As a huge Game of Thrones fan, I was emotional when I saw the name of the restaurant - Aryaa.
"Valar Morghulis"
I could literally hear the theme of Game of Thrones playing in my head when I walked into the restaurant:
With an interior donned like a set off Game of Thrones, I sauntered to my desk and sat down with great grandeur (all the while still picturing myself on the Iron Throne).
(What I thought I looked like)
(What I actually looked like in the restaurant)
Exuding an ambience of loyalty and nobility of the Bronze Age with copper tones, my mood was instantly lifted as I sat in my Iron Chair, enchanted by the lights and display.
And what is being a King without some wine?
Special Creation Cocktails (from $18++)
What I really loved about their cocktails is that each cocktails are individually customised by the mixologist. Rather than the usual way of presenting you with a drinks menu, the mixologist will ask you what kind of cocktails you feel like having.
As I was feeling a little bit thirsty from the walk, I ordered something refreshing, spicy yet sweet at the same time. And the mixologist delivered, because my tastebuds were satisfied.
You MUST try out their specially created cocktails when you visit, I promise that you would be surprised by the mixologist's creation.
PROMOTION - HAPPY HOUR: 1 on 1 Special Creation Cocktails from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM!
PROMOTION - HAPPY HOUR: 1 on 1 Special Creation Cocktails from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM!
The Aryaa Meze Platter ($18)
If you are a first-timer, try out their Aryaa Meze Platter. The platter consists of a sample of 4 of their most popular Greek dips:
1. Tzatziki: Strained yogurt blended with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill and parsley.
2. Tirokafteri: Spicy cheese made from a blend of feta, cream cheese, yogurt, habanero peppers and fresh oregano. For those familiar, habanero pepper is one of the key ingredient for the World's Spiciest Ramen which I tried a year ago. Click here to see my epic explosion.
3. Fava: A traditional Greek appetiser made with split yellow peas, onions and extra virgin olive oil.
4. Tiropitakia: A blend feta and cream cheese with egg and parsley.
Out of the 4, I personally preferred the Tirokafteri because I LOVEEEED the spicy cheese. It was really appetising and went well with the pita bread. Honestly, the rest of the 3 were also pretty good, just that the Tirokafteri stood out for its strong flavours.
Chicken Souviaki ($21)
Grilled chicken cubes on skewers cooked in an aromatic mix of oregano, basil, garlic and olive oil. The presentation of this is PERFECT in this ambience - very medieval. The texture of the chicken did not disappoint as well, tender and well-marinated, although I wished they added more interesting spices to make the taste unique to Aryaa.
Stifado ($32)
The Stifado is a cut of lamb leg, slowly cooked in its own juice, served in a traditional Tagine (the pot) on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
If winter is coming, this dish is the one that will keep you all warm and fuzzy. The lamb was incredibly tender and the stew had all the right spicy notes. I had instant foodgasm when I paired the tender lamb meat with the creamy mashed potatoes... SO GOOD! This would probably be the expression on Arya if she had this.
Arya's Signature Pistachio Baklava ($18)
Their signature Baklava consists of: chopped pistachio nuts, held together by honey, and served between layers of thin phyllo pastry. We couldn't finish this because it was off-the-charts sweet for us. It was explained to us that this dish follows the traditional Middle-Eastern recipe, and the characteristics of Middle-Eastern pastries are that they are "rich and sweet".
However, since Singaporeans generally do not have such a sweet tooth, perhaps they might want to tweak their recipe to suit our tastebuds.
However, since Singaporeans generally do not have such a sweet tooth, perhaps they might want to tweak their recipe to suit our tastebuds.
Galaktoboureko ($15)
This hard to pronounce dessert is made up of home made creamy custard that is wrapped in golden brown crispy pastry, drizzled with melted butter, scented syrup and cinnamon. This was really good on first bite as it was served warm and the combination of custard, butter and cinnamon were delightful.
However, due to its sweetness, we couldn't take a second bite because it was too "gelat". Just like how the White Walkers couldn't take a second swing at Jon Snow.
Overall, Aryaa is an exceptional place for its ambience, its cocktail and its food. As long as you steer clear from the desserts (until they tweak their recipe), you will enjoy your time here, your grace.
Restaurant Rating (out of 5 Evilbeans):
(4.5)Related Food Review: Dine like a Singaporean - Queuing 2 hours for a Lobster Ramen
Aryaa
7500E Beach Road, #01-201 The Plaza (Diners Building),
Singapore 199595
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Tel: +65 6291 6009
Singapore 199595
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Tel: +65 6291 6009
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Lunch)
Mon - Sat: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Dinner)
*Closed on Sundays*
Mon - Fri: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Lunch)
Mon - Sat: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Dinner)
*Closed on Sundays*
Thank you Anna from Aryaa for hosting us and Vanilla Luxury for the invite!
I have multiple "Evilbean" personalities. Meet EatingEvilbean, Traevilbean, Lifebean and Rantingbean. They are all pleased to meet you.
