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A Ramadan Dinner That Feels Like Travel Without Leaving Davao

Some buffets feel like variety for the sake of it. Others feel like a journey.

When dusitD2 Davao launched Malaysian Nights at Madayaw Café in time for Ramadan, I joined fellow media friends and content creators for the opening night. What I expected was a themed buffet. What I got felt closer to a cultural deep dive, one that lets you explore Malaysian flavors while still enjoying the comfort of a full hotel spread.

If you’ve ever wanted to try Malay cuisine without booking a flight, this is about as close as it gets.

What You’ll Find at Malaysian Nights in Madayaw Café

The Malaysian Nights buffet runs February 18 to March 3, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and was created in partnership with the Consulate General of Malaysia to highlight authentic dishes and cultural elements tied to Ramadan and Iftar traditions.

That authenticity showed up quickly at the food stations.

Among the dishes we enjoyed:

• Rendang rich and slow-cooked with deep spice
• Ayam Goreng crisp and comforting fried chicken
• Sotong Sambal squid coated in bold sambal sauce
• A variety of Satays grilled and served with classic accompaniments
• Ikan Bakar smoky grilled fish with layered flavors
• Sayur Nangka Muda Masak Lemak young jackfruit in creamy spiced sauce
• Mee Mamak savory stir-fried noodles
• Sayur Campur mixed vegetables for balance
• Make-your-own Laksa station which honestly felt like the highlight for anyone who enjoys customizing their bowl
• Roti Canai warm, flaky, and perfect for dipping
• Desserts like Bubur Kacang Hijau and Kuih Makmur to finish

The variety made it easy to sample widely, whether you were already familiar with Malaysian cuisine or trying it for the first time.

You Still Get the Full Madayaw Café Dinner Buffet

One thing I appreciated is that Malaysian Nights does not replace the usual Madayaw Café dinner buffet. It expands it.

That means alongside the Malaysian specialties, you also get access to:

• a seafood selection for your own seafood boil
• pizza station
• roast beef carving
• sushi and makis
• and other international buffet staples

So even if someone in your group wants something familiar, there’s plenty to balance the more adventurous Malay dishes.

It makes the buffet feel inclusive rather than niche, which works well for mixed groups or family dinners.

Why Malaysian Nights Feels Worth It

The buffet is priced at PHP 1,688 net per adult and PHP 844 net per child.

For a hotel buffet with both international staples and a rotating Malaysian menu, it honestly feels sulit. I also learned that the Malaysian selections change daily, which means repeat visits would not feel identical.

That rotating element makes it more than a one-time themed event. It turns it into something you can revisit if you want to explore more of the cuisine.

And during Ramadan, the Iftar timing adds another layer of meaning for guests observing the season or those simply curious about the cultural experience tied to it.

Malaysian Nights at dusitD2 Davao: Details

Venue: Madayaw Café, dusitD2 Davao
Dates: February 18 to March 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: PHP 1,688 net per adult, PHP 844 net per child

Reservations recommended:
+63 905 562 1370
d2dv.fbreservations@dusit.com

Should You Try Malaysian Nights?

If you enjoy buffets but want something beyond the usual lineup, Malaysian Nights offers that rare mix of familiarity and discovery. You can build a seafood boil, grab sushi, and still end the night with laksa, satay, and Malaysian desserts.

For me, it felt like one of those dinners where you learn something about another cuisine while still leaving completely full and satisfied.

If you’re planning to go, tell me what dish you’re most curious about. I’m still thinking about that laksa station.

For more Davao food events, hotel dining experiences, and local finds worth bookmarking, keep browsing dailygaelley.com.