An iconic Yemeni-inspired dish known for its aromatic spices and tender texture. Our Chicken Mandi features fall-off-the-bone roasted chicken, marinated in traditional Mandi spices and served over fragrant basmati rice infused with smoky, spiced flavors.
Fragrant, smoky, and steeped in Arabian tradition, Chicken Mandi is a culinary jewel from Yemen that has become a beloved staple across the Gulf—and at Chef Prestige Gourmet, we honor this dish by staying true to its roots while elevating it with finesse.
Our Chicken Mandi begins with a whole or bone-in chicken, marinated in a delicate blend of Arabic spices—including turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and cardamom—then slow-roasted or grilled until it turns golden, tender, and infused with smoky flavor. What makes Mandi unique isn’t just the meat, but the way it’s paired with long-grain basmati rice, cooked in a rich, spiced broth that absorbs all the flavors of the meat and spices.
The rice is simmered with whole spices—cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cloves, and dried lime (loomi)—infusing it with deep warmth and aroma. As the rice steams to fluffy perfection, the roasted chicken is placed atop it, allowing the juices to seep down, enriching every grain with savory, smoky depth.
Traditionally, Mandi is cooked in a tandoor-like underground pit, giving it its signature charred aroma and tenderness. At Chef Prestige Gourmet, we replicate this with modern techniques while maintaining the authentic experience.
Served with a side of spicy tomato chutney (dakkous) or yogurt sauce, and garnished with fried onions and toasted nuts, Chicken Mandi is not just a dish—it’s a feast for the senses, perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or anyone longing for the taste of tradition.
1 whole chicken (cut into halves or quarters) or 4 leg quarters
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili (for color)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups long-grain basmati rice (soaked 30 minutes)
4 cups water or chicken stock
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped or pureed)
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for color)
1 dried black lime (loomi)
Whole spices:
2 bay leaves
4 cardamoms
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil or ghee
Fried onions
Roasted almonds or cashews
Fresh coriander
Dakkous (spicy tomato salsa) or garlic yogurt sauce

1 whole chicken (cut into halves or quarters) or 4 leg quarters
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili (for color)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups long-grain basmati rice (soaked 30 minutes)
4 cups water or chicken stock
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped or pureed)
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for color)
1 dried black lime (loomi)
Whole spices:
2 bay leaves
4 cardamoms
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil or ghee
Fried onions
Roasted almonds or cashews
Fresh coriander
Dakkous (spicy tomato salsa) or garlic yogurt sauce