Located at The Podium in Ortigas, Niu by Vikings is a premium buffet experience that has redefined luxury dining in the Philippines. Known for its elegant interiors, impressive food selections, and high-end ambiance, Niu stands out among Manila’s top dining destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a celebration, business gathering, or a memorable lunch or dinner, one thing is clear the atmosphere is as important as the cuisine. For those curious about what to expect visually, photos of Niu by Vikings at The Podium reveal not just the food, but the overall luxurious experience that keeps diners coming back.
Elegant Interiors and Ambiance
One of the first things that visitors notice upon entering Niu by Vikings is its sophisticated interior. From marble flooring and soft lighting to plush seating and gold-accented details, every corner of the restaurant exudes luxury. The open, spacious layout is designed to offer both intimacy and grandeur, accommodating large groups while still maintaining a refined feel.
Modern Scandinavian-Inspired Design
The name Niu is derived from the Scandinavian word for nine, a reference to the restaurant’s nine buffet stations. Fittingly, the interior features Nordic influences, with sleek modern furniture, warm wood elements, and soft lighting that creates a calm yet upscale vibe. Photos taken inside highlight clean lines, thoughtful design, and a relaxing color palette of beige, charcoal, and brass tones.
Perfect for Social Media
Niu’s stylish interiors make it an ideal spot for photos. Diners often snap pictures of the dining hall, chandeliers, and table settings to share on social media. With its photo-ready ambiance, Niu by Vikings at The Podium has become a popular location for Instagram posts and food vlogs. Every visual detail from lighting to layout has been curated to elevate the guest experience.
Buffet Stations in Full Display
What sets Niu apart is its extensive variety of food stations, each one designed to showcase a particular cuisine. Photos of these stations reveal a colorful, mouth-watering array of options, presented in a clean and organized manner.
1. Japanese Station
Sushi and sashimi are among the most visually striking elements in the buffet. Carefully arranged rolls, fresh slices of salmon and tuna, and vibrant garnishes are displayed under soft lighting, making the station a popular photo subject. The chefs prepare the items fresh behind the counter, and diners often capture action shots of the sushi being assembled.
2. Western Carving Station
Photos from this station feature perfectly roasted beef, lamb, and pork, often served with sauces and side dishes like mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. The carving station is framed with stainless steel and marble, providing a visually clean background that makes the meat look even more appetizing.
3. Asian Selections
Niu also offers a rich selection of Chinese, Filipino, and Korean dishes. Dumplings in bamboo steamers, glistening lechon belly, and colorful stir-fried noodles are commonly photographed items. The steam rising from hot dishes adds drama to food photos, and the plating is often decorative, giving diners a chance to capture high-quality shots.
4. Italian Corner
Photos from the Italian station frequently feature hand-tossed pizzas, creamy risottos, and a make-your-own pasta section. The counter includes jars of herbs, olive oil, and parmesan, contributing to the rustic yet refined look of the station. Diners enjoy snapping photos as their custom pasta orders are prepared fresh.
5. Cold Cuts and Cheese Display
This station is a visual treat. With wooden boards, ceramic platters, and detailed labeling, the assortment of salami, prosciutto, brie, blue cheese, and nuts looks straight out of a European gourmet magazine. It’s one of the most photographed parts of the buffet because of its elegance and appeal to food lovers.
6. Dessert and Beverage Section
Colorful macarons, elegant cakes, artisanal gelato, and chocolate fountains are only some of the highlights. Many guests take photos here before even starting their meals. The desserts are presented like artwork, with pastel colors, gold leaf accents, and intricate decorations. The beverage area, complete with wine dispensers and coffee machines, adds to the buffet’s upscale charm.
People and Experience
Aside from food and interiors, photos of Niu by Vikings at The Podium often capture guests enjoying their dining experience. Family gatherings, birthday celebrations, romantic dates, and corporate lunches are common themes. The professional staff are frequently seen assisting guests or slicing meat at the carving station, contributing to the sense of hospitality that defines the Niu experience.
Group Celebrations
The large seating capacity and open layout make it ideal for groups. Photos usually show long tables filled with various dishes, glasses clinking for toasts, and joyful expressions. Niu’s design accommodates these moments with elegance, making it easy for guests to capture their special occasions.
Birthday and Anniversary Photos
Niu provides small cakes and sings for birthday celebrants, creating moments that guests love to document. From candle-blowing photos to group selfies, the warm service and beautiful setting combine to make memorable snapshots. Photos of these events often circulate on social media, helping promote the brand organically.
Food Presentation and Plating
Though it’s a buffet, Niu encourages a plating style that feels like fine dining. Diners often take the time to arrange their food carefully before snapping pictures. Whether it’s a plate of colorful sushi, a stack of ribs with roasted vegetables, or a trio of gourmet desserts, these food photos reflect the care put into each station’s presentation.
Why Niu by Vikings at The Podium Stands Out
From a visual perspective, Niu by Vikings stands above other buffets not just for the food, but for its entire aesthetic. It’s a restaurant that invites you to not only dine but to document and share your experience. The lighting, textures, and layout have all been designed to be as photogenic as they are functional.
- High ceilings and soft lighting ideal for indoor photography
- Well-plated dishes and interactive food stations
- Photogenic dessert selections
- Scandinavian-inspired minimalist design
- Spacious interiors suitable for group photos
Whether you’re a foodie, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys beautiful environments, Niu by Vikings at The Podium is a feast for the senses. Its well-thought-out interiors, artistically presented dishes, and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the most Instagrammable dining spots in Manila. Photos taken at Niu don’t just show what you ate they tell the story of a luxurious buffet experience worth remembering.