Sayed Iqram Hossain
۸ ماه قبل
I recently visited Al Makala Al Awal Restaurant in the Al Buteen area, and it turned out to be a great experience overall. I ordered the Chicken Madbi, and honestly, it was one of the best I’ve had — especially considering the price, just 18 AED.
🍗 Food Quality & Taste
The Chicken Madbi was full of flavor and had that real Arabic taste, because the chefs and staff are all from Yemen, which gives the food an authentic traditional touch. The chicken was nicely grilled with a smoky aroma and perfectly balanced spices. Mine was a bit on the dry side, but still very tasty and enjoyable.
The rice was soft, aromatic, and perfectly cooked — each grain separated, with a hint of light seasoning that paired beautifully with the grilled chicken. They also gave extra rice for free when I asked, which was really generous.
The meal also came with a spicy red chutney, a bowl of soup, and a fresh salad (with lemon, cucumber, carrot, and green leaves). When I got my food packed, they even added extra rice in the takeaway box without me asking — a very nice gesture that shows their hospitality.
🍵 Extras
They serve free tea, which was a pleasant surprise. The tea was hot and flavorful — a perfect way to end the meal.
👨👩👧👦 Ambience & Service
The restaurant has a separate family hall, which makes it comfortable for families to dine in. The place is clean and simple, giving off a homely and welcoming vibe.
The service was a little slow, but the staff were very polite, respectful, and friendly. Their behavior was excellent and they made sure I was satisfied with everything.
🚗 Parking & Accessibility
There is parking available, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot. It’s convenient whether you’re dining in or picking up takeaway.
💰 Value for Money
For just 18 AED, you get a complete, satisfying Arabic meal — grilled chicken, rice, soup, salad, and tea. The portions are generous, and the quality is great for the price.
✅ Overall Rating
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Authenticity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Service: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
📝 Final Verdict
Al Makala Al Awal Restaurant offers authentic Yemeni Arabic food at an affordable price. The Chicken Madbi was delicious and genuinely traditional in flavor. Although the service can be a bit slow, the staff’s kindness, the great taste, and the overall hospitality make it absolutely worth visiting — especially for families.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves real Arabic-style Mandi and Madbi!