Basmati Rice, Beef Biryani, and Zaban
The recently opened East and North Wings of Edsa Shangri-La Plaza Mall provided new dining options that boasted international flavors and cuisines! And Arya Persian Restaurant has been strikingly calling us to try her out. And we did try. Here’s Club 3510 review!
Introduction
Needless to say, Arya Persian Restaurant has this interesting look that caught us to their tables. You cannot miss this Middle Eastern delight when passing through Edsa Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s 6th Level East Wing, the floor of cinemas. And this Persian haven is an easy option for those who are hungry, especially, when you are into experiencing and discovering cultures.
Zaban: Ox tongue in spicy tomato sauce.
Faithful to its cultural roots, this restaurant hits the spot of Middle Eastern experience. Even its name Arya, which most likely came from the word Aryan, and Aryan, being a Sanskrit word that means noble, became the modern day Iran — the country we all know and dreamed of visiting one day, well to some.
Where you come as a stranger and leave as a friend.
– Arya Persian Restaurant
Arya’s sense of Iranian nobility is apparent. Thanks to their well-executed Persian designs of reliefs, lamps, wallpapers, cubicled dining seats, and other curious iconologies — as if you were transported in Iran, dining with belly dancers and the likes of Alexander the Great or Xerxes. Plus, knowing that their executive chef is an Iranian-Filipino (educated in Iran) gives you some kind of pride.
Figure reliefs decorating the outside wall of Arya Persian Restaurant
Club 3510 Review
Flavor
| Rate: 3.5 out of 5 stars | Description: We agreed that we will not order the usual Middle Eastern menu items, such as Kababs, Shawarmas, and Keemas. We wanted to try a meal that we can compare to our own but still true to their country of origin, so we ordered Beef Biryani, Zaban, Biryani Rice, Arya Yogurt Smoothie, and Turkish Coffee.
Beef Biryani: The Beef Biryani is beef stewed in biryani sauce, thus the origin of the name. Similar with our Beef Caldereta — but — it has this Middle Eastern charm of spices that made the difference. The beef is so tender while the Biryani sauce is succulent, and this comes with Basmati rice. However, its portioning is not enough for its accompanying main course — you will be ordering an extra rice serving (and this will break your budget). Arya’s Beef Biryani is highly recommended!
Zaban: The Zaban is ox tongue in spicy tomato sauce. Yes, I know, we ordered two tomato-based dishes, but they are totally different. The ox tongue is so. Plus, its sauce is on the tangy side than the Beef Biryani. Two thumbs up for Zaban!
Biryani Rice: Perhaps this is the best Biryani rice in the Philippines. I’ve tried other Biryani Rice from other Middle Eastern restaurants, and nothing comes close to Arya. Very good!
Arya Yogurt Smoothie: Comparing with the other yogurt shakes that I’ve tasted, the Arya Yogurt Smoothie is just okay. I expected it to be creamier and to stand out from their rivals but it did not. You can pass this or not. Just A-ok for this!
Turkish Coffee: Now, this is a letdown. Considering the price of Php 147.00, I expected the Turkish Coffee to be strong, flavorful, and the best; no excuses! This restaurant prides itself to serve Middle Eastern cuisine in where coffee was discovered. I used to brew Turkish coffee in an Ibrik, and I get far better results than Arya’s Turkish Coffee. Their coffee is comparable to the strength of tea: diluted, watery, and weak. You can pass this one out unless they improve it. This is a letdown!
Turkish Coffee served in an Ibrik
Portions
| Rate: 2.5 out of 5 stars | Description: All menu items we ordered can be shared by two people. I would suggest increasing the portioning of Basmati rice that comes with the Beef Biryani. This is to add value and will surely make the diners happy.
Value
| Rate: 2 out of 5 stars | Description: A total of Php 1,445.40 for two people is a hefty price for an afternoon meal. For a typical employee, you just can’t do this every day. And what more if you are planning to have a Middle Eastern-themed birthday party? Price adjustment would be nice unless their niche is the folks who are willing to spend Php 600.00 a meal. Here is the total breakdown of our bill:
- Beef Biryani – Php 429.00
- Basmati Rice Adjustment – Php 60.00
- Zaban – Php 392.00
- Biryani Rice – Php 157.00
- Arya Yogurt Smoothie – Php 129.00
- Turkish Coffee – Php 147.00
- Service Charge – Php 131.40
Total: Php 1,445.40
Conversion Rate: 1 US Dollar = 48.50 Php
Arya Yogurt Smoothie
Ambiance
| Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Description: Ambiance is Arya’s greatest strength. Although their location in Edsa Shangri-La Mall does not give justice to this restaurant’s well-thought Persian design execution, since their placement was more of a walkway, and there’s a little crampy feeling about it. In my mind, Arya Persian Restaurant should have a commanding location that is worthy of its noble cultural heritage that they truly represent.
Service
| Rate: 2 out of 5 stars | Description: It was a Saturday afternoon, and we were the only folks dining. The food attendant was always away and the extras were hard to get by. Although they are friendly, but still, it’s better to be attentive to your guests especially when they are your only guest. As for their tag: Where you come as a stranger and leave as a friend. We really have not felt this in Arya’s Edsa Shangri-La Mall, perhaps in their other branches, this will be true.
Overall Rate
| Rate: 3 out of 5 stars | Description: Having a daily meal of Php 600.00 at Arya Persian Restaurant is simply an excess, although, it is a good restaurant if you are willing to try its authentic taste and cultural ambiance. Minus their Turkish Coffee and improved customer service, my ratings would be 3.5 to 4 stars. And if they adjusted the price that suits a typical Filipino wage earner, then I would give them 4.5 to 5 stars rating. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to dining here again and try their lamb selections, but this will be in a distant future; need to save some money for it.
Arya’s lighting and detailed ceiling art
Contact Details
Shangri-La Plaza Mall
6th Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Shaw Boulevard corner EDSA
Mandaluyong City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (+63 2) 631-7189
Website: http://www.aryapersianrestaurant.com
Club 3510 