Saudi Gazette Mandi is the Yemeni rice-based dish which is cooked with chicken or lamb in a pit stove in the ground. The method of slow cooking and certain spices gives it its unique taste. Mandi has taken Indian foodies and restaurants by storm especially in parts of South India where it is served in restaurants called "Matbakh" which is Arabic term for kitchen. Mandi is served in the same manner as it is in restaurants in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman or the United Arab Emirates. These Matbakhs are calling what they serve Mandi but it is far from it in taste or in the way it is prepared. This is food distortion as a result of food migration. Food migration happens in different parts of the world. We have witnessed what is happening in the United States nowadays. Mexican food is being Americanized and numerous restaurants are mushrooming in the country and are presenting various American versions of Mexican food. Food migration has given birth to new kinds of food. On the flip-side it has also distorted the originality and the identity of certain cuisines. The Mandi served in Indian restaurants is also a victim of migration. It may look the same with broiled lambs shanks served on heavily spiced biryani rice served with the ‘tomato zalatah' (raw tomato sauce). But it is not. People who are enjoying the Indian version, should try the Arabic Mandi. You can also check out videos online if you want to try it at home.
