Halal restaurant

Mandi Biryani at Home in House of Mandi!

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The signature Mandi Biryani platter at House of Mandi in Little Arabia

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Summer Sundays in Anaheim can be as sticky and hot as the original home of Mandi Biryani in Mandi (the name for this feast) in Hadhramaut, Yemen. We arrived for a meal here in the name of research because Banana Leaf Chef-Owner, Sri Sambangi,  LocalFoodEater.com publisher, added Mandi Biryani platters his menu after discovering its new popularity in India.

Mandi biryani is prepared with specially seasoned proteins or vegetables and rice are cooked separately instead of layered in one pot (dum biryani). Generous sharing platters encourage communal finger-food dining.  House of Mandi stays full continually.  Even without word of mouth, when we phoned minutes before arrival, no less than owner Sarem Mohamed welcomed us on the phone.

t Mandi Biryan platter at House of Mandi in Little Arabia

Mandi biryani originated in Yemen and traveled to India by way of the Arabian peninsula. Meats are traditionally slow-cooked underground on smoldering fires, or at the very least in special ovens to keep them moist, which is gives “mandi”its name.

Lamb Mandi, a traditional dish from Hadhramaut in Yemen, can be ordered individually or for large groups.  A very young  fresh lamb is gently roasted underneath the oven until the ultra-tender meat literally falls of the bone.  It is served on a bed of specially seasoned Mandi rice with slivered almonds and yellow raisins, and arrived with a little container of Yemeni sauce and yogurt. ($24.99 “serve 2-3”  and can serve six)

Mandi Biryani platters draw a crowd at House of Mandi in Little Arabia run by family and friends

Hrada of Fahsah is traditional dish from Sana in Yemen. A shredded lamb and deer whipped fenugreek is served bubbling hot, cooked in the traditional Yemeni plate carved of stone.  One blanket of a Yemeni bread and yemeni sauce comes with the dish. ($21.99 “serves 2-3” and can serve four) 

Famous Hrada of Fahsah at House of Mandi features shredded lamb

When we heard about House of Mandi, we headed right to Little Arabia although we later discovered other restaurants that serve the dish near DTLA.

House of Mandi, 518 S Brookhurst St Unit 1, Anaheim, CA 92804, Phone: (657) 220-5272, //www.houseofmandi-yemenirestaurant.com.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. No alcohol. Credit cards accepted. Lot parking.

Thank you @tableconveration, @foodfaye and 2photosbyyakir for introducing me to this restaurant when it was Olive Tree and creating such special memories. And this included going to the Middle Eastern Market to see the fresh ingredients for yourself!

No trip to Little Arabia feels complete without a trip to the Fresh Market!

For the story of how regal Biryani was  brought to India by the  powerful, ruling Mughals to the northwest to be transformed by a shah’s wife, when  It was already a classic rich with fruits and meats in the Mughal royal kitchens of Persia and how Mandi Biryani arrived in the south by way of traders from the Arabian peninsula, where it was cooked in special ovens that kept the meat moist and gave “mandi” its name, please see www.localfoodeater.com

 I first experienced finger food eating, on the floor inside of a house of the Asian Culture when I was doing a special on a network TV special on Immigrants. I was quite surprised. And then remembered the outdoor picnic in western cultures that does the same thing, and with insects!

Celebrating the Two Major Muslim “Eids”

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Flowers and children are important in the two Eid festivals

Muslims all over the world this week are celebrating Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr, one of the religion’s principal festivals was celebrated in spring. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, helped us understand the two Islamic festivals.

Eid literally means festival or feast in Arabic. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later.  Both follow the lunar calendar.

The second and Eid al-Adha, is the “feast of the sacrifice.” It comes at the end of the Hajj. This annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia is made at least once in a lifetime.

Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God’s command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed. 

But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God.

The sacrificed ram is symbolized by goat in this Banana Leaf LA goat sukka dish

Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.  This three-day-long festival and is known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller Eid” when compared to Eid al-Adha, which is four-days-long and is known as the “Greater Eid.”

Sweets are always a part of the break-the-fast Eid al-Fitr here at Forn-Al Hara Bakery and Restaurant

Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.” The fast, in this instance, is Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month.

Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers.  special . People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid” and with formal embraces.

Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness.

The final major break-the-fast meal at Olive Tree in Little Arabia

For more information on halal meats, please see: //localfoodeater.com/what-is-halal-and-why-it-is-going-viral/

NOMAD’s Halal Asian Fusion Feast (and more)

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NOMAD asian bistro in Long Beach offers communal tables as well as smaller ones, and can seat up to 250 guests at one time. Specials are on the wall as you walk in the door.

(Gerry Furth-Sides) NOMAD asian bistro in Long Beach, definitely a destination dining location, has long been a cornerstone of the burgeoning Long Beach community.  The hospitality and outstanding service in an airy, inviting atmosphere alone are worth the trip.  Chef Cary Huynh, always so passionate and generous in sharing his knowledge of food, slept only three hours in order to prepare the special banquet.  He took it upon himself to personally prepare the Shrimp Egg Rolls and the desserts.  Born and raised in Viet Nam, Cary’s family is Chinese.

Chef Cary, still exuberant after three hours sleep. He also does tours of Little Saigon

The master, Chef Cary, with his niece, Sophie

This Asian fusion restaurant is famous for its rich, Halal Chinese cuisine.  It was the first restaurant  certified to serve Chinese Halal in Southern California.   NOMAD’s fresh Asian cuisine also features Hui specialties. The Hui are a Chinese ethnic tribe who originated in regions along the historic Silk Road.  The unique blend of traditional Chinese food with Mediterranean influences introduced by Persian and Middle Eastern travelers along the trading route culminated in what we know today as Hui cuisine.  Staying true to its Hui roots, NOMAD serves familiar classic Chinese staples and seasonal specialties from all over the Asian continent.  

Friendly service is key – joyous and effortless – at NOMAD asian bistro, where servers are familiar with the dishes, happy to share information

Family-style dishes to share arrive at the table as soon as they as they have been fired up and finished in the kitchen.  In fact, 250 people at one time can arrive within an hour on a Sunday for lunch!  Different areas of seating include congenial, huge communal tables; smaller ones in a more private area, plus a sunny indoor and outdoor patio section at the front of the roomy dining areas.  The restaurant can seat up to 250 guests at one time. Specials are on the wall as you walk in the door. Free parking in a more than ample lot is right outside the door.

NOMAD asian bistro in Long Beach is a cool oasis in the summer and an inviting rustic eatery in the winter

In addition to classic Chinese dishes, the restaurant is known for being the only Halal-certified Chinese restaurant in North America.  It is famous throughout the Islamic community nationally and internationally. “Certified Halal” means that animals must be slaughtered as prescribed by Muslim law, as defined in the Koran. The specific respectful manner is followed by a blessing. There are similarities to Kosher food that complies with Jewish dietary law.

NOMAD’s feast for eight or more people, which Chef Cary can adjust to vegetarian or even vegan preferences

Chef Cary Huynh wears the hats of chef, baker, proprietor and caterer. He and his team can prepare this luscious  feast menu for eight people or more.   Lobsters have to be ordered 24 hours in advance in order to be prepared properly.  Yes, there are the classic Lazy Susans on every table!

View of the NOMAD asian bistro feast on the Lazy Susan

Eight-Person Menu with dishes from the regular & special menu 

  • Appetizers
  • Chicken Roti Wrap
  • Shrimp Egg Rolls
  • Lotus Root and Berry Salad

Preserved baby lotus stems stood out in the Lotus Root and Berry Salad in the appetizer dish. They were very firm in texture naturally, and the chef suggested sautéing the stems to make them more tender.

The first course of Lotus root and berry salad with raspberry lichee drink behind it at a special feast at NOMAD asian bistro in Long Beach

Chicken Roti Wrap

The chicken roti wrap incorporates Indian Paratha that gives an Indian flair to the menu

Main Dishes

  • Mix Green Chow Fun
  • Apple Walnut Shrimp
  • Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce
  • Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce
  • Lamb Rack in Basil Sauce
  • Jade Fried Rice

The Mix Green Chow Fun showcased the restaurant’s hand-pulled gluten-free noodles. It already is a favorite dish of ours because of the texture. This was a more refined version that has become an NOMAD customer favorite, too.

Our favorite rice noodles, here thinner and longer and refined

Apple Walnut Shrimp

Another popular Chinese favorite in many  Chinese restaurants is Walnut Shrimp.  Here Chef Cary adds apples for an unexpected crunch that works.  He also lightens the mayonnaise with yogurt.

The popular Walnut Shrimp made into the even more crisp and appealing Apple Walnut Shrimp at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach

Close up of the crunchy, creamy Apple Walnut Shrimp at NOMAD Asian Bistro

Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce

Chef Cary joyfully presents the whole Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach

Chef Cary Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach

Lamb Rack in Basil Sauce

Lamb Rack in Basil Sauce created by Chef Cary lends an herbal touch to replace the usual mint jelly

Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce 

Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach displays a French influence into the cuisine

Vegetable Delight

The Vegetable Delight at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach features tofu and greens

Jade Fry Rice

Jade Fry Rice enhanced with pine nuts at NOMAD asian bistro, Long Beach

Filet Mignon in Brown Butter Sauce is influenced by classic French cuisine culinary techniques.

Desserts

  • Coconut and Black Sesame Panna Cotta
  • Thai Tea Crème Brulee
  • Rainbow Cassava Stripes
  • Mango Taro Swiss Roll
  • Pandan Madeleine

Crackly Thai Tea Creme Brûlée at NOMAD asian bistro, served with a smile

Crackly Thai Tea Dreme Brûlée at NOMAD asian bistro

Chef Cary’s Pandan Madeline with fruit in them.  You are seeing both sides here!

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce (provider of the day’s fruits, veggies) presented Chef Cary with the winning basket of the day

We caught a glimpse of the Melissa’s truck on the 5 freeway!

Nomad asian bistro 6563 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA  90803 //www.nomadasianbistrolongbeach.com

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