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Weekend grub: Dubai's Bait Al Mandi is finally here and we understand the hype now

Weekend grub: Dubai's Bait Al Mandi is finally here and we understand the hype now

The popular franchise from Dubai has opened its doors in Karachi and the menu truly spoils you for choice
Updated 05 Jul, 2019

The mandi trend in Karachi is still going strong and we're not complaining.

This Arabic rice and meat delicacy has been the talk of the town for a long while now but there are still people asking me: “Yaar, where can I get mind-blowing mandi from?”

And when it’s not mandi, all they want to know about is where they can find the best kunafa.

While I can’t really give a definite answer, much due to the subjectivity of taste than my own indecisiveness (although that constitutes a significant portion of my reply too), my rather immediate answer lately is Bait al Mandi.

View from the entrance
View from the entrance

Where to go?

Bait al Mandi has recently opened its doors in the bustling metropolis on main Shah-re-Faisal near Habitt.

It's kind of hard to miss while buzzing past. The extravagant interior is welcoming but what’s more welcoming is the staff’s warmth which instantly make you feel at home.

The Jordanian manager Adnan H Alomari, a cheerful-spirited soul shared, "There are other restaurants going by the same name but this is the ONLY original franchise of the popular Dubai-based eatery."

His hearty hospitality is reminiscent of true Arab culture and his grip on the Middle Eastern cuisine commendable.

The seating arrangement at the eatery
The seating arrangement at the eatery

The seating is well thought out; there is jalsa, baithak-style compartments (not too roomy but enough for a party of 4-5) and a special, VIP lounge to help you soak some Arabian traditions.

When to go?

Bait al Mandi operates from 12 pm to 12 am.

What to order?

The menu spoils you for choice; there’s something for everyone on it but the dishes all have Middle-Eastern origins.

Our hasty picks on a famished stomach were chicken mandi and chicken and mutton madfoon. We skipped hummus (forgive me fellow foodies for I have sinned) but did order a fattoush salad for pre-game.

All set to kickstart!
All set to kickstart!

Before our actual order came, they served us complimentary yakhni. This lukewarm broth really helped sooth my sore throat and build the mood for the grub to come.

The fattoush salad in all its glory
The fattoush salad in all its glory

Next came the fattoush salad: crunchy veggies with sumac, piquant pomegranate drizzle and crispy fried pita chips (which I actually liked more than croutons).

Not exactly the kind of item we would recommend on a sore throat but this zesty mix is definitely recommended if you're big on greens.

Rule of thumb when you're going out for mandi: starve yourself before the extravaganza. Don’t get me wrong, of course you can have some light bites in between but it’s recommended to build up your appetite.

We are drooling rivers here
We are drooling rivers here

The salad was followed by chicken mandi which is slow-cooked, baked chicken with a light spice rub, and madfoon which is marinated meat cooked underground.

First impressions? The presentation hit the mark; it’s a neat bed of rice with veggies and a variety of meat atop. The only thing we felt missing were steel platters mandi is usually served in for legitimate regal feels.

The meat is no-nonsense; it’s crisp and char-grilled on the outside but so tender you can cut in with your fork. It’s subtle on spices, nothing like the masalaydaar tikkas available locally (the flavourful juices are seared in instead), which is one great thing about Bait al Mandi; the food is not altered to suit local taste-buds but they surprisingly end up liking it.

We were also impressed by the perfectly cooked rice, fragrant, slightly firm and aromatic. You can totally eat them on their own without getting bored (useful information considering the order includes bottomless rice).

It's meat galore
It's meat galore

Next we tried their madfoon in mutton and boy, was it good! We liked it even better than chicken because the meat was juicier and more satisfying, constituting the perfect, Arabian delicacy. The plus point again was the subtlety of flavour, rendering the meat almost spice-free but still really tasteful at the same time (you feel me?).

You can also throw in some chutneys and the complimentary broth for a bomb, self-creation.

As for the serving size, we felt it was ample for two very hungry people or three light eaters. Given the prices for the platters, it’s good bang for the buck.

You can't drink with us
You can't drink with us

All in all, the food served was splendid but the special Bait al Mandi drink has to be the star of the show. It’s a beautifully-presented, concoction of fruits, honey, nuts and whipped cream which ensures a gratifying slurp. It ensures a variety of flavours with a satisfying consistency throughout.

Definitely the drink we need this summer.

You know the feeling when you're half a bite away from your insides actually combusting, but you still push it? That was us at that moment but we still had to order dessert. I mean, duh.

The list of dessert at Bait al Mandi is another impressive feat; it’s a dessert lover’s (middle-eastern) dream come true. Feeling particularly adventurous, we tried deviating from our usual dessert régime but their unavailability brought us back to good, ol’ kunafa.

Ending it on a sweet note
Ending it on a sweet note

The crispy, golden pastry looked fancy but I felt there was too much hubbub of nuts and stuff on top which didn’t quite leave a lasting impression. (In all honesty, it reminded me of paan masala). Too sweet for my palate but can use some cream cheese for an added oomph.

Damage on the pocket

The appetizers range from Rs350 - Rs400 while the mains range from Rs750 - Rs1400.

The platters are meant for sharing so per head charges can range from RsRs650 - Rs1200, depending on what you decide to order.

Feeling like a royal-tea yet?
Feeling like a royal-tea yet?

We say go for it. It’s a nice place to hang out and chill with your friends, exchange some gossip over a steaming serving of rice. The staff is hospitable and well-informed so there’s not going to be any unpleasant run-ins (hopefully).

Just a heads up, get a reservation made beforehand.


Aliza Anees is a food blogger. Find her on @foodieshoodie.

Comments

kash Jul 05, 2019 01:15pm
dont look all that special just rice with grilled chicken on top. £5.50 at my local arab Mashwi restaurant
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Laila Jul 05, 2019 01:38pm
Looks similar to the concept of biryani. I like. Sadly I still don't live in or have the chance to visit Karachi. So I hope the chain might open a branch in Lahore too. Sigh.
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Laila Jul 05, 2019 02:23pm
@kash I think the distinguishing factor may be the spices and the slow cooling method used.
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Jamal Jul 05, 2019 03:08pm
Another mandi shop in the market,
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Laila Jul 05, 2019 04:36pm
@kash *cooking NOT cooling. Damn phone.
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Riaz Jul 05, 2019 04:36pm
Though tastes good but lots of saturated fat in mandi rice dish.
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Syed Nabeel Haider Jul 05, 2019 04:55pm
@Laila they already are in Lahore. Near Shaukat Khanum
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Leo Jul 05, 2019 05:06pm
Looks pretty ordinary, pulao rice with chicken on top. Every other restaurant does thus on Wilmslow Road.
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Awan Jul 05, 2019 06:04pm
So brown
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Duaa Jul 05, 2019 07:24pm
This does look promising! I'm trying this out this weekend for sure.
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Safi Jul 05, 2019 07:48pm
Iraqi and Yemeni cuisine is especially yummy.
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Tarek Jul 05, 2019 08:12pm
You have nicely projected food and the place where it is prepared / sold.It can be delicious if prepared and served fresh no microwave involved.We just enjoyed your presentation but cannot taste the food being far away from Karachi. Thanks anyway
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Manish Jul 05, 2019 11:03pm
Arabs are still primitive in every sense it look like.
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Ehsan k Jul 06, 2019 03:53am
About 4 months ago I was in Dubai and went 2 this restaurant at the al barshaa district. Was a bit overpriced but the food tasted delicious!! It was worth the cost ( in fact I went there for 2 dinners and 1 lunch).. I wish they opened a chain here in lahore
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Mehreen Abid Jul 07, 2019 12:54am
Bait ul mandi services are v poor.charge extra .i ordered 4 dishes they deliver 3.i complain even then they don't serve 4.they need to work on it
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Laila Jul 07, 2019 01:58am
@Mehreen Abid Why not leave a review on their Facebook page or something?
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Laila Jul 07, 2019 02:02am
@Syed Nabeel Haider They are?? Thank you!! Must check that out. I haven't really eaten out for a while as my favourite Chinese restaurant no longer exists, and I don't know other restaurants as I am the only one keen on eating out not my family though . I did check out the Lebanese one Gulberg/ Mall but I don't sample as I didn't like the ambiance. If you know of any great Chinese restaurant that you have tried, then do let me know. Thanks!
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ahmed Jul 07, 2019 08:28pm
@Manish What's your problem, Manish?
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Laila Jul 07, 2019 08:55pm
@Syed Nabeel Haider Thanks! Must check it out. If you know of any great Chinese restaurant in Lahore, let me know.
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