Mataam al Mandi — Restaurant in Sydney

Mataam Al Mandi (MAM) review.

Couple of branches spread around Sydney (prices vary) We decided to brave the Auburn one on a weekend. Parking is a task.

Auburn branch as expected is busy, noisy and crowded. Had to wait 15 minutes, but anything for our first mandi experience in Australia. Staff and service was fast and efficient once we got our table so thats a plus.

Setup was primarily tables/chairs, one area was the traditional floor seating, a few tables outdoors with heaters. They do accomodate prior bookings. But not great to go with large crowds in my opinion.

We ordered the Mixed Mandi ($35) comes with a mutton shank, half a grilled chicken, mandi rice with raisins, yoghurt sauce, red tomato mandi sauce and some salad veggies sprinkled on top. Topped it with another order of half a chicken ($12) for the carnivores in our family! Good order size for a family of 4-6. You can always order extra rice. It comes in a traditional mandi platter and you're supposed to go in at it with your fingers. Spoons, plates provided if you ask.

The chicken was grilled really good with lovely char bits that I love so much. Very moist from the inside. Mutton surprised me. Meat was fall of the bone and no smells at all. Just great. The tomato mandi sauce was unusually spicy but put together with the rest of the meal we didnt mind this at all.

If you go in there expecting middle east Mandi you will be disasspointed. But, if you go in with an open mind to enjoy a version of Mandi, its really very good! Well definitely be going back for more! A...

This is my last time coming to this establishment

To summarise my review below…

Took 30 minutes for the food to arrive Made up some excuse about rice still cooking when multiple tables who ordered after me received their food before I did HAIR in my plate of rice

Today I ordered a mix Mandi meal, I was informed that it would take 10-15 mins which I was completely okay with.

Fast forward 30 minutes later, I was still waiting and went to the counter to get a refund.

Then I was informed that the delay was due to the fact that the rice was still cooking and that it will be ready momentarily.

They apologised which was kind but it was not a genuine apology, and not a genuine excuse either

Because during this time, I counted 4 tables had received their food and all ordered AFTER I did because they were behind me in line.

One table of 4 had completely finished their food and was leaving when I approached the counter.

I opted to take the food home and the cherry on top was that there was a hair in my rice.

Never coming back, the chicken was dry and the mutton was below average.

I would recommended everyone to go to the Lakemba...

Matam Al Mandi was a good experience. The food was tasty and the portion size was generous. We dropped in on a cold night and we're glad to get steaming sweet tea as a welcome drink right at the door. The dispenser was conveniently right by the door so you could get some tea to keep you occupied till your order came out. We ordered a mutton Mandi and loved the red chutney that came along with it. The order took about 10-15 mins which is a pretty standard time for meals at restaurants. We were happy with the quality and quantity of the food. The meat was fresh and well cooked. Since this was our first time trying Mandi I cannot comment on the authenticity of the dish but we found the food tasty. We wanted the listed desserts but there were none available. It could definitely use some work on the restaurant interiors and ambience. The staff were efficient. The place needs some refinement and sprucing up interns of general presentation. We got hot, fresh, and tasty food for a very good value. Would...