Prepare to Feast at Vikings Megamall

Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant opens its fifth and newest branch at SM Megamall, adding to its growing network of branches (other branches are located at SM MOA, SM Marikina, SM North Edsa, SM Lanang Premier).

The wide open and spacious "art museum" inspired theme of the new Vikings SM Megamall branch is designed to capture the idea that each dish created by the army of chefs is a work of art, a "masterpiece" and that diners can freely "paint their palette" with the different "colors" of culinary flavors.

The size of the newest Vikings branch is quite impressive, with a seating capacity for 500+ guests. The open kitchen concept fits perfectly with the wide open space, allowing diners to see the chefs at work at the different stations. A dessert station, as well as beverage station, is situated at the center of the newest branch, while the other stations are located at the sides allowing for ease of movement and access. Even at its peak, navigating your way through the different stations is easy.

Unlike the usual buffet spreads, Vikings offers diners the option to create their very own dishes, with a variety of stations designed to allow guests to customize their culinary creations. Consistent with the aim of allowing diners to "paint their palette," the chef and crew at each station are always ready to assist diners in creating their very own signature dish.

The Pizza and Pasta Station is just one example. And its quite easy to create your very own pasta: Simply select your freshly made pasta, then choose your sauce or topping, and the chef will prepare it ala minute, ready to serve fresh off the pan. Here's my pasta,  Black Spaghetti with Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. 

Also at the same station, you'll find a variety of pizza fresh from the oven, including the Sicilian Pizza and the intriguing Carbonara Pizza. Or why not make your own? Like the pasta, go ahead and make your very own signature pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from at the station.

At the Asian Station, the chefs fire up up their blazing woks in a flurry of quick and precise movements, as the horde of diners come rushing in. The lunch service is formally opened, and the kitchens at the different stations fire up to greet the incoming army of hungry guests.

At the Grill Station, guests can choose from beef, pork, chicken. squid, crabs, prawns and fish, each grilled to your specification. You can also ask the chef for their recommendation, and the friendly staff is always there to assist.

Vikings continues to push the "create your own dish" concept with its Ramen Station (L) and the Hot Pot Station (R), where you select the ingredients for your very own signature bowl. For dessert, check out the Halo-Halo- Station where you can select the toppings as well.

At the Japanese Station, one can choose from a selection of sushi and sashimi , as well as other Japanese dishes like Tempura and Katsu. As with any buffet, you need a strategy. First, make a quick recon and understand the layout of the different food stations. But like most plans, you'll need an alternative Plan B. A second, and eventually a third plate of sushi was not part of the plan at all, but then again, just go with the flow and enjoy. And at Vikings, they make it real easy for you to just go with the flow.  And no need to rush, each dish is quickly replenished so no need to worry.

The California Temaki Roll is another must-try at the Japanese Station. Fresh vegetables and prawns wrapped in nori drizzled with Japanese mayo. And you can actually see the chefs preparing this delicate sushi rolls as these are quickly snapped up by diners.

And then, there's Vikings' heavy hitters, the all-time favorites at the Carving Station, including Anchovy & Rosemary Baked leg of Lamb...

...Texan Beef Brisket...

...Roast Turkey...

...and Angus Chuck Eye Roll, each one an amazing sight. Simply choose and the chef quickly carves out a portion to your desired thickness. Each savory dish is roasted and seasoned perfectly, with an array of different sauces and grilled vegetables to choose from. This one deserves a second round. And a third. Nothing like a slab of premium roasted meat to bring out the primal carnivore in you.

Then, there's the signature Vikings Boneless Lechon, another must-try. Crisp on the outside, juicy and tender inside.

Don't forget to add some roasted marble potatoes with herbs to your main dish. Other options include grilled corn-on-the-cob with butter and herbs, and roasted carrots and more. You can also start with a fresh salad at the salad station to lessen the guilt. But then again, just go with the flow...

Vikings also has a Spanish Tapas Station, in case you're in the mood to start your meal with small plates, great with mug of Draft beer. Go for the Setas Al Ajillo (L) or the Gambas (R). The range and diversity of dishes is pleasantly overwhelming, from American to European to Asian and everything in between. 

Also not to be missed is the station serving classic Filipino food, like the Crispy Pata in Kare-Kare Sauce...

...or the Lechon Sisig, both refreshing and flavorful twists to all-time favorites. Extra rice? Absolutely.

At the Asian Station, check out the Asian style Roasted Chicken, roasted for hours for a crisp outer layer...

...or the plump and juicy Boiled Shrimps...

...and the whole Steamed Fish topped with herbs and vegetables.

At the Seafood Station, one finds fresh mussels, steamed and then placed on ice, with a variety of sauces.

Or the Oyster Rockfeller, backed oysters with cheese and spinach.

Craving for Yakitori? Vikings has that covered too. Vikings is also ideal for celebrations and groups, with their cool Birthday Promo and Big Group Promo for even more value for money deals (visit www.vikings.ph for more information and details on the different promos offered in all branches).

And if you're in the mood for turning Japanese, have some Sukiyaki. The friendly staff at Vikings will set up a stone pot, complete with a portable stove, right on your table. And just after a few minutes, your sukiyaki is steaming hot and ready.

The Beverage Station features a wide range of options, from flavored teas to fruit juices, soda and get this, draft beer. Unlimited. For an additional fee, you can also enjoy unlimited wine as well.

And don't forget to check out one of two cool coffee machines dispensing rich and thick espressos, cappuccinos and lattes at a mere push of a button. If you're in the mood for tea, Vikings offers premium teas from TWG and Harney & Sons.

After an epic feast at Vikings SM Megamall, I just realized that I barely even tasted all of Vikings' 200+ dishes. There's just so much more to taste, experience and discover. Vikings has successfully redefined the buffet experience with its signature "luxury buffet" concept. Where else can you enjoy the best flavors from around the globe, using the very best ingredients and prepared by an army of hand-picked chefs, all in one place? Recently, Vikings was awarded as the "Most Promising Retailer" by the Philippines Retailers Association, proof that the Vikings concept is indeed a winner, on all counts.  And here's more good news. Vikings brings its winning "luxury buffet" concept soon to SM Aura Premier, SM BF, and Jazz Mall.

And dessert? Check out my next post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/04/dessert-all-you-want-at-vikings-megamall.html.

BUFFET RATES*

Weekday Lunch
Kids below 3ft..................................FREE
Kids between 3ft to 4ft......................188
Kids between 4ft to 4ft6in..................388
Adults..............................................688
75 y/0 & above..................................50% Special Discount

Weekday Dinner
Kids below 3ft...................................FREE
Kids between 3ft to 4ft.......................288
Kids between 4ft to 4ft6in...................588
Adults...............................................888
75 y/0 & above...................................50% Special Discount

Weekend and Holiday Lunch and Dinner
Kids below 3ft.....................................FREE
Kids between 3ft to 4ft.........................388
Kids between 4ft to 4ft6in.....................688
Adults.................................................1,088
75 y/0 & above.....................................50% Special Discount

Special Treat for Birthday Celebrants:

1. Celebrants may eat for free at Vikings on their actual day of birthday.
2. Celebrant must be accompanied by one full paying adult.
3. Celebrant must bring an original and valid government issued picture ID with birthdate imprinted on it.
4. This promo can't be used in conjunction with any other in-house discounts or promos.
5. Gift certificates can't be used with this promo.

*Prices are incusive of Government Taxes and are subject to 5% Service Charge. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Vikings Luxury Buffet restaurant is located at the 4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, Building D, SM Megamall, Julia Vargas corner Edsa, Mandaluyong or call 656-3888, 656-4888, and 656-5888 for inquiries and reservations. Visit www.vikings.ph for more information.

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