Cooked crabs, scallops, mussels and flathead lobsters sit atop large clear and elegant ice filled tubs. On the next display trays of rolled Sushi in several varieties, and large platters of fresh raw Tuna and Salmon Sashimi sitting over more ice filled containers. These were our first impressions of the exceptionally abundant buffet on offer Wednesday and Saturday evenings at Hua Hin Marriott Resort’s ‘Amber Kitchen’ restaurant.
The restaurant sits in the tropical grounds towards the beach end of the resort in central Hua Hin. The covered outdoor dining area overlooks the pools and gardens. Venture inside, and the décor is elegant yet relaxed with large comfortable seats inviting you to settle in and spend some time. Attentive staff greet new arrivals and get them seated. Service staff follow-up with menus and drinks, also taking the time to explain the buffet.
Back at the buffet – one whole display wall is devoted to cold selections with a varied collection of sliced cold meats and cheese. And immediately adjacent, trays of smoked salmon served three different ways. A salad bar offering make-your-own Caesar salad, or for more authentic Thai, a Som Tam salad prepared to order. Bowls of salad accompaniments are also on hand for you to totally personalise your salads to taste.
The seafood does not finish there, whole Sea Bass cooked to perfection takes pride of place on another display – just help yourself to however much fish you desire. Nearby Chefs are making mussel or oyster omelettes to order. Perhaps pasta or noodles are your preference, just tell the Chefs what takes your fancy and your dish is made to order. A selection of soups is also available plus cooked meat dishes in enticing sauces.
The kids even have their own mini buffet, and at kid’s height, so they can help themselves to make-your-own Sliders accompanied by fries and all their favourite sauces.
Your dining choice doesn’t stop there as a complete barbecue area awaits immediately outside the restaurant’s entrance. Chefs are cooking up lamb cutlets, pork, chicken, and seafood options like squid and all complemented by a great selection of sauces! Like all the buffet offerings inside the restaurant – go back to the barbecue as much as you like! It’s food heaven.
Some members of our group took the opportunity to sample dishes for the restaurants ‘ala carte’ menu which is available every evening including buffet nights. It offers a diverse selection of dishes from Western, Asian, and Indian cuisines as well as some exceptionally tempting Thai specialities. All dishes on the ‘ala carte’ menu are individually priced.
From the starters of this menu, our table chose – a Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare, with hints of pepper and a well-balanced lime dressing; Prawn Spring Rolls filled with a whole prawn and suitably complemented by a spicy salsa; and a Curry Chicken salad.
For mains – a Lobster Ravioli with a tasty cream sauce; confit duck leg sitting upon a pumpkin mash with roasted cherry tomatoes and a flavour filled Jus; and our table’s absolute favourite – the Stir-fried beef and morning glory in a coconut and peanut sauce (Phra Ram Long Srong) with just the perfect amount of spice. A very moreish dish!
If you have a sweet tooth – no problems! One large corner of the dining room is dedicated to desserts. A central display with two to three levels of platters filled with mini delicacies. Think trays jam-packed with small squares of Black Forrest cake, Cheesecake, Orange cake, petit tarts, Thai desserts, sliced fruit and more. Then there is the ‘help yourself’ ice-cream fridge with at least 6 choices of ice-creams and an abundance of toppings; a pancake station where chefs will create your particular fresh cooked pancake concoction – banana, Nutella, or whatever you desire. There was even a dessert Fondue station for those who love to dip!
The ala carte menu also offers a selection of signature desserts. One of our group chose the ‘Three Coconut Dessert’ –a white chocolate coconut cheesecake, a coconut tart and Coconut ice-cream – a very tropical finish to their meal!
Amber Kitchen’s ‘Seafood and Grill Buffet’ is available every Wednesday and Saturday evening 18:00 to 22:00 and priced at 1,300 ++ THB per person. Beverage Packages are also available. Reservations are strongly recommended on +66 (0) 32 904 666. As one member of our party said, the Marriott Hua Hin are the masters of this style of dining.
By Michael Cullen