Persian Dining @ Arya

I was never a fan of Persian cuisine until late. My first ever visit to a Mediterranean restaurant (not just Persian), was about four or five years ago. But since late last year, I think I've already been to five Persian restaurants (not including the one from years back), the fifth being Arya. Arya is a newly opened Persian restaurant located right next to the UCC Cafe at the Podium.

Here is the logo of Arya (this is actually their placemat).

The two photos above make up Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh. (Rice with barberries and chicken)
Php 369 (around $7)

Here's the very popular Kabab Koobideh (Ground Beef Kabab)
Php 369 (around $7)

To be honest, I think Arya's Kabab Koobideh is a (bit) overpriced. I never thought of paying Php 369 for a single order. Granted that it is the best kabab I have ever tried (it really is), Php369 is just too much for me. Perspolis, Behrouz, Persiana and Persian Square do not charge this much for a single order of kabab. Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh on the other hand, is just okay. I've had this a number of times at Persian Square and Arya's version came a little short of what I loved about the dish. It was good, yes; but it wasn't quite like it.

So far, Persian Square tops my list. No, not one of those "Persian fastfood restaurants" (think Mr. Kebab, Ababu, etc) can come close to Persian Square in terms of 1. Food; 2. Customer Service 3. Ambience --- Persian Square is by far the best. Boy, I think I should be writing about Persian Square instead.

The question: Will I come back to Arya? Hmmm... 50/50. Maybe once they've gotten rid of the mosquitoes under their tables on the second floor (yes there are mosquitoes inside an airconditioned restaurant. thanks to them, I have 3bites on each limb. multiply them and you get 12!) and once they've modified their prices (everything seems to be priced at Php369), I might just go back. After all, their ripe mango shake was mouthwatering.