For over four years, NIU by Vikings continues to lead the evolution of the casual buffet dining experience with its impressive scale, variety and value, the very same core principles showcased in its newest location. It's something they do very well...
From the same group behind Vikings (more on Vikings on my earlier posts, Food News: Vikings Invade SM Jazz Mall and Experience a Taste of America with 4th of July Themed Dishes at Vikings SM Megamall), Four Seasons Hot Pot (more on Four Seasons Hot Pot on my previous posts, What's Hot? Four Seasons Hot Pot City and Quezon City's Newest Hotspot: Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot Opens in Araneta Center) and Nord's Bread Hub (see my post, Elevating Your Bakery Experience at Nord's Bread Hub, Now Baking at The Block), NIU by Vikings continues to elevate the buffet dining experience at its newest location at The Podium. And just like my previous dining experiences, Niu by Vikings continues to impress.
The buffet dining experience is elevated once more at the new NIU by Vikings at The Podium. Ever since my very first time at NIU by Vikings at SM Aura four years ago (see my post here at A New Dining Experience at Niu by Vikings), the brand continues to redefine buffet dining setting new standards at their second branch. 
The bright and spacious interiors reflect the upscale vibe of NIU by Vikings, where else can you find Blinis and Caviar in a buffet spread?
Or delicate Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent? Though the selections are both wide and diverse, it's carefully curated consistent with the high-end imagery of the brand. The name "Niu" means "nine" which apparently has some significance in Nordic mythology, so you'll find nine different stations offering a variety of tasty options. Beginning at the Appetizer Station, you'll find tasty bites with the Blinis and Caviar and Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent...
...along with intricate Marinated Mussels served on spoons. The attention to detail is evident in all the different appetizers...
...like the Shrimp Cocktail (L) with plump shrimps and lemon rind or the delicate Bacon, Leeks with Gorgonzola Tartlets (R) on heart-shaped pastry shells. Using the freshest and finest ingredients, the flavors are clean and vibrant, tempting the palate for even more tasty bites at the Appetizer Station. 
Diners can also indulge in a variety of Charcuterie and gourmet Cheeses before the main courses. Fresh baked bread also add to the many different choices at the Appetizer Station...
...pairing well with a slice of Chicken Terrine. But there's more.
At the Salad Station, diners can enjoy crisp garden fresh greens and a variety of dressings for a customized bowl, or you can also opt for prepared salads like the Russian Potato Salad...
...the refreshing Pear and Feta Salad...
...or the tart and sweet Pomelo and Prawn Salad. Salads are not treated as mere fillers but can stand on its own as a healthy meal in itself.
Right beside the Salad Station is NIU by Vikings' fresh Cold Seafood Station with succulent Shrimps and large River Prawns. You can enjoy it as is with a fresh squeeze of lemon or have it grilled, baked or lightly sauteed in butter and garlic. Your call.
At the Japanese Station, you can choose from a variety of hand-rolled Maki...
...and the Station Chefs at NIU by Vikings can get pretty creative offering indulgent rolls...
...so it's always a good idea to check in on the Japanese Station to see what's new.
Both scale and variety come into play at the Japanese Station with its wide assortment of maki creations...
...simply grab a plate and come back for more. Spicy, briny, sweet or creamy, you'll find that perfect maki to tickle your palate at NIU by Vikings' Japanese Station.
Sushi and Sashmi? No worries, NIU by Vikings got that covered too with an equally wide assortment. For many diners, the Japanese Station alone would be more than enough for a sumptuous feast. And why not, the fresh seafood maki, sushi and sashimi is a feast in itself when you can come back for seconds and thirds.
In between plates of maki and sushi, have some refreshing Kani Salad with sweet mangoes...
...and pair it with some deep-fried selections at the Japanese Station. From Seafood Tempura (L) and crisp Vegetable and Ebi Tempura to Pork Torikatsu (R), you'll find it all here at the always busy Japanese Station, hot and fresh. 
The Japanese Station also features a teppan grill, and you can choose from pork, chicken, beef, vegetables and seafood to complete your all-Japanese feast at NIU by Vikings.
But there's a whole world of flavors to discover and enjoy at NIU by Vikings, like the Japchae, or stir-fry Korean style glass noodles...
...and flavorful Iranian-style Chicken Roulade with Roasted Vegetables for a taste of Pan-Asian notes from the hearty Hot and Savory Mains Station.
Add some continental flavors to the mix, like the elegantly plated and indulgently rich Seafood Thermidore...
...and other continental favorites like the savory Roasted Pork Loin in Wild Mushroom Sauce (L) or the rustic Beef Burgundy (R) gently simmered for hours with its comforting notes. And you're just halfway through the extensive buffet spread at NIU by Vikings with so much more to enjoy and savor. 
Enjoy nostalgic and comfortingly familiar flavors at NIU by Vikings with dishes like the Paella Valenciana topped with succulent seafood, pork, chorizo and vegetables...
...or have a piece of the classic Stromboli (L). Looking for more Italian flavors? Make a quick stop at the Pasta and Pizza Station for a slice of the nutty Mushroom & Truffle Pizza (R) or have your customized pasta dish prepared a la minute. 
If you're looking for local homestyle flavors, just head on down to the Filipino Station where you'll find classic regional favorites like the Chicken Inasal (L) and Grilled Stuffed Squid (R). Sometimes it's the homegrown flavors that keeps you craving for more... 
...like the fork-tender Braised Beef Caldereta (L) or the traditional Kare-Kare (R), a local ox-tail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables. But there's still so much more to try at NIU by Vikings so you may want to take it easy on the rice. That's pretty much easier said than done when you have Kare-Kare on your plate...
...or the Crispy Pinakbet. Now this is a personal favorite. NIU by Vikings takes the traditional pakbet and adds its own creative spin with deep-fried shrimps for both flavor and texture. Extra rice? Why not.
At the Asian Station,you'll find even more fresh seafood like shrimps and crabs. Enjoy your creamy and mildly spicy Chili Crabs or have your shrimps sauteed in chili sauce. And this is where NIU by Vikings really shines, with its extensive array of offerings in a refined setting.
Right beside the Chinese Station, you'll find even more hot and savory mains like the Squid in Thai Dressing...
...the sweet and mildly tart Honey & Cider Chicken with its lightly crisp outer layer...
...and the Salmon Belly Cajun, a richly spiced dish to complement the delicate notes of premium salmon.
At the Chinese Station, you'll also find a variety of roasts, noodles and dim sum (L) and even more seafood like steamed whole fish. You can't miss the automated Shawarma Grill (R) beside it, with layers of tender beef neatly stacked. And when you want a few slices, the automated slicer will gently roll down for your hefty portion. 
But it's the Carving Station at NIU by Vikings that really stands out with its savory offerings...
...like the Angus Ribeye...
...the massive Beef Ribs...
...the Binusog na Lechon or stuffed roast pork belly...
...the Roast Stuffed Turkey...
...the Roast Leg of Lamb...
...and the Angus Beef Belly. Angus beef, pork, turkey and lamb, all in one place.
Something light before the next course? Have some Fish and Chips, best paired with an ice-cold beer...
...and you can choose from a variety of imported brands to pair with your meals. Diners can also enjoy bottomless rounds of soda and fruit juices at the Beverage Station along with their meals at NIU by Vikings. Fresh Watermelon and Cucumber Juice? Or why not some Tamarind Juice? You'll find it at the Beverage Station.
Did I mention the Baked Oysters? That calls for another round of beer...
...followed by another stop at the Carving Station.
Hot pot? Absolutely. Just choose your ingredients and broth and the station chef will whip it up for you in minutes.
Now that you've gone around the world with your palate, cap your feast with indulgent treats at the Dessert Station...
...and choose from a tempting array of decadent cakes, pies and tarts.
The elaborate cakes and ornate pastries are too good to pass up. At the Dessert Station, you'll also find fresh fruits and ice cream in a variety of flavors. The Rocky Road and Salted Caramel Ice Cream is a winning combo. 
Or you can go for local desserts like Sapin-Sapin and Bibingka, made fresh a la minute as you order at the Dessert Station. Have a soothing cup of Latte to complete your feast. Scale, variety and value, that's what sets NIU by Vikings apart from the usual commercial buffets. And they do it with a certain flair and panache that sets the standard for an elevated buffet dining experience. Standard rates at NIU bu Vikings at The Podium for Adults is P 938 for Weekday Lunch and P 1,438 for Weekday Dinner, Weekend & Holiday Lunch or Dinner (kids have special special rates depending on height and age). Ready for #aNIUexperience? Head on over to NIU by Vikings, now open at The Podium...
Niu by Vikings is located at Level 5 of The Podium, 18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong or call (02) 845-4647 for reservations. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/niuthepodium/ for more updates.
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