Starting the celebration at the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet with the iconic gingerbread house backdrop.Last year I missed the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet and I’m still not over it.
Seriously. I waited all year last year for this feast, and then it was sold out. The heartbreak was real.
This year? No way. I’m locking it in early.
Friends kept nudging me after the media preview. “Report back! Tell us everything!”
They know me well. I get ridiculously excited about Marriott buffets.
This is the only buffet that makes me go around multiple times, tasting everything, licking my fingers, grinning at my own greed.
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SAGO Restaurant
Step Inside the Magic
The moment you step into SAGO Restaurant, the festive magic hits you.
The scent of spiced mulled wine wraps around you like a big warm hug.
Your eyes wander up and see macaron Christmas trees almost touching the ceiling, topped with a shining star.
All the goodies and sweets are created by Head Pastry Chef Aaron Lee Kwang Yuen.
Cheeky Santa figurines, Rudolphs, little angels, fruitcakes, and gingerbread men fill every corner.
The spread is so whimsical and abundant, you almost hear Deck the Halls playing in your head as you take it all in.
Christmas décor at SAGO sets the warm, festive mood for the Penang Marriott holiday buffet.
You want to try everything at once, and in that moment, it feels totally okay.
The best part? You get all the baked goods without the flour chaos of baking at home.
Zero mess. Maximum indulgence.
In my head, I have a running mantra: “zero calories during Christmas”
That’s my personal permission slip to taste everything, savor every bite, and not feel a shred of guilt.
One sip of hot, spiced mulled wine, and suddenly it feels like a cozy K-drama winter wonderland, even in tropical Penang.
Sweet, fruity, and perfectly spiced, it’s the ideal start to a festive feast.
Sip the perfectly spiced mulled wine at the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet for a warm, cozy start to your holiday feast.
Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet
Feast for Every Palate
The food here is a serious showstopper. Executive Chef Lee Keen Suaan oversees the menu, making sure every dish bursts with festive flavor.
Head Chef Nor Ismail brings decades of expertise to the carvery and traditional Malay dishes.
As always, the carvery station steals the show.
The carvery at SAGO features crowd favorites from rib roast to char siew lamb chops.
The Black Pepper-Crusted Standing Rib Roast au Jus at the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet is tender, flavorful, and irresistible.
The Black Pepper-Crusted Standing Rib Roast au Jus is juicy, perfectly cooked, and peppery, with a rich, flavorful jus.
The Grilled Double Char Siew Lamb Chop is tender and succulent, glazed with a sweet-savory char siew sauce.
There’s absolutely no gamey taste, making it ideal if you’ve always wanted to try lamb. Every bite melts in your mouth.
A delightful surprise was the clove-studded honey-glazed chicken meatloaf, best paired with grilled pineapple.
The cloves hit with warm, aromatic spice, a whisper of sweetness, and just a hint of bitterness that tingles on your tongue.
Against the savory, umami-rich chicken ham, every bite is pure holiday magic.
Confession: I went back for four rounds—and I’m not even ashamed.
The clove-studded honey-glazed chicken meatloaf with grilled pineapple is a festive highlight at the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet.
Seafood on ice
Fresh, sweet prawns with beady eyes practically staring back at me.
I polished off half a dozen with zesty, homemade tartar sauce.
Simple, clean, and exactly what a festive treat should be.
Did I skip the other shellfish? Guilty.
But from where I sat, diners were gleefully demolishing mounds of crab and clams. It’s that kind of spread.
Fresh prawns and seafood on ice add a refreshing touch to the festive spread.
At the Noodle Station, the Wagyu beef noodle soup was a surprising highlight.
That bowl is the kind you’d happily cradle on a chilly night.
The broth packs a punch, inspired by Seremban-style flavors with tasty kiam chye adding a subtle tang.
Savory, umami-rich, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-slurp.
A closer look at the Wagyu beef noodle soup—rich, savory, and perfectly balanced at the Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet.
Over at the Pasta Station, Chef Chang Seng Cheong serves Black Truffle Cappelletti and Creamy Pesto Gnocchi, each bite finished with generous shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Rich, indulgent, and comforting, these pasta dishes hit differently every single time.
Did it bring out the Italian in me? You bet—bellissimo!
Chef Chang Seng Cheong’s pasta station offers truffle cappelletti and creamy pesto gnocchi that hit all the right notes.
Penang Marriott Chefs
The People Behind the Feast
What makes this buffet unforgettable isn’t just the food—it’s the energy in the room.
The chefs bring their craft and personality to every station: warmth, precision, and playful creativity.
The service team keeps everything flowing perfectly.
Plates replenished, drinks topped up, questions answered with a smile.
Dining here feels effortless, indulgent, and joyful.
Ambiance & Experience
SAGO’s 2025 Christmas décor is cozy, elegant, and festive.
Warm lighting, stylish touches, and holiday displays complement the feast without feeling over the top.
Roasted turkey, yule logs, and seasonal cakes give the space a true Christmas vibe.
Pro tip: hit the roasts first. They’re tender, flavorful, and too good to wait for.
Pace yourself after that, but don’t hold back—this is a buffet made for indulgence.
Remember to save space for desserts, including the “Single King Scoop”—a big ball of Baskin-Robbins (BR) served in a cup.
Lemony mini cakes, matcha cupcakes, and festive pastries make the dessert corner impossible to walk away from.
Practical Info & Booking Tips
The buffet is RM268 for adults and RM148 for senior citizens and children on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Day, it is RM198 for adults and RM108 for senior citizens and children.
Early birds get 25% off if paid by 10 December 2025—full-paying adults only, and payment must be done one day in advance. Spots fill up fast, so booking early is essential.
The Penang Marriott Hotel along Persiaran Gurney is perfectly located; easy parking, no long drives, and five-star service.
Must-Try Dishes & Indulgent Moments
If you’re only going to try a few things, don’t skip the Grilled Double Char Siew Lamb Chop and the clove-studded chicken meatloaf.
Pile your plate with fresh prawns, the rib roast, and a bit of Wagyu beef noodle soup for a full-circle experience.
Dessert? Sneak a few lemony mini cakes and matcha butter cupcakes—you’ll thank me later.
Why You Can’t Miss It
The Penang Marriott Christmas Buffet is more than just a meal—it’s a festive experience. Seats fill fast, so book early—miss it, and you’ll be waiting another year to feel this festive magic.
To make reservations, please call +604 566 1888 or click the reservation link
SAGO Restaurant – Penang Marriott Hotel
55 Persiaran Gurney, George Town, 10250 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 4-5661888
Blog Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are mine. Thank you Penang Marriott Hotel for the Christmas dinner invitation.