Dubai is a vibrant city that offers a variety of restaurants and cuisines. However, it’s a must to try the local Arab cuisine in Dubai’s best mandi restaurants!
Mandi, in particular, is popular across the entire Gulf region. Each having variations on spice mixes and how they’re served.
In Dubai, it’s typically served with a yoghurt raita and a spicy tomato salsa sauce. In Riyadh, no yoghurt raita, but served with noodles on top instead.
As someone married to a Saudi, I must know where to eat a good mandi because they live on it! Dubai has some of the tastiest mandis I’ve ever eaten in the Arabian Gulf.
Lamb or chicken mandi is the most common, however, you can try goat or camel if you want to be adventurous.
Please note prices may change, check directly with the restaurant. Delivery app prices may differ from dining in prices.
1 – Najd Palace Restaurant & Kitchen – Umm Suqeim
Najd Palace has been serving tasty mandi in the UAE since 2012 and takes pride in serving authentic Khaleeji and Arabian cuisine, with a special focus on Saudi style mandi. They have one branch in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi.
The menu at Najd Palace encompasses a wide variety of dishes that includes Mandi, Madfoon, Salona, and side dishes like Hummus. The restaurant is also popular for its Kunafa, where you can choose the classic version with cheese or cream or the less traditional version with Nutella.
The staff are known for being friendly and helpful, which I’ve also experienced myself. I also really like the modern decor, you can choose to sit on the floor in a private booth in true Khaleeji style. This is one of my favourites to go to in the whole of Umm Suqein and Jumeirah, which is no small feat!
They are on the pricier side compared to other options.
Location: 599 Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 1
Timing: 12 pm till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 41 AED, Meat for 83 AED
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
🍗 Order from Najd Palace for delivery🍗
2 – Maraheb – Al Safa & Other Locations
Maraheb, a series of Yemeni restaurants spread throughout Dubai, has built a strong reputation for prioritizing the preservation of Yemeni cuisine. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditionally crafted cooking techniques are complemented with warm, amiable service.
The restaurant has special offers for ordering a set meal, which includes salad, soup, red salsa sauce and a dessert. You can choose from the Arabic desserts of Kunafa or Basbusa.
They also serve different fish dishes which traditionally mandi restaurants just focus on mostly meat and rice dishes. So perfect for those who have a family member who’d prefer a less meaty option. They also have other popular Middle Eastern dishes such as Muttabal, Tabbouleh and Kibbeh.
Maraheb is a great place to try traditional Yemeni cuisine in a casual setting. The one downside, it does get incredibly busy so service can suffer as a result of longer delivery times.
There are not many restaurants in Dubai that really leave a mark in my memory but this place is one of them! Simple amazing food and a must-visit at least once if you live in Dubai. It has an authentic style and taste. I’ve also tried their Dragon Mart location and that was good too!
Other locations include Nadd Al Hamar, Dragon Mart, Trade Centre and Motor City. There is also a branch in Sharjah.
Location: Al Rostamani Business Center, Al Safa 2
Timing: 12 pm till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 36 AED, Meat for 65 AED
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
🍗 Order from Maraheb for delivery🍗
3 – Ahl Al Mandi – Al Nahda
Ahl Almandi is an esteemed Middle Eastern restaurant, located in Al Nahda, it’s not too far from Dubai Airport and close to Al Mamzar Beach if you want to do some jet skiing before or after. Perhaps better to do it before!
If you’re a fan of grilled-style mandi, then this is the spot for you! Their neon signs remind you of old Dubai.
Delight in the gratifying dish of grilled chicken and rice prepared to have a charcoaled exterior rather than the traditional tannur or tandoor oven. Amongst other regional treats that will amaze your tastes, they stick to the classics of a mandi kitchen and have a wide array of different flavoured kunafas.
They sometimes add a bit too much spice here, so it depends on your preference but personally, I like mine without the spice Khaleeji style. The waiters have limited English, so it’s best if you speak Arabic, Urdu or Hindi but you can get away with just pointing at things on the menu.
Location: Ahli House, Al Nadha 2
Timing: 11 am till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 34 AED, Meat for 58 AED
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
4 – ZamZam Mandi – Various Locations
Established in 2009, ZamZam Mandi has quickly earned a reputation for its delicious and traditional mandi. Becoming popular with both locals and expats with their first branch in Karama. They are regularly noted as one of the best mandi restaurants in Dubai.
Their Jumeirah Branch opposite to La Mer has options on the menu that may surprise you for a mandi restaurant such as fish fingers and dynamite prawns. Meanwhile the Deira branch sticks to the classics. Both serve seafood as well as meat. They also have tasty Emirati foods like Lugaimat on the menu.
Deira and Jumeirah are their highest rated locations both with a 4.4 out of 5. Their Nad Al Hamar and Karama branches aren’t far behind with a 4.3 and a 4.2 out of 5.
Location: Zeenah Building, Ground Floor, Deira
Timing: 10 am till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 36 AED, Meat for 78 AED
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
*Be aware the website says it has a Dubai Mall branch but this one has closed down.
5 – Halla Al Yamama Mandi – Dubai Marina
Halla Al Yamama, located in Dubai Marina, is a charming Arabic restaurant that delivers on taste and hospitality alike. With a menu that spotlights Middle Eastern and Yemeni cuisine, the dishes are authentic, flavourful and feature traditional favourites like mandi, madfoon, and Indian food like biriyani.
The warm and inviting atmosphere is created by an always-attentive and super-friendly staff, who take great pleasure in guiding diners toward great choices. It’s a great place to try traditional Yemeni cuisine and in the perfect location for tourists.
The food is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere truly embodies authenticity. On top of that, they offer an outdoor seating experience usually unavailable in mandi restaurants. To top it all off, you can take in the stunning views of Dubai Marina right after your meal.
Location: Time Place Tower, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina
Timing: 11:30 am till 11:30 pm
Price: Chicken for 33.60 AED, Meat for 54.60 AED
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
🍗 Order from Halla Yamama for delivery🍗
6 – Rayyan Mandi – Al Barsha & Various Locations
Rayyan Mandi encompasses one of Dubai’s most popular dining experiences, with several locations to choose from. Their culinary offerings present an array of mouthwatering, authentic Arabian delights, carefully crafted using the freshest ingredients that are sure to delight.
This restaurant is famed for its mandi, cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven. Coupled with friendly service and reasonable prices, it’s no wonder diners keep coming back for more.
This restaurant aims to please! With traditional mandi chicken and a range of seafood dishes from seabream to shrimp and calamari, there’s something for everyone. The typical side dishes such as salads and soups are available plus kunafa of course and lugaimat too.
Their Al Barsha and Al Rigga branches are rated 4.4 and 4.5 out of 5, which isn’t an easy task in Dubai. Their Deira restaurant also has 4.7 out of 5, however, it only has around 80 reviews.
They do get busy here, so service can be slow or you may need to wait to be seated, especially on weekends.
Location: Behind Mall of Emirates, Al Barsha 1
Timing: 11 am till 2 am
Price: Chicken for 26.25 AED, Meat for 52.50 AED
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
7- Raydan Al Mandi – Umm Suqeim
Raydan Mandi, close to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, is a traditional Saudi restaurant that promises to transport you to a Saudi home with its authentic seating and interiors. Serving up delicious Gulf-style mandi and cuisine, it’s a local favourite that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The eatery specializes in delicious house-made Mandi dishes as well as serving popular appetisers such as samosas or sambusa in Arabic. With its pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, the restaurant is popular with those wanting Saudi style mandi.
They are the most expensive on the list however and there are some really good options on this list that are less money. However overall, mandi due to its size and that one dish serves two people. It’s still an affordable meal in Dubai.
Location: Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 2
Timing: 12 pm till 1 am
Price: Chicken for 42 AED, Meat for 98 AED
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Website (Arabic)
🍗 Order from Raydan for delivery🍗
8 – Mandi Man – Al Jaddaf & Al Barsha
Located in Al Jaddaf, Dubai, Mandi Man is a popular contemporary Yemeni restaurant celebrated for its signature dish and wallet-friendly prices.
You can enjoy either the traditional style mandi or an Indian fusion style with mandi with butter chicken. They also offer grilled chicken, lamb meat and seafood.
The menu is simple, sticking mostly to the classics along with a few seafood options. Kunafa is only 15 AED and is the only dessert they offer.
The interiors are different compared to other mandi restaurants, with open seating areas divided into different sections. This means you can semi-see other people as you sit on the floor and eat. There are table options, too, with dividers.
This is the most affordable option out of the list with many people commenting on how great the service and great presentation of the dishes for a great price.
Location: Barajeel Residence, Al Khail Road, Al Jaddaf
Timing: 12 am till 12 pm
Price: Chicken for 29 AED, Meat for 54 AED
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
9 – Al Yemen Mandi – Various locations
Offering traditional Yemeni recipes, Al Yemen Mandi prides itself on always leaving happy and full customers. Their iconic red signs prominently feature a graphic of Yemen that is difficult to miss.
A hugely popular mandi restaurant in Dubai with various branches across the city. It is of course known for its signature dish, mandi, cooked in a traditional clay oven. The restaurant is also known for its friendly service and affordable prices.
Their Deira or Abu Hail branch and Al Qusais branch have an impressive 4.2 out of 5, while their Al Rigga Road Deira branch has 4.1 out of 5, and International city with 4.3 out of 5. So decent scores no matter which branch you choose to visit!
While the decor may not be anything extravagant, customers return time and again to indulge in the delicious food served. It’s not a fine dining experience, but it’s certainly worth visiting for a casual meal.
This restaurant caters to all your mandi cravings, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl. With the earliest opening and latest closing time, you can enjoy their delicious food no matter the time of day or night!
Location: Bait Al Jabal Building, 38 24 Street, Abu Hail, Deira
Timing: 9 am till 3 am
Price: Chicken for 32 AED, Meat for 60 AED
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
🍗 Order from Yemen Mandi for delivery🍗
10 – Makarem Mandi – Al Barsha
Makarem Mandi Restaurant in Dubai offers delicious and authentic Yemeni-style mandi. The staff are friendly and accommodating, ensuring that every customer has a pleasant dining experience.
While not the most budget-friendly option, they provide a great selection of dishes for those who prefer to enjoy mandi solo. The restaurant also provides different sizes of platters such as quarter, half or full chicken so there’s something for everyone, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a more special dinner.
The interiors are traditional for a mandi restaurant with an Arabesque feel.
They have a wider variety on their menu compared to other restaurants, including various grills, seafood and sandwiches. Their lunch offer mandi meal includes sides for 1, with chicken for 30 AED and meat for 40 AED.
Location: Hessa Street, Al Barsha 3
Timing: 11 am till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 40 AED, Meat for 89 AED
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
🍗 Order from Makarem Mandi for delivery🍗
11 – Tibba Restaurant for Mandi & Madhbi – Various locations
Tibba Mandi Restaurant in Dubai boasts four city-wide locations and is your go-to for authentic Yemeni cuisine. Their speciality mandi dish, cooked in a clay oven, features decadently roasted chicken or lamb. Experience the epitome of affordability and hospitality as you enjoy local favourites at this beloved eatery.
Every branch has 4.2 to 4.4 stars, with the Business Bay branch being their highest rated. They also serve a wide range of side dishes along with a small selection of sandwiches and seafood.
They do sometimes sell out of dishes, meat in particular. So it can be worth either pre-ordering or going for an earlier lunch if you want to make sure you get the dish you want.
Location: The Citadel Tower, Marasi Drive, Business Bay
Timing: 10:30 am till 12 am
Price: Chicken for 28 AED, Meat for 55 AED
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
🍗 Order from Tibba Mandi for delivery🍗
Summary of Best Mandi in Dubai
My personal top 3 out of this list of the best Mandi restaurants in Dubai are Najd Palace, ZamZam Mandi and Maraheb.
You can try different ones on the list to experience different styles of mandi. All the restaurants offer excellent food and service.
Make sure to try the traditional Khaleeji of sitting on the floor while you eat if you haven’t before!
Before you go, check out some of the other restaurant and food related articles you might like:
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