Spiral, Sofitel for One Last Time

Since opening in 1976, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (referred to shortly as Sofitel) has served as a beloved retreat for both travelers and locals alike. It is also known for its buffet restaurant Spiral, with its decadent spread of different cuisines. 

Unfortunately, word has spread that the five-star hotel by the bay will cease operations by July 1, 2024, and this means bidding farewell to Spiral as well. So let’s have a bite at the luxury hotel’s buffet-style resto for one last time!

Spiral into the tastes of the world!

To start, there’s a station to make your own salad. Different greens, dressings, and toppings can be found. We opted for arugula, cherry tomatoes, croutons, parmesan cheese, almonds, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

When you go to the French cuisine section, you won’t find foie gras displayed, so you’ll have to ask the chefs stationed there if it’s available. Foie gras is a well-known delicacy in France – fattened duck or goose liver.

In the sushi station, you’ll find different types of rolls and sashimi. This is their salmon sashimi, usually served with five pieces of the fish, but you can always ask for more.

In the Japanese area, they serve different kinds of tempura. The prawn tempura is served with its classic tentsuyu sauce. Nearby, they also offer teppanyaki, cooked well-done. You may want to ask if it can be cooked to the degree of your preference!

They also offer xiao long bao, along with other dim sum dishes like siomai. 

The lobster is found close to the dimsum area. They bring you a lobster cracker as well as a small bowl of warm water with calamansi to cleanse your hands of the seafood scent after eating.

The lamb was a bit cold since it is pre-cut and displayed alongside the beef wellington and other steak options. The texture was pretty chewy.

The chicken curry with naan bread was delicious. The chicken was tender and the curry sauce was flavorful. 

The plate of pasta glistened with a generous coat of pesto and sprinkled with parmesan. 

Spiral is also famous for its cheese room. There’s a selection of cheeses and cold cuts to choose from, including creamy brie, manchego, blue cheese, salami, dried jamón, among many others. They also have crackers and grapes to add to your DIY charcuterie board.

Surprisingly, the buffet also offers balut – fertilized duck egg embryos.

A selection of coffee drinks come free, unlike their fruit shakes and soda. The coffee is typically served hot, but you can ask for a glass of ice if you want it cold.

Spiral also has a wide array of desserts. There are at least six flavors of ice cream to choose from, though the flavors vary depending on when you visit.

In the photo are the Cheese and Cookies and Cream flavors. On the side, there’s also a station to add your own toppings like mini marshmallows and sprinkles.

You can choose your own fillings – different types of spread and fruits – when you order crepe. It can also be topped with ice cream, just tell them which flavors you’d like.

The selection of cakes and pastries also depends on when you go. Each pastry is beautifully decorated all the time though!

And if it’s your birth month, they serve you a cake while singing you happy birthday!

Sofitel is accepting reservations until the end of June, as far as I know. It is located at the CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard 1300 Pasay City. You may visit their website for more information.