Circle Events Cafe: Persian Delight at Makati Shangri-La Hotel

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 

The Tabouleh is a more interesting salad with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur.

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)

The Mahlabiya has the ambrosial flavors of a rose extract.  The more you eat, the more delightful it becomes.  The Mix baklawa had cashew fillings.  It was a bit sweet so a bar of it is enough.  The Kunafa also had a nice chewy texture and had a light taste of rose water.  Of course, the Dates are my old time favorites that are always pleasing to eat.

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

Circle Events Cafe at Makati Shangri-La
Business Address	Lobby Lvl. Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave. Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines (02) 840-0884
Business Hours	Sun-Thurs: 6am-12mn Fri-Sat: 6am-2am
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge
Budget/Person
Free WiFi	Yes
Contact	(02) 840-0884
Other	Website | Facebook Fan Page

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