A Taste of India in Macau

Another buffet lunch under our belts (and another notch loosened on said belts) this week, and we can officially call ourselves seasoned diners at the Golden Peacock. The maitre d' now recognizes us - and even counts our visits. Is three times in ten days too much? We have to say no. Perhaps the most affordable buffet lunch in Macau, and perhaps the best tasting, if you haven't been to the Golden Peacock for lunch yet grab your stretchiest trousers, plan on skipping breakfast (and probably dinner) and get to the Venetian for a chance to dine like a maharani (or maharaja) for less than MOP200.

The Golden Peacock is the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Asia, which is a lot less impressive than it sounds when you realise that Michelin doesn't cover India (in fact the only Asian cities the guide covers are Tokyo; Kyoto and Osaka; and Hong Kong and Macau). However, don't let that fact make you think this place doesn't deserve its star, it does.

The chef responsible for Golden Peacock's Michelin-starred status, Justin Paul, is unlikely to be on hand for lunch service, but everything will have been given his seal of approval.

The buffet offers a large variety of salads and appetizers, main dishes and desserts, which changes daily so you can go twice in one week and be able to try different dishes (that's our excuse anyway).

The buffet includes a small salad bar with Indian-inspired salads as well as the raw materials so you can make you own, as well as papadum, and at least one appetizer (which is often samosas or pakoras). There are also half a dozen different chutneys, dips and sauces as well as homemade yogurt to help put out the fire in your mouth should you accidentally eat a red chili.

There is a good variety of main dishes, including vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and lamb, all of which are halal. There is always a paneer dish, and it's always fantastic (our favorite being makhani), and if you are very lucky there are two. Freshly prepared naan bread - garlic or butter - is brought to your table.

The desserts are a combination of Indian and Western, often including cheesecake and chocolate mousse. The buffet comes with a choice of coffee or tea (but, to our dismay, not chai).

The service is very good. Within seconds of taking the last bite on your plate expect your dirty dishes to be swept away. Expect to dine alongside more than a handful of Chef Paul's compatriots, which should be the real seal of approval for the Golden Peacock. The Lunch buffet is offered from 11am to 3pm but if you're looking for more Michelin-standard dishes check it out for dinner which is offered from 6pm to 11pm.

For reservations call (853) 8118 9696

www.venetianmacao.com

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