It was almost 11 a.m., and I still had not slept.
My husband had just dropped me off at home after trying the Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao breakfast buffet with our friends. It was not really planned, but it turned into one of those random mornings that just felt nice in its own simple way.
How It All Started
I was working around 4:00 a.m. when my friend Jade called me and told me it was our friend’s birthday the night before. Since I was still awake anyway, I jokingly said, “Tara, breakfast tayo.”
Sakto, my husband woke up because of all the noise. Since he was already awake, he ended up joining us too.
We waited until around 6:00 a.m. before heading to Mandaya Hotel, where we had agreed to have breakfast. It was actually our first time trying their breakfast buffet. Usually, when we want a heavy breakfast here in Davao City, we go to Apo View Hotel.
The last time we ate at Mandaya was, I think, sometime earlier this year. We used to enjoy eating there before, but during that last visit, I felt a little disappointed because the food did not really hit the same way. So this time, I honestly did not expect much.
But surprisingly, their breakfast buffet was actually really good.
The Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao Breakfast Buffet
The Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao breakfast buffet had a nice selection of food, and it did not feel too overwhelming. There was a salad station, fresh fruits, breads, pastries, and donuts. There was also an egg station where you could choose your own toppings, which I always like because it feels more personal.
For the hot dishes, they had pasta or noodles, chicken, bacon, sausage, fish, and vegetables. Enough to make you feel full without having to think too hard about what to eat next.
I liked that there were enough options to enjoy without feeling like you were rushing to try everything. It was the kind of breakfast where you just get a little bit of everything, sit down, eat slowly, and enjoy the morning.
A Little Photo Diary
Here are a few more shots from that morning. I love how food always looks so good in photos, but trust me, it tasted even better in person.
Sleepy but Happy
Maybe it also felt extra comforting because I came from a sleepless night. I was tired from working, but eating breakfast with friends somehow made the whole morning feel lighter. We were all sleepy, but we were also laughing, talking, and just enjoying the food together.
What surprised me the most was how much I actually enjoyed it. I went in with low expectations because of our previous experience, but this breakfast made me appreciate Mandaya again.
For me, it was one of the best breakfast buffets I have tried here in Davao City. If you enjoy reading about food spots around here, you might also like my post about Annipie at Abreeza.
It was random, unplanned, and I was running on zero sleep. But honestly, I think that is what made it more memorable. Sometimes, the simple plans that happen out of nowhere are the ones you remember more.
A friend's early morning call, a sleepy husband, good friends, warm food, and a surprisingly good breakfast buffet.
Not bad for a morning with no sleep.
Final Thoughts
Our breakfast at The Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao was a pleasant surprise. I did not expect much at first, but I left feeling full, happy, and satisfied.
Would I go back for their breakfast buffet? Yes, I think I would.
But next time, hopefully with proper sleep first.