. Make sure to reserve some room for these treats.
Verdict
More than a decade on and Heat remains as one of Manila’s most well-loved hotel buffets. It may not have the longest buffet line in the metropolis but food quality is definitely noteworthy and the price competitive when compared against other 5 star hotels. This quarter’s Farmers Market is more than an aesthetic change, there’s also a greater selection of seafood this time around to delight crustacean lovers out there and old favorites to keep regulars coming back.
Rating:
Taste: 4/5
Ambience: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Heat
Edsa Shangri-la Hotel
1 Garden Way
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Philippines