Ah, Vikings, we met again! Last week, I received an invite to sample the new dishes of Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM North EDSA, Quezon City for July. Yes! I may have responded too quickly. Heck, who wouldn’t? π I filed a vacation leave from work and got my tummy prepared to be filled by a sumptuous meal on the first day of the month.
The event brought an array of “4th of July”-inspired food for a massive celebration. We were led to a three-course meal, presented by Vikings chefs, in complete confidence. These featured dishes will be available to everyone in every weekend in July 2014. #LikeTheFourthOfJuly
This is yet another testament to howΒ competitive and innovative Vikings is when it comes to satisfying customersβincluding the picky eaters who are often bored at being offered just the same thing every time they come through Vikings’ doors.
Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet (SM City North EDSA, Quezon City)
Ambiance:Β β β β β β
Call it feng shui, good architectural measurement or whatever, some rooms just feel right, and this vast dining area is one of those. The interior design might be best described as gorgeous, as the room was elegantly designed with “bonggacious” draping lights, sturdy tables and chairs. The ambiance at this branch is always busy. Tables are more packed together as compared to other Vikings branches, making the place also tad buzzier. Despite this, customers are kept in check by personable staff to have a good time.
Food:Β β β β β β
Craving light food as the weather warms? Put this Chicago Summer Corn Salad on your list of must-eats. Β I usually don’t fancy eating salads as an appetizer at buffet meals because they’re downright simple and easy to do. I think that most of us would rather get those that are more extravagant and sophisticated ones. Anyway, this salad was refreshing with an appealing wholesome bent.
The Tortilla Club Sandwich offered variety that’s larger than its name would indicate. It had the right mix of temperatures and textures brought by the combination of cheese, chicken and ham, cream cheese sauce and black olives.Β Crammed with both veggies and some protein, this wrap could be a great antidote to more common sandwiches.
The three types of sushi presented were defined by respect for the integrity of each flavor. See that sushi with white noodles and black caviar on top? That’s called Niagara Falls. Inside were mango, avocado, and sashimi with vinegar mayonnaise and citrus Japanese soy sauce.
Maguro Haru Maki was the name given to spring rolls with seaweed wrap fitted with tuna, mango and vegetables. The ingredients in this set were not devised to mask or liven up anything else; each was perfect and related to one another as mere equals.
TheΒ Maryland Maki (on the left) was made with crab sticks, carrots, asparagus and chicken teriyaki with strawberry sauce, all purpose cream and mango purΓ©e. Crispy kangkong leafΒ added a more interesting crunch.
Last to arrive on the pile of starters was the Boston Clam Chowder Soup. The taste of the clam was so strong and evidently, it was the star among the celery onions, carrots and potatoes in the soup. Taking the soup with a piece of garlic toasted bread was a delight.Β β‘
TheΒ California Grilled Fish was brilliantly cooked, on top of Agli Olio with Roasted Bell Pepper. Marinated in 24 hours in orange marmalade, red cooking wine, salt and pepper, the fish (gindara / silver cod) tasted fresh, nothing overpowering and great to go with the pasta. The pasta noodles looked dry (because of the Parmesan cheese with garlic), but we were surprised that they’re just right.
Having a good balance of sweetness, savoriness and acidity, this first main course as a whole was full of tropical notes. Zesty orange = yummy!
The Lemon Sorbet was suitably sour, as expected from the freshly squeezed lemon, and a wee bit sharp and icy for my taste. This was a nice treat that was served in time to clean our palates from the previous entrees.
Next, for the second main course, we were served with the Jambalaya Louisiana Rice, Indiana’s Pork Loin with Cranberry Sauce, Mississippi’s Turkey Sweet Potato and Shepherd’s Pie. The tomato-based rice was cooked with eight kinds of spices. I expected it to be really spicy but it wasn’t. The creole rice was not too fluffy and not too sticky. Since its flavor did not come out as outstanding, it can take a back seat as the pork loin shines through the plate.
The Indiana’s Pork Loin had a soft texture and a small hint of smoky flavor. It was great to be paired with the “caramelized” sauce. On other other hand, Missippi’s Turkey Sweet Potato and Shepherd’s Pie proved Vikings chefs at their most inventive. These two were put together as one and the taste of the duo complemented that of the pork loin’s magnificence. I admire the challenging creativity here!
Third main course: Accompanied by the Corn on a Cob and the deliciously made Yorkshire Pudding and Marble Potatoes, the Tenderloin (with Red Wine Sauce / Horse Radish Sauce) was served as a pinkish, medium-rare piece of meat. This refined classic could be worth the visit on its own. The roasted beef tasted unique, as thyme and black pepper were added to the recipe. It was not cooked medium-well or well because it would have been chewy and not exultingly tender. Guests may have the option to make it so, as their preference dictate.
The pastries for desserts were rich, velvety, decadent and sensational. TheΒ Boston Cream Pie was gloriously creamy, with layers of white chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, whipped cream, Knox gelatin, sugar, sponge and almond powder. The ring on top made the cake more pleasing to my eyes. Like OMG! It was beautiful like an art piece.
The New York Cheese Cake was more restrained and tasted somehow just traditional. It was clearly firm and slightly tart. For cheesecakes though, I prefer mine just a fraction less firm as I adore those with mousse-like texture and delicate creaminess.
Quite light without being gelatinous, the Cherry Cashew Parfait with strawberry was good, smooth and totally enjoyable. If I only could, I would have finished it to the very last creamy spoonful. That sounds dreamy, given the space allocated for food in my stomach. π
Drinking coffee was a nice way to end a heavy lunch! π
Price for Value:Β β β β β β
As 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 as I want because I easily get full. But for others, I think the quality and variety of food at this restaurant is surely worth the price to pay. π
Having a new set of dishes every month on top of the existing delicious food offerings in Vikings is another reason to go now. Still, if you need more, then check this out: Starting July 1, 2014, Vikings will be having a new birthday promo. If your birthday is coming up, you may feast for FREE for ONE WHOLE MONTH!
Here are the following mechanics:
1) Birthday celebrant of all ages can avail the birthday promo on the day itself and on their birthday month.
2) Celebrants can eat for free ON THE DAY of their birthday on both lunch and dinner, as long as accompanied by ONE FULL PAYING ADULT.
3) Celebrants can eat for free for ONE MONTH on both lunch and dinner per day, as long as it is within the month of his/her birthday and accompanied by FOUR FULL PAYING ADULT.
4) One full paying adult are adult guests who will be paying full rate without any discounts.
5) Requirements for Celebrants: Celebrant must bring an ORIGINAL and VALID government issued picture I.D. with the birthdate imprinted on it, both local and foreign I.D.s are accepted, for proof (such as S.S.S., N.B.I., Driverβs License, Pag-Ibig, P.R.C., Barangay, Unified, Police Clearance I.D. and Passport) In the case that the celebrant doesnβt have a government issued picture I.D., he/she may bring his/her birth certificate supported by any picture I.D. (school I.D., parentβs I.D., company I.D.).
6) This promo canβt be used in conjunction with our current promotions or discounts.
7) Gift certificates to avail this promo is not honored.
8) This promo is available across all branches.
9) This promo is available until December 31, 2014.
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Another buffet!!! One of these days, I want to watch you eating your buffet to get your secret on not gaining weight. We have Vikings nearby but I haven’t tried it yet.
My dad said that watching me eat is enjoyable. I’m careful with the utensils and I like how different types of food in my plate are organized. If you want to know the secret, you must watch how I eat every day. π Haha I eat enough to get me energy through the day and eat less at night. That’s all.
I think the nearest branch to your place is Vikings – SM Mall of Asia.
The nearest one is in Jazz Residences in Jupiter though I’m not sure it is already officially open. That should be a project for me, watch you eat. =>
That’s a difficult project to start with. π
I’d probably be tired going at your pace as you are always on the go and I’d probably be bloated being near the food like you do. I like how they add concepts each month like the 4th of July for this month.
Oh you won’t get tired haha your stamina is super strong and I say amen to that. π
They started adding monthly themes last June – for Independence Day – and it clicked. So watch out for more to come every month!
I would have been in heaven. All those different selections of foods, hey you can’t go wrong at all. I would love to try it out. It’s a place where anyone can sample what they desire.
Love the pictures.
Thanks, Michelle! Everything was pleasant and a hit. This is why Vikings remains to be one of the my top restaurant favorites. π
I am reading this cool post past 12 noon. You can imagine how tempting it would be to run out for lunch. Yes I’m hungry. Wow you give an honest and insightful review. Do it more!
Hahaha yeah it’s the best time to head out to this exciting buffet restaurant at lunch time. Thanks, Earl. π
I actually live near SM North Edsa, so I’ve been seeing the long lines here whenever I go up their area. And since I easily get full, I never tried dining at Viking’s kasi di masusulit ang bayad sa buffet pagdating sa akin. Plus, the cost is heavy on the wallet. But I might just try them on my birth month. We’ll never know. My tummy might just have room for all these delish-looking offerings. π
I arrived at Vikings SM North EDSA at 11AM sharp and saw that the queue outside was already long. Whoa, I thought the time was still early for lunch and people were game to wait for their turn to enter at once! Hehe yeah, at one look, the rates are crazy on the wallet but if you’re a heavy eater, it’s sulit talaga. Sure, consider eating there on your bday month. π
That looks like a great place to eat. I love the decor of the place.
Yup. This is one of the best restaurants you should visit when you come to the Philippines. π
The place’s spacious, vibrant in colors and looks awesome spending time inside with varieties of foods to choose from. Definitely yes, when someone offer me a free meals at Vikings.
Go to your birthday (actual date) and just bring one full-paying adult while you eat for free. π
I haven’t tried Vikings yet but my husband tried it and said the price is worth it. I hope they have the same promo on my birthday month.
The birthday month promo is until the end of the year pa naman. If any of your friends or family member is having their birthday soon and planning of treating the group, then you can recommend Vikings. π
As an interior designer, just lovedddddddd the interior color schemes and the decor !!
Nice to hear a comment from a pro. π
Nyahahha! Cool names! Mostly they are naming it after places. And wow, Cherry Cashew Parfait looks yummy! I’ve been in binge of cherries these past few days..
I like cherries and strawberries. π Those cute red sweet stuff! The names are quite catchy, I agree.
What a buffet! The food looks fabulous! Looks like ones in Las Vegas!
Haven’t been to Vegas but I’m pretty sure the ambiance would make all the diff. π
Another fun review from you! I love the pink sculpture in the restaurant. The food looks yummy. I need to get a food review blog! You have all the fun.
The pink sculpture? I’m not sure if it’s the Vikings table you’re talking about. If that’s it, then it’s not stagnant as pink. It changes color with light! π Hehe yup, you can start posting pictures of what you eat and start a food blog.
Wow all the food looks great- the tortilla club would be my favorite! So nice they are doing 4th of July themed foods this month.
I thought it’s really a great idea to come up with new and fresh dishes every month so people would always look forward to eating here – same place, with varying dishes and mostly stable ones. π
Because there are so many chairs, the environment is not as appealing in the pic as I’m sure it really is. The food looks SPECTACULAR!
Yeah, they have merged some tables together and added more chairs in to accompany more guests. People like eating together anyway and they’re happy – the more, the merrier! At least that’s how most families in the Philippines are. The food is insanely good. You should try this buffet some time. π
Looks Like Amazing Place To Eat The Food Looks So Pretty You Hate To Ruin It & Eat It!! LOL! I Must Try Sometime Soon!!
Haha yup, that’s the difficulty sometimes when the food is presented really neat. You tend to not want to eat it and feel sorry once it gets destroyed. π Sure, head out to any of Vikings’ branch here in the PH!
I’m salivating over all those pictures of food. Vikings seems like a great place to eat at.
When you’re a first-timer, you might feel overwhelmed so I suggest going around first and plan on what to eat so you’ll have a more organized meal. π
I love buffets but the plating at this place is amazing! We just slop our food down on our dish and move along!
Normally it’s the usual go grab and move along type. But in Vikings, there are stations where you can request for “make your own pasta,” “make your own hotpot,” etc. Nice!
What a scrumptious looking buffet. And how fun that you get to review it.
Vikings has a good amount of variety and plenty of standout items. This buffet restaurant is definitely one that you would want to revisit again and again.
I love that the lemon was sour. I hate when places sugar it up. Everything looks great!
Yup, but a little bit of sugar won’t hurt. π
Been hearing so many things about vikings. I want to try it but I think hindi ko mauubos lahat. Their sushis and desserts looks very yummy!
The amount of food you take to your plate depends on you hehe. You can be wise and get all the pricier and your favorite finds so you get your trip worth it. π
Okay, I love me some buffet, but I have never been anywhere like that! Looks amazing!
There are countless stations filled with great food that never fails to satisfy. The selection is always vast and varied to cater to everyone in your group. There is often long waiting time outside, but I assure you it will be well worth it! π
To be honest I haven’t tried eating in Vikings yet. The lines is just too long.I keep telling myself I will eat there soon.
Yup! Make a reservation beforehand so you can get your seats right away. π
This place looks elegant. I love it. The foods look amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, very elegant. I like the ambiance of SM Megamall and SM MOA – Vikings though. π
This looks amazing and delicious. It doesn’t resemble anything like the buffets we have around here. Again your photos are wonderful!
Thanks, Becka! π I like taking pictures of great food presentations.
Talk about a mouthwatering selection of food. This is just delicious. That tenderloin looks unreal!
Yup, it’s perfect for celebrating the 4th of July happening today!
Im not usually a fan of buffet style places. But this food looks wonderful.
When you dine here, expect that it would truly be a memorable gluttony experience! π
Now that I saw all the goodness I am hungry! The food looks delicious. I wish we had one nearby as I love buffets.
Hey, there’s more. π It’s also impressive that Vikings chefs are not regular ones that are hired out of nowhere; they are most qualified for the job (previous master chefs of hotels, with experiences working abroad serving prestigious establishments and I heard one even came from the MalacaΓ±ang Palace). Awesome!
I have always heard about Vikings, but I have never eaten there. These food pics and your description makes me want to go try them. That birthday promo is really tempting!
I agree. Many other buffet restaurants started to offer birthday promos (good for about 7 days before and after the actual birth date). Now, Vikings takes it to the next level – birthday month! Oh wow. π
Yummy!! We have a place that looks quite a bit like this in my area- the Casino buffet resembles this one.
Guests at the casino buffet must be overflowing as well. π
Seems like the lemon sorbet is promising! Havent tried vikings yet but will definitely try it anytime soon.
Yeah, the sorbet really does what it supposedly is for – cleans the palate. π Give it a try and you’ll not regret dining here.
a fancy looking restaurant, I agree shouldn’t be missed, who would not decline a ‘humbly’ offer to try their food out? I like the place especially the furniture and all fixtures
Humble**
If you like these fixtures and the interior design, check out other Vikings branches as they are built with different themes but all great and classy-looking. And oh the food, they’re a must-try!
Hi! I know this comment is off topic but, where did you get your braces done? The doctor and the clinic? :] Thank you!
Hi Therese! My dentist is Dr. Aldrich Guiang. The clinic is in Binondo. I’ll email you the contact details so you may check it out. π
What I usually don’t like about buffets is that you don’t get to taste the dishes separately. From what I get from the pictures, you seem to have tasted them pretty well. They look neatly arranged π
Yes, that’s right. It’s all about arranging the food nicely to fit into one plate. I also don’t like putting them altogether and eating combinations of tastes in one go. Even in a la carte meals, I like to finish a kind of dish first before proceeding to another one. π
What a beautiful place! I read the whole post twice as it all the food sounded so good. Cute dress by the way. π
Wow, thanks, Paula! π Hope you found the post informative so you’d know where to eat when you’re in the Philippines. π Actually I was wearing a long top and paired it with leggings (too short to be a dress on its own).
waaawww, very nice place and very drool worthy food! I don’t really like buffet though coz i feel like i can never eat enough to justify the price (LOL, kiasu, i know) and now that i’m on diet, it’s even more of a no no *LOL*
I think we’re just the same but I treat this as a special case because it’s unwise to say no to an offer from Vikings haha.
Hi kirstin!
Which has better food overall? MOA has more selection correct?
I’ve tried Vikings SM north multiple time now and some say MOA is better.
NIU by Vikings in SM Aura is by far the best. π The rest are all okay.
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