Buffet @ Orchid Cafe, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

[cwldanny]

Orchid Cafe, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

There are two types of people in the world, the first being those who stuff themselves silly during a buffet and then feel sick and regret ever going through the massive piles of food that was set before them. The second group of people stuff themselves silly during a buffet, then feel sick and bloated, but would do the exact same thing over again the next week. I proudly categorize myself into the second group. After all, what is the point of living if you can't enjoy the food thats available to you?

View from the Entrance of the Orchid Cafe

Luckily for all of us, whichever group you fall into, the Buffets in Bangkok never fail to deliver. They provide us with different experiences, ranging from delight to disgust, European to Indian, Riverside to Downtown. Today I will be writing a review for the Weekend Grande Seafood Buffet Dinner at The Orchid Cafe, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I was led here by the numerous review online praising the Orchid Cafe for its delightful staff and delicious food, whether it be the Lunch, Dinner or Brunch buffets at the hotel.

The Front of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, View From the BTS Link

Our Table for the Evening, view of the Traffic Congested Sukhumvit Road

The Orchid Cafe is located at the lobby of the hotel and serves up a International Buffet. Located just next to the Skytrain, it is easy to get to from anywhere in Bangkok (Or Thailand even, if you are that hungry). The food here is of a wide variety, Japanese, Thai, Western and the choices are almost overwhelming. I consider myself a heavy eater, but after just sampling 1 or 2 pieces from each dish I was close to throwing in the towel before desserts. Most of the food is located around a circular "Island" in the center of the Restaurants as well as islands to the side. This meant that little queuing up was needed for most of the food (Except one which I will mention later)

Hot Dishes as well as Appetizers and Thai Food / Soups

The Seafood Dinner Buffet came with Lamb/Beef Roasts, a very popular grill section that has Foie Gras, Salmon, Ribeye Steak, Rock Lobster, Lamb, Tuna, Soft Shell Crab and River Prawns cooked to order, Pasta dishes, Tempura, the usual Thai selections, 4 different types of smoked salmon, hot dishes such as Foei Grais (Again), various Seafood, a Japanese Sashimi Section (Including a Roe Station, Photos Below), Cold Seafood Spread (Alaskan Crabs, Fresh Oysters, Etc) 10+ Flavors of Ice Cream and freshly made pancakes, dozens of cakes and desserts and fruits. I feel full just thinking of all the food!

Fresh Seafood

The Popular Grill station and the 4 Busy (And I Would Have to Say Skillful) Chefs

Roe Station with Condiments (And Made on Pancakes to the Side)

Service was standard, not as good as Lord Jim's at the Oriental but definitely 5 Star. The only Gripe I have about this place is that it gets quite crowded from 7-8PM when the tables are full, getting your order down with the Chefs at the grill section takes a bit of an initiative from your side. You place an order my telling the chefs, and with about 10+ people around you and of course double the orders floating around, it feels a bit hectic, perhaps the restaurant can find another way to organize the taking and placing of orders. Of course as expected, one of my orders out of four was forgotten, but the chefs quickly whipped it up in minutes after a gentle reminder =)

4 Types of Smoked Salmon, Prawn, Fish as well as other Appetizers

The Dessert Island

Sample of my First Dish, Smoked Salmon, Prawn with Ginger and Thai Spices, Seafood "Yum" and Salmon Roll in Avocado Paste

Grilled Rock Lobster

The California Rolls here are delicious, and you will end up queuing up from them, and remember to order it "without rice"! I asked for Salmon in mine and added additional Prawn and Salmon Roe from the adjacent table.

Remember, No Rice!

The Roasts, Beef and Lamb as well as Rock Lobsters were superb, and you definitely have to try the Sheraton Chocolates that come in silver spoons. Another tip is to not take your Lamb from the Roast, but to order it fresh from the grill. The Main Dishes, Seafood, Japanese Food and Grills were all top notch, however the Desserts have yet to leave me very satisfied. (Once I find a buffet that offers cakes as good as their food, I will let you guys know).

Sheraton Chocolates, I preferred the Dark selections

If you're looking for a place to have dinner with the family, or just a bunch of friends, the Orchid Cafe Weekend Dinner Buffet has to be somewhere on your list. Take it as a meal after a walk in Emporium which is just one BTS Station away, or in my case, after spending an entire day at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Try to come a bit earlier when the Buffet starts at 6 or after 7:30 when the crowds die down, you can also opt for free flow alcohol and drinks for an additional 700 baht. The Buffet Dinner at Sheraton came to 1700 Baht Nett per person, completely worth it since at the time of writing American Express Credit Cards entitles you to 50% off the Food for 2-6 people per table. Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------ Orchid Cafe, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (4/5) BBBB

(http://www.sheratong...m/en/orchidcafe)

02-649-8355

250 Sukhumvit Road,

Bangkok, Thailand 10110

http://bkkgastro.blogspot.com/

[thedistillers]

Thanks for the review.

[ozsamurai]

Thanks for the review, very well done, but without an American Express, a $60 a head buffet does not impress. The Shangrila at the same price for dinner is a much better option you should consider. I love the review, how about you look at some reasonable ones as well.

Imperial Queen's Park Hotel

Taipan Hotel (budget)

Narai Hotel (gone to the dogs IMHO)

et al

Oz

[cwldanny]

Thanks for the review, very well done, but without an American Express, a $60 a head buffet does not impress. The Shangrila at the same price for dinner is a much better option you should consider. I love the review, how about you look at some reasonable ones as well.

Imperial Queen's Park Hotel

Taipan Hotel (budget)

Narai Hotel (gone to the dogs IMHO)

et al

Oz

I agree that what made the Buffet worth it was the promotion they have going on with Amex, which lasts until September. Some budget friendly hotel buffets that I have been to include Le Meridien, Novotel Siam, Novotel Bangna, Sofitel Lardprao and Pathumwan Princess which are all 500-800 Per head. If you search through the Best Buffet in Bangkok thread I have some reviews up there or at my blog. For cheaper choices The Square, Novotel Siam Square definitely takes first prize in my book, good for a quick lunch, business or even family dinner. I'm not sure if Central World still has their 50% off for buffets deal on this month, but it is also worth checking out although definitely not as good as The Square.

[smokie36]

Great review....thanks Danny!

[cwldanny]

Great review....thanks Danny!

Trader Vic's is up next, then maybe Four Seasons. Boy all this work is tiring