Best Mandi in Dubai (2025): 12 tried-and-true spots

The ultimate 2025 guide to Dubai’s best mandi: where to go, what to order and how much to budget, from Deira to Business Bay.

Traditional Yemeni mandi platter in Dubai

Mandi is spiced rice with meat cooked low and slow, traditionally over embers. Close cousins you’ll see: madhbi (stone-grilled), madfoon (sealed and slow-cooked) and haneeth (long-roasted until ultra-tender).

Tibba Restaurant for Mandi & Madhbi (Business Bay; other branches)

Why go: Repeatedly recommended by Dubai redditors; Business Bay branch gets the most praise. What to order: Haneeth shoulder, lamb madfoon.

Zam Zam Mandi (multiple locations, inclusing Al Karama, Jumeirah, Ras Al Khor)

Why go: Perennial crowd favourite with huge footprint and consistent value; typical “for two” spend around AED 90–110 depending on branch. What to order: chicken mandi, haneeth.

Maraheb (Al Safa and other branches)

Why go: Chain locals call a safe bet for classic mandi and lamb dishes. What to order: lamb mandi, madfoon.

Bait Al Sanaanee / Al Bait Al Sanaanee (Al Barsha)

Why go: Pops up in local recommendation threads as a dependable old-school choice. What to order: lamb haneeth.

Noor Al Mandi (Al Barsha; late hours)

Why go: Family-friendly, big portions; menu covers all the Yemeni staples. Typical spend ~AED 120 for two. What to order: chicken makkah mandi, lamb madfoon.

Madfoon Al Sadda (Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim)

Why go: Known for madfoon and grilled meats; family seating available. Typical spend ~AED 135 for two. What to order: lamb madfoon, chicken madhbi.

Wadi Doan (Al Garhoud)

Why go: Old-school Yemeni flavours with loyal regulars; good for groups. What to order: chicken mandi, madhbi, red chutney on the side.

Al Romansiah (Al Barsha)

Why go: Saudi favourite with Dubai outpost; strong delivery presence and broad mandi/madhbi menu. What to order: chicken mandi, fahsa.

Aden Restaurant (Deira/Gold Souq area)

Why go: Consistently listed among the top mandi options in Old Dubai corridors. What to order: chicken mandi, lamb madhbi.

Al Rayyan Mandi (Deira/Al Rigga)

Why go: Budget-friendly Deira staple; easy to reach post-market runs. What to order: chicken mandi.

Makarem Restaurant (Deira/Al Rigga)

Why go: Frequently ranked with classic mandi houses in listings round-ups. What to order: half mandi chicken, half madbi chicken.

Bait Al Mandi (multiple)

Why go: One of the most recognisable names; quality varies by branch, but it is widely available citywide. What to order: chicken mandi as the safe baseline.

What to order if you’re new

Chicken mandi to learn the baseline.
Haneeth for ultra-tender, long-roasted meat.
Madfoon for deeper, sealed-in spice.
Ask for sahawiq/zhoug and the light broth on the side; mix to taste.

Practical tips

Go earlier in the evening for fresher rice trays.
For takeaway, ask them to pack meat and rice separately to protect texture.
Most places offer private family cabins and floor seating; ask at the door if you prefer tables.

FAQs

Is mandi halal in Dubai?

Yes. These kitchens operate to local norms in the UAE.

Can I get mandi delivered?

Most chains offer delivery through major apps and their own numbers. Dine-in is best for texture, but delivery is fine for chicken.

What’s the difference between mandi, madhbi, madfoon and haneeth?

All are rice-and-meat Yemeni staples. Mandi is the classic; madhbi is stone-grilled; madfoon is sealed and slow-cooked; haneeth is long-roasted and extra tender.