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The Pantry in Dusit Thani Manila Launches Buffet Fusion: A Culinary Crossover Experience

When my husband and I first started going on our food adventures many years ago, one of our favorite hotel buffets was the Crossover Buffet of Dusit Thani Hotel. This unique buffet included four separate restaurants spread across two floors, so it was like going on an Amazing Race to conquer all the different stations. That fun concept was eventually discontinued when they renovated their restaurants, so I was quite excited when I found out that The Pantry is giving us the next best thing with its new Buffet Fusion: A Culinary Crossover Experience.

In celebration of The Pantry’s 9th Anniversary, Dusit Thani Manila is giving their iconic Crossover Buffet a fresh twist and reimagined as Buffet Fusion: A Culinary Crossover Experience. Just like before, guests can indulge in a delightful fusion of Japanese and Thai specialties featuring dishes from their renowned restaurants Umu and Benjarong, together with the signature favorites at The Pantry, all under one roof. Now that's a great buffet concept we can all enjoy without having to walk all around the hotel.

The Pantry is Dusit Thani Manila’s signature restaurant on the ground floor which serves a fantastic a la carte menu together with its buffet offerings. The Hungry Kat was invited last week to the launch of Buffet Fusion, which will be available every Friday and Saturday starting September 20, 2024 at The Pantry from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for P2,500++ per person. Here you can enjoy specialties from Umu’s Donburi and Izakaya Grill stations to Benjarong’s popular Thai Chicken Rice and Kha Moo Pa Lo.

There are several dining areas to choose from at The Pantry, whether you want to sit at the counters near the bars or prefer the long tables near the buffet stations. There's also an al fresco dining area available.

Guests were serenaded by classic and contemporary tunes from the violinist who made the occasion more special.

Buffet Fusion: A Culinary Crossover Experience comes with unlimited rounds of selected drinks including Japanese sake, beers, wines, sangria, cocktails like Gin and Tonic, Mojito Negra and Lemon Drop shots, plus mocktails and juices as well.

There's also a dedicated Bubble Tea station serving unlimited glasses of Thai Milk Tea, Bubble Milk Tea, and Iced Coffee.

Let's start our culinary adventure at the Benjarong sections. There's a Thai salad station where you can find Fresh Spring Rolls and Miang Pla, a Thai style grilled fish, served with leaves, herbs, and chili sauce. I like how they set up this vegetable cart so you can feel like you are in Bangkok.

There are many other starters to choose from at The Pantry. Head over to the Charcuterie station which includes a premium selection of cheeses, beef pastrami, salami, and various breads. There are also a few other appetizers like the Watermelon and Vodka Shooters, Japanese Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad, and more.

Make sure to step outside at The Pantry's al fresco area where you can find other exciting Thai stations waiting for you.

You can find this Thai Street Food station offering items such as Luk Chin Pla or Thai fishballs, Gai Tord Kamin or turmeric fried chicken, and Moo Dad Diew or Thai sun-dried pork. You can dip these in different sauces including Sriracha, Black Pepper Sauce, Thai dressing, or Sweet Chili Sauce.

There's also a Thai Chicken Rice that you can order here together with soup and salad. Another rice meal you can try is the Pad Kra Pao or Thai basil minced pork with fried egg.

One of the Thai favorites that evening was the Kha Moo Pa Lo or Thai Braised Pork Leg. This comes with very tender stewed pork with fragrance of anise, five spice and cinnamon served with boiled egg and choy sum. It's like their version of adobo and patatim rolled into one.

Now let's go to the UMU sections at The Pantry where you can find all your Japanese favorites. The Sushi Bar comes with a colorful selection of sushi, maki, and sashimi to choose from.

One of the exciting areas is the Izakaya Grill station where you can find all sorts of yummy skewers and yakitori all freshly cooked. There's prawns, salmon, squid, chicken, beef and lots more.

There's even a Donburi station featuring Katsudon, Chicken Nanban Don, and Gyudon for those who enjoy eating Japanese rice bowls.

Don't forget about the Tempura Station with its crunchy Shrimp Tempura, Squid Tempura, Kani and Vegetable Tempura.

If you like sukiyaki, make sure to visit the Sukiyaki Station where the chef will personally prepare the ingredients and mix a delicious bowl for you.

There are many other Thai specialties you can find from Benjarong like the Tord Man Gung or Crispy Shrimp Balls and the Gai Hor Toey or Chicken in Pandan Leaves.

Aside from these, The Pantry also offers its selection of international dishes including Indian specialties like the fragrant Yakhni Lamb Biryani, Murgh Makhani, Bharwan Aloo, and more. There's also a Chinese dimsum and noodle station in this area.

Of course, the main attraction at the Buffet Fusion is The Pantry’s Signature Lechon at the Carving Station. This lechon is made from young native pigs and is slow-roasted for hours, then marinated with lemongrass, tamarind, and garlic. The Lechon has become a symbol of community and no fiesta, party, or family gathering is complete without it.

Another highlight at the Carving Station is the Slow Roasted Aberdeen Angus Beef Shoulder served with Red Wine sauce. This roast beef is a thing of beauty! Ask the server for a slice or two to complete your meaty adventure.

Now it's time for desserts! The Pantry has a big dessert station which comes with all the cakes and sweets you can enjoy.

For Buffet Fusion, they have also included some Thai and Japanese desserts as well like the Chai Panna Cotta, Pineapple Curry Tart, Khanom Tako, and more.

What we really liked what the Mango Mascarpone Mousse and the Oreo Mousse. The Mango Sticky Rice is a different version with the sticky rice rolled inside a pandan crepe. There are also fruits, chocolates, and unlimited scoops of ice cream to satisfy your heart's desire.

Buffet Fusion at The Pantry is a very exciting and filling trip around Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines without having to leave the restaurant. I'm sure this new concept from Dusit Thani Manila will have fans of their Crossover Buffet reliving their wonderful memories around the hotel. Make sure to reserve your tables now!