Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette Saudi cuisine is simple, nutritious and full of exotic flavors. Serving authentic Saudi food is one of Jeddah's popular and oldest restaurants, Redan. Diners usually look for pleasant ambience and commendable service when they look for restaurants — and Redan offers both. Plating and food presentation speak volumes and many restaurateurs put in great efforts to make it look appealing because you eat with your eyes first. Redan makes sure that prominent Saudi dishes are completely served in a traditional way, that is, in big plates garnished generously with nuts and spices. After a warm welcome at the restaurant, you are immediately served with Ghawa (Saudi coffee) and dates. You can then place your order, sit back and relax. Redan is famous for Mandis, traditional Saudi dishes differently prepared with rice and lamb/chicken. For the main course you can choose between laham mandi (meat and rice) or dajjaj mandi (chicken and rice), which is served with shatta (red hot pepper sauce). The dishes are prepared in an underground oven which causes it to retain all its flavors. Another main course meal is tabaq mandi, a traditional Saudi dish prepared with a half or a complete lamb cooked with rice. The dish is priced at SR45. Then there is mathbi in which the raw meat is cooked on coals and the rice is later mixed with the cooked meat. The lamb mathbi is priced at SR45 and the chicken at SR13. Madfoona is another dish comprised of both chicken and lamb with rice in which the meat is wrapped up and buried deep underground until it is cooked. Tes mandi is cooked with red rice, lambs, tomatoes and special spices. Other delectable dishes to choose from Redan's menu are laham haneez, laham madghodhh hashi, laham saleeq, laham badiya, and laham madfuna hasi. The dishes are served with salads, and your choice of juice or drinks. Now for the desserts, as no meal is complete without it; and you should definitely keep some space for it. Although the options are limited, the ones which are served are great in taste. To choose from you have kunafah, a sweet dish made of vermicelli and served with sugar syrup and cream, or thrumba, or you can opt for a bowl of fresh fruits to keep it healthy. Redan is best suited for family gatherings and has special areas designated for smokers and non-smokers. It also has private cabins that offer special services to its customers. Saleh Al Ghathmi, a friendly worker at Redan said traditional food is valued more than fast food. Assad Sada and Engineer Aijaz Ahmed, regular customers of Redan said apart from the exceptional taste of food, Redan offers a peaceful atmosphere with comfortable seating arrangements and privacy to relax and enjoy a wonderful meal.
