This is Cabritoz’s second branch. And its second name change too (from Cabrito’s to Cabritoz, and now to Cabritoz 800 Mandi). Based in the ENOC Petrol Station, just before the City Centre Me’aisem turn off on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (towards Dubai), its location is its biggest handicap. I mean, how often have you turned to your mates to say, ‘hey guys, let’s go to the petrol station for a mandi?’ Thankfully once inside the small outlet, things take on a more mandi-ish feeling.
But all that is inconsequential – the big question we were here to answer was, how much of the original Cabritoz mandi magic have they been able to replicate at this new location. And the answer is…drum roll…every single bit of it. Both the Cabrito Lamb, and the Lamb Haneeth we ordered were exquisite – the lamb; succulent, flavoursome, and oh so tender. The long-grain rice was perfectly cooked, fluffy, fragrant and sprinkled with fried almonds and raisins.
If there was a let down (and there was, a big one), it was the soup we were served before our mandi. Let’s just say it desperately needs attention.
Service was friendly, attentive and super-fast. And this was even before we saw one of the girls from the original branch in al-Barsha.
I am so happy that Cabritoz, or Cabritoz 800 Mandi as it is now called, has now come even closer to my home than it first was. I am happier still that it has maintained the same excellent taste and quality. Good enough even, to drive to the petrol station for a mandi.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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