If you haven’t hit Melia Yangon’s Friday buffet in a while, it’s time for a refresh. The hotel has added two new live stations—a charcoal-fired seafood & meat grill and a Vietnamese spring-roll counter—and the upgrade cements this dinner as Yangon’s best value feast.
The new stuff
- Freshly grilled seafood & meats. Whole prawns, squid, clams, chicken satay, pork neck and marinated beef land on the grill to order. Nothing sits around; you point, the chef sears, you eat. The prawns were sweet, the meat nicely charred, and the squid stayed tender; no small feat.
- DIY Vietnamese spring rolls. Rice paper, herbs, vermicelli and a line-up of fillings (poached pork, shrimp, pickled veg) rolled in front of you. The dip has the right fish-sauce punch and chilli kick. It’s a bright, fresh palate-cleanser between heavier bites.
The classics (still strong)
The cold cuts and cheese board, pasta station, salads, desserts and free-flow beer/soft drinks remain. Nothing revolutionary – just reliable, well-stocked staples that never seem to run out. At US$ 29 net per head you’ll struggle to find this spread, this fresh, anywhere else in town.
Why it wins for families
At the back of the restaurant, farthest from the live-music stage, Melia has carved out a dedicated kids’ play area with an adjoining cluster of tables. Parents can supervise while munching, little ones can blow off steam, and diners in the main hall get peace and quiet. It’s the rare buffet that keeps everyone happy without turning the room into a playground.
Atmosphere & seating hacks
The open kitchen brings energy, but the new BBQ does throw some smoke. If you’re sensitive, avoid the tables right in front of the grill. Your fallback is next to the band—louder but smoke-free. Or take the family corner and let the kids roam.
Service
Staff stay quick on plate-clearance and drink refills, even when the room fills. Chefs behind the grill are happy to recommend the day’s best catch.
Verdict
At this price point Melia Yangon still offers the city’s strongest quality-for-cash ratio, and the new stations plus the kid-friendly zone keep the buffet feeling current. Come hungry, sit smart, and let the grill masters handle the smoke while you handle the prawns.
Need-to-know
- When: Every Friday, 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Where: Level 2, Melia Yangon Hotel, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road
- Price: US$ 29 net. Includes free-flow beer, soft drinks, coffee & tea
- Extras: Live music from 7 p.m.
- Call/Book: +95 1 934 5000 or [email protected]
Bottom line: For a weekly treat that won’t torch your wallet, and keeps the kids busy, this buffet still rules the roost.
