What Readers Should Know
Novotel Manila Araneta City’s culinary refresh spans its Freshfinity buffet, bakery and plant-forward offerings. Its banquet kitchen has also received Halal certification.
Key Takeaways
- Freshfinity features six culinary concepts at Food Exchange Manila.
- The published Freshfinity rate is ₱2,799 nett per person.
- Indulge’s refreshed selection includes Filipino-inspired pastries.
- Gourmet Bar introduces dishes that put vegetables at the center.
- Halal certification specifically covers the hotel’s banquet kitchen.
A weekend buffet, a pastry stop and a vegetable-focused meal offer different reasons to visit a hotel. Novotel Manila Araneta City is bringing those occasions together through a culinary refresh that extends beyond its flagship restaurant.
The changes span Freshfinity at Food Exchange Manila, a refreshed Indulge Gelato & Bakery, plant-forward dishes at Gourmet Bar by Novotel and expanded banquet dining capabilities.
For diners, the result is a choice between a leisurely buffet and smaller, more focused food experiences.
Freshfinity brings a new direction to weekend dining
At Food Exchange Manila, Freshfinity organizes the buffet around six culinary concepts, covering Japanese, Indian, Asian and Italian cooking alongside grilled dishes and carved meats.
The hotel lists Freshfinity at ₱2,799 nett per person, with Friday dinner and Saturday and Sunday lunch and dinner services. Dinner runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., while weekend lunch is available from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The relaunch also introduces an approach called “Our Table Values.” According to Wazzup.PH’s report, this emphasizes smaller portions, freshness and sourcing from local producers, with the intention of reducing food waste.
Filipino flavors meet the pastry counter
Indulge Gelato & Bakery adds another dimension to the refresh. Reported menu highlights include an Ube Cheese Croissant, Chicken Adobo Pocket and Longganisa Egg Danish—familiar Filipino flavors presented in bakery formats.
Sweet selections include Matcha Biscoff Cheesecake and Triple Chocolate Mousse.
Located on the hotel’s ground floor, Indulge offers pastries, cakes, bread and gelato. Its published operating hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, making it an option for visitors who want a shorter stop rather than a full buffet meal.
Vegetables take a more prominent role
At Gourmet Bar by Novotel, the refresh includes plant-forward dishes such as Seared Cabbage Steak with miso cream and furikake, and Cauliflower Bibimbap.
These additions broaden the dining selection by giving vegetables a central place on the plate.
A separate development for banquet guests
The hotel has also announced Halal certification for its banquet kitchen, issued by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc.
That certification supports catering for meetings, weddings and other events. Guests arranging Halal dining should discuss their requirements with the events team, since the announcement specifically identifies the banquet kitchen.
Novotel Manila Araneta City is located on General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City. For dining reservations and inquiries, contact (02) 8990 7888 or [email protected]. Confirm the applicable menu, rate and dietary arrangements when booking.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freshfinity?
It is Food Exchange Manila’s buffet concept featuring six culinary themes.
How much does Freshfinity cost?
The hotel lists it at ₱2,799 nett per person.
When is Freshfinity available?
Friday dinner and Saturday and Sunday lunch and dinner.
What time does Indulge open?
Its published daily hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Which kitchen has Halal certification?
The hotel’s banquet kitchen, as stated in its official announcement.
Gabriel
Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.
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