World's five greatest tastes, in one Bangkok buffet

The cuisines of Thailand, China, India, Japan and France will be the highlight of Novotel Bangkok Siam Square’s nine-day “The Quintet of International Gastronomy Festival,” which starts today. (We always thought Italy was up there with the global greats too, but hey. These five will do.)

There are plenty of Bangkok buffets worth hitting, but what struck us about this one was the price as the Novotel’s Bangkok buffets are known for being of a high standard. The Gastonomy Festival buffet -- -- more recently being referred to as "The World's 5 Greatest Cuisines Festival," perhaps for the benefit of those who might be confused by the words 'quintet' and 'gastronomy' -- is just 888 baht per person and 444 baht for children. Novotel says the drinks will also feature prominently in the festival, with national drinks offered at special prices. (We wonder if the "Siam Sunray" will be on the menu.)

The Quintet of International Gastronomy Festival will be held nightly, from March 11-19 in the hotel’s The Square restaurant, which closes at 10:30pm. The event features nightly musical performances and a lucky draw in which diners can win air tickets to Tokyo, Paris, Beijing or Delhi. To reserve a table, call +66 (0)2 209 8888.