Niu by Vikings in SM Aura Premier

*Post updated with thoughts from recent visit*

Niu by Vikings is the groups most luxurious and ambitious venture to date. Niu means “nine” in the Viking language and symbolizes the ninth restaurant in the Vikings group. Located at the 6th level of SM Aura Premier, it has wonderful views of Taguig. The easiest way to access the is via the express elevator (left one) from the basement straight to the 6th floor. If you miss that you can take the regular elevator to the 5th and take the escalator in between Ogetsu Hime and Kettle to reach the 6th floor.

I got a chance to visit Niu a couple of weeks ago courtesy of the restaurant. Here’s some snapshots to give you an idea what to expect.

Niu by Vikings is elongated with seating on the right side and the different buffet stations laid on the right side. It’s a bit of a walk to get from end to end especially because the washrooms are in the back of the restaurant.

They have a lot of different seating options, from booth, to communal tables to function rooms for 10, 20 and 60. Chandeliers abound and there’s even a grand piano right smack in the middle of the restaurant with live performances.

I have a little issue with the a bit slippery flooring in between the dining area and the buffet stations. I could see a staff member always mopping the area.

They’ve got a decent selection of cold cuts, appetizers and bread.

Beside that are some healthy shooters and pre-made salads. This area reminded me of Spiral with the same shooter concept but the salads at Niu are tired and needs work.

Our love for Japanese food had us heading to the Japanese station pronto. There were a selection of pre-made sushi and maki rolls, some quite elaborate, some I’ve already seen in Vikings Megamall. They can cut some sashimi depending on the thickness you desire. For the hot items, they’ve got a tempura station as well as a smoky good yakitori station.

They serve their miso soup in these cute little containers. I’m a bit of a klutz so ignore the droplets on the right picture.

They’ve retained the wide selection of juices from Vikings and added free flowing Sake, Wine, Imported beer and cocktails.

They’ve got the usual roasting items at the Chinese station but they’ve kicked it up a notch with interesting dishes like these.

They’ve also got a shabu shabu station but it was the selection of condiments and sauces that impressed me.

The Carving station features some truly manly eats like a whole roast turkey, porchetta, roast beef, ribs and lamb leg. Whichever meat is your fancy, they’ve got you covered.

Like your meat and seafood cooked a la minute then the Grill station should be where you are headed.

You can customize your pasta and wood fired oven pizzas at the Italian station.

The very last station in Niu by Vikings is the French station, with different dishes served in casseroles. These blue crabs are particularly good with lots of herbs and citrus flavors.

Here’s something to look and indulge in, try to find the foie gras station, it’s sandwiched between two other stations so happy hunting.

Finally, time to check out the dessert area, that is if you still have room in your tummy. They have gelato, yogurt, chocolate fountains, candies, fruits and even local kakanin.

Buffet Rates:

Adults – Lunch – P888,  Dinner/Weekend/Holiday – P1388

Kids 4ft – 4ft6 – Lunch – P588, Dinner/Weekend/Holiday – P688

Kids 3ft – 4ft – Lunch – P288, Dinner/Weekend/Holiday – P388

Celebrating your birthday at Niu, you’ll get to take advantage of their “Flaunt Your Age” promo. From now until March 31, 2015, if you dine during your birthday or birth month with another paying adult, you get a discount equivalent to your age.  I guess there’s some advantage to getting older.

Niu by Vikings offers relaxed dining in luxurious surroundings with great views by the windows. Food and presentation is a cut above Vikings hence the higher price tag, a difference of P200/head for lunch and P300/head for dinner.

* I recently visited Niu and I have to say they’ve really upped their game. They’ve addressed my slippery floor complaint while the service has vastly improved as well as the food included the salad area. They have also lowered prices for lunch by P200 so it’s an even better deal to visit except for the absence of more premium items like foie gras and crabs. Even though the place was close to being packed, getting food was very pleasant.*

Niu by Vikings

6th Floor SM Aura Premier

26th Street corner McKinley Parkway

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Philippines

Contact No.: (632) 478-3888/ (632) 847-3888/ (63917) 586-6888

 

Facebook Page: Niu by Vikings

Instagram @NiubyVikings

Website: Niu by Vikings

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