International Flavors at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange

Novotel Manila Araneta Center brings the best of the world to Quezon City with its elegant buffet selection at the Food Exchange.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is the newest luxury hotel property this side of the metro, transforming the landscape, and the vibe, of Quezon City with its own brand of elegance (for a peek at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, check out my previous post here and see even more on my travel blog here).

The modern European design includes space as a design element in itself, and the wide open interiors allow you to move freely in and around the spacious Food Exchange. The space also highlights the interactive culinary theater concept with the different stations at the Food Exchange, showcasing the best of international cuisine.

Splashes of vibrant color accentuate the clean and elegant lines of the interiors, adding to the experience. The vibe may be relaxed and casual, but there is a subtle elegance to the Food Exchange that makes dining here memorable. I also liked the simple linear layout of the buffet spread, making it so much easier to navigate the whole stretch.

At Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange, you can virtually travel and explore the world with your plate...

Start with some freshly prepared sashimi, sushi, maki and rolls at the Sushi Station, like the colorful Salmon Belly Maki (L) and the Spicy Salmon Skin Maki (R) with its unique and contrasting play on texture and flavor. Fresh and clean flavors, and the perfect way to kick off your global culinary journey...

At the Chinese Station, you'll find tasty starters like the soft and lightly crisp Fried Mantao...

...and a wide selection of savory dimsum like Prawn Spring Rolls (L) and crisp Vegetable Dumplings (L). You also have the option to have a bowl of noodles with soup, vegetables, seafood, and dumplings if you're in the mood for it, just ask the station chef for his recommended combinations.

At the Italian Station, you'll find a variety of freshly made Pasta (L) in all shapes and colors and you can have the station chef whip up your own customized pasta dish ala minute. Or have a slice or two of the Salsiccia Pizza (R), fresh from the oven. Other fresh baked items that day included Pizza Margherita and Quiche.

At the Food Exchange, you'll also find a wide variety of Homemade Catsup in different flavors, like the Asian-inspired Sweet and Spicy Korean Catsup with just a whisper of heat and Sweet Charsiu Catsup,  the playfully inventive and uniquely flavored Bell Pepper Catsup and Beetroot Catsup, with even more surprises...

...like premium gourmet salt, including Himalayan Pink Salt, Roasted Garlic Salt, and Herb Salt. I have yet to see a buffet spread with a selection of homemade catsup and gourmet salt, so be sure to have some on your next plate.

At the Carving Station, a rustic Herb Roasted Chicken with roasted vegetables was featured that day. All the main dishes at the Food Exchange are rotated daily, so each visit becomes a new dining experience.

At the Food Exchange, the main courses are served in pots and placed on flat glass-ceramic stove tops integrated in the buffet spread so the dishes are always hot and fresh. And there's really nothing quite like seeing the dishes gently simmering and bubbling when you lift the lid, releasing an aromatic and fragrant aroma. Dining at the Food Exchange becomes a complete sensory experience, where you first feed your eyes and take in the aroma of the different dishes before taking a bite. That day, the spread included a hearty and comforting Pork and Chorizo Goulash...

...soft and tender Baked Snapper with Caper Anchovy Salsa, with the anchovies and capers adding a flavorful punch to the delicate notes of the snapper...

...juicy Grilled Italian Chicken on a rich bed of tomato-based sauce...

...and Beef in Horseradish Cream Sauce, with tender beef chunks in a creamy white sauce with a mildly intense bite from the horseradish. And that's just the first part of the impressive buffet spread at the Food Exchange.

For your second round, rediscover familiar Asian flavors with the Crispy Garlic Chicken, crisp and juicy chicken with a sweet glaze and nutty hints of garlic...

...Stir-Fried Spicy Seafood with shrimps, squid and vegetables with a mild and soothing heat from the chili...

...tender Beef in Oyster Sauce with peppers and leeks...

...and the classic Sweet & Sour Pork with Smoked Peppers and Crispy Onions, perfect with some steamed white rice.

Continue your culinary journey with a stop at the Indian Station and let Chef Rajan introduce you to probably one of the better options for authentic Indian cuisine this side of the metro...

At Chef Rajan's station, you'll find traditional Indian dishes like Garlic Chicken Tikka (L) and Shrimp Tandoori (R) prepared with a rich blend of spices. Other savory selections that day included Chef Rajan's Tandoori Potatoes and Lamb Sheekh Kebab, served with a variety of sauces and condiments.

Chef Rajan's Chicken Curry is a popular dish, with chunks of tender chicken slow cooked with a traditional blend of Indian spices. The deep and rich color of the thick and creamy sauce gives you an idea of the complex spice blend and its intense flavors. Indian cuisine is all about building layers of flavors, with just enough heat to bring out even more flavor. And Chef Rajan perfectly recreates traditional Indian flavors combining the distinct notes of each spice in a delicate balance. I was told Chef Rajan's Lamb Curry is another popular dish.

Pair your Chicken Curry with the Shrimp Biryani (L), with long-grain basmati rice cooked with ghee or clarified butter and a blend of spices, and Vegetable Curry (R), a mix of fresh vegetables cooked with curry spices. 

Start your culinary journey of traditional Indian flavors with Papadam, Tandoori Potatoes, Garlic Chicken Tikka, Shrimp Tandoori, and Lamb Sheekh Kebab along with a variety of colorful and flavorful sauces. The flavors are rich and intense, but do not overwhelm, with the different spices blending seamlessly for balanced notes.

Chef Rajan even served some freshly baked Roti, fresh from the tandoori oven. Soft, chewy with a layer of crispness, it's great for scooping up the rich sauces.

For the main course, a mound of Shrimp Biryani and Chicken Curry complete my culinary journey of Indian flavors, with Roti, Indian Salad, and Raita, a yogurt-based side dish to round out the flavors. Authentic Indian flavors, and probably the best Indian cuisine this side of the metro. And that's what the Food Exchange is all about, where you can discover global cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Cap your feast with indulgent desserts, like the colorful Raspberry Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Jelly (L) and Mango Panna Cotta (R) at the equally impressive Dessert Station. The extensive selection includes fresh fruits and pastries, arranged in a tempting display.

With so many options to choose from, it's a good idea to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee and ponder your next move. At the Dessert Station, you'll also find the local Puto Bumbong and Spanish Churros (R) for even more options.

Churros paired with thick Spanish Chocolate and Leche Flan, a creamy custard, caps my feast at the Food Exchange. The buffet lunch at Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange is priced at P 1,088 (Mondays to Saturdays), and Sunday Brunch at P 1,588 per person. Novotel Manila Araneta Center is definitely transforming the Quezon City landscape, with its authentic global cuisine adding to the rich flavors of the northern commercial and business district. Take a bite of the world's best, at Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange...