Feasting at Dusit Thani Manila’s The Pantry

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Dusit Thani Manila’s The Pantry may not have an extensive buffet spread, but this restaurant is not one to be overlooked when dining in Makati City.

Among all hotels in Makati, Dusit Thani Manila is probably one that I often overlook. Perhaps it’s the location or maybe because I have not really heard much buzz about it. Nevertheless, a visit to Dusit Thani Manila’s signature restaurant, The Pantry, was something I looked forward to.

We went there last December, days before Christmas, so the whole lobby was decked in its most festive fashion. Glittery lights, faux snow-covered pine trees, reindeers, and a statue of Santa Claus surround a giant Christmas tree at the entrance hall.

Filipino food station

According to Dusit Thani Manila, The Pantry prides itself with its farm-to-fork concept that uses organic and locally grown produce for their offerings. The featured cuisines were Indian, Italian, Filipino, and Pan-Asian.

Indian food station

Ramen station

As with any buffet restaurant, I usually check out the carvery first. Personally, a restaurant can leave a good first impression if it has an impressive carvery. There was already a considerably long queue when we got to the station. In front, the chef was working his way on a small chunk of beef. It looked as if we would not get to those heavenly slivers but thankfully there were a few slices left when it was our turn. I had mine medium well and it was still tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I wanted a second serving but I saw no meat at the carving station when I returned.

Seafood station

Lechon sisig

I proceeded to check out the Filipino/lechon station. I helped myself to a few chunks of lechon and crunchy skin, of course. But what caught my attention was lechon sisig, a dish which combines two of my favorite Pinoy dishes. It was good, bursting with flavors. It’s everything what sisig should be. However, it was not crunchy as compared to the regular sizzling version. It was refreshing take though because the lechon meat that was used was tender and minced well.

Roast pork belly

For my third helping, I got some cheeses, cold cuts, tokwa’t baboy from the salad station, and mussels. By this time, our garlic butter shrimps and crabs arrived so we also helped ourselves to plump seafood.

Salad station

Crunchy pork knuckles

I am not so much of an Indian food fan so I did not get to try these. I just went back for my second serving of lechon sisig and tokwa’t baboy.

Pastry station

For dessert, I got some churros with chocolate, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. I just realized that I was looking for churros more and more whenever I am in a buffet restaurant. It was good but could use a little more crunch.

Churros

Ice cream station

To sum it up, food at The Pantry is good in general. It’s what one would expect from a five-star restaurant, taste-wise. However, the buffet spread is limited so those who are looking for an expansive menu might not enjoy it here. For example, the Japanese station only features limited sushi and maki flavors, and no fresh sashimi. All in all, we had a pleasant experience. The ambiance was homey and the mood was celebratory because it was Yuletide season. The Pantry definitely deserves a second look.

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