It took almost four years, but NIU by Vikings has finally opened a second branch that is much closer for those living in the northern part of Metro Manila. While Vikings Luxury Buffet has continued its conquest of the entire country with several new branches from Pampanga to Metro Manila and all the way down to Davao, its more sophisticated and elegant brother has been content with its base in SM Aura Premier ever since it opened in late 2014. That changed last August 14, 2018 when NIU by Vikings finally opened its second branch at the busy central business district of Ortigas, even bringing with them their signature award-winning Binusog na Lechon.
You can find the new sparkling branch of NIU by Vikings at the fifth level of The Podium Mall in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong. The Hungry Kat was invited to visit this new dining destination last week but since I am still recovering from my recent hospital procedure, my blog partner had to go on his own to sample all those amazing dishes that Vikings luxury buffet is known for. He says it’s a tough job but he will gladly do it for me.
The main difference between NIU and Vikings is that NIU offers an even classier and more elegant setting that feels like dining inside a hotel rather than just at another restaurant. It offers a wide selection of cuisines that ranges from Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian. Expect a truly evolved dining experience as you feast on these distinctly appetizing dishes from all over the globe. I can spot Richie, aka The Pickiest Eater in the World getting ready with his first of many rounds at the buffet.
“NIU” actually means nine in the Viking language and is a significant number in Norse mythology. The restaurant also has nine different stations with a variety of meals from appetizers to main courses and desserts. You can have a romantic dinner buffet here with your special someone or gather the entire family for a luxury feast of epic proportions.
It may not look so at the entrance, but NIU by Vikings Podium is a huge restaurant that can handle big groups and more. They also have two semi-private dining rooms that offer a great view of the busy streets of Ortigas below. I fondly remember all the times I have enjoyed my lunch or dinner at NIU in SM Aura Premiere (Read: Niu by Vikings Celebrates 1st Anniversary with “Niu” Dishes) so I am really excited to dine at their Podium branch soon.
The buffet lineup at NIU is so long that it is quite hard deciding where to start. That is always my problem when I visit NIU or any Vikings luxury buffet restaurant. I usually head straight to my favorites like tempura and hakao, but guests can start their battle at the appetizers station which offer cold seafood, salads, cheeses, hams, and other bite-sized items.
Make sure to get a plate of their Baked Oysters which is loaded with lots and lots of melted cheese. They also have breads, soups, and other interesting items to start your buffet.
The Japanese Station is also a good place to start with its extensive sushi and sashimi selection. Enjoy all the salmon and tuna sashimi you like, or get some of their more unique creations like the barbecue roll, dynamite roll, California maki, and many more.
But the first item I usually get at the buffet is their crunchy Tempura. One thing I really appreciate when dining at NIU by Vikings is that the tempura does not usually run out, unlike in other buffets where you might have to wait in line for the tempura to be refilled.
Those who like Shawarma can make their own servings at the shawarma station which actually features an automatic chopping machine. If you don’t feel like making your own shawarma, then just ask the servers to prepare one for you. That is another advantage when dining at NIU, you can ask the servers to deliver items to your table instead of getting them at the buffet. Now that is true luxury.
Spanish cuisine is also represented at NIU by Vikings with the Paella Valencia that comes loaded with seafood toppings. There’s also the Italian Station which features a couple of pizzas including the Spicy All Meat Pizza.
The Pasta Station is another tummy-filling area where you can ask the chefs to prepare carbonara, bolognese, spaghetti, and other specialties. During dinners and weekends, NIU has more premium items on the buffet that are not available during their weekday lunch service, like the Foie Gras Ravioli with its decadent duck liver.
Head over to the Chinese Station and have fun choosing from all the dimsum items on the table. When I get to visit here, I will definitely grab all the Hakao I can handle. The other dimsum all look interesting like the Xiao Long Bao, Pork and Shrimp Siomai, Phoenix Dumplings, and others.
These Penguin Chocolate Buns are just so cute! They are filled with yummy and gooey chocolate inside so these will be great for appetizers or dessert. The Chicken Custard Buns are also delightful so kids will love these items as well.
They also have some Filipino dishes including the Grilled Pork Liempo, Chicken Inasal, and Lechon Kawali. These favorites are always appreciated in any occasion.
Several Chinese dishes are also available so make sure to get the Steamed Suahe, Ginger Onion Crab, and Szechuan BBQ Fish. Aside from these, you can find a roasting section featuring Roasted Duck, Asado, Sausages, and more.
But the highlight at NIU by Vikings would definitely be their Carving Station that offers a plethora of meats and savory dishes that will truly make your mouth water.
The Rib Eye Steak is the centerpiece of this station and rightfully so. Ask the chef for a slice or two and he will cook it on the spot according to your preferred doneness. When you are finished eating this glorious beef, ask for some meaty servings of the Angus Chuck Eye steak and Angus Belly.
Another can’t-miss dish is the award-winning Binusog na Lechon which you can find at all Vikings, Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot, and NIU restaurants. This stuffed lechon belly was an awardee at the 2015 Philippine Culinary Cup and thankfully Vikings has included it in their buffet ever since. Other items you can find at the carving station are the Stuffed Turkey, Beef Ribs, and Leg of Lamb.
Just as in any Vikings restaurant, drinks and beverages are already included in the buffet, so you can find a wide selection of juices and sodas including tea, coffee, fruit shake, beers, wines, and even sake.
What makes NIU more interesting is that they also offer several signature cocktails like the Acapulco Drift, Cloud 9, and the Classic Margarita. Yes, you can have as many glasses as you want, so the celebration never ends.
Make sure to leave room for dessert because there are so many sweet options to choose from. Head over to the Dessert Bar for their cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, fruit salad, coffee jelly, and more.
Kids and adults will enjoy getting their donuts and topping it off with candies, brownies, cookies, ice cream or whatever combination they want. Bibingka and puto bumbong is also available for an early taste of Christmas. The Death by Chocolate is one cake that will really delight all the chocolate lovers.
For those with birthdays coming soon, you can avail of NIU by Vikings’ Birthday Promo where you can get a FREE buffet on your birthday just by bringing along one other paying customer. Just like at Vikings, they will serenade the birthday celebrants with a special song and their own birthday cake.
The rates for NIU by Vikings at The Podium are P938 (+5% service charge) for Weekday Lunch and P1,438 (+5% service charge) for Dinners and Weekends plus Holidays. But here’s a special opening treat! From August 21 to September 2, 2018, all guests who will make prior reservations on their landline 845-4647 will get 15% discount upon dining. Better yet, if you have a Vikings Reward Card, members and their companions will get 20% discount upon dining. Now those are the perfect reasons to visit NIU by Vikings this week so you can enjoy this grand buffet celebration at these fantastic rates.
NIU by Vikings
5/F The Podium Mall, 18 ADB Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong
