Best places in Hyderabad for Mandi & Khabsa

If you have read articles and posts discussing Arabic cuisine viz. Mandi and Khabsa but don’t have an idea on where to go and what to order this article might help you on that

so read on…

Let’s begin with what Mandi & Khabsa is

Mandi: It is a traditional Yemeni dish which is very popularly made in many parts of the Gulf and now equally popular in Hyderabad as well.

Mandi literally means “Dew” and indicates the moist texture of the meat. It is recommended to use meat from a usually young and small sized lamb to achieve this quality. Traditionally it’s cooked in a hole dug in the ground and then covered with clay. Hotel’s claiming to be authentic prepare this inside a tandoor with the help of dry wood. The meat has to be suspended inside the tandoor whilst ensuring that it does not touch the charcoal that the dry wood turns into. A small air vent in the tandoor allows the excess smoke to be released. Stock water is used to in preparation of the rice (along with Arabic Spices) which gives it a sticky texture.It is served with Shattah (spicy tomato based gravy).

Khabsa: A popular dish which originated from Saudi Arabia and has similar method of preparation as Mandi but additional spices like black pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black lime, bay leaves, nutmeg are used in its preparation. Saffron and tomato puree gives the rice its signature red hue. Presence of raisins makes this rice a little sweet. It is served with Shattah (spicy tomato based gravy) which is helpful if you want to make the dish more spicy

Detailed article : http://www.palatejournals.com/articles/hyderabadis-guide-understanding-arabic-cuisine/

The list below is based on my experience of Arabic Cuisines. Individual experiences may vary as per their palates and knowledge of Arabic Cuisines

Let’s start with place(s) for Khabsa

Spice 6 – Banjara Hills

 

What to order: Khabsa Laham(Available all days), Laham Mandi (Sat/Sun)
Pro: The best Khabsa Laham that you can get in Hyderabad
Cons: Getting a table during dinner on weekends would require some wait time

Table Seating : Yes
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : No
Branches : No

Few other notable ones:

4 Seasons – Multiple branches across the city

All Seasons – Banjara Hills

 

*************************************************************************************************

Let’s look at the places for Mandi now

Al Qaswa – Vijay nagar Colony

 

What to order: Laham(Mutton) Mandi, Faham(Barbecue Chicken or Mutton) with Mandi Rice
Pro: Authentic Arabic food which is quite close to what you get in the Middle East
Cons: Ground floor where they have table style seating, no proper ventilation,  it becomes quite humid inside

Table Seating : Yes
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : None

Al Azeez Bbq Chicken- Mallepally

What to order: Laham(Mutton) Mandi, Faham(Barbecue Chicken or Mutton) with Mandi Rice
Pro: Authentic Arabic food which is quite close to what you get in the Middle East
Cons: Small place, No separate family section except a makeshift partition.

Table Seating : No
Family Section : No
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : None

Yum Yum Tree – Madhapur

What to order: Mandi and Khabsa with Chi/Mutton/Fish options
Pro: Good Arabic food and delicious burgers
Cons: Service

Table Seating : Yes
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : Yes Chandrayanagutta(Main Branch)

Al Saud Bait Al Mandi – King Koti

What to order: Mandi with Chi/Mutton/Fish options
Pro: Good Food, Soup served with Mandi is one of the best
Cons: No separate Family section or Table/Chair setup option present

Table Seating : No
Family Section : No
Branches : Yes – Chandrayanagutta & Secunderabad

Mataam al Arabi – Chandrayanagutta

What to order: Mandi with Chi/Mutton/Fish options
Pro: Good Food
Cons: No Table/Chair setup

Table Seating : No
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : No

Mataam al Yamani – Tolichowki

What to order: Mandi and Khabsa with Chi/Mutton/Fish options
Pro: Good Food
Cons: No Table/Chair setup, Indianized taste might not appeal to all

Table Seating : Yes
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : No

Al Zaara Mathbaq Al Mandi – Tolichowki

What to order: Mandi with Chi/Mutton/Fish options
Pro: For a person who is trying Mandi for the first time would like it as their version is highly Indianised
Cons: Indianized taste might not appeal to all, Ambiance and Service requires a serious makeover which the owners are least interested in doing

Table Seating : Yes
Family Section : Yes
Floor style seating : Yes
Branches : No

Few other notable ones

Mataam Abu Faisal – Tolichowki

Real Arabian Dhaba – Chandrayanagutta

Mataam Al Turki – Malakpet

Mandar – Tolichowki

Ice & Spice – Tolichowki

– There are many other outlets across Hyderabad which serve Mandi and Khabsa but are they any good? consistent in taste and quality? If yes, then please leave me a comment with the name & location and I will definitely try it.