Ziggurat Cuisine: Mother's Day with Exotic Culinary Wonders From Around the World

Last Mother's Day, my siblings and I decided to treat our mom to a dinner Ziggurat Cuisine.  


It's really difficult to decide what to give to a woman who has given you her life and asking nothing in return.  She is always saying that she's already happy as things are.  Yet, we love her so much so we want to give her the world.  But, right now, we couldn't afford to treat her to a trip around the world so we the next best thing is to bring her to Ziggurat Cuisine that offers over 200 dishes from India, the Mediterranean, Africa and Middle East. 


Ziggurat Cuisineis located at Tigris Street and Durban Street near Makati Avenue.  It's unique facade really stands out.
The dining area is quite limited so aside from the long table on the side, small tables are set up with pillow seats.

Utensils are set up as soon as our orders are taken.

In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to dedicate this post to my mom.  I know everyone claim's that their mom is the best.  Well, my mom really is the best person I've ever encountered.
Most people are driven by pride, self-achievement, materialism and survival instincts - all reared towards ourselves.  But, my mom is different.  She's a giver.  She does everything for others and never (not exaggerating here!) thinks of herself.   I know I will never be as great as my mom.  (although I always strive to be).   But, I know that where I am and where I will be is because of my mom.   Because of my mom, I can positively view life with all its beauty and colors.  I've seen my mom's heart radiate through all kind of obstacles and hardships.  Her non-stop laughter, happiness and feeling of gratitude towards God and the world is unwavered by losses and gains.  And, every moment is so wonderfully bright as we enjoy working diligently, eating out, dancing, singing, watching movies, trying  new things and exploring the world.  

Food

Shurabat/Soupes/Sopas/Zuppas/Soups

♥ Canja (75 php)

The Canja is a Moroccan chicken soup with lemon and mint.  This is one of the most refreshing soups I've ever encountered.

♥ Indian Khumbi Yogurt (90 php)

The Indian Khumbi Yogurt is a creamy mushroom soup with a interesting spices: cumin, pepper, lemon and garlic.

Middle Eastern Kebabs

♥ Scallop Kebab (300 php)

The Scallop Kebab is one of the best kebabsI've ever tried.  I didn't even know you could make a kebab out of scallops.   The light butter, lemon, paprika and garlic worked wonderfully.

Rabbit Kebab (300 php)

We were all determined to try something exotic so we chose the Rabbit Kebab.  It was prepared using an early Arabian recipe.  It was heavily seasoned with paprika (something we failed to appreciate) with a hint of lemon, parsley, salt, mustard and olive oil.  It was so rubbery and difficult to chew. 

Rice and Grain

Turkish Eggplant Pilavi (100 php)

The Turkish Eggplant Pilavi  is a bowlful of long grain rice with small slices of eggplant, tomatoes and garlic.  We all loved this!

Persian Tadiq (120 php)

The Persian Tadiq is an Iranian rice with egg and crispy socarat (slightly burnt parts).  It is said to be enjoyed by Persian nobilities but I found it too plain and boring.

♥ Himalayan Mushroom Rice (100 php)

The Himalayan Mushroom Rice is a cup of premium Basmati rice with mushroom, cummin, fennel and anise.  I highly recommend this! 

Bread

Ethiopian Injera (35 php)

The Ethiopian Injera are cooked like moist pancakes and taste like sour dough. 

Speecialties from Around the Mediterranean

♥ Moussaka (150 php)

I've long been searching for the best moussaka.  I think their Moussaka is what I'm searching for!  

The Great Curries of India and Pakistan

♥ Bombay Yellow Curry Chicken (250 php)

The Bombay Yellow Curry Chicken is a spicy coconut milk and yellow curry based chicken dish spiced with tumeric, garam masala, chilies and ginger.  I loved this!  I'm going to try more indian curry from now on. 

Exotic African Delights: Northern Africa

♥ Duck Tagine M'ghdour (375 php)

The Duck Tagine M'ghdour is duck stew which has a very rich and bold flavor from the duck meat being lengthily simmered and recooked in the zesty tomato sauce.  It is also topped with egg.

Sweet Temptations

♥ Baklava (90 php)

Most baklavas I've encountered are expensive and tiny.  Their Baklavawas not only generous in portion but its the best phylo pastry with honey, almonds and walnuts I have ever had!   I noticed that they don't use pistachio like the others but I loved it!

Drinks

Cold

Cameroonian Guava Shandy

The Cameroonian Guava Shandy is very smooth, bubbly and fruity.

♥ Einab Cold Arabian Flower Tea

Ladies will surely enjoy the sweet and fragrant Einab Cold Arabian Flower Tea.

Hot

♥ Indian Chai Tea

The Indian Chai Tea is a nice and soothing spiced and slightly sweet taste after-meal hot drink.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I've never encountered such a small place with a huge variety of worldly cuisines like Ziggurat Cuisine.  I highly recommend this!  I hope to be back to try more of their exotic culinary wonders from around the world.