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
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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.