French buffet
Step into the elegance and flavors of France during our exclusive French Live Cooking Buffet – “Grand Marché Français” at Hotel Van der Valk Sassenheim – Leiden.
A refined culinary journey full of French charm
Immerse yourself in the world of French gastronomy, where luxurious ingredients, classic recipes, and modern touches come together. From creamy lobster bisque and slowly braised boeuf bourguignon to fresh seafood and festive desserts – everything is prepared with care and passion. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere while our chefs cook live, carve fish, and finish each dish perfectly, exactly to your taste.
When and where is the French buffet?
- Saturday 7 March 2026 | Start: 17:30
Venue: Live Cooking Buffetrestaurant, Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim - Leiden
What to expect from the French buffet?
🥣 Starters & cold dishes: Start your evening with a selection of luxurious starters: enjoy creamy lobster bisque with tarragon and cognac, served with croutons and rouille, or the slowly cooked French onion soup with baguette and Gruyère. Indulge in a grand seafood platter including Fine de Claire oysters, marinated prawns, and smoked mackerel or trout, served with lemon, vinaigrette, mignonette, and aioli. Other highlights include smoked salmon “belle vue” with dill-mustard dressing, classic pâté en croûte, shrimp salad with tarragon mayo and fennel, and the generous Salade Niçoise royale. A selection of fresh breads – baguette, pain de campagne, and fig-nut bread – with salted butter completes this round.
🔥 Live Cooking & warm dishes: Our chefs prepare live for you: rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic and roast beef / côte de bœuf with red wine jus and béarnaise sauce. The hot buffet offers French classics such as traditional boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, salmon filet with capers, lemon, and parsley, and Bouillabaisse Provençale, a classic fish stew with rouille and croutons. For vegetarians, there is the festive Ratatouille niçoise, and creamy side dishes like Gratin dauphinois complete the spread.
🍞 Sides: A selection of fresh breads, baguette, and pain de campagne with butter, and light sides such as roasted vegetables or potatoes accompany the main courses.
🍰 Desserts: End your evening with an elegant selection of sweets: vanilla & orange crème brûlée, Paris-Brest with praline cream, lemon meringue tart, dark chocolate mousse with Cointreau whipped cream, mini baba au rhum (alcohol-free version available), and a stand with macarons & canelés. Fresh fruit and strawberries with balsamic complete the buffet.
🌿 Also suitable for special dietary requirements: Our buffet offers various vegetarian options. Please ask our staff for other dietary needs – we are happy to assist.
Pricing:
- Adults: €54.50 p.p.
- Teens (13–17 years): €48.50 p.p.
- Children (3–12 years): €27.50 p.p.
Prices include house wine, draft beer, water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea. Maximum 6 alcoholic beverages per person.
How to reserve:
To avoid disappointment, we recommend reserving your table for the buffet in advance.
Please note:
- We do our best to keep the buffet well stocked; however, some specialties (such as premium dishes) are available in limited quantities.
- Tables can be reserved between 17:30 and 18:00. The buffet lasts until approximately 20:30. After 18:00, no reservations are accepted.
- We cannot guarantee preferences regarding table size or location, but will always reserve a comfortable table for your group.
- For groups larger than 10 people, it may not be possible to have a single long table.
- A deposit is required when booking. The remaining amount is to be paid at the restaurant on the day.
- Free cancellation is possible up to 3 days in advance.
Live Cooking Buffet Package
Combine your Live Cooking buffet with a luxurious hotel stay at Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim - Leiden and book the Live Cooking Buffet Package! Includes an overnight stay in one of our spacious Comfort or Deluxe hotel rooms, an extensive breakfast buffet, and the Live Cooking buffet on the evening of arrival.