What’s NIU in the Podium?
The Podium in Mandaluyong is a place where people can find various fine dining restaurants such as Basil, Mamou Prime, and Paradise Dynasty. But what’s NIU?
A classy buffet dining experience—that’s what NIU by Vikings is.
Located at Level 5, NIU offers an experience beyond the ordinary buffet experience. From its wide selection of dishes to its elegant interior, NIU lives up to its tagline, “Premium Dining Redefined.”
Nine Buffet Stations
NIU means nine in the Viking language. True to its name, NIU features nine buffet stations, each offering a variety of dishes for diners to explore.
The Appetizer or Cold section offers platters of assorted cheeses, alongside chilled seafood such as sashimi, shrimp, and mussels. At the Japanese station, diners are presented with rows of delicious sushi and maki rolls, while crisp-looking tempura adds another choice to the spread.
The International station brings together different cuisines, including Spanish and Italian. Its Spanish selection offers Paella Valenciana, a rice dish topped with a generous serving of seafood, while the Italian selection offers various pizza flavors, including a spicy all meat pizza loaded with ass orted meats and has a hint of spice.
Diners can also watch as chefs prepare pasta dishes, including carbonara and tasty meaty bolognese. At the Chinese station, dim sum favorites are served such as dumplings, hakaw, and siomai.
On the other side, at the Grill station, diners can request freshly grilled meats, including a slice of a savory leg of lamb.
The Filipino station serves classic Filipino dishes—from binusog na lechon, a lechon belly stuffed with adobo rice—to kare-kare topped with vegetables like eggplant and pechay, alongside a flavorful inihaw na bangus.
Among the stations, the Carving is a popular choice, as diners can enjoy slices of Angus steaks and ribeye briskets with sauce.
The Beverage station allows guests to order alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which are prepared by the bartender to complement the different food available throughout the buffet.
And, of course, there is always room for something sweet. The Dessert station offers an assortment of cakes, ice creams, and other bite-sized treats to round off a perfect meal.
Sophisticated Atmosphere
Aside from its wide variety of dishes, the memorable experience of dining at NIU in The Podium is largely thanks to the sophisticated atmosphere of the buffet restaurant.
Upon entering, diners will be greeted by an entrance that offers a glimpse of the restaurant’s layout.
The cream and ivory tones of the walls, paired with red and lavender accents on the chairs, make the place elegant. Several chandeliers also hang from the ceiling, adding to the classy vibes NIU wants to create.
Moreover, a piano sits at the center of the area, where performers set the mood for diners that makes the experience even more memorable.
The combination of the elegant interior and live music creates an atmosphere that feels different from the typical buffet setting. As such, NIU becomes a space suitable for gatherings and special occasions.
Award-Winning Buffet Restaurant
The impact of the buffet experience has made NIU an award-winning restaurant. In 2017, NIU by Vikings was named as the Favorite Buffet Restaurant at The Choice 2017. The award was determined through an online voting system, according to Vikings Philippines.
NIU has also been featured by Tatler Asia for its wide selection of cuisines.
Worth It?
NIU’s price range varies depending on the day and time of visit. Weekday lunch is priced at ₱1,338 pesos, while weekday dinner, weekends, and holidays are priced at ₱1,868 pesos. There is also no service charge.
So, is it really worth it?
The price may sound steep, but NIU offers more when it comes to its generous selection of food. Additionally, the combination of its food choices and elegant interior makes the “Premium Dining Redefined” worth experiencing at least once.
For those looking to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, or simply want to try a more upscale take on buffet dining, NIU by Vikings is an option worth considering.
NIU by Vikings also has a branch on the 6th floor of SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). For more information and reservations, kindly visit its official Facebook page.
