Part of our “spend smart” goal this year is to look for food places that offer tasty yet pocket-friendly menu in a pleasant, welcoming environment. And our first stop this year was Alfahkr’s Persian Food along Maginhawa St. in UP Village last January 9. For those of you who are yet not familiar with the location, Maginhawa St. is a long strip of small dine-in spots, most of which have artsy-partsy ambience and target college students as prime customers.

My buddy and I have become quite interested with Persian cuisine since Ababu days (with Persia Grill-Valero branch as a nice follow-through). Ababu is another Persian eatery, which former location is infront of Alfahkar‘s and has moved to Xavierville (daw).

What’s hot?

First, the price of each meal is cheap. Budget around Php 50-100 per person. Second, the setting is relatively neat,  laid-back, and has a touch of meticulously handcrafted graphic art, ideal for an  unhurried early evening chat with friends. Last and the most important, it was our 53rd. Every little thing then was over the moon.

What needs warming up?

Crap, I forgot what I ordered and was not able to take pictures of them, hehe. The usual safe Beef Kebab choice for a first visit I think. But, personally, it tasted better than what my buddy got. The food was just right, though. Nothing really superlative. Hmm… the service was a bit sluggish for a small crowd that time.

How many bean stamps?

6.5 out of 10.

Travel Mug

• From Philcoa, there is a tricycle terminal on the left side of Mini Stop. Take a tryc bound to Maginhawa. Before reaching Mini Stop-Maginhawa branch, you can see Alfahkr‘s near the 2nd stall of Grill Queen on your left. 
• From UP Diliman, ride an Ikot jeep. Get off at E. Jacinto St. corner C.P. Garcia Avenue in Krus na Ligas. You can either walk along C.P. Garcia Avenue— turn left to B. Baluyot St. then, when you reach Mini Stop, turn right to Maginhawa— or ride a tryc going there.

*****
I just worship the traditional Persian cucumber yogurt dip.

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