Cyma Greek Taverna
You would be surprised to know that although I love to eat and I mostly eat anything or at least try anything, I am extremely hesitant about anything that appears to contain a variety of spices I am not familiar with. Take Indian food. It would probably be the last food I will try, personally. Not that I have had the opportunity to try it but I have seen and smelled the spices that they use in their dishes that I have learned to stay away from it (my loss truly).
So when I was invited to eat at a Greek restaurant, I took a deep breathe before saying yes. I was promised a different and delicious dining experience that it was not long before I became convinced.
We went to Cyma at Greenbelt 2. The place was filled with lunch diners and the atmosphere was bustling with chatter. We had to squeeze between two groups of people – an all male CEO-type businessmen, and a family of sorts. The air was contagious and soon my spirits lifted with the excitement akin to festival fever.
I let them order as I was not about to pretend to be an expert on Greek cuisine. I just read the description of the items they were ordering just to make sure that there wasn’t something there that I did not like.
Saganaki – Is a Greek cheese-based dish that is either fried or grilled. At Cyma it is served at your table with great grandeur by igniting it as all the servers shout "Opa!". I was literally amazed. It was my first time there and it surely beats the usual "Happy Birthday" that is usually done in other places. The Saganaki was served with grilled bread that was a perfect partner with the fried greasy cheese appetizer. Php 180.00.
Spinach and Artichoke Fondue – After my spinach experience at Cibo, I openly welcome the opportunity to try the different ways that spinach is used in dishes. Again, this dish is smothered in cheese that gives it the tangy and intense flavor that you mellow with the garlic bread or pita. Another winner for me. Php 280.
Souvlakia – this is the Greek version of grilled meat that Cyma served on a stick (like a kebab). It came with the grilled vegetables and a sauce made with garlic and yoghurt. The chicken was so tender and tasty absorbing all the flavor that the roasting brought out. The sauce reminded me of a ranch dressing that lacked the bite. Php 240.
All in all, it was an exhilirating and intensely flavorful lunch. Although the place could do with improved airconditioning, and we went out smelling like gyros (pronounced "year-ohs") ourselves, I would definitely go back and eat there.
Cyma
Website: http://www.cymarestaurants.com/
G/F Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel. No: 729-4837
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gotta love their ROKA SALATA!
my wife and i am a convert for Cyma. we have eaten at the trinoma branch at least 3x since it is more accessible to us. she has also eaten at the one in the Fort. we are hoping to eat in the branch in Shangri-la Edsa but its too inconvenient to go there just to eat.
greek food is supposed to be not spiced too much which is pretty safe. i love the ribs in cyma and can finish a half-slab easily. our first visit to Cyma was a typical one, we didnt know how much to order and ended up bringing home half of what was served in a doggy bag. the seafood soup was also “interesting” but tastes great even after being reheated at home.
overall. cyma is a great family place to eat.
ciao!
u8mypinkcookies – Maybe I’ll try that next time I’m there.
Erin – I think I liked it as the dishes are really cheese-based and I really like the taste of cheese in cooked (and sometimes uncooked) dishes. The bad side to the place in Greenbelt is probably the ventilation (or lack of).
i love greek food
mike – Me, I am a new fan.
[...] since I first ate at Cyma, I have been wanting to go back. I had tons of opportunities to go back because as it turns out, my [...]
[...] I never attempted to put it in my cakes and I have never had the courage to make my favorite Greek sauces out of [...]
i think it’s a bit over-rated for me, probably because it’s the only Greek restaurant around. I wish we had more choices.
See my personal review: cyma at eastwood city
Dateguru – I would never profess to be an expert on Greek food but you have a point about so little Greek places around the metro. I think there are a lot of Mediterranean restos which offer Greek food but a few that are similar to Cyma. Over-rated or not, I still love it.