Oh Samba! I love how Peruvians indulge in long Saturday lunches with friends and family over a feast of colorful, flavorful dishes and overflowing drinks to celebrate the weekend.
Chef Carlo is bringing this rich Peruvian tradition to Manila with Samba’s Sabado de Fiesta every last Saturday of the month. It features live buffet stations and drink-all-you-can-cocktails to delight in over a hearty 4-hour lunch.
First Things First
Make sure to reserve a table and be there as early as 11 to fully enjoy the Peruvian feast.
Samba Sabado de Fiesta
8th floor, Shangrila at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the last Saturday of every month.
Telephone: +632 820-0888
Email: samba@shangri-la.com
Buffet Price:
₱ 1,800 nett/adult and ₱ 900/child
₱ 800 nett/person free-flowing cocktails, beers and wines
₱ 400 nett for an unlimited serving of non-alcoholic beverages
On cooler months, the al fresco tables are the best place to relish every minute of the fiesta with a view of the Shangrila pool.
To Start
Start with the ceviche of scallops, fish, prawns or calamari with lime and leche de tigre prepared in front of you.
With fish fresh from the market, you can eat as many salmon tiraditos while waiting for your friends to arrive.
Request for this Parihuela seafood soup that’s spiced just right to stimulate your appetite.
Drinks Menu: Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Package | Sparkling, White, Rose Wine | Red, Sweet Wine |
You can order a Pisco Sour for a classic Peruvian cocktail, a Sexy Colada to share (nice pineapple cocktail presentation!) or a non-alcoholic Magic Liquid Non-Proof Cocktail.
Loved the freshly grilled Emperor Fish served with…
…Samba salad with palm hearts and artichoke, manchego cheese, diced walnuts, and honey lime dressing.
Savour this eat-all-you-can grilled delicacy, one scallop at a time.
Main Feast
The highlight of the buffet was the live custom-made Smoker Station.
The smoked brisket asado was tender and tasty on every strand.
They served it as slow-cooked beef brisket buns but I preferred it as is without the bread.
The kids’ favorite was the Chicken Anticucho hidden inside the smoker.
You can also feast on the homemade taco burrito as you take sips of your unlimited cocktail drinks.
Loved the live cool tunes serenading us throughout the long, lazy lunch.
Samba is known for their Arroz con Mariscos and you can specify how you want it done.
I liked it with lots of pulpo, squid, scallops and shrimps and less of the rice.
You can also order a Vegetable Creole or Cilantro Puree version.
The best part was pairing the saucy rice with the smoked meat with huancaina cheese and a green peanut sauce.
To End
Remember to take that instant souvenir pic with Sabado de Fiesta photos.
And don’t forget to end with a dessert sampler of pumpkin donut, guyabano creme, torched meringue and fresh fruits for that total Peruvian weekend fiesta experience.
Final Thoughts
Thank you to Chef de Cuisine Carlo Huerta for giving Manila a taste of Sabado de Fiesta!
Don’t miss the initial run of Sabado de Fiesta on June 30, July 28 and August 25.
Samba Sabado de Fiesta
8th floor, Shangrila at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City
Date/Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on the last Saturday of every month
Telephone: +632 820-0888
Email: samba@shangri-la.com
Buffet Price:
₱ 1,800 nett/adult and ₱ 900/child
₱ 800 nett/person free-flowing cocktails, beers and wines
₱ 400 nett for an unlimited serving of non-alcoholic beverages
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: Our meal was courtesy of Chef Carlo. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Go on a Shangrila Staycation and you can enjoy the pool after the Sabado de Fiesta!