Salam Mandi Arabian and East African cuisines — Restaurant in Sydney

Ethiopia and Somalia are neighbours. At Salam Cafe & Restaurant in Auburn you can experience their bilateral relationship on a plate with the Ethiopian and Somali combo platter ($50). One side of this shared plate is covered with stretchy fermented injera, Ethiopia’s carb. of choice, and siga wot, a beef stew that gains its flavour from a red and spicy blend of toasted then ground whole spices called berbere. There’s also a mound of vegetables and another vegetarian dish, alicha wot, made from yellow split peas. The other side of the platter teams fragrant basmati rice and hunks of roasted lamb (lahem mandi) you dunk into vinegar-based house-made chill sauce. The spice blend in this dish is hawaji—primarily cumin and black pepper—and it is generally cooked in a tannour, an Arabic clay oven. It comes with a simple clear broth and salad.

While the platter is plenty of food for two people, on conversing with other diners in the all-male space—we also opt to try Somalia’s favourite dish: suqaar ($18). With the name coming from the Arabic term for ‘little one’, it’s a flavoursome stir-fry of finely diced lamb pieces cooked with cumin, turmeric, capsicum, tomato and onions. It suited the lightly blistered, soft flatbread, jabati—made using plain flour, water and salt like Indian chapati. While it wasn’t the best version of lamb tibs ($22) I have had in Sydney, we gobbled up the extra injera that accompanied this mild Ethiopian dish made with plump pieces of boneless lamb leg. With dishes like Kenyan ugali—a cornmeal bread—yet to try, Salam is a great place to see how food...

I had the pleasure of experiencing African cusine (Mainly Northern, Central and Eastern) back in my university days while I was still in my early to mid twenties. A decade on, back in Australia, I suddenly had cravings for some authentic, traditional, Eastern African cusines. I did some quick searching, and found 'Salam Mandi' in Auburn. I will now get to the point. Food was traditional and authentic 5/5. The taste ripped me straight back to my twenties, I was truly moved by how good the food was. The quality and quantity were both top notch 5/5. The service was also warm and welcoming. We were greeted with some soup/ broth even before we made our orders! (Thank you so much for your warm reception!) The atmosphere, was also lively, and friendly. Filled with local families and friendly brothers, we felt almost at home! I may have a little bias, because I was craving authentic, traditional food, but regardless, I truly had a wonderful time at 'Salam Mandi' with my wife and two other friends. If you are looking for a traditional, authentic, African/ Arabian culinary experience, look no further! Salam Mandi is an excellent, high quality restaurant with phenomenally delicious food and a warm, friendly, family oriented atmosphere! We will surely be back in the future! Highly...

Have been here a couple of times in and out in the past 2 years. This is our favourite place for Mandi by far in Sydney.

They have authentic taste sending us back to Arabia in every bite. A few loose ends here and there but I think they do a very good job. We have tried them all and our Favourite is Haneed Mandi😍, the meat literally melts in your mouth!

Laham mandi is good, but we are not a fan. Chicken mandi is yummy. The quantity is generous and sides are good as well.

They are really versed at party orders and smaller gathering orders too when notified before hand, with orders ready ontime. Your staff is really friendly and humble.

We felt like the quality was not so great for a few months or weeks maybe earlier this year. The taste was not the same for some time. May you changed something or what we have no idea. But alhamdulillah it's back now. Please keep it this way😁.

Prices are similar to other competitive restaurants, but taste is way better. Mashaa allah!

Will keep coming in shaa Allah for all our Mandi cravings😀

Keep up the good work Salam...