Pleasurable Ziggurat

I have always known that my palate is drawn to full-flavored foods... It is no wonder that when the first morsel of beef curry from this corner restaurant touched my tongue - oohlalaah! I fell in love with it. Some of you might have heard of this place before but others might not. For those of you who are clueless to this pleasurable, well dears, I'm talking about Ziggurat.

Ziggurat is a restaurant in Makati that one hardly notices but once discovered one could never forget. This place serves a delectable selection of indian/mediterranean/african/moroccan cuisine in a backdrop of arabian nights setting. I first heard of this pleasurable from a classmate of mine in my masteral psych class (this was the reason why i still remember her name after 3 years of not having seeing her). She was telling us about a corner eating place that served indian food and the ambiance was something. My boyfriend then (now my husband) was very hesitant to go try the place out since he doesn't like indian food that much. I had to resort to the "but you said whatever I want..." routine which worked of course. That was the beginning of a pleasurable discovery.

In our every visit, I can't seem to get used to it's drugging ambiance. Casual dining arabian style: low tables on a carpetted floor surrounded by plush pillows made more romatic with mellow lighting and ceiling draperies. When the server gives you the menu don't be surprised to see a gazette for it is a Gazette (informational too!) with the menu printed inside. Ziggurat offers a selection of appetizers, curries, kebabs and other more exotic flavors -and of course- beverages and desserts.

Ordering just enough will be hard to do. Most of the time, you're tempted by the various dishes on the menu that your eyes will be bigger that the space in your belly. Their choice of appetizers are varied and friendly to the less adventurous when it comes to trying out food. For the main dishes, I'd suggest if you are not too willing to go beyond your comfort zone then try their curries (I like having the Masood - a selection of beef red curry, chicken yellow curry and vegetable yellow curry - a wise choice for beginners). And don't forget the kebabs! Ordering rice to accompany these delectable treats would be advisable, although rice is a bit pricey compared to other places, you won't regret it. Bread will do nice as well, I like pairing the khobiz with the tasty treats. For the adventurous souls, try ordering from the african selection (though I can't vouch much for them. I haven't ventured in ordering from that section of the menu yet for I am still very much in love with my curries and kebabs!) For your drinks, a nice cool fruit lassi (yogurt drink) will do nicely or a nice cup of harem tea (a warning: their tea is always made with a touch of sweetness so if you don't want itthat way opt for the syrup to be placed on the side). The place also holds a good selection of wine that will pair nicely with the food.

There is a misconception that indian/mediterranean/african/moroccan cuisine is spicy but really it is not. Some of it may be but it is often times tolerable and most of the dishes are full-flavored and well-balanced than it is hot. But for our fiery eaters, don't get disappointed! You can always use a dash of their fiery harissa sauce which is a regular table condiment with the garlic cream sauce.

If after consuming your savory meal, you feel like you still have space in your pit, then order some baklava (a crispy pastry dessert with pistachios and honey) or some kulfi (mildly spiced ice cream) to please that sweet tooth. A nice hookah (flavored tobacco, a.k.a. shisha/bubbly-bubbly) after that heavy meal can be an extra treat for our smoker friends.

Visiting Ziggurat is like stepping in a arabian harem, pampered with those delectable dishes to your heart's content....well, if you don't watch it you might end up looking like one of those harem women after pigging out in this pleasurable place.

For those who want to know:

Ziggurat is located at Tigris corner Euphrates Streets, Makati