Vikings Luxury Buffet SM Megamall Review: Is It Still Worth the Hype in 2023?

Kamusta? Kumain ka na? I love buffets. I’ve eaten my way through most of the big eat-all-you-can spots in Metro Manila — the ones that made me want to loosen my belt a notch, the “okayish” ones I forgot about a week later, and a handful I quietly crossed off my list forever. Through all of that trial-and-error (and trial-and-elastic-waistband), Vikings has remained a consistent name on my rotation.

I always enjoy my trips there. It’s rarely my automatic first choice when someone says “saan tayo kakain” — but it’s almost always the answer that makes everyone at the table nod in agreement. So when a friend suggested we hit up the SM Megamall branch again for a proper, no-holds-barred review, I said yes before she even finished the sentence.

This is my honest, warts-and-all take on Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong — what’s worth your appetite, what’s overhyped, and whether you should actually book that table at Vikings this weekend.

---

---

🛡️ What is Vikings Luxury Buffet?

Vikings Luxury Buffet is a well-known dining establishment in the Philippines, offering an extensive buffet experience with a wide variety of dishes ranging from local Filipino cuisine to international favorites. It’s known for its lavish spread that includes seafood, meats, salads, desserts, and more. Vikings is popular for its upscale ambiance, quality food offerings, and the all-you-can-eat format, making it a favored destination for celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions. The buffet typically features live cooking stations and a diverse array of dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences.

---

✨Ambiance

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: is Vikings romantic? Not really, unless your idea of romance involves sharing a plate of oysters while a toddler two tables down negotiates for more ice cream. But is it fun, festive, and genuinely impressive to walk into? Absolutely.

The SM Megamall branch sits on the 4th floor of the Mega Fashion Hall, and the moment you step past the host stand, the space opens up into this sprawling, warmly lit dining hall that somehow manages to feel grand without tipping into gaudy. The lighting is soft and golden in the main dining area — flattering for photos, easy on the eyes, not the harsh fluorescent glare you get at cheaper buffets. Background music sits at a pleasant hum, upbeat enough to keep energy up but never loud enough to drown out conversation, at least not until a birthday celebration rolls through with the inevitable clapping and singing (more on that later).

True to the Vikings reputation, seating is spacious by Metro Manila buffet standards — cushioned chairs, generous legroom, and tables spread out enough that you’re not elbow-to-elbow with strangers while balancing a plate of sashimi. Cleanliness is consistently solid; tables get cleared and wiped down quickly, and the buffet stations themselves look tidy even during the dinner rush. The interior design leans into an elegant, almost resort-like theme — think warm woods, statement lighting fixtures, and an open layout that makes the massive spread of food feel like a proper showcase rather than a cafeteria line.

Is it crowded? Yes, especially on weekends and dinner service — this is one of the busiest Vikings branches in the metro, so expect a lively, buzzing crowd. Is it good for content and photos? Very much so — the food presentation alone is Instagram bait, and the dining hall has enough visual interest to make your Stories look intentional rather than accidental.

As for occasions: it’s genuinely great for celebrations, birthdays, and barkada hangouts where everyone wants something different. It works fine for family gatherings, including grandparents and picky toddlers alike, and it’s the kind of place where three generations can sit at one table and all find something they actually want to eat.

It’s serviceable for casual business lunches, though the noise level during peak hours isn’t ideal for anything requiring deep focus. Solo dining is possible but, let’s be honest, a little lonely — this is a buffet built for sharing plates and passing judgment on each other’s food choices, not quiet introspection. If you’re weighing whether Vikings suits your specific occasion, the honest answer is: almost any occasion except a quiet first date.

---

🍽️The Food

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Here’s the thing about reviewing Vikings: I can’t really “order” in the traditional sense. You wander, you scoop, you commit to portions small enough that you can try practically everything without needing a wheelbarrow to get home. That’s exactly how I approached this visit — small tastes across nearly every station so I could give you an honest, comprehensive verdict.

I’m giving the food a 4 out of 5, and I want to be upfront about why: my expectations going in were sky-high, built up by years of hype and past visits, and this particular round didn’t fully clear that bar. It’s still very good, and honestly still ahead of most competitors trying to chase what Vikings does at scale. It’s just not flawless.

---

Navigating the Buffet Stations

With an extensive array of dishes spread across numerous buffet stations, it’s essential to approach your dining experience at Vikings strategically. Begin by taking a leisurely walk around the entire restaurant to survey the various cuisines on offer. This will help you prioritize and plan your culinary journey. Vikings offers cuisines ranging from Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino to American, Italian, and more. Take note of your personal preferences and prioritize the stations that align with your taste.

Here are some of my favorites:

Sushi and Sashimi — This remains one of the strongest stations in the entire spread, and arguably the section that best justifies the “luxury” in Vikings’ name. The salmon sashimi was cold, properly sliced, and had that clean, buttery texture that tells you it hasn’t been sitting out too long. The California maki and salmon nigiri were solid crowd-pleasers, though the more “creative” specialty rolls occasionally slumped into blandness. Freshness here is genuinely impressive for a buffet operating at this volume.

Seafood Delicacies — Steamed mussels, garlic butter shrimp, and various shellfish options round out a seafood spread that’s satisfying without necessarily being showstopping. The garlic butter shrimp had good aromatics and a nice char, but a few pieces I tried were slightly overcooked and rubbery — a classic buffet hazard when trays sit under heat lamps too long. It’s a solid section, though not quite the section that made Vikings’ name in the first place.

Carving Stations — This is where Vikings tends to shine. The roast beef was tender with a good pink center, and the lechon (when available) had crackling skin that snapped satisfyingly under a fork. Portion control at the carving station is generous — the staff don’t skimp when slicing.

Filipino Cuisine — The comfort food corner is criminally underrated, and it’s the section I quietly recommend to every Vikings first-timer who assumes local dishes will be an afterthought. Kare-kare, sinigang, and various noodle dishes brought genuine flavor balance and nostalgia, and honestly outperformed some of the more “premium” international offerings in terms of pure satisfaction per bite.

Desserts — A dedicated dessert bar with mini cakes, mochi, leche flan, halo-halo components, and a chocolate fountain that alone could justify a Vikings visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Presentation is gorgeous, though a few items leaned overly sweet, and I noticed some cakes had that slightly dry, “been-sitting-out” texture by the time I got to them during a busy dinner service.

A. Appetizers

Included in the buffet price, the appetizer spread at Vikings features fresh salads, cold cuts, cheese boards, and a rotating selection of small plates. The salad bar was crisp and well-stocked with a decent range of dressings and toppings — worth ordering (well, scooping) as a palate cleanser before diving into heavier stations. The cold cuts and cheese selection felt a bit standard and forgettable, nothing that made me want a second trip, and honestly the weakest link in an otherwise strong opening act.

B. Main Courses

This is the heart of the Vikings buffet, and it’s included in your buffet rate with no extra charge for standard items. The Peking duck was a highlight — thin-skinned, crispy, and well-paired with the accompanying pancakes and hoisin. The ramen bar, where you can customize your own bowl, was a fun interactive touch, though the broth on my visit was a touch too salty. Grilled meats and skewers were consistently good, hot off the grill and well-seasoned.

A few premium items, like certain crab or shellfish selections, occasionally come with limited per-person servings or rotate availability depending on the day — worth asking your server about if you’re chasing something specific, since Vikings tends to rotate its rarer offerings without much advance notice.

C. Desserts

Also included in the buffet price, the dessert section deserves its own paragraph because it’s genuinely one of the better spreads in the metro, and it’s consistently the section Vikings regulars say they miss most between visits. The soft-serve and chocolate fountain combo is worth ordering for kids and adults alike, and the mochi selection was fresh and chewy rather than the sad, hardened kind you sometimes get at lesser buffets. Skip the pre-made slice cakes if they’ve been sitting for a while — they lose their appeal fast.

D. Drinks

Unlimited iced tea, juices, and soda come standard with your Vikings buffet rate, along with coffee and tea. Specialty drinks, cocktails, and select wines are available at an additional charge if you want to elevate the meal — worth it if you’re celebrating something, skippable if you’re just there for the food. The unlimited iced tea alone is reason enough not to feel thirsty the entire meal.

Best Items to Try

For first-timers and anyone trying to build a Vikings game plan, here’s my quick cheat sheet:

• Top 5 must-try dishes: Salmon sashimi, roast beef from the carving station, Peking duck, kare-kare, and the chocolate fountain dessert combo.
• Best for first-timers: Start at the carving station and sushi bar — they’re the most consistently high-quality across visits.
• Signature items: The carving station roasts and the Filipino comfort food corner are what set this particular buffet apart from cheaper competitors.

Beverage Selection

Vikings Luxury Buffet offers an extensive selection of beverages to complement your meal. From freshly squeezed juices to soft drinks, mocktails, although, there are only limited alcoholic beverages, there is something for every preference.

---

🧑‍🍳Service & Staff Experience

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

At Vikings, exceptional service is an integral part of the dining experience. The staff is well-trained, attentive, and genuinely friendly, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout their visit. From the moment you enter, the attentive wait staff guides you to your table, promptly refills your drinks, and promptly clears your plates. The buffet stations are diligently monitored and replenished, ensuring that guests have access to fresh and appetizing options at all times. The level of service provided at Vikings Luxury Buffet contributes significantly to the overall satisfaction of diners.

---

💵 Price & Value for Money

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Buffet rates at this branch typically hover in the ₱1,000-plus range per adult, with weekday lunch on the more affordable end and weekend or holiday dinner sitting at the top of the range. Kids are priced by height, a system this particular chain has used for years, and senior citizens and PWDs get the standard 20% statutory discount. Rates and promos shift often, so it’s worth double-checking current Vikings pricing before you book — booking platforms like Eatigo occasionally offer discounts of up to 50% depending on the time slot, which is a genuinely great way to stretch your budget.

Is it worth the price? Mostly, yes. Portion sizes are generous, and the sheer breadth of stations — sushi, carving, Filipino, seafood, dessert — means you’re getting real variety, not just quantity for quantity’s sake. Where the value proposition softens slightly is when premium items like certain shellfish are limited per person or rotate unpredictably; if you’re specifically chasing crab legs or a specific cut of meat, you might walk away feeling like the “luxury” branding oversold the experience just a touch.

Still, compared to similarly priced competitors in the metro, the quality-to-price ratio holds up well, and there’s no hidden service charge shock at the register — it’s built into the quoted rate. When you run the math per dish sampled, Vikings still comes out ahead of most rivals trying to copy its formula at a lower price point.

---

📍Location, Accessibility & Parking

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

This branch sits on the 4th Floor of the Mega Fashion Hall, Building B, SM Megamall, right at the corner of EDSA and Doña Julia Vargas Avenue in Mandaluyong — about as central as it gets in Metro Manila. If you’re commuting, the MRT-3 Ortigas Station is a short walk away, and countless bus and jeepney routes along EDSA drop you within easy reach of the mall.

Parking is plentiful given SM Megamall’s massive multi-level parking structure, though weekend and holiday crowds can make finding a slot near the entrance a bit of a hunt — arrive early or budget extra time. The mall itself is fully accessible for seniors and PWDs, with elevators, ramps, and wide walkways throughout, and the restaurant floor is easy to navigate even during peak crowds. Overall, this is about as convenient and centrally located as a Vikings branch gets in the metro, and that accessibility alone is a big part of why this location stays consistently busy across every time slot.

---

🍷Dining Experience

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

I visited on a Saturday evening, which — in hindsight — was probably not the smartest move if I wanted a quiet, unhurried meal. We had a 6:30 PM reservation and still waited about 15 minutes past our slot before being seated, which is fairly typical for peak weekend dinner service but mildly annoying when you’re already hungry and staring at other people’s plates. The crowd level was high, bordering on chaotic near the carving and sushi stations, with a bit of a scrum forming whenever a fresh tray came out — a fairly normal Saturday night at Vikings, from what regulars tell me.

One honest disappointment: a couple of the hot dishes had clearly been sitting under the heat lamp too long by the time we got to them mid-meal, losing both texture and temperature. There was also a small mix-up with our table’s drink order that took a bit longer than it should have to sort out. None of these were dealbreakers, but they’re worth mentioning because a truly five-star dining experience shouldn’t require this much patience during peak hours.

---

💡Tips & Recommendations for Dining at Vikings Luxury Buffet

• Special Occasions: It is an ideal venue for celebrating special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or gathering with friends and family, inform the staff in advance so they can assist in making the occasion even more special. They can help arrange personalized decorations, a special cake, or a dedicated area for your group.
• Reservations: Due to its popularity, it is advisable to make a reservation at Vikings Luxury Buffet, especially during weekends and holidays. This will ensure a hassle-free experience and guarantee a table upon arrival.
• Dress Code: While the restaurant does not enforce a strict dress code, it is recommended to dress smart-casual to match the upscale ambiance. Avoid wearing beachwear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire to maintain the sophisticated atmosphere.
• Pace Yourself: With an overwhelming variety of dishes, it’s important to pace yourself and savor each bite. Take small portions of different dishes to sample as much as possible. Remember to stay hydrated throughout your dining experience.
• Best time to visit: Weekday lunch, hands down. Shorter lines, fresher trays, and noticeably calmer service — this is when Vikings feels most like a relaxed meal rather than a race against the crowd.
• Peak hours: Saturday and Sunday dinner, plus any date near a holiday — expect long waits without a reservation.
• Reservation advice: Book ahead, especially for weekend dinner slots, and check discount platforms for off-peak deals before locking in your time at Vikings.
• Best day for promos: Weekdays typically carry the best discounts and bank promo tie-ins — worth checking current Vikings promotions before you go.

---

📝Final Verdict

So, is it worth it? Mostly yes. Vikings SM Megamall delivers on the fundamentals — a genuinely wide, high-quality spread, a beautiful and comfortable dining space, and service that, on a good day, makes you feel properly taken care of. It’s the kind of buffet you bring your whole family to without anyone complaining they “have nothing to eat.”

Strengths: Gorgeous ambiance, an impressively broad and mostly fresh food selection (especially sushi, carving, and Filipino stations), attentive staff, and unbeatable location and accessibility.

Weaknesses: Peak-hour crowding leads to longer waits and occasionally lukewarm food, a few premium items feel limited relative to the “luxury” branding, and pricing requires a bit of planning to maximize value.

Recommendation: Go on a weekday if you can, book ahead for weekends, and don’t skip the carving station or the dessert bar. Would I return? Without hesitation — this is exactly the kind of place I mean when I say Vikings is a reliable, crowd-pleasing option, even if it’s not always my automatic first pick. Is it overrated? Not quite — the hype is mostly earned, even if a truly perfect visit requires a bit of strategic timing on your part.

---

📊 Rating Breakdown — Vikings SM Megamall

Category	Rating
Food	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Service	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Ambiance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Cleanliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)

---

❓FAQs

Is Vikings SM Megamall halal? It is not a certified halal establishment, so guests observing halal dietary requirements should ask Vikings staff directly about specific ingredients and preparation methods before dining.

Is it kid-friendly? Very much so — kids are priced by height, there’s a dedicated soft-serve and dessert station that children tend to love, and the spacious layout makes it easy to manage a family outing.

Does it accept reservations? Yes, and reservations are strongly recommended for weekend lunch and dinner slots. You can book through this Vikings branch’s official contact channels or through third-party reservation and discount platforms.

Is parking available? Yes — SM Megamall has extensive multi-level parking, though weekend slots near the mall entrance can fill up quickly during peak hours.

What are the best dishes to try? The salmon sashimi, the carving station’s roast beef and lechon, the Peking duck, kare-kare, and the chocolate fountain dessert station are consistently the standouts worth prioritizing.

---

📜 Conclusion

At the end of the day, Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Megamall earns its place as one of the most reliable, crowd-pleasing eat-all-you-can experiences in Metro Manila — not flawless, but consistently satisfying, generous, and worth the occasional splurge. If you haven’t been in a while, or you’re a first-timer trying to figure out where to bring your next big group celebration, this branch is a solid, centrally located choice that rarely disappoints. Book your table at Vikings, go in with an empty stomach and a game plan, and let me know which station steals your heart.

VIKINGS LUXURY BUFFET – SM MEGAMALL
CUISINE: Japanese, Filipino, Asian
ADDRESS: 4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, Bldg. B SM Mega Mall, EDSA, Corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila
HOURS: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
CONTACT NO.: 0917 824 1888
FB PAGE: Vikings Luxury Buffet, SM Megamall
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Gcash
LANGUAGE: Filipino, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night)
BUDGET: 988 PHP – 1,088 PHP (per person)
OTHERS: Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available (Mall Parking), Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol

DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! I’m here to make sure you get all the info you need—no fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk about what it’s like to dine out. Every review I share comes from my own experience and is paid for out of my own pocket, so you can trust that what you’re reading is 100% honest and reliable.