F&B (FOOD & BEVERAGES)

Review: M World Hotel Christmas Buffet

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This holiday season, the newly rebranded M World Hotel in PJ (formerly Avanté Hotel) invites guests to indulge in a festive feast at their much-anticipated Christmas buffet. With a fresh identity and a renewed commitment to luxury, M World Hotel promises to deliver a memorable dining experience, and we decided to check it out.

As we stepped into the impressive shiny hotel lobby, we were hit by the scent of ginger and spice wafting from the stunning Gingerbread House with, we noticed, plenty of festive treats for sale inside. Not to be distracted however, we proceeded to the Indulge Coffee House (formerly Chek’s Coffee House), for our Christmassy culinary experience. Upon entering the airy colourful space, we were immediately impressed by a vibrant display of seafood. The buffet seemed to feature an extraordinary selection of international dishes, from Western to Malay, Chinese, Indian, Mongolian and Italian. The centerpiece of the buffet featured roasted meats like golden chicken and lamb leg.

It was hard to know where to start, but I decided to kick off the evening with the impressive premium seafood on ice. Good choice – the freshly shucked oysters were absolutely decadent, their briny sweetness perfectly complemented by a squeeze of lemon. The snow crab was tender and flavourful, while the prawns and crayfish were equally delicious. I also indulged in some very nice tuna and salmon sashimi, both impeccably fresh and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

After the seafood, it was time for the appetizers, and there was no shortage of tempting options.

The charcuterie plate and a variety of fresh salads were an easy choice, but the standout for me was the stunningly presented smoked salmon. I paired it with a roast new potato salad dressed in German mustard-rich, comforting, and reminiscent of Christmas salads back home. Another favourite was the green salad with figs, pomegranate, walnuts, mandarins, and a light balsamic dressing which was refreshing and bursting with vibrant flavours. My companion opted for the fresh Brussels sprouts with bacon, cheese, and onion, which had a lovely smoky flavor.

We now approached the centerpiece of the buffet offering Xmas staple favourites. The roast chicken was tender and juicy, while the herb-crusted red snapper was aromatic and packed with flavour. The beef Wellington was a standout, with the cranberry and mushroom sauce adding depth to the rich flavours. The lamb leg, marinated in Cajun sauce, was equally impressive-tender, smoky, and full of bold flavours. These dishes here were a true celebration of the Christmas season.

An interesting feature of the buffet was the section featuring a variety of fresh seafood and meats, where guests could select their preferred items and have them grilled to order. Options included lobster, snapper, wagyu, sirloin, chicken leg, rib-eye, and lamb shoulder. My friend opted for rib-eye and lamb shoulder. Both cuts were tender and perfectly cooked, but the lamb shoulder stood out with its rich, flavourful taste.

While my carnivorous companion indulged in the grilled meats, I couldn’t resist exploring the impressive international spread. From the Italian pasta station to Mongolian stir fry, seafood paella, and lamb biryani, there were so many tempting options. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try some freshly prepared carbonara. The chef sautéed garlic, onions, mushrooms, and bacon in butter, before adding the pasta and creating a creamy, smoky dish that was rich and utterly satisfying.

At this point, I was seriously regretting not wearing something with an elastic waistband and wondering if I could possibly eat more. But then, one glance at the dessert spread made me dispel all doubts. There was everything there – from Yule log cakes and mince pies to ginger crème brûlée, choux craquelin, Christmas pudding, assorted pralines, and the kids’ ultimate favourite – a chocolate fountain. For those seeking something lighter, there was also beautifully carved fruit, but I went full force and dived straight into the desserts and pastries.

I honestly would struggle to pick a favourite, as everything was so good, but I was absolutely smitten with the mini raspberry pavlovas. They were the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, just melting in your mouth with every bite. The traditional Yule log cake was also exactly what you’d want – rich, smooth, and creamy, a true classic. I also couldn’t resist the mini reindeer tiramisu-light, perfectly balanced, and not overly sweet.

The attention to detail in both presentation and flavor truly makes this Christmas buffet a standout experience. From the exquisite seafood selection to the roast meats and decadent desserts, every dish was crafted with care and thoughtfulness. With such a variety, the festive spread at M hotel really offers something for every palate. For anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season in style, this feast promises to deliver both indulgence and joy.