I was quite excited to learn that there was a new Greek restaurant in town. I have not eaten Greek food since the first time trying it in England in 2009 and being bored with the usual options around, I wanted to try something unfamiliar.
Aryaa is not serving entirely just Greek cuisine, but cuisines of the path which Alexander the Great covered in his journey, starting from Greece, around the Mediterranean countries and also India. The menu is half Greek (and other European) cuisine and half North Indian cuisine.
The interior looks somewhat exotic, with tiled tables and velvet upholstery. It reminds me of Lebanese restaurants I’ve tried in Singapore.
Yalla Habibi – $22.00++
This was a cocktail with hummus. I’ve never thought that was possible! Both the alcohol and the hummus was strong in this drink. I wouldn’t say it was something I loved though. The taste was quite savoury and that didn’t suit my palate.
I declined to try another drink even though they offered because it wasn’t a good day for cocktails for me anyway.
Cheese Saganaki with Fig Gravy
Pan baked cheese with baby figs in gravy and honey. Prepared in a traditional Saganaki, which is a two handled shallow frying pan. Served with herb laminated bread.
This was my favourite dish tonight so I had to post 2 photos of it. I wasn’t sure what this cheese was because the name was too complicated, but I was told it’s sheep cheese. This is a Greek dish and the cheese used in cheese saganaki is usually graviera, kefalograviera, halloumi, kasseri, kefalotyri, or sheep’s milk feta cheese. It was so delicious! This is an appetiser but please try to share it among 2 or more people. It’ll be quite filling otherwise.
Chicken Tikka
Tender boneless chicken marinated in spices and yogurt and baked to the perfection in Tandoor
I don’t know since when, but Indian food is now one of my favourites. Chicken Tikka is always no fail and this one was above average, really tender and flavourful. This is offered as a starter but the portion seems big enough to be a main!
Moussaka (Lamb)
Aubergines, capsicum, potatoes, zucchini topped with a layer of creamy Béchamel sauce then baked to perfection. A Greek speciality.
I wanted to try something typical of Green food so Moussaka it is. For a main course this was very rich and filling to be for one person. I would again, recommend sharing.
Plated Chicken Gyro
Marinated chicken slow roasted and served with tzatziki dip
This dish is a typical Greek street food, but here it’s nicely plated. You basically stuff the pita bread with the fillings, even with fries and it’s eaten like that. This wasn’t my favourite though.
Galaktoboureko
Home made creamy custard wrapped in golden brown crispy phyllo pastry, drizzled with melted butter, bathed in scented syrup with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Time for dessert! This one looks very ordinary and does not sound very promising but I was too quick to judge.
The pastry was very thin and flaky and the filling was sinfully delicious.
The standard of food here did not disappoint and I did enjoy seeing something unusual like Greek food in Singapore (though some items in the menu looked similar to Lebanese food). Hope to see more of such uncommon foreign cuisines appearing in Singapore soon! Also, come in bigger groups to try more dishes. The portions I realized, are better for sharing.
Ambiance: 7.5/10
Food: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: The cheese Saganaki is a must try!
Aryaa
7500E Beach Road
#01-201, Diners Building
Singapore 199595
Tel: 62916009
Lunch
Mon – Fri: 12pm to 3pm
Dinner
Mon – Sat: 6pm to 11pm
Hungry Bird 