Cafe Mix display
I don’t often do buffets. It’s not that I don’t like the idea of them – there’s something so gloriously medieval and Roman about a cornucopian spread of food. It’s just that I just cannot eat enough of it to satisfy that I’ve gotten my money’s worth with many buffets priced at the $60+ range. However there are exceptions to this rule and wave the We Love Sydney card which gives us half price buffet at Cafe Mix at the Shangri-La hotel and say the magic word “Lobster” and I am at the ready. For the magical price of $68 for two on Fridays and $85 for two on Saturdays, you can eat lobsters and seafood to your heart’s content. My friends and family are generally good buffet eaters, and by good I mean good at extracting their money’s worth and enjoying themselves at one.
My friend in High School’s parents loved buffets and I’d always be invited along. We’d sit in their lounge room prior to going out and the mum would announce that she hadn’t eaten all day* and was ravenous in anticipation of the buffet. Her dad used to wear the special pants (not quite maternity pants but loose waisted pants) for the occasion and when we’d get there, they’d request the table closest to the seafood. It was usually prawns (they never went to a buffet without at least prawns) and they’d clear the supply of prawns carrying away plates of the stuff. My friend and I were a little embarrassed but little did we realise that they’d set the tone to how I approach buffets nowadays.
My husband is what you might call a buffet amateur. This doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been to many, he has but he always gets chided by friends and family for selecting what he feels like eating instead of what might give him his money’s worth. My dad is the same. He’ll get a plate with some slices of roast pork, some potatoes and some pasta salad and be happy with that, forgetting that he has just paid $60 for that plate. My mum will literally tear her hair out at him. When we go to buffets, it’s an almost competitive experience but with a difference, everyone wants you to do well.
Pork Roast with crackling separated for easy access-yes crackling, food of the gods!
Pretraining
One thing that I asterisked was my friend’s mum’s comment that she hadn’t eaten all day. I think this is a mistake. I find that my stomach “shrinks” if this happens. Some say that eating breads and pastries however ensures that you will be hungry, protein less so. So despite all natural instincts to eat less carbs, eat more (the opposite of what you’d do when you have a big event coming up and want to look your best). Take it from the word of competitive eaters.
While there
Ask for a table near your favourite foods in the buffet (and no I don’t mean dessert!). Not only does this assist in your endeavour but when the best foods are replenished you’ll be the first to know. Thankfully at Cafe Mix, this wasn’t an issue except for with the fruit salad. The seafood was readily and steadily refilled.
Survey the buffet before digging in. No matter how pretty the desserts look (and they usually look very appealing and colourful) ignore them. Didn’t you know that there is a separate compartment for desserts anyway called the Dessert Tank? Have a look at everything that is offered in a buffet. Pretend you’re on The Price Is Right and price them.
Filling up on drink will reduce stomach space so say no to drinks or only order some still water and merely sip it. I never finish my drink, ever, even when I’m not at a buffet. I have my stomach space reserved for food.
Cafe Mix is divided into 6 sections: a seafood section (with lobster, prawns, balmain bugs, oysters and crab), a Western mix section (roasts, vegetables, breads and potatoes), a Japan Mix section (miso soup and assorted sushi rolls and salmon nigiri), a China Mix section (steamed buns, chicken wings, stir fries, fried rice), an Indian Mix section (pappadums, saffron rice, curries) and the dessert section.
Having a look at the buffet and doing my research online, from the range offered today I categorised the food into 3 sections in terms of value:
Top ranking foods
Lobster: aside from Abalone (which you’ll never get at a buffet, this is the prize pick)
- Seafood: Lobster, crab and balmain bugs
- Seafood: Oysters
- Seafood: Prawns
- Seafood: Mussels and others
Necessary evils
- Nice salad leaves
Cafe Mix’s Salad bar: You get the ingredients from the side and mix them up in the bowl in the centre.
Foods to avoid
- Hot foods (get these at any sort of buffet, you’re at an expensive place damnit!)
- Rice
- Soup
- Pasta
- Breads
- Sushi (too filling)
- Desserts (controversial I know)
The hot foods buffet: tempting no? But be strong and resist!
Potatoes: need we explain how filling these are?
Japanese selection: sushi and miso soup
Hmm that sushi looks tempting doesn’t it? Makes you want to dive right in and take a dozen pieces? No! Put that down. There’s too much rice. Remember, it only takes about 2-3 sushi rolls to fill you up for dinner 
Sashimi is another matter and I have heard of people that take the sushi and just throw away the rice but to me that’s wasting perfectly edible food and I personally do not like to waste food. But to each their own (but there are starving kids don’t forget).
How we performed:
As I’ve mentioned I consider myself a seasoned buffet eater. Getting my money’s worth is almost like a sport here. So I would call myself a Pro Buffeter and my husband, due to his love of all the filling foods, an Amateur Buffeter.
Pro buffeter filled plate (NQN’s)
My first plate
My second plate
Seafood of course is expensive so this is why I choose it and also because I absolutely adore seafood. But do trust me in if abalone were there I probably wouldn’t care for it as I don’t really like abalone – I’m not that pitiful. The Lobster (the main attraction of the buffet) was a bit tougher than I’d like but I’m not complaining when it was so frequently replenished. However my enemy is my stomach space. My husband can put away double what I can. I’m also a great buffet companion if you’re eating prawns. I’ll finish after a plate or two and then offer to peel your prawns for you. My husband loves this.
Amateur buffeter filled plate (Mr NQN)
Mr NQN’s first plate
Mr NQN’s 2nd plate
Mr NQN’s 3rd plate
Mr NQN’s 4th plate
See the difference? My first plate has virtually paid for the whole meal. You’d have to eat about 6 plates of my Mr NQN’s 1st plate to get your money’s worth. And if you don’t have a big appetite then you want to do so because let’s face it, you’re not paying for the atmosphere or the service. Sushi is filling (he can eat 3 sushi rolls and be full), chicken wings are inexpensive and chinese buns are filling. That said, he did quite well, his third plate contributing much towards the value for money aim. He remarked that the Sushi wasn’t too bad as far as buffet sushi goes, the chinese dumplings were just like at Yum Cha, the Hoi sin chicken wings were delicious and the Indian chicken curry was nice but the lamb curry was chewy. He did say that next time he would get more seafood and quash his natural instinct to get more filling carb loaded food (being a keen sportsman the instinct was probably borne from the need for lots of filling calorific food).
Dessert-the most popular girl in the class
Everyone huddled around the dessert buffet
Ahh the tempting end of the scale. I used to get really excited at desserts until I started making them. I shy away from those large sheet cakes cut into buffet sized cubes, they always taste the same. The range at Cafe Mix is a pretty good one, with creme caramels, creme brulees (although no hard toffee crack), brownies, caramel slices, light cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, tiramisu, custard tarts, 4 types of ice cream, lollies as well as fruit salad, strawberries and marshmallows and 2 chocolate fountains (a dark and a milk chocolate one). So unless you’re craving a really high end dessert, you should be able to find something here.
Mr NQN’s fifth course
Mr NQN’s sixth course
My 3rd plate
Yes, you can see that curiousity got the better of me and I got a bit of everything on the dessert buffet. The Creme Caramel was a little bland, the lemon cake (bottom of the picture) tasted too much of the bitter lemon rind rather than the fragrant zest and the creme brulee didn’t have a toffee crunch on top. My favourite was the strawberry and marshmallow kebabs, that you can fashion while at the dessert buffet and dip in the milk chocolate fountain.
As for Mr NQN, with 6 plates full, he certainly did get his money’s worth with the sheer volume of food he managed to consume. And at 3 plates worth I think I did too. Which brings me to ask, are you a Pro or Amateur Buffeter? What are your buffet tips and do you always get your money’s worth? And which is your favourite buffet place?
Cafe Mix at the Shangri-La Hotel
Level 1, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9250 6206
We Love Sydney offer available until the 28th of February
Lobster available on Friday and Saturday nights. Prices vary according to the night:
$58 (Monday – Thursday)
$68 (Friday & Sunday)
$85 (Saturday)
Open 7 days, bookings essential
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
50 Comments | Add your own
I am not a buffet fan but I think I would be in heaven right there.
Great tips!
oh! This -is- certainly a topic I enjoy!
I stayed in a super fancy hotel in Singapore recently and the breakfast buffet there was enormous. We definitely got our moneys worth (though there was no lobster, oysters or prawns), but daily would giggle at the buffet amateurs, filling up on 4 slices of toast, and leaving soon after, as though they hadn’t even discovered the 3/4 of the offerings!
I took plenty of photos, and will soon blog about it.
I mourn the loss of the buffet in my life.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! In this instance (and most for me as I don’t have a sweet tooth) Lobster should definitely have prevailed over dessert.
You can bake much better at home anyway…
If ever there is something that I am a professional at it is buffet strategy, however I am at a distinct advantage with my large capacity
Buffet amateur over here! I tend to go for the food I feel like at the time, though I (mysteriously) have an extra stomach when “going out food” (as opposed to “home food”) is involved… so I get my value for money anyway
Hehe what a fun story – I especially enjoyed your pro-buffeter tips. I enjoy going to buffets but my husband doesn’t (on the contrary, he’s the one with the smaller apetite while I’m the one with the hollow leg). The most recent one I can remember going to was back in 2005 at ‘The Buffet’ in Daimaru Sapporo. The selection was fabulous and I happily rolled home after the meal ^_^
All of that amazing seafood is making me drool – and the desserts – I have to shut my eyes!!
I wreck havoc on buffets! I go so redneck and load up like five plates! It’s really tacky and embarrassing, but so tasty!
I moved! Come visit me at http://www.aduckinherpond.com.
rofl!! Still laughing! I’m going to have to share this with my husband, he will appreciate the brilliant tips – he likes to think of himself as a pro, but really needs to work on his technique… He won’t take me, ’cause he says it’s a waste of money (me being veggie) and I know he’s right (but still want to be an observer even if I end up eating chips)!
I never get my money’s worth at all-you can-eats, but now I can approach buffets with confidence, secure in the knowledge that my belt will be let out a couple of notches when I leave. Thanks, NQN!
Oh what an excellent review/topic this was NQN!
Unfortunately when it comes to buffets I am pitifully amateur.
Not only do I have a teeny-tiny stomach space (I mean ALWAYS I get full after consuming half a plate of anything. And then I can’t eat anything else for the rest of the night…and if I attempt to I end up rolling around saying how much my tummy hurts… always), but I also tend to go for the items that your husband does *shame*
My boyfriend on the other hand is a Buffet Champion, nay, a KING!
He has it all planned out and can wolf down plate after plate after plate of the most expensive items (usually seafood) right through the night while I am left sitting there swizzling the remnants of my half-eaten plate around with a fork, trying not to fall asleep while he consumes his 7th mammoth-sized seafood plate (full of lobster, natch).
So there you have it, I’m shamefully amateur, and my boyfriend is the King O’ Buffets.
What a hillarious post! Can you tell me where I can get a We Love Sydney card? I think I have to get me one of those…
I dislike buffets because as a vegetarian I feel like I don’t get my money’s worth – in fact I have been out with group’s where everyone but me has the buffet and I turn to the menu – but I do like hearing your reasoning on how to get bang for your buck!
hahah what fun! I don’t often do the buffet as I can’t get my money’s worth. Once as a kid (and not feeling very well) I went to a buffet with the fam for my uncle’s birthday and wasted about 40 bucks on.. wait for it…. a PASSIONFRUIT! oh the shame. my uncle (buffet pro- hence the bday meal choice) was bitterly disappointed in me and has never let me live it down.
WOuldn’t bother with the buffet these days- my boyfriend has a mean appetite but doesn’t get excited about the buffet and ends up eating bread, potatoes, etc.
A little sad the creme brulees had no crack- it’s the best part!
wow! I love buffet and always aim for the seafood
I missed out on ‘we love sydney’ card though, i went to the website and able to get a print out, but it is not the same as an actual card, so I wonder if they would give me the discount with me bringing a print out?
Very funny! But it all makes sense.
I’m definitely an amateur (I go for the food that appeals to me at the time). Also I have a pretty small stomach – and as I don’t like seafood I wouldn’t get my money’s worth at this buffet.
I know what you mean about desserts – once you’ve made your own it’s hard to find anything in a restaurant that will match it!
Oh, NQN, Brilliant post! Those tips are sure to stand me in good stead!
oh i love the seriousness with which you approach the buffet. we all have our own rules and yes, no carbs is definitely at the top of the list. i also agree with the stomach shrink during starvation – best to eat lightly and have lots of water to expand your stomach during the day (i’m sure that’s what kobayashi recommended once).
i tend to concentrate on seafood but often i find buffet lobsters are frozen, watery and bland. i remember when cafe mix used to have macarons – such goodness!
gods you’re funny!
I must second the tip:
Do not eat the bread.
bread takes up some serious buffet food stomach-space and inhibits ‘The Getting Value’ aspect of the buffet.
also:
Do not drink liquids mid-shoveling-your-face-with-food. try to wait until the end.
i feel so sorry for your dad. how infuriating for you and your mum! have you considered Intervention Therapy? (distracting him for 5 seconds, and loading his plate with foodstuffs whilst he’s looking the other way).
excellent post.
Sizzler doesn’t quite cut-it after you’ve had Shangri-la, does it?
I’m like you, not a big fan of buffet for the simple fact that you dont feel like you satisfied that your getting your money’s worth. But saying that, recently we went to the Conservatory in Melbourne for my mums birthday, and I must agree, stick to the seafood! Thats what I did.
I’m prob the reason why they’ll never serve abalone at a buffet! I’m already the bane of seafood buffets the world over!
My plan is always 2-3 plates of seafood (filled with oysters, mussels, prawns and a little bit of lobster and crab), a plate of meats and gravy, a plate of something carbish – salad/soup/rice/noodles, 1-2 plates of sushi and 1-2 plates of desserts. Finally if there’s room go back for more seafood. The best buffet I been to so far is in Perth – Miss Mauds.
I love buffets but I’m always embarassed at looking like a pig! I use to be paranoid that everybody was whispering about me going for yet another plate!
NQN that story is just priceless! I agree with you, it’s best to approach the buffet like a pro and get your money’s worth and with that much seafood on offer, it would be a true amateur that would go for anything else! There used to be a great buffet at the Hotel Inter-continental (pre re-furb) *sigh*, however on business trips I also appreciate a company-funded buffet breakfast.
Very funny!
I’m not a buffet fan these days, but remember loving them as a kid. I think it was just the whole idea of an abundance of food spread out in front of you, with every choice imaginable. My parents’ strategy was always to go for the prawns.
This is hilarious! I’ll make sure my husband reads this post; he is exactly like your husband
I’m more of an amateur…I pick depending on how I feel that day…and I don’t eat a lot…I just see what I like and take a few things…
I’m not a big buffet fan tho so that could explain it…I go more for quality than quantity 
This buffet looks utterly delicious! So much to choose from,… Wow! Wish I was there ! Yum … & all the sea food?…. & the desserts,..
I can never get past 3 plates, that’s why I’m trying not to fill up too much and take more time sitting down and talk rather than just eat and eat. Need time to empty the upper tummy. Dessert in buffet always standard dessert, not the wow factor, sadly ‘cos I love dessert more than main meal.
Thank you for a wonderful review!
I have already booked for a few weeks time. mmm lobster!
Oh and my 21st buffet lunch at the Conservatory at Crown, my dad left all of my friends in awe of the many plates of seafood he demolished and was still eating when everyone else was finished! Embarassed and kinda proud at the same time! As you get older you really do try to ignore the shame. His motto is that you should try send them broke! He will just love this place!
The selection looks really good esp the seafood and dessert. I would attack those 2 sections first!
Hi Jeff-Hehe me too but I was in lobster heaven there!
Hi lili-Hehe a girl just like me! Breakfats buffets are great aren’t they. And yes there’s always better choices there too. Toast? No thanks! Can’t wait to see your story on it!
Hi Christie-Yes lobster definitely trumps all else
Thanks, I did think that they weren’t very well executed. No toffee crack on the brulee-poor!
Hi Cappucino-lol good on you! You’d definitely get your money’s worth
Hi shez-Aha, a separate stomach compartment discovered. Very interesting!
Hi Kathy-Interesting! Hehe at hollow leg
I bet the Daimaru had a killer buffet!
Hi Cakelaw-Hehe sorry about that!
Hi Blond Duck-lol at “Going Redneck!” I’m getting a funny visual of it especially as you are so dainty!
I’ve just visited, it looks great!
Hi Angela-Ahh yes being a vegetarian it’s hard to get your money’s worth at a buffet
LOL at the technique lacking pro too!
Hi belle-You’re welcome!
I think that if you can fit in at least 2 plates worth you’re getting your money’s worth (at that price at least). I had a bit too much that night but it was fun! 
Hi Red Neon Hearts-Thankyou!
Aww but at least you can fit into your gorgeous clothes. Oh wow, you have a Buffet King! And 7 seafood plates no less? I bow to the Buffet King! 
Hi Vita-Thanks!
I’ve linked to it in the story so you can get one. They’re free so use it while you can as it expires on the 28th of Feb! 
Hi Johanna-You’re right, it’s so difficult, almost impossible for a vegetarian to get their money’s worth unless they eat seafood. But thankyou! Glad that you liked it nevertheless
Hi Kirsty-Haha isn’t that funny how passionate people get about buffets and how he will probably remember that forever?
yes the bread and potatoes, my husband’s favourites too!
I know, a crackless brulee should be outlawed! If I were in charge of a country it would be
Hi shelly-good stuff! You can just use the printout while your card arrives. They just sight it too as all the cards look the same
Hi arista-Ahhh I see, all the odds are stacked against being a pro but no matter you’ll fit into your clothes better I’m sure!
Yes I always find buffet desserts really uninspiring too although this selection wasn’t too bad.
Hi Reemski-Thanks so much! I hope that they help!
Hi Helen-Anything to do with food and me is a serious matter
These lobsters weren’t so bad, just a bit on the tough side. I once went to a seafood buffet where some of the crab was still frozen-eek!
Hi the projectivist-Thankyou!
yes bread is a total filler of stomach space. She gets so mad at him, we both remember the time that he just got a few pieces of cold cuts 
I think someone just made him a plate in the end which he ate, oblivious to it all! Haha where are all the Sizzlers now?
Hi Maria-Yes if it weren’t for the we love sydney card I don’t think I would’ve gotten my money’s worth. Sounds like the Conservatory is a good one!
Hi Karen-LOL so you’re an abalone fiend? I’d swap you for lobster!
Wow, you’d never know from meeting you that you could fit in that many plates! Miss Maud’s is that Swedish place isn’t it? I bet they do a great Smorgasbord! I get that paranoia too -my dad noted the table of 3 guys and 1 girl and the guys had 5 plates each and showed no signs of slowing down
Hi Teena-Yes approaching like a pro means no later regret. Yes I recall that one, at Cafe Opera. We used to go to that one a lot. Anything company funded is always good I agree
Hi Y-I think it’s something of a kid’s fantasy seeing all of this food. I still get that thrill although practically speaking, my mind kicks in and figures that I can’t eat enough to make it good value. Your parents sound just like my friends!
Hi Vera-haha tell him he can be a pro if he wants to be!
Hi Alexandra-Oh yes I go for quality rather than quantity but when the quality is good like seafood why not? The desserts which aren’t such great quality I can leave although I do like sampling them but often feel disappointed.
Hi Sophie-This is definitely one of the better buffets here
There are some really averagely bad ones out there!
Hi Lilia-3 plates is pretty good going! Yes dessert is always a disappointment *sigh* Someone should do a really good quality dessert buffet!
Hi Maria-Wonderful! Will you make it before the discount ends? LOL your dad sounds hilarious. My husband and I thought that his quote was brilliant
I’d love to know how it worked out for you 
Hi pigpigscorner-Ahh yes a sound approach indeed, a bit of the favourites!
ah, pork cracklin’. most people have no idea…
Now that is quite a buffet. How can we turn down so many crab legs????
I think I’ll be visiting Australia soon, for the seafood buffet and desserts alone! This looks fabulous! You’re so funny too…”pretraining” cracked me up!
When I was a kid, my dad used to call me his “buffet buddy.” He and I could really put away a frightening amount of food to make sure we got our money’s worth. I remember once putting away at least 5 piled plates at around age 10. Unfortunately, we were both very overweight and unhealthy as well. I was also a major binge eater and an emotional eater and buffets helped me accomplish these; my eating was very disordered (as is my dad’s unfortunately). I have conquered a lot of these issues and lost a lot of weight to get my body and mind both to a healthy place that I strive to maintain.
I admit in adulthood, I really don’t do buffets. Bad memories of binge eating and feeling out of control. Although I do love crab legs, and focusing on fresh seafood and great exotic fruit is a good way to get “your money’s worth” and not be too unhealthy, I still would rather just pay for a reasonable portion of a food I love. I don’t really fully trust myself at buffets I guess.
The pics look delish as always!
These do not look like the kind of buffets we get in the uk! This actually looks edible, which is a huge improvement on its british version!
I did really laugh at your friends dad’s “stretchy pants”
Hi NQN,
The pics all look fabulous!
We’ve made plans to go back again soon before the ‘we love sydney’ promotion ends and I’ll definitely be following your pre-buffet tips!
Hi grace-I know, they’re missing out on all of that crispy goodness…
Hi The Duo Dishes-Hehe we don’t if we can help it, at least that’s my way of thinking
Hi Sandie-Oh yes please do! There are lots of B&Bs to visit here too
Hehe pretraining is important, like an Olympian I say!
Hi Ericka-That’s great that you’ve managed to turn it around
Yes I say quality over quantity is the best way to go. It would be hard to resist though so I completely understand why you don’t do them now. It’s very tempting! 
Hi Jorden-Hehe really? Aww you need to come over here. We usually have fairly decent ones
Haha I still have nightmares over the stretchy pants!
Hi foodie-central-Excellent idea! Not long to go and only a few more days with the lobster as I understand lobster is only there Friday and Saturday nights. PLMK how you go if you have a chance!
hey, just a recommendation, go eat the veges first.. there’s two reasons for this, firstly it makes sure you at least, for health reasons, eat some greens. secondly, in the tummy, the acid would dissolve the lowest layer of food first, so with veges, they dissolve the fastest, so tat means in the 2nd hour of your buffet, you have a little more space to eat more food.. =)
That was brilliant! You remind me of Grace Adler in the Tv show Will and Grace, where she’s at a buffet with her fiancée and his parents.
Hi linus-Ahh interesting, a digestive perspective! I like your theory and will try it!
Hi mae-Thankyou!
Haha yes I remember that episode. That was so funny! 
Hee hee buffets! Now this is what I am talking about ^^! Hmm I go for sheer volume and quality foods but I love meat too much so can’t pass up if tehre is good meat (which is usually not the case at a buffet luckily)
What you need to do is expand the stomach by having a huge meal the night before and only have a light brekkie and lunch before the buffet. Also as you pointed out avoid drinking water and stay away from carbs.
Since dessert has a separate stomach I try to pack a lot of that away too mmmmm ^^! I want buffet again now haha
Hi Ffichiban-Yeah I think as a hungry guy, you are at a distinct advantage. Haha you and your Wagyu meat! Ah yes good tips indeed. Have you tried two buffet nights in a row for training purposes? That would be interesting!
Only just over a week to go until the offer finishes!
Like the terrible sweet tooth I am I tend to spend my entire buffet dollars on dessert.
People rave about this but I am not that into it. We have been several times and each time swear not to go back. I don’t know what it is whether it’s the people that are dining there or the lack of interest by the chefs but I have sworn not to go back. The hotel itself is magnificent and Altitude is a must for any overseas visitor.
Sorry to burst your bubble people but just not my cup of tea.
Hi Amaya-I think a lot of us can’t resist the lure of a pretty dessert
Hi Linda-Interesting, but of course everyone has different experiences. Don’t feel that you need to apologise if you don’t like it though-I’m sure people can make up their minds for themselves based on what they read so I don’t think expressing your opinion is bursting anyone’s bubble
Hey! You should try drinking about half a glass of wine before a buffet. It helps in digestion/contraction of the intestines which allows you to put in more food. Try it! =)
Hi Minyi-Ahh interesting! I hadn’t heard of that one but I like the science behind it
WHERE DO YOU GET THE SYDNEY CARD
Hi NQN,
Maybe you should review this review – we recently had the Friday buffet there – disappointing food, not much choice, sometimes dry & tasteless, only desserts ok.
Perhaps it was worth it only when the We Love Sydney promo was on, but NOT now, it rather degrades a 4 star hotel.
Post a Comment