Last week, I received a breathless message from The Pickiest Eater in the World, as knowledgeable a food enthusiast as there is here in the metro, and what he said left me in deep excitement: Vikings SM Megamall has opened! I was invited to “conquer” the place and share my experience.
Well, good God Almighty, I didn’t anymore hesitate and said yes right away. I took a one-day vacation leave from work to have dinner at Vikings SM MegmallΒ last Wednesday. π
With Marketing Manager, Raquel Bartolome
In the Philippines, Vikings is one of the most prestigious luxury buffet restaurants, which features over 200 varieties of food abound. While many people already know that, what most might not have observed is that each branch of Vikings has a unique theme that differentiates it to the others. For instance, more than anything, Vikings SM Megamall has an approachable feel, a sense that you arenβt so much in a restaurant as you are in a modern art museum.
The idea implied is that every dish created by the chefs is a work of art or a masterpiece and that guests can freely “paint their palate” with different “colors” of cuisine on the buffet table. Hmmm…interesting! Now let’s go down to business.
Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Vikings SM Megamall has this unpretentious, unassuming atmosphere filled with artworks everywhereΒ (on the ceiling, wall dividers and fixtures).Β Colors are vibrant, very kid-friendly and adult-friendly.
As one who can’t really seem to appreciate art enough, I was stuck at exploring nothing else but food. Anyway, going back to the topic…Β Like the other Vikings branches in SM North EDSA, SM City Marikina, SM Lanang Premier and SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, this place is very spacious and is able to fit 500+ guests. Seating is plentiful and everything is arranged with care.
Service: β β β β β
Thirty minutes before Vikings SM Megamall allows guests to enter the restaurant for dinner, I stood across the entrance and noticed that there was already a long queue of people waiting to be seated despite that it was a weekday and time was still early for the usual peak of dinner hours. The good thing is that reservations are accepted and walk-in customers can get a number and then wait for it to be displayed on the LED counter while sitting on the couch.
Customer service in Vikings goes as far as entertaining the guests thoroughly by singing, dancing and throwing out comedic punch lines that are sure to capture the hidden sense of humor in everyone. There are enough walking staffs who are attentive in getting used plates from the tables and following requests of active customers. Attitude-wise, they’re friendly, accommodating and approachable. Filipino hospitality at its best!
Food: β β β β β
As a light eater, it’s impossible for me to taste and eat all the dishes as much as I wanted to. So to maximize my grand dining experience in Vikings, I just took those I haven’t tried yet during my first Vikings encounter (in MOA) and those I really love. Here are my top favorites:
Japanese sushi, crabs (for the grill) and ebi tempura for me are the perennial must-eats. Everything on the sushi platter looked artful as showpiece and creditable. The tempura was goodβmoist, crisp, and not greasy. Its batter was pretty thick, not crackly-thin. The crab meat was tender yet the skin retained a nice crunch. Salads which I got from another counter were also properly executed. The magic happened when I dipped the leaves into a brown sauce.
Next, I had food that were more adventurous than comforting. The freshness of the salmon sashimi cannot be overemphasized; it was not some cheap junk frozen and re-thawed leftover but was the real deal! The baked oysters, which can’t be eaten on a hungry stomach, were a little more down-to-earth and ordinary. The melted cheese on top made the oysters both appetizing and delectable.
I also motioned to the meat section (steak counter) whereΒ Vikings chefs are on standby to cut, grill and cook meat. I had a thin slice of well-done angus beef.Β It’s a winning choice and pretty filling.
Moving on to carbs, I requested for black pasta in pesto sauce with pineapples and hotdogs.Β What’s unique in this branch of Vikings is that they offerΒ homemade pasta on a pasta machine, and customers can choose the ingredients. How cool is that? So not only Vikings has customized Chinese shabu-shabu, Mongolian rice bowl, Japanese ramen, it also has a section for make-your-own pasta and pizza! π
The chocolate fountain and the Filipino native delicacies such as the maja blanca are two desserts I didn’t dare miss. They are pretty conventional but these treats are legitimate; flavors stay bright.Β The tiny chocolate circles with a cherry on top (pardon me, I didn’t get the name) had a clean, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor that I’m sure would appeal to all of us who like our chocolate on the 60% cacao and over side. It tasted like high-quality crinkles but softer and tad gooey.
Ice cream must be the perfect simple desserts anyone could have. Avocado, green tea, coffee, rocky road, mango, bubblegum, sugar-free chocolate cashew and strawberry fields flavorsβI had a half scoop of eachβbecause when you commit to ice cream, you might as well go all the way! π
Actual Food / Plates I Finished π
For the benefit of readers, I’ve created a photo album on Facebook with a “Public” privacy setting so everyone can see the rest of the food pictures in this link.
Price for Value: β β β β β
Across all branches, Vikings is always specific and careful when it comes to its product offerings: fresh quality ingredients, wide choices of international cuisine, high standard of service, food safety and store cleanliness, luxurious ambiance, and security of guests. Places like this remind us that no matter what the concept, it’s the dishes that come out of the kitchen that count. And what comes out of the kitchen at Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant is very good indeed. For that, even if the price places a quite dent in the wallet, I consider Vikings as a greatΒ value-for-money eat-all-you-can restaurant.
Weekday Lunch: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 188, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 388. Rate for adults is at PHp 688. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.
Weekday Dinner:Β Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 288, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 588. Rate for adults is at PHp 888. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.Β
Weekend and Holiday Lunch and Dinner:Β Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 388, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 688. Rate for adults is at PHp 1088. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.
Vikings reserve a special treat for people celebrating their birthday.Β Celebrants may eat for free at Vikings on their actual day of birthday. The catch is that they must be accompanied by one full paying adult and that they must bring with themΒ an original and valid government issued picture ID with birthdate imprinted on it. Also, this promo can’t be used in conjunction with any other in-house discounts or promos.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
My little sis dined there 2 weeks ago and said that it has improved since the last time we visited (that was when they first opened in moa by the bay pa 2 years ago before I even started blogging). I hope to make a revisit there soon after all our other “haven’t tried buffet wishlist” is done perhaps.
Oh it’s great to hear that Vikings is improving. I feel that the management welcomes feedback with appreciation; in turn, they are doing their part in taking action to requests and comments from customers. π
Viking concept to engage more costumers really amazed me. They are really brilliant. Most especially the promo of a birthday celebrant. That was cool!
I think Vikings is one of the first buffet restaurants which came up with the birthday celebrant promotion. Other contenders keep on following suit. Yup, it’s cool. π
They have a variety of foods to offer for their guests. Also, they’ve place for celebrations too.
Vikings has a big space for plenty of guests so this makes the establishment an ideal choice for celebrations with a large group.
Hi Roch! I couldn’t agree more. Viking’s is a “value-for-money eat-all-you-can restaurant.” With their Sm Megamall Branch, I think they tried to upgrade their services and offerings.
It was also nice to meet you during the line up at Mogu-Mogu Stall last night during Outbreak Intramuros. I also can’t wait for your Outbreak post and see how you find it for a first timer; Would definitely love to see your pics, Hopefully you went out alive.
Anyway… Who would have known =D that we have common friends. I also love the layout of your website! and the fresh feel of it. Nicely done π π π
Haha hi Jeng! Thanks for visiting my blog. Hey, I checked yours immediately but I was so sleepy at that time that I didn’t have energy left to leave a comment. Anyway, yes, it was nice meeting you. I saw that we have foodie friends in common. π I guess the saying “birds of the same feather flock together” applies on us in this case.
Every Vikings branch is in a friendly competition against other branches. This is why, if you haven’t noticed, they have a separate Facebook page per branch.
Yeah you have to watch out for my Outbreak Manila post and pictures. The experience was epic! π
An awesome place with foods plus a very high review from rochkirstin is worth visiting!
Thanks, Prince, for trusting my food reviews always. π
Woow a 200 recipe in a restaurant, Would love to visit vikings if i can visit philippines. Great Review!!
Thanks, Richard! This is a must-visit restaurant in the Philippines. If you fly to Manila or Davao, make sure to drop by at any Vikings branch and share your experience when you go back home with family and friends. π
Seeing how slim, you are yesterday. I wonder how you can go on buffets without gaining weight. We have vikings nearby at SM Jazz residences in Jupiter Makati. It was nice seeing you yesterday.
Haha this is because I’m very conscious of my diet and fitness routines. I make it a point to burn all the calories consumed via exercise. I think you’re the same. π Ditto, it was also nice seeing you!
Thanks. It shows how fit you are in the way you look and you must have a good routine for buffet meals.
I rarely go to buffet restaurants because I know the price won’t be worth to pay for the little amount of food I can get. Dominating a buffet has always been tough. π In order to fully prepare my mind and body for a pig-out, a hard workout beforehand and afterwards is my best ally.
Before we always dine there.. not now though, diet mode kasi, haha!
Sure! That’s acceptable hehe you have to stick to your diet plan and be consistently disciplined. Hope you achieve your target goals and then eat at Vikings when you’re already comfortable. π
Imagine, 200 varieties of food! It’s very tiring to maintain the storage and procedures of these foods. Love to try in the future with my family.
Yes. Hey, actually I’ve also thought of that. Managing food inventories and keeping in check those that are still okay and those that are already spoiled must be a tedious job in the back of the kitchen. I’m interested to know if they are doing it manually or they have an automated system as well.
woo .. i really love vikings hehe .. thanks to this post..
You’re sure welcome! Frankly, I don’t know anyone who has not been satisfied from dining in at Vikings. π
The food looks divine.. must be fun trying it out and viewing the new mall.
At Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant, the dishes are no doubt just as great or some even better than a highly rated hotel’s buffet restaurant. Arrays of delicious and decadent flavors await, with the likes of Asian, European, Mediterranean and Western. And yes, while you’re in SM Megamall, it’s good to shop around and go see the new stores in the expanded fashion wing.
This is really a luxury restaurant offer various foods for their customers.
Yeah not only food but drinks. π Drinks are a pleasant surprise, a good one for fans of tea. Drinks options are not limited to the usual soda, coffee, wine (with additional charge) and fruit juices. Vikings SM Megamall offers a fusion of Twinings tea flavors (lime and mint, apple and tamarind, and strawberry) and also Japanese sake.
You did consume a lot here. It just means that it’s really delicious there.
Yup, I got super full from devouring a number of tasty and savory options. The primary attraction for me remained to be that wide range of rich baked dessert items that take center spot. π
I’ll be dropping by Vikings tomorrow. I’m already excited to see their new branch.
Yay! Hope you enjoy. π
Seems like such an awesome place to dine in! If it has a branch in my town we’d definitely go there for birthday parties or something. And you plates seems a lot like my plates when i go for buffet, i take bits (like a spoon full) of most of the varieties available. LOL.
Btw, i nominated you for Sunshine Blogger Award π http://pinkandundecided.blogspot.com/2014/04/sunshine-blogger-award.html
Yeah I also take a spoonful only from each viand I liked. π
Whaha I thought I won something. Hey, thanks for including my name and it’s even first in the list! π I’ll try to continue the chain and pass the award forward to other bloggers when I get the time to write.
I’ve tried eating at Vikings in SM North EDSA and I loved it. I think I’m gonna love dining there in their Megamall branch as well.
Hehe for sure, you will love this branch as well with your family. π Try it!
Wow. The place looks cool. My birthday is coming soon so this might be one of the choices where Ill spend it at haha. Awesome review.
Thanks, Marc! If ever you’ve decided to go for Vikings, please remind him to bring a valid ID that indicates his birth date on it for validation. π
Wow, they sure have a lot of choices!
Yeah, this place never gets boring. From the beginning till the end, one must carefully plan what to get and how to not be full right away to be able to sample more variety of dishes! π
I can’t wait to dine at Vikings again. I’ve only tried it once and it had been quite a while.
Eating here occasionally would be most ideal. If not then one may be ruining his/her diet! π Aside from the great quality of food, there’s also something to be said about polite waiters and its beautifully elegant setting.
Vikings is definitely on my list! I haven’t tried it since I am not usually in Megamall. But I heard they are opening somewhere up north which is a good thing since finally, I can try them!
Ahh I just know that they are opening a branch in SM Aura soon. π
I always see this resto whenever I’m in Mega. I have dined in at MOA branch last year. I would love to try here naman. Ganda ng interior and the food, ahhh kagutom! π
This branch is just new so I bet you frequent Mega. Hehe lucky you ’cause I’m a bit far from there. Anyway, I’m nearer MOA so in essence I could just go anytime my stomach wants to. π
Yay! I love Vikings but I’ve only been at their The Block branch.
Try dining in at this branch as well! You’re gonna love it! π
It looks like an amazing place to visit. I love the photos, food and your review.
Thanks, Eliz! Vikings is a must-go buffet restaurants for all times. π
I have been to vikings moa two times and at vikings megamall three times. Had a great time eating the delicious food they serve. I won’t mind going back there again and again. Service was very good. I hope they can keep it up.
Wow! Thanks for commenting and dropping by, Maribu. π
[…] with my other reviews of Vikings Luxury Buffet (Megamall and Mall of Asia), price for value is rated with four stars since I could not take in all the food […]
[…] For rates and other information, please refer to the Vikings website.Β You may also read my published review of Vikings SM Megamall here. […]
Worst buffet experience ever! Staff aren’t friendly at all. We got there by 2:00 pm asking if they are still accepting customers inside. They said yes they still do, we asked clearly if there will still be food, they said yes. But apparently since they are transitioning already by 3:30ish, kahit ‘di pa kami tapos kumain sinaraduhan na kami ng mga ilaw, niligpit din yung mga natitirang food kahit na may customers pa sa loob. Not to mention the menu for that day is even the most disappointing. Halos tira tira nalang lahat and when you ask staff for assistance to get you food or request something, they take way too long to give it to you. They even start doing other things while your food is left heating for a long time making it the worst quality! So disappointed.