The Fashala Lounge in the Shangri-La not only whip up some killer cocktails from an extensive menu, but also offer a fresh and cooked seafood buffet for dinner. The words “seafood buffet” often hold a sort of hesitation for me.. most places will scrimp on the food because it’s a buffet, or worse, the seafood isn’t perfectly fresh. Fortunately with the Shangri-La, it was spot-on and the perfect seafood buffet meal.

After a few (okay, many) rounds of delectable cocktails watching the sunset, we adjourned to the restaurant to tuck into dinner. The whole restaurant was lit up in the cozy glow of warm candle light, and they also placed candles on the beach outside – incredibly romantic. We selected a table right over the beach, away from the rest of the restaurant.

We first tucked into the cold seafood buffet, a stunning array of large crabs, big fresh mussels, king prawns, lots of sashimi, etc, etc.. My favourite were the ‘mussel shooters’ – a plump mussel nestled in a shot glass filled with a tangy, slightly-spicy sauce. Normally I stay away from musels because they’re a little tough for my liking, but these were totally tender and fresh.

Already full from our pig out with the cold seafood, we then proceeded to the hot buffet, which was a selection of seafood and meats. Chris’ eyes rolled backwards over the lamb chops, which I have to agree were excellent. I myself adored the fish – a whole fish baked in foil over the BBQ. The flesh was absolutely tender and slightly sweet, totally divine!!

Many rounds of food later, we staggered over to the dessert buffet and managed to stuff in more food 😉 The best dessert were the mini fruit tarts!! I normally am not a fan of fruit and wouldn’t bother to have any in my dessert (I mean, it’s DESSERT, why eat fruit?!?!) but these little tarts were delicious – a flavourful biscuit base, light sweet custard, and fresh fruit on top.

It was an unbelievable amount of food and we ate ourselves silly under the night sky and moonlight… and surrounded by dozens of flickering candles. One of the nicest dinners we’ve had so far…. but THE BEST one of the whole trip was yet to come.. 🙂

On the pebbled beach part of the island,
Fashala is to the right of the photo

Fashala restaurant

Where we sat having our cocktails

Peace and quiet 🙂

Cocktails and canapes. YUMMY!!!

Giving my prettiest smile

Inside Fashala

Our little table for 2

So romantic at dusk

Pretty view! The sky that is, not Chris 😉

Cold starters – salads, mussells, oysters, crab, prawns, sashimi, etc…

The chefs cook your choice of meats/seafood then bring it to your table

A stunningly romantic meal 🙂