Niu by Vikings, The Podium: A Feast Fit for Kings!

Best Buffets in Manila: Niu by Vikings The Podium Review

A month ago, we wrote about a buffet in Manila that impressed me with its taste and quality: Market Cafe. You see more than the price, it’s really the quality and taste of the food that I look for in any buffet. And this time around, I’m taking you to the Ortigas Center CBD for an evolved buffet dining experience. Featuring nine (9) curated food stations to salivate your insatiable palate, say hello to Niu by Vikings, The Podium Mall!

 

Niu by Vikings, The Podium: 9 Stations Fit for a (VI)-KING!

I first experienced the wonders of Niu by Vikings 3 years back. I was invited for a birthday dinner for a close friend at the SM Aura brand. And was I overwhelmed with how much food Niu by Vikings had to offer. Rows and rows of freshly cooked appetizers, mains, desserts, and drinks. But two things stuck to mind that night: the melt-in-your-mouth roast beef and the free-flow wine. How can you say no to that? I haven’t been back since then but the dining experience was something truly unforgettable.

Trivia: The word Niu (“nee-uh”) means “nine” in the Viking language. And is a significant number in Norse mythology. It’s also a reference to the ‘cloud nine’ feeling Niu wants their guest to experience every time.

Fast forward to 3 years later, I finally had the chance to try their newest branch: Niu by Vikings, The Podium. Luckily, I arrived 20 minutes shy from dinner time. So I still had the chance to take shots of the food before all the gastronomic chaos. Here are 10 reasons why you should dine at the Niu by Vikings, The Podium Mall branch.

 

1. Modern and Luxurious Ambiance

Nothing says indulgence more like buffets. And what better way to elevate the buffet dining experience than setting up the food against a modern and luxurious dining ambiance. As soon as I stepped in Niu by Vikings, The Podium, it was already a feast for the eyes. Even before my jaw dropped with Niu’s food selection, I already had a visual feast on the chic and elegant look of the whole place.

Set to dine 418 hungry vikings, I loved the fact that Niu by Vikings Podium did not overlook the ambiance. The pink, purple, and grey cushioned chairs complimented by a stylish-mix of chandeliers and a grand piano definitely gave a good first impression on what I should expect from Niu: great food with great attention to detail.

 

9 Food Stations, 300+ dish options

Having a ‘Cloud Nine’ experience in mind, diners at Niu by Vikings are treated to a feast of 9 food stations: Cold Station, Japanese, Chinese/Dimsum, Filipino, Grilled, Western, Carving, Beverage, and Dessert.

Dining Tip 1: Scout around the stations first before getting your food selection. With over 300+ dish options, it’s inevitable to be overwhelmed. So before you even get on with your meal, try walking around and skim through the stations. Being my normal self, I had to start with the Sushi and Sashimi,  next Salad plus Cold Cuts, then Small Plates of Viands.

 

2. Cold Station

Got salad, cheese, and cold cuts in mind? This is the place to be. Unlike other buffets that offer 1 or 2 options, Niu by Vikings has 1 full station dedicated to them.

On one side, a DIY salad bar awaits. While on the other, an overload of cheese and cold cut selection.

I had cheese prior, so I indulged on their cold cuts and my favorite marinated mussels.

 

3. Japanese Station – HTD Favorite!

Sashimi and Sushi lovers, unite! Niu by Vikings is an answered prayer for all us hungry sashimi lovers! I’ve lost count, but there must be at least 15 kinds of sushi rolls for you to choose. And the sashimi? Perfection.

Fresh and right-sized bites of Tuna and Salmon goodness. If I had to count how many pieces I’ve had that night, then it probably racks up to already half of the Php 1500 buffet price tag. Oops.

Not to be missed is their juicy and well-seasoned Japanese beef teppan and the crunch EBI Tempura as well.

Dining Tip 2: Leave the bread and rice. Indulge on Meats and Cold Cuts instead. In this case, go easy on the sushi, unless you want to get full right away!

 

4. Chinese/Dimsum Station

Craving umami? Go for Niu’s Chinese station.

They have a good selection of classic Chinese viands alongside a wide array of dimsums.  From your classic hakaw, XLB, and siomai, to sweet-filled custard buns, Niu’s dimsum station was one of my personal favorites.

Yes, they were all good and tasty. But I also loved how much creativity went into creating those cute taro porcupines and chocolate penguin buns. Too cute to eat, if I must say!

 

5. Filipino Station

I intentionally skipped this section since our meals at home are usually Filipino. But I did notice that this section offers salivating Filipino favorites like the Oxtail Kare-Kare. Maybe next time!

 

6. Grilled Station

Grill items on your mind? Stop by for some charred chicken, pork, and even seafood. I was eyeing the carving station for my mains so I had to skip this one too.

 

Thumbs up though for the uniquely automated shawarma carving station. Impressive!

 

7. Western + Pasta Station

If you like it quick yet sophisticated, Niu by Vikings’ western station offer a lot of good eats too. Go for the grilled oysters with cheese, all-meat pizza, paella, and chicken roulade.

The pasta section was also a clear winner as it had so many options for fresh cooking. Anyone up for some Foie Gras Ravioli? Niu by Vikings, The Podium has!

Dining Tip 3: Contrary to popular belief, rest is for the weak. Eat while your appetite is still open and at its peak. The moment you take a long break, you’ll immediately feel full.

 

8. Premium Quality Meat-Carving Station – HTD Favorite!

Saving the best for last for mains: the meat-carving station. And Niu by Vikings couldn’t have had it any more stellar!

The station had Binusog na Lechon, Stuffed Turkey, Beef Ribs, Leg of Lamb, Angus Chuck Eye, and my personally favorite – Beef Belly. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless buffets, it’s that it pays to ask. In this case, I politely asked what’s the crowd favorite. To which I got Beef Belly as a reply. I prefer my meat medium rare with a side of corn and pepper corn. DELICIOUS. The meat was fresh, tender, and very tasty. It was so good, I made my friends get a plate each while I had another one. A+ for this station!

 

9. Beverage Station – HTD Favorite!

Now let’s not get you thirsty, shall we? And quenched you’ll be once you dine with Niu by Vikings. Kids and kids-at-heart gulping down all the types of juices Niu had prepared. I personally loved the Tamarind and watermelon the best.

Not much fan of sweet drinks? No need to worry, Niu by Vikings has you covered.

Either you order your cocktail of choice, or chug down on that beer tap and sake bar.

And did I mention they have a wine vendo machine too? Ultra cool!

 

10. Dessert Heaven

Before heading out the door, grab some dessert! And I think any sweet tooth will be pleased with the extra wide selection that Niu by Vikings has to offer. Cakes, pastries, donuts, ice cream – name if they have it.

They even have a spot for Filipino kakanin and an entire section for candies (gummies)!

I personally indulged in their homemade ice cream. Loved the sugarfree mango and vanilla (with real chocolate shards).

 

End Notes: Niu by Vikings (The Podium)

All in all, my dining experience at Niu by Vikings, The Podium branch was an absolute delight. It literally took us 3 hours to finish from end to end. 5 stars for food quality and getting your money’s worth. I will certainly be back for more!

 

Ready to book your table?

The newest branch of Niu by Vikings is located at the 5th Floor, The Podium Mall. For inquiries and reservations, please call +632-845-4647 or e-mail niubyvikings@gmail.com. You may also follow their Facebook page.

 

Buffet Price Niu by Vikings, The Podium Mall

ADULT RATE

• Weekday Lunch: 938, Dinner: 1,438
• Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 1,438

KIDS RATE

• Below 3 ft: FREE
• 3 ft – 4 ft Weekday Lunch: 308, Weekday Dinner: 408, Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 408
• 4 ft – 4 ft 6″ Weekday Lunch: 618, Weekday Dinner: 718, Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 718

*Prices are subject to 5% service charge.