ZIGGURAT: MIDDLE EASTERN/AFRICAN
 Guide to Restaurants in Manila

Located on Makati Avenue, this little restaurant has hospitable and intimate surroundings. It literally means "step pyramid"; a Pyramid being a temple and Ziggurat the "enlightened food temple". Seating is on pillows laid out on the floor around the tables, so do wear something comfortable! The menu is well-balanced; serving Middle Eastern, African, Mediterranean and a few Indian dishes designed with experience and skill by Chefs Buck and Jimmy.

For starters, try Hummus (garbanzo puree with tahini), Mutabbal (also known as "Baba Ghanoush", is a puree of grilled eggplant with tahini and garlic) Tzatziki (chilled yoghurt and cucumber with fresh mint) or for the more adventurous, Beyin (Turkish style calf brain sautéed in extra virgin olive oil). These are all served with Khobiz (Arabian pita bread) and quite filling, so have a few bites but leave room for the main
courses. Here you can enjoy specialties like Tuna Kebab (seared and served with Tabouleh) and Afghan Fish Kofta (an elongated patty of grilled ground fish). An assortment of Moroccan Tajines (meat or poultry stew served in the cooking pot the dish is named after) is flavorful, mixed together with all the spices. The Punjabi Watermelon Curry is a favorite among customers; the blending of the fruit and spice in a soup is very special.

For dessert, try the Mahallabiya (Egyptian milk pudding flavored with rose water and topped with mixed nuts) that's light and its rose flavor is delectable. The hookah (or Shisha), a water pipe with sweetened tobacco in an array of flavors and some Turkish coffee, Moroccan Mint Tea or Persian Passion Tea, adds an exotic experience to end

your meal. We recommend you call ahead to reserve or if you have special requests for food as the space is quite small. Welcome Pilgrim!