It’s graduation season. Surely, you’re excited to go home and see your child walk up on that stage and receiver his/her diploma. After all, this is a culmination of all your child’s hard work and effort in (and out of) school and a start of a new chapter in life.
A graduation gift will do, but in Filipino culture, every celebration comes with food. It’s okay to cook food at home but if you want to treat your family on this momentous occasion, then eating out will make things more convenient. By eating out, we mean buffet where everybody leaves with full tummy.
Here’s the thing: buffet restaurants are often expensive. If you want to treat your family while you’re in the country without breaking the bank, then here is a list of buffet places, aside from Vikings, that are within your budget:
Tramway (P268 / head – Banawe ; P289 / head – Timog, Shaw, and Roxas Blvd.)
If you want less than P300 per head, then this once-a-Cantonese restaurant is your bet.
Started in 2001, Tramway offers Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese dishes to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Feast your eyes (and your tummy) because you’ll never run out of dimsum and sushi among others. The best part is you can treat your big family since Tramway has the most affordable buffet package.
Quezon Buffet Restaurant (P499/head – Weekdays ; P599/head – Weekends and Holidays)
Surely, you miss Filipino food. If you’re into Filipino – Spanish cuisine, then Quezon Buffet Restaurant in Fishermall will surely satisfy your cravings. The restaurant serves dishes like paella, boneless lechon belly, sisig, and even spanish sardines stuffed tomatoes.
You’ll definitely love the ambiance of the restaurant too, which is perfect for your pictures.
Sweet Inspirations P420/head – Shangri-La, Katipunan, and Hemady Square branches)
Does your family love Mongolian rice bowls? Then this place is heaven for you. Aside from ala carte menu, Sweet Inspirations has crEATe All-You-Can buffet where you get to enjoy Mongolian rice bowls for three hours. You’ll have a wide range of meats, vegetables, and sauces without worrying about MSG and food extenders.
Charaptor BBQ (P490/head – Kamagong St., Makati and Mall of Asia)
If you prefer something grilled, then you might want to try Charaptor located in Makati and Mall of Asia.
Charaptor is a charcoal barbecue buffet that lets you cook in real charcoal grill. There are tons of food choices too – from squid, chicken, pork, mussels, and cold cuts among others. Don’t worry since there are kiddie plates available for the little ones in case they’re not into grilled food.
Cabalen (P298 or P398/head, depending on the branch)
Cabalen has been around for decades and among the most sought after buffet restaurants in the metro. Over the years, Cabalen remained true to its Kapampangan roots by offering dishes from Pampanga. You’ll still find a variety of Filipino food, but make sure you leave some for lechon.
Cabalen has branches in West Avenue, TriNoma, SM North Edsa, Market! Market!, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, Robinson’s Manila, and Glorietta 1
Shaburi (P399/head)
In case Japanese food is your thing, Shaburi in Uptown Mall might not fail you.
Shaburi is a shabu-shabu buffet that comes with a wide range of meats like pork, beef, and wagyu. Sushi rolls and seafood are served as well, so make sure you try them.
It is best to call first for reservation to ensure your seats.
Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot (P688/head – Lunch every Weekdays and P888/head – Dinner and Weekends at SM Mall of Asia and Cubao branches ; P638/head – Weekday Lunch and P738/head – Weekday Dinner and Weekends at SM Southmall branch)
If you prefer a buffet place that is more affordable than Vikings but still under Vikings concept, then Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot could be your go-to place.
Unlike Vikings and The Alley by Vikings, this restaurant is everything hotpot that you could customize according to your own liking. You can also choose from a variety of fresh and healthy ingredients – from veggies to broth to soup paste to protein. Don’t worry since you’ll still find food choices from the original Vikings menu.
So, which buffet place makes you hungry?