Mandi Guys — Restaurant in Ontario

I went to order food online for pick-up from this restaurant, using its website. I could not complete my order because their website would not recognize my phone number (which it required me to provide) as being valid. Even if I had gotten past that roadblock, it looked as if the website only had the option for me to pay online before even going to pick up the food, and there was no way I was going to do that. I tried to find the phone number of the restaurant from inside the website and was led to one page after another with no phone number; my husband found the phone number more quickly just by doing a fresh Google search on his computer. I noted looking at the online menu that the fare was neither as varied nor as exotic as I was expecting, and that the main courses were quite pricey. The main entrées almost all just seemed to be various kinds of meat on a bed of rice. When I discovered that the rice was flavoured with "secret spices" as well as almonds, raisins and carmelized onions, I thought perhaps it was worth a try. When I phoned to order the meal, the service was prompt and professional, though I struggled a bit to understand due to the accent of the person talking the call. My husband ordered a single portion of grilled lamb on rice -- the spicy version of the dish -- and I ordered a single portion of grilled chicken breast on rice -- the half-spicy version. We ordered a couple of veggie samosas and a beef samosa, just in case my meal, which was much cheaper than my husband's, turned out to be an inadequate amount of food. We needed not worry about inadequate amounts of food, as it turned out. Both meals were served on huge mounds of rice. My husband's lamb pieces were moist, flavourful and well-seasoned, though they could have been a bit more plentiful. My chicken was very dry and salty, with a slightly unpleasant flavour; on the other hand, it was very plentiful. The rice, in both of our cases, was a big disappointment. The seasoning wasn't especially nice, and it was very dry and salty. There were some little shards of almonds, a very low amount in relation to the rice, perhaps one or two thin strands of carmelized onion, and NO raisins at all. The dipping sauce (one each, provided with the meal) was okay. The samosas turned out to be mini-sized. The veggie ones were tasty, especially the deep-fried pastry. The beef samosa was made in phylo pastry which was delicious, but the beef itself did not have a pleasant flavour. All of this came to fifty dollars, which is much more than it was worth, as a meal. We can spend thirty four dollars for takeaway from the Mandarin and get a much, much better meal, and even more bountiful in quantities too. The restaurant looked clean and cheery, but it was also overly cold in temperature and felt sterile and institutional, as with fast...

Rating: ⭐️ (5/5)

Mandi Guys is a fantastic destination if you're craving authentic Middle Eastern flavors, specifically Yemeni cuisine. Known for its savory mandi and seafood dishes, this restaurant brings hearty, aromatic flavors to the table.

Food: The Mandi—their signature dish—is a flavorful and perfectly cooked combination of spiced rice and tender, juicy meat. The meat, whether chicken or lamb, falls off the bone, and the rice is fragrant with a blend of spices that isn't overpowering. For seafood lovers, the seafood mandi offers a delicious twist, balancing the rich flavors of the sea with the earthy, spiced rice.

The portion sizes are generous, making it great for sharing or for those with a big appetite. The food is rich and hearty, with each dish delivering authentic flavors that transport you straight to the heart of the Middle East.

Service: The staff SK are warm and welcoming, eager to ensure that you enjoy your meal. Service is typically quick, even during busy hours, which is always a plus. The casual atmosphere adds to the restaurant's charm—simple and down-to-earth, allowing the food to be the main focus.

Ambiance: The restaurant has a laid-back, clean, and functional interior. It might not be overly fancy, but the focus here is on the food, and they deliver on that front. It’s the kind of place you go to for a satisfying, no-frills meal.

Price: Prices range between $10 and $20, which is reasonable considering the large portions and the quality of the dishes. Mandi Guys offers great value for money.

Verdict: If you're in the mood for hearty, flavorful Middle Eastern food, Mandi Guys is a must-try. With a comfortable setting, friendly service, and mouth-watering food, it’s easy to see why this place consistently gets...

Once upon a time, in the heart of the city, I stumbled upon a culinary gem - a restaurant where every dish felt like a masterpiece. What made this place truly special, though, was one person who added an extra touch of magic to the entire experience: Khaled.

From the moment I walked in, Khaled's warm welcome made me feel like an honored guest. His genuine enthusiasm for the food and the restaurant's ambiance was contagious, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

As he guided me through the menu, Khaled's knowledge and passion for the dishes were apparent. His recommendations were spot-on, each choice turning out to be a delightful surprise. It was as if he had a sixth sense for matching flavors and preferences.

What struck me most about Khaled was his attentiveness. He anticipated my needs, ensuring that every course arrived at the perfect moment. His presence elevated the meal from good to exceptional.

Khaled's dedication to his craft was evident not just in his service, but also in the stories he shared about the restaurant's heritage and the love and care that went into each dish. It was clear that he took pride in being a part of this culinary journey.

Leaving the restaurant that evening, I couldn't help but reflect on the remarkable experience Khaled had crafted for me. His passion, expertise, and genuine care transformed a simple dinner into a memory I will cherish forever.

If you have the chance to dine at this restaurant, do yourself a favor and seek out Khaled. His dedication to creating an extraordinary dining experience is something truly special. Thank you, Khaled, for turning a night out into a story...