BEST Buffet Value EVER! $17 Dinner at the MOST POPULAR Buffet in The Philippines

[@GerryP]

When you remarked that the puto bumbong (elongated purple sticky rice that's not ube) feels like "Christmas in your mouth." That's really true for Filipinos since it's a once a year treat. It's available only on a seasonal basis since the heirloom variety glutinous rice called pirurutong which is deep purple in color is not common in all markets and not available all year round and not all places serve it except on Christmas time.

[@jenuy1364]

The thing about vikings tho... the quality differs from branch to branch. Could be anywhere from "amazing" to "I barely had anything to eat".

[@kzrb9904]

yep. the one in SM Pampanga sucks.

[@larocomel]

We only have 1 vikings here in davao and by far the worst kare kare I've ever tasted. Best would be Cabalen's.

[@Dsaberz]

Yah sm Cebu one isn't that good. People tend to favor buffet 101

[@schizotypeseraph]

do u hav a recommendation for Metro Manila?

[@mar1ojo]

I think SM Mega Mall

[@ryuukashuuichi2010]

Welcome back to the Philippines, Mike! Viking is part of my childhood and I’m glad you went to their SM Jazz branch because other branches are not good. 🙂‍↔️ Here’s a list for anyone wondering which Viking’s branch are good (based on my experience): 1. SM Jazz Mall 2. SM Aura 3. The Podium 4. UP Town ❌ Stir away from SM MOA and SM North.

[@ginoabes3943]

Sm aura was not good for me cuz when I went to SM aura the food was kind of bland and the roast beef was super overcooked and dry. The podium branch of niu is much better since the meat was not dry, especially since the lamb meat was good. The only problem with niu I had was that the sauces for the meats were bland so just ended up using lots of salt. Also not a big fan of the alley concept since it’s super loud inside and makes it harder to relax. So far that’s all the branches I went to, planning on going to the gateway, megamall, or opus (when it opens) branches next.

[@j134679]

@@ginoabes3943 the real answer is that all buffet chains became worse since the pandemic started lol You have to go to hotel buffets at the 3-4k price range now to get to something that's worth the price.

[@tachytachytach]

SM Moa is that bad? oh my :( I thought it's good since that's their biggest I think. I'm from south so my access is MOA or Sucat

[@j134679]

@@tachytachytach no it's more about the crowd access. Notice how the nice ones like Jazz & Podium aren't too accessible with public transpo

[@pebrerotrese]

Try Vikings SM Marikina on a weekend. It's the best! Though so many people so better be early to taste all those good foods.

[@TrapperJohn72]

Finally a buffet with no time limit. You can sit down eat your meal at a civilised pace 👍

[@crispford]

Your blood pressure is the time limit 😂

[@IamnotJokic]

There’s a reason why there’s no time limit.

[@johnwinnerdz1]

Some places are cutting back buffets to Saturday Sunday Monday. The weekends when people have time off and Monday the slow day.

[@Koicee8]

Normally buffets say 90 minutes. That is more than enough time to eat comfortably and leave.

[@ForeverNoobGamer76]

its not like you can eat until closing time

[@suhben]

No time limit already makes it a top tier buffet

[@IamnotJokic]

Lol the food seems so mediocre

[@Eded-x2t]

​@@IamnotJokic 🤡

[@Koicee8]

@@IamnotJokicwhat were you expecting to see.

[@Nil_Sama]

​@@IamnotJokic It's literally a buffet chain, are you genuinely expecting Michelin star food from it? 😂

[@Mr.Ry888]

@@IamnotJokic This dude probably wants a 5-star steak for 17 bucks. 🤣🤣 what a troll...

[@_ejaaay]

I remember I went here with my dad and uncle on vacation in high school. They wanted to go 2 nights in a row but I opted to stay at the hotel the second night while they went cause I was still full from the night before 😅

[@MikeyChenX]

😂

[@JamesPidkowa]

Awesome

[@icerag]

"Its worth the stomach space" -- Mike's praise for buffet food. 🙂

[@shaoronmd]

"It has christmas music already" my dude... our Christmas season starts at September 😆😆😢

[@mazhi451]

you can usually found puto bumbong outside churches in the philippines.if Im not mistaken its a traditional food sold outside or along side churches after attending night mass during christmas season. we call it "simbang gabi". a 10 days mass before christmas.i hope someone would explain it briefly here coz im not that good in explaining.😅 anyway...welcome back to Philippines.😊

[@TayTay-mx1sj]

I love it me and Mike entering our chubby nice and plump era together 😂😂

[@tachytachytach]

Ah yeah Putobumbong is a hidden gem in Vikings! We love Vikings, it's cheap but, the range is great. I beleieve the biggest branch is in Mall of Asia and if you can ask they can serve you hotpot too, crazy selection for less than $20 I say and NO time limit! You can just drink tea when you feel like you're full enough so you can make space.

[@rjarafiles9742]

Try Niu (sister buffet of vikings, a bit pricier. But, food selection's better. You can have their chef's cook lobster anyway you like too)

[@JamesPidkowa]

I agree

[@ginoabes3943]

Which branch do you prefer? Because I didn’t like the Sm aura branch since it had no lamb and the roast beef was super overcooked so I prefer the podium branch.

[@mageeeen]

@@ginoabes3943been going to the Aura branch for years but ever since I tried the Podium branch, we’ve never been back to the Aura branch 😂

[@lapisstories]

Nui at Podium was the only place I have visited and it was a good experience.

[@zeriibulante872]

Wait??? Niu has Lobster? Been there for 2-3times already I didn't know they have lobster 😭

[@yanadventures]

THE VIEWERSHIP PROVES THE PHILIPPINES AND FILIPINOS LOVE YOU MIKE CHEN......🥰🥰🥰🥰 Keep it up sir. And be safe on your food adventures

[@brandonangelodiaz8854]

You should have put chicharon bits on your palabok..it goes well!

[@paintitblue7591]

Ooooh vikings sm jazz branch that is the prettiest branch they have in my opinion

[@gegege11]

Been to VIKINGS SM Megamall last September to celebrate my birthday and im telling you, its worth it. I always celebrate my birthday at Vikings because there are lots of food to choose from, food tastes good as well. ❤❤❤ I love their sushi and lechon ,and seafood 🤤🤤🤤

[@apaulatauiliili7025]

Wow i am planning on visiting Philippines but look at their buffet thats the biggest and the most extravaganza looks its stunning to me

[@temujinkhan6326]

if there was a buffet like that at that price here in the US... I would eat there 5 days a week if not 7 days a week

[@calliope-nv7ee]

I'm glad I found you here on YT. Worth to watch!!!

[@asian_raisin]

Everything looks so good.

[@beautifuldizaster101]

Aww Mike..you're making me miss the Philippines!! Especially Viking. Thanks for your review.

[@donniegrande9186]

One of the best food I've tasted the grilled tuna collar with a side of pickled papaya and piglet lechon in Palawan 😎😎😎😎

[@kimeeeoow]

There's also the premium version of Vikings which is the NIU by Vikings! 2 branches are located at SM Aura and Podium! When I ate there, I was like in heaven! The desserts omg especially the steak! There's a person that will cook if u like it medium rare etc etc. The pasta and pizzas are heaveeeeeen and there's also a station for liquors and cocktails

[@evilydal]

Try OKADA BUFFET next time✨🙏

[@redd2147]

Christmas season is also time for bibingka with either cheese or salted egg Or both on top. You should try it. Request for a melter butter, pour on top. Coconut and sugar on the side, slice and dip. Enjoy with a hot tea. If you’re in a mall, find Ferino’s Bibingka, try it. It’s decades famous for bibingka and puto bumbling.

[@randyschwaggins]

This buffet is better than anything I've seen in Vegas

[@j134679]

The cheap labor makes it possible

[@ProducerMikeJones]

Oh yeah!! Vikings baby!

[@cHinitocHunk]

The thing is, if there's a vlogger visiting, the food is always top notch; but when we visit, it's almost always half baked 😢

[@livinb450]

Hey all. Remember too, your $1000 pesos incudes your beverage, your dessert, no tip is expected. The kills anything in Vegas at 50% less $

[@cksbjung]

It seems like a better choice than their SM North branch ( we usually go here because it’s nearer). Thank youuu, Mikey! Have fun in the philippines!

[@tinanugget5419]

Welcome back Mike..🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭 Vikings is the best Buffet and cheap price at that.. Delicious 😋😋😋

[@hallothar6842]

Jooshy-ooo-mommy. I think you need a dialog coach, Mikey

[@bashersbeware]

Wow, you are back!

[@Jitijitjit]

Puto Bumbong feels like Christmas in your mouth, yasss it is! Cos it's just mostly available during Christmas season, it's made of glutinous rice, topped with margarine, grated coconut & muscovado, also best with grated cheese ❤️✨

[@elmight]

Filipinos' main dish: Can't go without rice. Filipino's dessert: Also made of rice. 😂😂😂

[@lanceresultay014]

welcome back to the philippines mikey!

[@boymasskara]

oh nice, Mike's back in town

[@lvcaregiver]

Thank u for visiting my country mike❤.😊👍🏼

[@ladygreer9323]

Happy Saturday Mike! I hope your Halloween 🎃 was great and your Saturday was greater... The food looks 💣 Enjoy!!! 🐞🥰

[@maeve4686]

Thanks to you for years of great entertainment ! Mike, I WISH I HAD a working palette like yours, or half of yours. My tongue is out of proportion with few taste buds. I have to "over season " my cooking just to taste food....😢 tho, how about a quick class on tasting ? Your content is ALWAYS exciting & your food forays, air flight critiques, business adventures, personal life, home buying & being so accessible is why YOUR FANS love you & have followed you since your content included your forays into science !

[@Atemojoy]

Nice to see you in ph again

[@DonicaPalazzo]

Vikings gateway 2 ang panalo now

[@telearaujo379]

When he ate the stew lamb and looked around as if someone was watching😂😂😂 Priceless ❤😅

[@michicruz6907]

We had our wedding reception at this Vikings 😊

[@Arcixus]

do you mind mentioning which branch this was? didn't recognize where this is 😊 edit: all good, opened the description and found where iti s

[@chichiboypumpi]

Glad you had a good dining experience here.

[@mariatheresadeleon6317]

I love bbq pig ears and the salmon too.... im jealous😍

[@robbieushijima2355]

Mr Chen has best job in world eats for living

[@timothydagsa]

I'm salivating 😂😂😂

[@DS-ns1sn]

LOL… If you have a problem with someone chewing or slurping loudly, don’t watch this channel!😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Indiscreetmess]

Surprised you liked dinuguan. Even a lot of Filipinos like that. As for me I love it when cooked right. Same with many Filipino dishes. They can be good or bad, depends on how they're cooked lol.

[@saleevelasquez7511]

Ni hao! I love Taiwan food especially the street food oh I really miss it in night market, the stinky tofu, chipay and Tan pin so yum

[@美貴によろしく0104]

There's also Tong Yang and Sambokojin buffet restaurants if you wanna try other locations.

[@ChinaDollTravels]

That buffet looks amazing 😻

[@kropek2008]

Mabuhay!

[@sheenavalencia0708]

i wonder which branch of vikings this is... this seems better than their branch in SM North EDSA... you should try THE ALLEY by Vikings... it's like a sister company

[@Rickettsia505]

I like the light fixture. Looks like Chihuly glass.

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

It really does.

[@jerry501md2]

Here's a good one: All Day 21 @ Royce Hotel and Casino, Clark, Pampanga

[@theunsolicited2cents893]

FOOD NEVER TASTED 8 AND ABOVE AT VIKINGS. BUT IF YOU WANT A HUGE SELECTION, AMAZING AMBIENCE, GREAT INTERIORS. FOOD ALWAYS FULL GO THERE.

[@danielburgess7785]

Pasta at an AYCE? Has Mike's runles changed?

[@sonnymylovesosweat]

Buffet in the Philippines must try that

[@cellphonesagas1442]

Wow the food caught up to you. Good for you man. Eat to your heart's content

[@putnamsolomon2154]

Proud Pinoy here 😊

[@VforVengeance159]

😂😂😂

[@michaelolsen3474]

Yoooooo! ❤🎉

[@winb8434]

Buffet in Phil will always be the best and cheapest

[@chescakes14]

I wish I would know when you would visit the Philippines! I really wanted to meet and have a pic with you 😭😭

[@ButeraGrande]

crazy that this buffet do not have a time limit!

[@27carloyu]

No time limit, but the buffet closes down to prepare for dinner time

[@TheLifeOfJoyVee]

I want to see you review the unlimited Lobster at Solaire.

[@jdtoledo]

Now is the best time to go to the Philippines 58pesos for a dollar, crazy high!

[@kipcianmelgar1622]

indeed you are a Filipino at heart Mike.. more power.!

[@Eded-x2t]

Don't assume

[@reginafromrio]

The meat looks sooo good

[@romusamonte5639]

Good price unlimited!

[@Reason4Termination]

People starving in the U.S. with preposterous food price should see how cheap and good we have it here in the Philippines :D

[@avariceseven9443]

I got incredibly full just by watching you eat. Im so jealous.

[@trendrider8081]

Try to eat on Manam next time, make sure to try their watermelon pork sinigang

[@Raiya_ru17]

He already ate there on his first visit to PH

[@ScaredHamshee]

Spiral buffet will be missed.

[@oxoelfoxo]

i heard the Vikings at SM Jazz is the best branch

[@Mayunnaize]

You should try Medley Buffet in okada. It also has a cheese room XD

[@catoftruth1044]

megamall viking is the best for me when it comes to desser but its always jampacked

[@Mickeyyy0909]

Hi mike check out Medley Buffet in Okada Manila and other Big hotels in the Metro like Solaire Resorts Manila, City of Dreams Manila, Newport World Resorts Manila and also check out The Singing Cooks & Waiters. 😍

[@angerlovebot]

Vikings Jazz Mall!! We frequent there for special occasions and the food quality there is really so much better than the other branches we've tried so far. Glad you had an amazing time! 🤍

[@ruelgrubio]

Welcome back Mike! enjoy your food all the time back home 🙂

[@VforVengeance159]

If I'm gonna go there right now, I'm heading straight to the meat section! Lechon, roast beef, etc., and also the sashimis! Fvck carbs! Those carbs will fill you up quick!

[@cabuboyvisitacion1298]

Bang for your buck buffet. I wonder though the quality of all the foods they make..

[@KatrinaCassandraEchonP.]

That dessert is puto bumbong... Every christmas it is available outside the churches. ❤

[@Geegeebaba]

To sum up, almost everything was phenomenal, uhhhhmazing, and hsuper!

[@anditona8123]

I was a Vikings fan and present in all of their branches even NIU. But after pandemic, I noticed it became mediocre. From the service, to product availability. It's hard to love them again.

[@ricecakejohnson]

They F'ed up by telling Mike there isnt a time limit! They just dont know Mike and his humongous tummy!! 😁😁

[@rickyrazal4327]

My idol

[@kalebgriffin1993]

That’s $250/person and 20 minute time limit in America.

[@CrisfelAlonde-n2x]

"Made to fo with rice" - Perfect for our Rice is Life tag line 😅

[@jontewigh2798]

yay, first post =)

[@Indiscreetmess]

I wish you showed the drinking station. No way they only got two drinks available. With the exemption of the sodas, nestle, chocolate and Milo. Usually they have 7-10 different drinks/juice or coolers.

[@Changelingheart]

I can't believe all the complaints - $17, no time limit, all you can eat - you have to be able to find something good to eat. Meats looked juicy, and many other items look good too. For the price? Decent.

[@just_sammy231]

You have to understand that Philippines is a 3rd world country and not everyone here can afford a “$17” buffet…for some this is pretty expensive already and they expect something “good” not just decent. Some may look decent or good but a lot of the time the quality and flavors is either a hit or miss here.

[@micronotsoft6891]

​@@just_sammy231 a lot of Filipinos can afford a $17 buffet. You'll be surprise to see the area full pack almost everyday

[@hyacinth1883]

​@@just_sammy231A lot of the time the food is hit or miss but Vikings just keeps opening more and more branches. It's the other way around. Most of the time the food and the selection is great, but some days it isn't because what buffet place is perfect, right?

[@hyacinth1883]

And while true that $17 is not cheap for the average Filipino, no matter who you ask, that is still great value for money considering all that you can get, er, eat.

[@stevem437]

Do you live here in the Philippines?? This is quite expensive compared to most places and the quality should match the price. Have you ever even eaten at Vikings? I thought the Vikings in SM City Cebu was terrible. Not worth the price at all. The variety looks nice, but the quality was very low. Doesn’t matter if you have tons of different items that are all bad… And just for reference, the minimum wage here is around 600 pesos a day. That’s a little over $10 TOTAL for 8-10 hours of work. $17 here is different than $17 in a western country.

[@Kevinsb1981]

But is it umami?

[@chuvarbaby526]

16:10 you got it right! Puto bong-bong is all over the streets during Christmas Season 🤭

[@YouCanCallMeBobot]

Where do you put all the food man! I wish I could eat like you.

[@zillsburyy1]

excellent people there

[@marley9904]

How come mr chen is so fit, considering all the food he eats 😂😂😂😂.

[@antandangelvlogs]

Are you still in Manila?? Would love to meet you!!

[@acethis]

Filipinos start their Xmas mood as early as September. Months that end with "ber" are deemed as Xmas months 😂 am not kidding.. just ask any Filipinos