Quality over quantity: In buffet dining, better food is the way to go!

At Cyan, the interactive temple of gastronomy of Lanson Place in MOA, the well-curated menu puts the spotlight on quality over quantity. From Hong Kong-inspired dishes and authentic Indian cuisine, to the interactive grilling station, diners are sure to get their money’s worth with every delicious bite.

Quality over quantity. That’s what diners can expect at the newly opened Cyan Modern Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant of Lanson Place in Mall of Asia.

Unlike other buffet restaurants heaving with row upon row of churrasco meat items, bucketsful of seafood, sushi and sashimi, some of which are hardly touched by guests, at Cyan, each food station — the Oriental/Asian, Noodle, Indian, Carving and Grilling, Homemade Pizza, and Desserts — highlights  four to five signature dishes to ensure that diners get only the best. Some are even prepared a la minute.

Executive chef Kristine Oro and her team did an amazing job in redefining the art of buffet dining, which shouldn’t be all about gluttony and abundance but a chance to share a good meal and conversation with family and friends in an elegant setting.

The chef is in: Kristine Oro, executive chef of Cyan Modern Kitchen

“For me, that’s what buffet dining in the new normal means,” explains chef Kristine. “Providing a selection of high-quality dishes rather than an overwhelming abundance of options is one of the key features of having a memorable dining experience — a fresh departure from the traditional notion of buffets as places with an exhaustive array of options.”

A Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, chef Kristine has been in the industry for 24 years now.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Cyan Modern Kitchen is named after the most popular color in the blue family. It depicts the color of water.

“The restaurant — with its floor-to-ceiling windows — also boasts a breathtaking view of Manila Bay, hence the name,” shares Antonette Mitschiener, director of sales and marketing, over lunch. We were joined by Nian Rigor, assistant vice president for public relations, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp., and marketing communications manager Rochelle Tabino.

Nestled in the heart of SM Mall of Asia Complex, the restaurant is on the third level of Lanson Place, your personal residence at the bayside.

Cyan Modern Kitchen is designed to capture the waves of Manila Bay, with local touches like the wooden louvers on ceilings and walls. The wide spaces mimic the scenic views of Manila Bay, the city skyline, and the hotel’s courtyard, resulting in a charming dining space right smack in the urban jungle.

The restaurant — with its floor-to-ceiling windows — boasts a breathtaking view of Manila Bay.

LET THE FEAST BEGIN

The open kitchen assures diners that the chefs have nothing to hide. The menu changes daily save for some mainstays like the grilled items and selections in the Noodle Station.

Here are 10 reasons why Cyan Modern Kitchen should be on your next eat-inerary.

1. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner pre-cocktail buffet. Cyan Modern Kitchen doesn’t just serve meals; it crafts daily experiences. Start your day with a filling and delish breakfast, savor a delightful lunch and unwind with a pre-dinner cocktail buffet. Prices start at P1,500 per person.

2. Savor Hong Kong and other oriental fare. Cyan Modern Kitchen transports diners to the bustling streets of Hong Kong with the aromatic Hong Kong-style noodle soup. You can create your own bowl of happiness with a choice of vermicelli, glass and rice noodles. Throw in some chicken balls and fresh veggies and you’re in for a treat. There are also Japanese delights such as freshly made sushi, temaki, uramaki and nigiro.

3. The vegetarian delights. At Cyan, pescatarian and vegetarian diners aren’t left out. Here, they can have homemade chutneys, gowan curry, chickpea curry, original naan bread and roti anytime they want. “We have a tandoori oven where we prepare the roti from scratch,” enthuses chef Kristine. “This cooking method — with minimal oil usage — aligns with our commitment to provide guests with healthier meals.”

Meat-lovers can indulge in lamb rogan josh, zafani chicken, chicken makhani, and chicken tikka masala, among others.

4.  Licensed to grill. For an interactive dining experience, go straight to the Carving and Grilling station. It reminds me of the dampa or paluto-style dining where you can choose from the house-marinated meat and seafood items and ask the chef to grill them right before your eyes. Or you may opt for the mouthwatering beef or lamb, and porchetta with homemade liver sauce.

5.  Specialty oven-baked pizzas. At Cyan, chef Kristine and her team take pride in offering a diverse range of pizza varieties. “The homemade pizza is prepared in a brick oven or wood-fired for that authentic touch,” notes the amiable chef. “The Four-Cheese Pizza with truffle honey sauce is a special recipe crafted by our talented chef Fraullen Diaz. “What makes our pizza service even more exceptional is the flexibility we offer to our guests. Our selection ranges from traditional recipes and customized pizzas to suit guests’ individual preferences.”

6. Dark Chocolate Mousse/Matcha Pâte à Choux. Indulge your sweet tooth with exquisite desserts. The Dark Chocolate Mousse and Matcha Pâte à Choux are divine creations that bring a charming conclusion to your dining experience.

7. Affogato for your afternoon coffee. Elevate your coffee experience with a fancy afternoon delight that combines the boldness of espresso with the sweetness of ice cream, promising a moment of pure indulgence. Get a cup-full of happiness from the dessert section; Cyan’s wait staff will gladly prepare one for you.

8. Celebrate moments with friends and family. Cyan Modern Kitchen is perfect for intimate gatherings with friends and family with its spacious dining hall and quality buffet selections. You can also schedule your private meetings and get-togethers for a stylish, productive afternoon as a la carte menus are available.

9. Filipino selections and an all-Filipino culinary team. Cyan Modern Kitchen takes pride in its roots, boasting an all-Filipino culinary team serving up a regular cycle of local Filipino dishes.

10. The Manila Bay sunset. At the main dining hall, diners have front-row seats to the magnificent Mount Samat on a clear day and the sunset Manila Bay is best known for. Cyan’s private room has a view of the MOA Eye and the best seats for the evening fireworks hosted by SM by the Bay.

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Cyan Modern Kitchen is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For reservations, email  fb.lpmn@lansonplace.com.