Bait Al Mandi is our latest infatuation… The popular Yemeni eatery in the centre of Deira not only satisfied us with sumptuous dishes, but the experience was seeped in tradition.
As we approached the entrance, the brick walls reminded us of Sanaa’s striking architecture. Guests poured in and out – but once inside, they disappeared into the privacy of their cabins. In the Arabic tradition, food is served and eaten while sitting on the carpet. This explains why guests leave their shoes outside the cabins, which helped us figure out the restaurant’s occupancy levels!
It is here that we experienced the city’s most succulent chicken… Out of four dishes – the Mutton, Fish, Chicken Mazbi (grilled), and Chicken Mandi – we decided on the latter. The traditional rice and meat dish originating from Yemeni tribes (not to be confused with Biryani) was incredibly tender and flavorsome. It left us begging for the recipe – but sadly we were denied the details, as the restaurant protect it as a trade secret. They were prepared to share, however, that the chicken gets baked for three long hours in the oven before being served. No wonder it melts in the mouth!
Looks aren’t everything, which is important as this restaurant definitely gives priority to taste. It’s surprisingly affordable too – with half a chicken (fresh and locally produced), cooked with saffron and served with green salad, rice, garlicky tomato paste, yogurt, and an out-of-this-world soup costing a mere 20 AED!
Bait Al Mandi Muraqqabat Street, Next to Grand Mart. Tel: 04-262 9139/9239. Other branches: Rashidiya and International City.
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