One of the worst things about travelling alone is dining alone, but not when I find myself at The Carousel Buffet Restaurant in the Chinese city of Guangzhou.

Situated on the 30th floor of the Garden Hotel, it takes two hours for the whole seating area to revolve 360 degrees, which means that I get to experience a sunset and city light show from up in the sky, while enjoying the buffet dinner.

Every time I get up to fill my plate, I find my seat next to a different part of the buffet which even includes newspapers and magazines just in case the view is not entertaining enough.

While juices and teas (iced or hot) are included in the price, wines are at an extra charge. The small 'Wine of the month' menu indicates that Italian and Californian wines are at the order of the day. They don't come cheap, though — around 300 Yuan (R300) per bottle or 70 Yuan per glass.

The full wine list includes famous champagnes such at Dom Pérignon, Moët et Chandon and Veuve Cliquot, as well as upmarket French wines of the likes of Château Lafite Rothschild and some popular Australian labels.

Decisons, decisions...

After finishing an elaborate starter of sashimi, nigiri and do-it-yourself miso soup, I am now standing in front of a selection of ready-made dishes. It includes Oriental delicacies such as teriyaki chicken and deep-fried shrimp balls (not to be confused with the pig's trotters right next to it!) as well as a selection of fish, prawns and Italian-style cauliflower.

While the cauliflower has true Italian zest to it, the Indonesian noodles are about as bland as they are in Indonesia, and the shrimp balls remind of the wildly popular Japanese octopus balls — delicious with some creamy mayonnaise…

All that and I haven't even reached the highlight of the buffet: a wide selection of seafood, beef cuts and vegetables prepared to my taste, right here in front of me.

I opt for fresh Chinese mixed greens sautéed with garlic and soya and some grilled fillet with teriyaki sauce. The very friendly hostess insists that I try at least half a lobster as well. I nod against my stomach's will and end up with a feast enough for three on my table for one.

She was right — teriyaki really is the perfect sauce for fillet. Yet I am a bit disappointed with the lobster as it is not as fresh and juicy as I have tasted before. Perhaps it was on the grill a bit too long (or in the freezer), but hey, lobster is like champagne, it adds that bit of pizzazz.

There are still salads with sauces and even Parmesan as garnish, plus oysters and a host of desserts but I feel completely satiated.

'It really feels like I can fly'

As I end my meal with some Chinese tea I notice that the only stars in the night sky are the ones reflected in the window from the restaurant roof. Outside in the smog, the closest it gets to stars are the lights of the planes coming in and out of Guangzhou's brand new airport.

Before I prepare to leave, I walk up close to the floor-to-ceiling window, high above the panorama of city lights. The sensation almost tops the meal. Wow, from here it really feels like I can fly.

Buffet dinner is served from 6pm till 10pm and costs around R500, while the restaurant is open for cocktails from 10pm till midnight. Visit www.thegardenhotel.com.cn for more information

Read more about Lize's travels at www.parisandpomegranates.blogspot.com