Cyma: My First Greek Encounter

Friday, January 06, 2012
Although I am a slave for food, I have not yet tried a lot of other cuisines apart from the usual Asian favorites and some Western food fare. However after months of convincing my date to go Mediterranean, he finally agreed to accompany me in my first Greek food encounter at Cyma.

Cyma which means "to flourish" is already a famous Greek restaurant in the country, having been established in the Philippines back in 2005. For years now, it has been staying true to it's name and remained flourishing in market, continuously satisfying the senses of Greek food-loving diners.


My date and I visited the flourishing Greek taverna's Trinoma branch one weekday afternoon for a late lunch. With its simple yet inviting blue and white interiors, entering Cyma had reminded me of the clear blue ocean. However, our entrance was not as graceful as we would've wanted. It was actually very awkward as Cyma's crew were having an intimate meeting when we walked in. It took almost a minute before one very friendly crew accommodated us. I guess they have forgotten to put a "closed" sign on their door?

Cyma had regained itself though when the staff cheerfully led us to our table and gave us the menu. And like any other curious soul, I have already done my homework and know what I want to order.


Since I wanted to see a flaming dish, we first had an oretika (appetizer) -- Saganaki Cyma Original (P200) which is a combination of mozzarella, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil.




Honestly, this is only a simple flaming cheese starter with nicely grilled garlic bread slices on the side. What makes it special though is the short but interesting flaming presentation and how all the crew shout "Opa!" in unison.

We also got a solo serving of Cyma's Horiatiki Salata (P250) or Greek Village Summer Salad which has a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green bell peppers, olives, capers, extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinaigrette, topped with garlic bread and feta cheese.


Although there is really nothing special with this salad, I liked it for what it is. Everything from the tomatoes to the bell peppers were served fresh. The vinaigrette also tied the different flavors together. However, my date was not too happy as he is not really fond of vegetables.

To make up for my date's disappointment over a bowl of his most-hated veggies, I got us a Pork Tenderloin Souvlakia Souvlaki (P345) to share.

Souvlaki is Greek Shish-Kabobs, and Cyma's version does not only include skewered meat with vegetables, but also servings of grilled warm pita bread, parsley salad and yogurt garlic sauce.


I like how the pork tenderloin was grilled. The meat was flavorful and has a nice charring. The grilled veggies in between the meat pieces were also rich in flavor. The pita bread was very filling too that after we have finished a stick each of the skewer, I understood why bloggers always claim that a Souvlaki from Cyma can be good for two. No, it's not that a single skewer is filling. It's the pita bread which will leave you feeling very full.

The parsley salad was also a nice dish to add a zesty and herby balance to the smoked meat and veggies. The yogurt garlic sauce on the other hand, was not only good with the meat but also with the pita bread.

THE VERDICT

Although I pretty much liked everything we have ordered, I don't think we'll be coming back soon since my carnivorous date was not impressed. However, I commend Cyma for serving simple but good food. The ambiance was also quite relaxing and fitting for a casual meal over a good conversation. In addition, the server who attended us was very nice, friendly and alert. We didn't have to ask for water refills since she already initiates.

Overall, I like my first Mediterranean encounter despite the disappointment of my date. I'll have to look for food buddies though who would accompany me to another Mediterranean gastronomical adventure.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 3/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Cyma, Trinoma
Level 4 Trinoma Garden,
EDSA cor. North Ave.
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 915-2859
Official Website
Facebook Page

42 comments:

  1. i love cyma! i actually just blogged about my food encounter there haha :D

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  2. @Hazel: Wow! It's such a nice coincidence that we blogged about Cyma on the same day.. haha.. Checked and commented on your post btw. ;)

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  3. i got to try eating here.. never been to be in a Greek resto..

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  4. i think i saw this restaurant in boracay, (not sure/memory gap) hehe! the only greek restaurant i've tried is mano's greek taverna in tagaytay.

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  5. Oh, so there is Cyma in Trinoma too? I didn't know that cos I've been to their EDSA Shangrila branch only. Anyway, like your date, I don't like Cyma that much cos I know other restaurants that are cheaper and better.

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  6. The price is a bit stiff, but then again I've never had Greek food before and don't know if it's worth it. Looking forward to eat Greek cuisine soon!

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  7. I haven't tried Greek foods yet. The foods you ordered look delicious! I'm not sure if my carnivorous dad would love it though. Their servings look too small for such a huge price. Having said that, I'll still take a mental note of this resto.:)

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  8. my bf don't like 'healthy' food before XD But since I forced him he gets used to it ;p

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  9. Your pictures are so inviting! I've got to try Cyma, I haven't tried Greek food yet.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  10. i want to try cyma too but like your date, im a meat peron. i might not llike it though.. i like the food you ordered though, based on your pics =)

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  11. Finally! You've tried it! :D

    Here's my Cyma blogpost:
    http://dekaphobe.blogspot.com/2011/11/cyma-greek-taverna.html

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  12. Not much of a fan of Greek food. A little bland for my taste. Maybe it's because we're so much used to a lot of spices on our end of the world? =)

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  13. not bad... at least there's a pork to entice the date. :-)

    I'm not a veggie person too and i've been warned ;-) lol

    great shots!

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  14. it seems that you can eat a lot in one visit :-)

    my friends are always complaining of my left overs...

    great review and photos as usual

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  15. omg that oretika looks DELICIOUS. I must find a recipe!! haha. great photos! makes me hungry hehe

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  16. I love Cyma! I remember celebrating my birthday there last January, hehe! Great food!! :) happy new year to you!

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  17. The photos made me crave for Greek food! Thanks for the review.

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  18. I've never experienced any of their flaming dishes. Kudos on the great pic -- you really captured it in perfection. :)

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  19. WIth my dining experience at Cyma in Shang, I liked all everything we ordered there :)
    Oretika is one, and another salad that I can't recall the name... and of course, their Vongole Pasta, one of the best I've tried. Maybe you and your date can try other bestsellers next time :)

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  20. Haven't tried it and I'm interested to try it out and hopefully, soon! :D

    The crew shouting "opa" reminded me of Gumbo when they shout something (forgot what it is) once they've finished cooking their jambalaya :)

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  21. i wanna try the souvlaki!! i love cyma's roka salata... <33

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  22. Oohh that slab of feta cheese made my cheese-lover mouth water.

    I understand why you don't think you'd come back here. We might just try it for the sake of trying something new, but we love our meats. :D I've got a couple of friends who might be interested to come with me here though. ^_^

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  23. Ang laki ng feta cheese! Mahilig din ako sa meat pero kumakain din naman ako ng veggies.

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  24. Try Greko! He will love it! You too!

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  25. The 1st Cyma was the one in Boracay. And I am definitely a fan. Of course, the Saganaki can't be missed. For salad though, in the off-chance you try it again, you should try the Roka Salata. It's fresh greens with lots of died tomato and candied walnuts. You also have the option of adding more feta cheese. The light dressing is just lovely to the palate. For the mains, you can't go wrong with a Gyro. Their best-seller is usually the Chicken Gyro. :)

    We've tried Greko and in terms of experience and taste, Cyma beats it to a pulp! I'm curious about Manos in Tagaytay. Just passed by the old Taverna and I'm not sure where they're moving because I think they're affected by a Cityland development that's being put up. :D

    Happy Mediterranean food-hunting! :D

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  26. You should have your date try Hirine Brizola, their porkchops, thick yet tender, and with a side of rice stuffed peppers.... yumm. Shang branch is still our favorite, they cook more consistently.

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  27. I've only tried cyma once and that was for take out. Hope to come back there soon though. You pics are so amazing too! That's really arousing my appetite more haha

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  28. Your date is disappointed..well..same goes for me 'coz I was served with bread bread bread...nothin' but bread...bread for appetizers, bread for main course...everything was bread I tell ya! Its a breadapalooza out there!! I shoudla brought along our LIVER SPREAD... ^^

    Like what the gist of Mrs. Kolca said, its to pricey for bread and leaves, and just like Ayen I LOVE MEEEAAAATTTT...mmmm...MMMEEEAAATTTT.....

    Anyway, the point is your date, Mrs. Kolca, Ayen and I should team up and stand against breads and leaves.

    juz kiddin' ^^

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  29. @Sodium Erythorbate *nom nom nom nom*: At least I've treated you to Gelatissimo afterwards.. :) Don't worry, I won't be bringing you to any Mediterranean restaurants anymore.. ;)

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  30. my favorite is the Greek Moussaka! try mo next time =)

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  31. we'd love to go with you on your next Mediterranean gastronomical adventure! =D

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  32. I went to Cyma also when I was last in Manila (2009). Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the quality. Living in Toronto, where we have a large Greek community - hence, good Greek food - I guess I just got spoiled.

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  33. You gotta love Cyma :) For its food court version (also by the same owners) Look for Go Greek! in the Glorietta food court :)

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  34. I have had greek food a couple of times. Not all have been pleasant. Di ata masarap naorder ko. :)) Your experience is a delight. Gusto ko tuloy mag try ulit soon. :P

    xox, Angel || koreandoll

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  35. You know what, I can't remember if I had previously dined in Cyma. Haha. But just swinging by to say hello! Nice blog as always :)

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  36. Haven't tried Greek... Mahal kasi... LOL

    Kamusta? was it flavorful or bland like most European dishes?

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  37. You should try the spinach and artichoke fondue. Best appetizer they have IMO.

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  39. oooohhhh..mouthwatering ..I wanna try that.

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  40. i'm a huge cyma fan. try their roka salata or garides mi feta :)) the best!

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  41. Greece being on top of my must-visit country in my bucket list, I also want to try out their cuisine first. I'm considering Cyma. Thanks for sharing!

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