I might have overused the hashtag #thevikingsarecoming this week because… truly, the Vikings are coming to the island where Magellan discovered the Philippines, Cebu!!!

Vikings, the Philippines’ largest luxury buffet restaurant will open its doors to all the Cebuanos on May 10, 2016 in SM City Cebu !

Prepare your costumes, gears and appetite! Vikings Luxury Buffet Cebu is offering 50% off to customers who would come like a viking!

(promo mechanics down below!)

We joined the Vikings Team who flew us to Cebu via Air Asia to check out the preparation for the big event and to taste test some of the flavorful dishes that they will serve you in Vikings Cebu. 

The Vikings Cebu Store Interior

Vikings Cebu’s interior is a play on urban chic. The whole store is minimalist and simplistic with focal elements that add interesting mood to the dining experience.  The walkways are spacious and the food stations are well planned. Although I have been to several Vikings store in Manila, I know it is going to be a different Vikings experience once I dine in Vikings Cebu. That’s how Vikings provide an exceptional dining atmosphere – different ambiance and interior for different Vikings store. 

The Vikings Cebu Exclusive Dishes

No two Vikings store is the same – even the ones in Manila have their own distinct flavors. For Vikings Cebu, the chefs make sure that they prepare exclusive recipes that reflect the Cebuano flavors.

Excited? I was. The mood was festive in the Vikings Cebu store even before the actual opening. It was like getting invited by a family hosting a dinner feast – and you see them preparing for your arrival – such a cute, sweet thought to think of.  It must be the Vikings’ secret ingredient to success – happy staff means happy customers equal to happy tummy!

For starters, we were served with Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Bone Marrow & Truffle. 

My mind was doing two-thumbs with every sip of the warm soup. Balanced flavor, no overpowering taste. I thought I would lick my bowl. 

Then we were served with Mixed Green Salad w/ Fried Cheese in Citrus Cilantro Vinaigrette. 

I love fried cheese like it is the most comforting food for me next to french fries. 

For sushi and sashimi lovers, here’s a treat for you.

Vodka Citrus Cured Salmon and Dragon Sushi.

These two Japanese favorites are good on its own. The ingredients are fresh and each bite gave a burst of different flavors and texture. 

The Thai Pomelo Salad is another healthy treat. This bracing appetizer has shrimps, pork floss and juicy pomelo slices to give a little kick on the palate. 

But my favorite is … Cajun Potato with Pizza Dip!!!

Chef Anton reminded us to eat it immediately while the dip was hot. We all, obliged (except for Yen :)). The first taste was heaven (!!!). I want to ask if I can ask for another bowl of the dip (more like a soup). 

Everything in the menu seemed perfect and we were not even having the main courses. The Chicken Ballotine with Walnut Cream Sauce is another great treat. I should have asked for a cup of rice. 

Our world slightly stopped when this came in next (okay, Mae’s live broadcast suddenly stopped :)). 

Lamb, Beef & Chicken Souvlaki.

You guys may want to watch the replay of When in Manila’s live broadcast.

Side Story: I was not feeling too well that afternoon. I had a bad headache. So I was not really much myself that day (I was so quiet and reserved Haha). More of our Cebu adventures on the next posts. 😉

You basically have the whole world in one stick. The meat were cooked tenderly and the sauce would make you want to lick even the stick.

The feast didn’t stop because there was still Bay Area Style Seafood Cioppino. The freshest seafood was cooked and slowly braised for 3 hours which allowed the flavors to sip in. I only needed one seafood meat to taste to get my approval. 

If you wonder if I still had the appetite for the next course, well.. I wouldn’t say no to Duo of Beef Finger Ribs & Tenderloin. The boys requested for rice with this, while I enjoy my plate as is with blanched veggies on the side. 

For dessert, we had this plate. Funny, how the #pickiesteater Richie asked if we each get a plate. 

Yes, we did!

There’s Chocolate Lava Cake, Creme Brulee and Calamansi and Mango Cheesecake

I seldom have desserts whenever I go out for buffet. I usually have fruits (because I feel that fruits somehow cleanses my body and aids in my digestion). But the Chocolate Lava Cake was so divine (!!!). It is as if I was digging into a treasure of chocolate cove and I was successful at scoping the creamy luscious chocolate syrup with rich chocolate cake. Bliss. 

The Creme Brulee was another awesome treat especially served in cracked egg shell. 

The Calamansi and Mango Cheesecake was another revelation. It reminds me of the Calamansi Muffin  popular in  Boracay. If you love not-too-sweet desserts, make sure to grab a slice of this cheesecake. (edit: all the while I thought I was having Duhat Cheesecake :D)

The Vikings Cebu Opening Promo

The promo is only valid from May 10 to 12, 2016 

at Vikings Cebu branch

Opening Promos:

50% off = may 10 – 12 (3 days)

FB promo 25% off = may 13 – 26 (2 weeks)

IG promo 25% off = may 27 – June 9 (2 weeks)

⚔ Guest who dresses up like a Viking will automatically get a 50% discount on their individual bill.  Tip: Vikings Helmet, Vikings Sword & Shield, Vikings Cape, Vikings Outfit, OR a full on Vikings costume.

⚔ Each qualified guest will receive a discount coupon when seated; this coupon will be used to claim the 50% off discount.

⚔ Guests availing the discount must be dressed like a Viking at all times until upon seating.

⚔ If reservations are full, guests may choose to come in as “walk-in” guests for the discount; subject to table availability. Guests may come at their most convenient time to have their names listed on the “walk-in” list for lunch or dinner. Lunch operation starts at 11:00 am, while dinner starts at 5:30 pm.

⚔ Discount is applicable on a per pax/individual basis. The promo can’t be used in conjunction with other in-house promotions or discounts.

⚔ Guests who has the best “Vikings-look” will win 2 weekday lunch Vikings Gift Certificates. One winner will be chosen every lunch and dinner. Guests will be judged before entering the store and prize will be given once inside the store.

 ⚔ Guests who doesn’t wish to dress like a Viking will automatically receive a 20% discount instead.

*This promo is open to reservation and walk-in guests.

How to Survive a Vikings Buffet?

This viking thought of sharing some tips on how to survive a buffet + how to get your money’s worth. 

⚓ Don’t starve yourself before the buffet and wear comfortable clothes (I know it is going to be a challenge if you come as a viking!)

⚓ Before you dive in to the buffet station, go around and check the buffet offerings. This would give you an idea which food would interest you the most. 

⚓ Skip the usual and try new dishes you cannot cook at home (or you cannot order from your favorite restaurant). 

⚓ Go for the expensive dishes. Check out the carving station and the seafood platter 🙂 

⚓ Don’t stuff and stack your plate with so much food. Just get a piece or spoonful serving of each dish so you can try them all. You can always go back if you want more. Help stop food wastage 🙂

⚓ Skip the rice. Seriously. I know some dishes are best eaten with rice. We Filipinos love our rice. But it makes you feel full easily.

⚓ Drink water or juice (or soda) in between rounds. It helps me prepare for my second (or third) plate 🙂 Vikings rate includes bottomless drinks! Yay!

⚓ Incorporate veggies and fruits 🙂 There are plenty of fresh greens and citrus fruits at Vikings. Eat ’em 🙂

⚓ Easy on the desserts and chocolates. I love that Vikings’ servings of desserts are in small portions. I seriously cannot finish even a small cup. Just get the one which excites you the most. For dessert, I love my frozen yogurt 🙂

⚓ If you still have room, that’s the time to check out the “usual food” 🙂 

⚓ Have tea after your meal to help in digestion and reduce bloating and nausea.

#thevikingsarehere

Vikings Cebu Opening

SM City Cebu 

May 10, 2016

5:30 PM

https://www.facebook.com/vikingssmcitycebu

BUFFET RATES:
Php 688 – weekday
Php 888 – weekend

southern invasion: vikings luxury buffet at sm bf paranaque + opening day promo

a sweet affair with mooncakes and tea at vikings!
vikings’ fourth of july buffet offerings
up in cloud 9 at niu by vikings: first year anniversary
valentine’s day at niu: #averysweetloveaffair filled with lindor chocolates

** #thevikingsarecoming trip to Cebu was sponsored  by Vikings Luxury Buffet, Air Asia, Movenpick Cebu and Department of Tourism.