One sort of biryani meal made with meat (chicken or lamb), spices, and rice is called Mandi or Kuzhi Manthi. It is a Yemeni dish that has its roots in Saudi Arabia. In the Malabar region of Kerala and Karnataka, it is also well-liked. The Arabic word nada, which means "dew," is where the term "mandi" originates. It differs from other meat recipes since the meat is tandoor-cooked (a special kind of oven). Mandi is a traditional cuisine that is cooked in a pit underground and primarily consists of meat and rice with a unique spice mixture.
In most cases, it is a main course for lunch or dinner. It is ideal for a weekday lunch because it isn't too heavy. First boil some tiny chunks of lamb or chicken with spices to prepare this traditional mandi biryani dish. The brown rice is then prepared using a meat stock that has been seasoned. Place the boiled meat into the tandoor to roast or slowly simmer. In the last stage, incorporate cooked rice with smoked pork and top with tzatziki sauce. This meal is offered at family gatherings, feasts, and special occasions like Eid.
Mandi, a rice and meat meal that originated in Yemen, has gained popularity among Kerala's foodies, and numerous establishments now serve the exotic cuisine. Due to its traditional preparation method in a cylindrical, underground pit that burns charcoal and serves as a "pressure cooker," it is most often known in Kerala as "kuzhimanthi."
Mandi has recently gained popularity among Hyderabadis as well after appearing on the menus of some well-known restaurant chains. Fans claim that it may pose a serious competition to the city's renowned biryani. Mandi outlets are popping up all around Hyderabad, especially in the Old City, as a result of the high demand. The Barkas region, where individuals with Arabic ancestry have settled, is the heart of this dish. When the Nizam of the former Hyderabad state was in power, their ancestors travelled to Hyderabad in quest of work. Many restaurants in Hyderabad have established separate mandi sections with different seating arrangements.
There are now many restaurants in Hyderabad that feature a special mandi section with different seating than the others. This unique Arab cuisine is presented on a "chowkis," a short-legged table, such that diners must sit on the floor around it in order to eat. Chairs and tables are not used in the presentation of this dish. Around a single chowki, four individuals can easily eat.
Since it is so well-liked, along with the traditional biryani, this meal is now served at Muslim weddings and other events in Hyderabad.