Although its been a very long time since I last dined at Arya, I felt a nostalgic feeling.

Food
When I opened the menu, indeed it is similar.  The selections and the price looked pretty much how I remembered it especially being expensive.  Yes, it used to be one of the most expensive options in Robinson's Place.  Yet, somehow I found that quite surprising since after all these years, the price seemed relatively the same.  So given the rate of inflation and my financial capacity, I thought it was reasonably priced now.

♥ Arya Dip Platter (342 php)

For starters, the Arya Dip Platter with Hummus (chick peas), Motabal (smoked eggplant) and Tziziki (cucumber) is a great option.

Lamb (with pita bread)

♥ Gourmeh Sabzi (497 php)

The person who treated me this Gourmeh Sabzi for my birthday once taught me a very valuable lesson I will never forget in my entire life when he told me, "Why do you value things based on how much they are priced?  Not all things that are expensive are special and vice versa."  Since then, the way I value things changed.  But, this Gourmeh Sabzi, stew of lamb sauteed in minced coriander leaves, parsley, cilantro and red beans is really good!  I'd order it regardless of the price. =p
 

♥ Arya Sini (698 php)

The Arya Sini is a mixed of their specialty grills: Mahi (tanigue), Royal Joojeh (chicken breast) , Beef Koobideh (ground beef seasoned with spices) and Beef Shish (tenderloin marinated in yogurt and saffron).  While this looks expensive, you can share it for two.  But, I wouldn't because I love it.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
One of my favorite cuisine is Persian.  And, I can't think of another restaurant specialising in Persian that can beat Arya.  I will surely come back for more.

I've long been seeing Kebabers so when my friends and I were looking for a budget-friendly place in SM Manila, I suggested this.

It has a very bright counter compared to the usual fast food places.  The signage and menu is well-lighted, big and really attention-catching.

It has limited selections but since it Persian Cuisine, they have something different to offer.


Upon paying for your order, they will give you a buzzer.  Once it buzzer, you have to get your order at the kitchen window on the left end of the place.  You will also have the option to choice between their two dips: Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce.

Cheese Kebab Meal

2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal (99 php)

The 2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal has two small kebab nuggets filled with gooey melted cheddar cheese.  

The Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce is diluted but its refillable so I dare not complain.

Shawarma Rice Bowl

Monster Beef Bowl Regular (109 php)

The Monster Beef Bowl is a bowlful of ground kebab meat with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.  It also comes with free iced tea.  I think this is the most bang for the buck among all we ordered.

Shawarma

Fish Shawarma (99 php)

I wouldn't suggest the Fish Shawarma.  See how sad it looks?

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

 Good thing we all had room for dessert.  We all loved the Choco Fudge.

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

It is nicely chilled, rich and fudgy. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I don't know where else you can get Persian Cuisine for Less Than 100 Pesos so that makes Kebabers a major consideration in that alley.  However, if you wouldn't mind stretching your budget, I don't think this is for you.  The serving size is not for hefty eaters like me. 

I'm sure the you are all familiar with the great reputation of Circle Events Cafe at Makati Shangri-La when it comes to their buffet.  Well, their dinner buffet just got even better with Persian Delights available every Mondays. (I think this used to be Flavors of Asia)




Circles has a long buffet divided into stations.  They offer a interactive theatre kitchen where chefs are there to enhance your dining experience.


Circles offers an elegant ambiance with its round tables and unique table set up.
We were welcomed by an alluring performance by the Goddesses of Belly Dance which we enjoyed watching as we dined.

Food

Cold Mezzah: Babaghanouj, Hammous, Moutable & Arabic Pita Bread (clockwise from top left)

I'm a fan of the Cold Mezzah.  They have a lot of selections such as the Babaghanouj, Hammous or chickpea puree with tahine and Moutabale or smoked eggplant with lemon juice, tahine and garlic.  I like to eat these with Arabic Pita Bread.

Fattoush

It's my first time to try the Fattoush.  It's a levantine bread salad made with toasted pita and mixed with vegetables.  It is seasoned with salt, lemon juice and olive oil.   

Tabouleh

Hot Mezzah: Cheese Rakkak, Meat Sambousik, Spinach Fattayer (clockwise from left)

The Cheese Rakkak is the Persian version of cheese sticks with feta cheese and herbs.  The Meat Sambousik and Spinach Fattayer were very flavorful.  I loved the  Spinach Fattayer the most.  However, the side part of the pastry was a bit challenging to chew.

Barley Soup

The Barley Soup or sometimes called Aash reminded me of goulash.  It was a thick lamb and beef flavored stock soup topped with barley, lentils parsley, green onions, coriander, tomatoes and other spices.  Although I'm not fond of barley, I can't help but surrender to its delicious rich taste. 

Iranian Mix Grill: Lamb Kudibeh, Lamb Chops, Chicken Larri, Prawns and Fish

The Lamb Kudibeh is one of the best lamb kebabs that I have ever tried!  It was soft and flavorful.  The others are also worth the try e.

Fesenjan

The Fesenjan is a duck stew with an overwhelming sour and fragrant taste.  It's best to eat this with rice.

Zreshk Polow with Chicken

I loved the Zreshk Polow with Chicken.  It is a rice pilaf of saffron rice topped with zhreshk or barberries and pistachios.  The chicken within is so moist and tender that each bite was a delight.

Desserts: Mahlabiya, Mix baklawa, Kunafa, Dates (clockwise from left)

Drinks: Strawberry Shake, Doogh and Lemon Juice

The drinks are not part of the buffet.  But, I'll share them with you anyway. =D

Check out more of these every Mondays on Circles Events Cafe.  The Persian dishes are prepared by  Executive Sous Chef Hamed Ghayedi, a native of Iran with over ten years of extensive culinary experience working for luxury hotels and resorts in the Middle East, including Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.

Apart from the Persian Delight on Mondays, you can also enjoy the rest of the week with this full circle schedule:

• Notte Italiana on Tuesdays
• Filipino Fiesta on Wednesdays
• Spice Up, India! on Thursdays
• Seafood Market on Fridays
• Off the Grill on Saturdays
• Sunday Brunch on Sundays