If you are looking for the best mandi in Riyadh, guess what? You have come to the right place at the right time my friend.
The city is famous for its authentic mutton mandi and delicious Laham mandi, which you will want to eat every day. If you are a hardcore mandi lover or just want to try something different then these spots will not disappoint you.
And yeah don’t worry about the vibes.
Riyadh’s got places for every occasion whether it’s a cozy atmosphere, family-friendly vibes, or just a place to grab and go.
But let me tell you not every mandi restaurant hits the mark and to enjoy true flavors you need chefs who know what they are making.
That’s why I’ve done the tasty homework for you and rounded up 5 must-try Mandi spots that’ll have you dreaming about your next plate before you’ve even finished the first.
So let’s explore these places together!
1. Al Nafoura Restaurant
If you are not after some 5-star vibes and just want to enjoy the classic flavors of mandi in Riyadh then this place is definitely for you.
Located in Al Olaya, Al Nafoura has a relatively simple ambiance with bright white lights and some basic chairs and tables that get the job done.
Honestly, by looking at the ambiance I never expected the food to be so good that it will be on my top 5 list here.
Their whole focus is on providing you with the best food at the most affordable prices and the mandi here is just exceptional.
Whether you go for the tender laham mandi or the classic mutton mandi you will get options to choose between different types of rice.
I personally love the shawaya rice and mutton on top. If you go for chicken or mutton you will get tender meat that is perfectly seasoned and rice that is cooked just at the right temperature.
And yeah!
You get a full separate family section with privacy to enjoy your own space.
You can expect to pay around SAR 80 -100 depending on the quantity and type of order.
2. Mandi World
The name says it all.
This restaurant is all about a variety of mandi with a side of comfortable and private dining experience. Located on Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, this restaurant is known for its delicious mandi but more than that for its unique ambiance.
You can sit in the dining area or opt for more traditional dining with those small white cabins. You will get some comfy cushions to lean back on that I totally loved and small walls to separate each of the dining cabins.
NO ONE CAN JUDGE YOU NOW FOR EATING MORE.
Now for the food (because that’s why you’re really here, right?). They have all the sections covered that one can think of.
On one side they have the heavy Lamb Mandi, Mathgoot Lamb, and Kabili Lamb for the lamb lovers and if you prefer chicken then you get Chicken Mandi, Chicken Shawaya, and Madfoon Chicken.
AND ALSO!
You get a variety of rice options like the classic Mandi Rice and the famous Pishawari Rice.
Now you understand exactly why it’s called Mandi World.
3. Mandi House
Yeah, I know the name once again says it all. This place is known for one and only one thing and that’s their delicious mandi.
If you like your mandi with a side of style and a touch of tradition then Mandi House won’t disappoint you. Located at Umm Al Hamam St, Riyadh this place gives fresh, minimalist,t and clean vibes which are ideal for family dinners or formal meetings.
With many options of mandi, you also get some seating options. Fancy a chair? Cool. Prefer classic ground seating? They’ve got that too. It’s all about keeping you comfortable while you enjoy top-notch Mandi.
What’s On The Menu?
Being such a big place I expected the menu to be a bit more detailed but hey, they still have a little something for all the tastes out there.
I really liked their beef Madfoon because the meat was not only tender but also extremely delicious and juicy with a nice size of serving which really impressed me.
You can also get half mandi with both chicken and beef flavors and a variety of rice choices to choose from.
AND
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to save room for their Kunafah Bait Al Mandi. It’s that perfect mix of sweet and cheesy.
4. Al Kindi Mandi
Sometimes you are not after those dim lights or expensive décor. You just want to enjoy a nice plate of Mandi.
If that’s you then this location is perfect for you. It’s my go-to place for Mandi when I want to enjoy authentic taste in a good environment.
Located in Al Wizarat, Riyadh, this spot keeps it simple and straight to the point. No fancy decor, just hearty, authentic mandi at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
What about the vibe?
Well, just imagine a place with basic chairs, white lights, and authentic ground seating for extra comfort. It’s also a good location for a short family lunch or dinner.
Mandi Options
Speaking of the food, it’s not basic at all. You get an impressive lineup of chicken mandi with everything from mandi rice to Shabi rice. My favorite is the chicken mandi with Mandi Rice Mathlouthah. It comes with qursan and jreesh layered underneath.
They also have some great side options like fresh salads, Jreesh, and the hearty goodness of Qursan.
5. Al Shurfa Restaurant
Our final stop is Al Shurfa Restaurant located on King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh. This place is a blend of modern and comfortable vibes and is going to impress your guests.
The atmosphere here is fresh with stone walls, wooden furniture, and splashes of color from hanging plants and bright chairs, it’s a space that feels both natural and vibrant.
If you love al fresco dining then their outdoor dining area is going to be your new favorite. I was really impressed when I walked to the outdoor area.
The white furniture creates a nice minimalist look and those white umbrellas will protect you from the harsh sun rays. I would recommend enjoying your mandi here if the weather allows it.
The Menu
Now let’s talk about food options. Just like the dining options the menu has quite a variety of options from Arabic food and Kibbeh to salads and some Chinese food.
For Mandi, you get the traditional choices of protein like meat, beef, and chicken along with the rice of your choice. You get options like the Shurfa Rice, Chicken Zurbian Rice, and rich Biryani Rice.
I have ordered all the rice types but the one that stood out for me was the Shurfa rice and if you are visiting for the first time that should be your pick too.