Christmas may be over, but our pigging out isn’t yet. Vikings Buffet, the biggest eat-all-you-can restaurant in the country, recently opened its sixth branch at SM Jazz Mall in Makati—offering a new dining option to the residents of the neighboring condos and villages, as well as to the working professionals of Makati CBD. Situated alongside restaurants like Brasas, Fratini's, and Ryu Ramen & Curry, Vikings currently offers the only eat-all-you-can experience in the mall.
So far, the one at SM Jazz is my favorite Vikings branch, for the following reasons: (1) SM Jazz is not overcrowded and is composed mostly of restaurants—thus you will find that the visitors are most likely there to eat and not to hang out and wander aimlessly; (2) the buffet set up at this branch is the most organized, featuring all the stations at a central isle, rather than around the restaurant; and (3) the theme of the interior design is European, highlighting Italian-style walls and fixtures as well as French-inspired furniture.
Ms. Ava of Vikings Jazz graciously assisted us and escorted us to our table once we arrived. She politely pointed out the different stations and shortly after, left us to enjoy the buffet. One thing I noticed and really liked about this branch is that there is no shortage of servers—everywhere you look, there are 2 to 3 guys in white-and-blue uniform huddled together, ready to hear your requests. Not that I would need their help; I was planning to raid the entire spread, dump everything into our table and refuse to get my plate cleared until every morsel is licked!
The food stations are just like in any other Vikings branch: Appetizers, Salads, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Italian, Carving, Grilling (Seafood), Dessert, and Beverage. The dishes were also the usual: the ever-present canapes, breads, nuts, and cheeses, salads (like my favorite Thai pomelo salad and Mediterranean salad), yakitoki, sushi, and same assortments of rice, to mention some, but I noticed that Vikings Jazz has a bigger Japanese station, and offers more kinds of steaks and roasts!
Having been to Vikings a couple of times, I stuffed my plate with my favorites (a few appetizers, lots of steaks, sushi). I tend to skip Filipino and Chinese food, especially those I can eat on a regular basis, like prawns, pancit, and local viands. For first-timers, I would suggest trying the Asian and Mediterranean salads, some dumplings (hakaw), some fresh sushi, sashimi, and, of course, the steaks. Please have your steaks medium rare or medium—nobody wants burnt meat devoid of any flavor! Make sure you check out the seafood section and have some of the freshest catches grilled (my favorites are salmon and snapper)—you can then request the servers to deliver the items to your table. In the Italian section, make your own pasta by specifying the noodle type, sauce, and other ingredients to the chef.
Plate #1: a few rolls and salmon sashimi |
Plate #2: Beef Entrecote, Leg of Lamb |
Plate # 3: ebi tempura, chicken inasal with adobo reduction sauce, fried rice, fish Florentine, some canapes. After this plate, I stopped taking photos and just binged out. LOL! |
The Dessert Station is one of the biggest and it’s filled with cakes, pastries, local delicacies, fresh fruits, and ice cream (the picture below shows otherwise as the lunch spread was almost over when I got up to eat dessert). Whenever I dine at a buffet, I tend to avoid heavy cakes and go for light chiffon cakes. I also grab some fruits to cleanse my palate, then if I still have enough tummy space I indulge into some of Vikings’ homemade ice cream—avocado and dark chocolate being my favorite (you have to try them)! Crepe lovers can make their own and specify the fillings they want (I'm not a fan of crepe) while those who prefer the classic Pinoy desserts like leche flan will find absolute delight in this dessert spread.
Everyone is bound to be satisfied with the beverage options as they have juices, teas (hot and cold), coffee, soda, draft beer on tap, canned beer (Tiger), and wine (for an extra fee). Normally I would take advantage of the unlimited beer (LOL) but since I still had a hangover when I went there, I went for non-alcoholic alternatives (boriiiiing!). The Apple Cinnamon iced tea was really good though!
Another feature of Vikings SM Jazz is the presence of private themed rooms, which are nonexistent in the other branches I’ve tried before. Each room has a special theme with a corresponding design, which is mostly showcased by the ceiling paintings and chandeliers, and can house roughly 20-50 guests. These rooms are ideal for those who would prefer a more “private” dining affair—perhaps a class reunion, or a family celebration.
As usual, I enjoyed dining at Vikings—the buffet restaurant I always associate with fun and celebrations. (Although this time, it was only me and my cousin, Kaye—who also happens to be my fashion stylist especially now that I have become more conscious of what I wear, LOL!) With its excellent and wide food selections, friendly and fast service, and ambience that varies from branch to branch, Vikings continues to be my top choice when it comes to classy-yet-affordable eat-all-you-can dining.
~*~
Vikings Luxury Buffet
G/F SM Jazz Mall, N. Garcia cor. Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati
02.891.3888/891.4888
0917.827.1888/0919.999.7888
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM; dinner: 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Buffet Rates:
Weekdays:
Adults - PhP688 lunch; PhP888 dinner
Kids (4 ft.- 4 ft.6") - PhP388 lunch; PhP588 dinner
Kids (3 ft. - 4 ft.) - PhP188 lunch; PhP288 dinner
Kids (below 3 ft.) - FREE
75 y/o and above - 50% discount
Weekends & Holidays:
Adults - PhP888
Kids (4 ft.- 4 ft.6") - PhP588
Kids (3 ft. - 4 ft.) - PhP288
Kids (below 3 ft.) - FREE
75 y/o and above - 50% discount
What's your favorite buffet restaurant?
Special thanks to Ms. Raquel and Ms. Ava of Vikings Luxury Buffet and to Richie of The Pickiest Eater in the World.
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