Tibba is a traditional Mandi and Mazbi restaurant. This newly opened third branch is located in the Al Aweer Fruits and Vegetables Market, Ras Al Khor. As with the other two, the interior accommodates floor-seating and table-chair seating, the former in private ‘family’ cubicles as well as a general, communal dining area (which doubles as a prayer hall).
The food at Tibba has always been outstanding, and this branch carries on that tradition. My preference of late has changed from Mandi to Madfoon, which mean ‘buried’. In the old days, meat (most often lamb) was buried in an oven or a pit containing charcoal or wood and left to slow cook for hours. Today, meat (still most often lamb) is wrapped in aluminium foil and baked in an oven. Whatever the process, Tibba’s Madfoon was served-up moist, tender and succulent. If I must find fault, it’s that it didn’t have that intoxicating, spiced aroma the Madfoon of Wadi Doan or Maraheb has. This smelt more like, well, lamb baked in aluminium foil. Any doubts, faults and/or criticism though, quickly disappear once you start eating – the taste is simply delicious.
So is the customary bowl of broth you are served before your meal. I’ll go as far as saying it’s probably the best I’ve ever had – ever.
Service is…um, wham bam thank you ma’am, lightning fast and little else; but not in an offensive way. So, if you are in the Ras Al Khor area, especially if you are at the Al Aweer Fruits and Vegetables Market, and want an amazing, authentic, traditional Mandi (I’m generalising), look no further than Tibba. Just note that this is probably not the best place to bring someone on a first date.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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