Our editor discovers an authentic Yemeni carpet-dining experience, complete with comfy cushions, giant flatbreads and sizzling lamb on London Road in Brighton.
Chances are you don’t know there’s an authentic Yemeni restaurant located at the end of London Road. I didn’t either until the opportunity to review the food and experience carpet-dining in true Yemeni style presented itself.
Upon arrival, I was led downstairs where there are purpose-built booths with low walls for privacy and plush red carpets with comfortable cushions dotted around the space. Shoes removed, my dining partner and I settled down to peruse the menu, which is vast, containing options for every dietary persuasion. Aside from food offerings, there’s also interesting tidbits about the West Asian country (which is located on the south-western tip of the Arabian Peninsula, for those of you who don’t know).
I will admit to not having a clue what to order, so asked the owner to bring whatever he deemed appropriate. A short while later a literal feast was ushered into our booth. To start, the flatbread. Excuse my colloquialism, but OMG I’ve never seen anything this size — imagine a normal flatbread and times it by ten. Huge. What followed was a procession of vegetables, seafood, shellfish, rice, salad and two different types of lamb.
A highlight was one of the lamb dishes, which arrived sizzling in a clay pot, its rich juices bubbling underneath a layer of cheese. No cutlery was provided, as is customary in the country, so when in Rome (or Yemen), we scooped up sensational bites using the aforementioned gargantuan flatbread.
You may be wondering if it was uncomfortable sitting on the floor, but being accustomed to many carpet picnics at home, I fully embraced the experience. Also, have you ever wanted to lie down after a heavy meal? Well, at Yemen Mandi you can (and I did)! However, if you have mobility issues or just don’t fancy sitting on the floor to eat, the restaurant has many ordinary tables located upstairs.
Verdict? Definitely go, the food is delicious, the team is friendly and attentive — just don’t fall asleep after you eat…
