Al Tawasol is a value for money mandi restaurant near the Clock Tower on Abu Baker Siddiq Street. Best described as rough and ready, it is 100% NOT the kind of restaurant you want to come to on date night. There are a couple of tables and chairs at the front of the restaurant, after which there is one big communal floor seating dining area. If there is a family area and/or private cubicles, I didn’t see them. The interior of Al Tawasol is possibly one of the most basic I have seen, surprising considering their super prime location. Note, there is very limited parking on Abu Baker Siddiq Street but there’s plenty of paid parking behind the restaurant, in front of the Avari Dubai Hotel.
The food at Al Tawasol drew mixed remarks from our group of four. My friends all ordered Madhbi Lamb.
The difference between mandi and madhbi is simply that the lamb in the mandi is slow-cooked whereas the lamb in the madhbi is slow-grilled. From what I could see, their meat was a little over-grilled.
Not so my madfoon, the lamb of which was soft, tender and juicy. I can’t say the same for my rice which wasn’t nearly as fragrant or flavoursome as other places. Interestingly, the broth they open the batting with was more like an Egyptian lentils soup which prompted us to ask where their chef is from – he’s Yemeni.
The wait staff at Al Tawasol are almost all Egyptian. And while English is spoken, it’s an obvious struggle. Service, in general, is more inclined towards speed than friendliness. Prices are very keen and portion sizes are humongous, but if it’s quality you want, I suggest you try other options in the area…starting with Bait Al Mandi, a few minutes’ walk along Al Rigga Street…
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
Instagram @ravenousxerxes
xerxes@dellara.com