Zam Zam Mandi in Dubai is restaurant that specialises in Yemeni Mandi and Madhbi. If you’re not aware, Yemeni food and in particular Mandi is extremely popular in the Gulf countries. Dubai has numerous Mandi spots and if you ask any local whether they are Emirati or not, Mandi is one of their favourite foods. And everyone has a favourite Mandi restaurant. Zam Zam Mandi is quite possibly the most “commercialised” and the closest thing to a Mandi institution. They have numerous branches around Dubai including in really really good touristic spots. They’ve got one opposite the Dubai frame, they’ve got an impressively massive one opposite the famous Jumeirah Mosque and most impressively, one in the Dubai Mall. Coincidentally, the only Mandi spot in the Dubai Mall.
Madhbi
Mandi is the superstar Yemeni dish, which is a lamb with flavoured/spiced rice dish. But me personally, I prefer the chargrilled chicken version, which is called Madhbi. It’s the same as the Mandi as in the rice, but instead of meat, chargrilled chicken is used. Madhbi is made up of smokey, juicy and succulent chicken with extremely flavourful rice with a slightly spicy and tangy tomato salsa. Such a good dish. In fact, it is probably my favourite dish ever. It’s one of those dishes that I can eat every single day and not get bored. I’ve had this dish at numerous restaurants in Dubai and I’ve never not been impressed. And I do have my favourite, but I needed to try out what is the most “out there” and well-known even if it isn’t probably regarded as the best by true Mandi fans.
Our experience
So, Zam Zam may well be a Mandi institution and one of the most well-known by the masses, but I don’t think it’s regarded as being the best or even close by true Mandi enthusiasts. Nonetheless, we had to of course give it a try. We visited the branch that is opposite the Dubai Frame. Right at the exit of the Dubai Frame there’s a bridge and across on the other side you’ll find Zam Zam! So, we heard this branch gets very busy at certain times, but when we went (around sunset) it was quiet. They’ve got the traditional on the floor booth seating (majlis) that is typical of a Mandi spot as well as the more common table and chairs if you’re not comfortable with sitting on the floor. I love the traditional majlis by the way, you get the best of both worlds – the comfort of eating in and the social aspect of eating out. Love it!
Let’s talk about the food though. We ordered our usual, which is the Madhbi. First comes out the lamb broth soup as with all Mandi spots. This is meant to be a starter to be had on its own and to warm you up and get you ready for the main event. Delicious, warm and comforting. Even though it’s supposed to be had on its own, we like to pour it over some of the rice for some bites with the rice and chicken. Then comes the tomato salsa, which for me, is what brings the whole dish together. Combine this with the rice and chicken and it is pure bliss. In Saudi Arabia, we would ask before dining at a place whether they had the red sauce or not. It is that crucial! And then before the main event (chicken and rice) comes out, this place offers something a little unique. Three little tubs of sauces and pickle is offered. This isn’t offered in other Mandi spots. One of them is a little spicy and the pickle is pickly, but in all honesty, I don’t think this dish needs these condiments. It adds nothing to the dish and it makes this Yemeni classic more “Indian” tasting than anything. These condiments along with a sprinkle of the fried onions and a small boiled egg just give it an Indian twist to this dish and I actually am not for it. I want my Yemeni food to taste Yemeni and the Indian food to taste Indian. Also, on a bit of a side note: Zam Zam is one of the only restaurants I am aware of that do camel meat Mandi, one of the most traditional ways to have the delicacy.
There’s another unique aspect this spot has that I haven’t seen at other Mandi spots in Dubai and that’s a nice little surprise at the end. After you’ve finished, they bring you out a complimentary cup of black mint tea with Luqaimaat. Luqiamaat are bitesize Emirati doughnuts and they go perfectly with a nice cup of tea or coffee. To receive this at the end and for free is such a pleasant surprise and leaves a nice lasting positive feeling.
Overall, Zam Zam is a Mandi restaurant that is definitely worth visiting, but don’t expect authentic a Yemeni taste. And if you really want to try Mandi or Madhbi, this probably isn’t the best place to try it at.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here.
