Indulging in a culinary adventure is often a delightful experience, but when it involves braving the elements and navigating through the hustle and bustle of the city, you know it’s something extraordinary. That’s exactly what happened on a rainy Thursday evening on a memorable gastronomic journey at Café Ilang-Ilang, the flagship restaurant of The Manila Hotel.
Renowned for its legacy of culinary excellence, Café Ilang-Ilang derives its name from the ilang-ilang tree, symbolizing love and romance. Having undergone multiple renovations, the restaurant now stands as an architectural masterpiece, captivating diners with its elegance. With over half a century of culinary heritage, Café Ilang-Ilang has earned a reputation for providing exceptional dining experiences in Manila.
At Café Ilang-Ilang, guests are treated to an extraordinary array of global flavors, catering to every palate. The buffet spread offers a diverse selection of cuisines from around the world, promising a delightful showcase of culinary diversity.
The Salads and Breads Station presents a variety of vibrant salads, freshly baked bread, cheeses, and deli meats, creating a perfect prelude to the culinary journey.
For lovers of grilled delicacies, the Churrasco Station immerses guests in an enticing aroma of grilled meats and seafood. Here, succulent beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers are complemented by an array of delectable sauces.
The Pan-Asian Station takes diners on a culinary voyage through Asia, featuring an extensive selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries—each dish prepared with authentic flavors.
At the Italian Station, guests can savor classic Italian dishes, indulging in mouthwatering pizzas and perfectly cooked pastas, reminiscent of the heart of Italy.
The Mediterranean Station treats diners to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, offering refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes, and perfectly grilled meats.
For lovers of American cuisine, the American Station is a haven of hearty fare, boasting juicy steaks and tender roasts that satisfy the carnivorous cravings.
No culinary adventure is complete without a sweet ending, and the Dessert Station offers a delightful array of treats, from luscious cakes and pastries to creamy ice cream—a perfect finale to the dining experience.
The evening’s true highlight, however, is the Anilag Festival—a celebration of culinary heritage from Calle Arco, an ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Café Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Calle Arco to present a curated menu showcasing revered Filipino recipes, including Binagoongang Crispy Pata, Fried Itik, Kare-Kare (Galapong), Pancit Habhab, Sinigang na Baka na may Langka, Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako, and Adobong Kangkong—a flavorful tribute to Laguna’s culinary traditions.
Café Ilang-Ilang at The Manila Hotel truly offers a haven for food lovers seeking an exceptional buffet experience. The rich history, splendid ambiance, and an exquisite selection of global cuisines make it a must-visit destination for all food enthusiasts.
The dinner buffet at Café Ilang-Ilang is available daily from 6 pm to 10 pm, with prices varying from Sundays to Wednesdays and Thursdays to Saturdays, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure with outstanding value.
For inquiries or reservations, interested guests may contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Café Ilang-Ilang is conveniently located on the Ground Floor of The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.
For more information and updates about The Manila Hotel and its offerings, visitors can explore their website or follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. The exquisite culinary journey at Café Ilang-Ilang promises to leave a lasting impression on the taste buds and hearts of all guests, making it an experience worth cherishing.
