Above, under & beyond the rainbow: An All Niu Experience!

If you want to have a totally elevated buffet experience, then come and enjoy what #NiubyVikings has to offer. This is buffet style and fine dining into one and when I say this is a new buffet experience, it is truly a new experience.

Located at the 6^th level of SM Aura, Niu by Vikings is the latest food place to be. The concept of buffet dining is elevated to the level of hotel or fine dining per se. The seating area is well designed and bears chairs that are plushed and comfortable at the same time. The whole area is well lit but not glaringly bright. For big groups who wish for a little privacy, have no fear for they have 3 dining rooms that can house a good number of people. For a small party, 5 or less, privacy can still be achieved when you take a spot by the back part of the dining area. That area is designed to have an alcove style of seating with 2 high-back chairs that can be used as “curtain”.

To elevate it more, a baby grand piano is situated off center of the whole room; something that one will expect from a fine dine establishment or a classy jazz bar but definitely not with a buffet styled restaurant. The ceiling is a mix of white and black arches or waves, making it modern and at the same time with taste. Same can be said with the staff. They are all dressed in black with hi-lights of silverfish white. The way the females were attired reminds me of a certain hotel’s outfit – I guess it is due to the long skirt similarity between the two.

Thinking as to how the different stations were positioned, I would say there is logic to it. Near the entrance is the dessert station. For sweet tooth’s, you don’t have to go far! Pastries of all shapes and colors made available to all. A sundae machine is also present and definitely beside it are the different types of sprinkles available that day. Why do I say it was logical? If you are a family with kids coming in, you don’t have to go far to have a seat of your choice, you will definitely pick a spot where your kids can be distracted long enough for you to enjoy eating. As far as I know, there are only two things that will keep a kid occupied – toys and sweets. Next to it is the Japanese station, followed by the bar/drinks area, continued by the Asian line, then the Euro-American line. Since the offering during that short tour was limited, it did not deter me in having that niu experience. Again following the logical train of thoughts on the set-up, the alcove seating is near the back part of the establishment for more soothing music from the piano and intimacy.

How different is Niu from its predecessor Vikings?

Here are the things that I have noticed:

- Niu has bolder flavors and entries that you haven’t thought of possible in fine dining is made available here. (Try the sisig appetizer)

- The selections are more diverse but presented elegantly.

- A drink area that bears a good selection of wines and juices. You can even try their signature creations.

- Ambiance!

- The waiting area is bigger with a big reception table.

- Function rooms made available.

Similarities:

- Friendly people.

- Colorful food presentation.

- Good food.

Is it worth to have the #Niuexperience ? The answer is YES! It is special food presented elegantly, set in a place that thinks of your comfort and need, and with people willing to help you to make your dining experience worthwhile. If you plan to make someone feel special, then there is no other place worthy but Niu by Vikings.

Photos:

(All photos used were personally taken by me during the tour)

Sweet offerings: