My friends and I have been waiting for the opening of Arya, not because we've tried it out at its flagship branch in Greenhills, but because one of my friends is half-Iranian. :p
One time, she brought homemade kebabs with grilled tomatoes and special rice to work. Twas gone in 60 seconds.
That was the time when i realized that i looooove Persian food.
Arya is a small joint at the 2nd floor of the new Midtown wing at Robinsons Place Manila. Its sunny yellow walls are a contrast to the three small booths on its right side (purple, with lots of texture). Maico, Malen and I (i.e. the current Neurology rotators) sat in one of said booths to curb our hunger.
Everything we got gave us a Ratatouille moment, i.e. fireworks in the background after one bite.
Pumpkin soup (no picture)
It's not a creamy version, but VERY SPICY (as in full of pepper-y flavor). I like, I like. Since it's flavorful, one serving can be split into three. No kidding.
It's not a creamy version, but VERY SPICY (as in full of pepper-y flavor). I like, I like. Since it's flavorful, one serving can be split into three. No kidding.
Beef koobideh with basmati rice (Php 330)
Ground beef packed with pungent onions and pepper, plus buttered long-grain rice.
Bareh koobideh with basmati rice (Php 345)
Ground lamb cooked the same way as beef koobideh, only with the distinctive taste of lamb.
Chicken biryani with biryani rice (Php 365)
Quarter chicken with a rich brown sauce (i can't tell which spices are in it!), with long-grain rice with raisins.
Slightly patibong (but only because it's a chicken dish). I bet the lamb would taste better.
Ground beef packed with pungent onions and pepper, plus buttered long-grain rice.
Bareh koobideh with basmati rice (Php 345)
Ground lamb cooked the same way as beef koobideh, only with the distinctive taste of lamb.
Chicken biryani with biryani rice (Php 365)
Quarter chicken with a rich brown sauce (i can't tell which spices are in it!), with long-grain rice with raisins.
Slightly patibong (but only because it's a chicken dish). I bet the lamb would taste better.
Kudos to the staff for volunteering to mash the grilled potatoes and mix them with salt, pepper, and chilli and garlic sauces, for you guys to put it on top of the kebab. Yuuuuuuum.
Five stars!!!!!
Bottom line: I hope they do deliveries.
Arya Persian Restaurant
2nd Floor, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila
