Welcome to
Mantu
Afghan Eatery
Redefining Afghan culture through its food.
FOUNDER
Fatima Rabbani
born in Afghanistan and raised in Pakistan and UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates in Journalism and Political Science with a Msc in State, Society and Development from SOAS, London. Although she studied a very different field in her academia, she was always fascinated by how Afghan food has influences from different parts of the world. During her one year as student abroad and living alone, she learnt how to cook and Afghan cuisine was closest to her heart. It’s been her passion ever since and a dream to open an Afghan restaurant which offers the best of her country’s cuisines in a contemporary way.
Fatima loves cooking and inviting people over for meals and says “There’s something about bringing people together around a meal which makes my soul happy.”
Although she grew up in different countries with various experiences, she shares a strong love of food and her homeland. Meals play a crucial role in building personal ties, but even more so in connecting with her homeland, Afghanistan. Over steaming bowls of Aash, she remembers how her father always talked about the beauty and rich culture of Afghanistan; where the streets smelled of freshly baked bread, and empty plastic bottles were used as salt-shakers.
Fatima was also one of the co-founders of Kishmish, Dubai’s first Afghan gourmet restaurant.
FOUNDER
Fatima Rabbani
born in Afghanistan and raised in Pakistan and UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates in Journalism and Political Science with a Msc in State, Society and Development from SOAS, London. Although she studied a very different field in her academia, she was always fascinated by how Afghan food has influences from different parts of the world. During her one year as student abroad and living alone, she learnt how to cook and Afghan cuisine was closest to her heart. It’s been her passion ever since and a dream to open an Afghan restaurant which offers the best of her country’s cuisines in a contemporary way.
Fatima loves cooking and inviting people over for meals and says “There’s something about bringing people together around a meal which makes my soul happy.”
Although she grew up in different countries with various experiences, she shares a strong love of food and her homeland. Meals play a crucial role in building personal ties, but even more so in connecting with her homeland, Afghanistan. Over steaming bowls of Aash, she remembers how her father always talked about the beauty and rich culture of Afghanistan; where the streets smelled of freshly baked bread, and empty plastic bottles were used as salt-shakers.
Fatima was also one of the co-founders of Kishmish, Dubai’s first Afghan gourmet restaurant.
About Us
Mantu – Afghan fusion Eatery redefining Afghan culture through its food. Mantu offers catering to your private or business events as well as drop offs & deliveries (pre-order required).
oUR
sTORY
Too often, stories about Afghanistan center around the various wars, the opium trade, the war on terrorism. Precious little is said about the Afghan people themselves their culture, their traditions, how they lived in their country and how they manage abroad as exiles.
One thing worth exploring in this culture is the culinary experience, in all its authenticity. The cuisine is largely based on the country’s main crops like wheat, maize, barley, and rice accompanied by plenty of dairy products and a selection of quality vegetables and fruit.
We want to show Afghanistan in a different light through its rich flavors.
To transform the perception of an underserved cuisine into an enjoyable culinary experience.
To become the reference of authentic Afghan food in the UAE.
Our
Menu
Afghan food is extremely comforting and delicious and tastes very much like something you would have at home (mama’s cooking) – it doesn’t taste like takeout food at all.
Starter----- From the streets
Bolani
Crispy flat bread delicately fried & filled with your choice of spiced potatoes, Afghan leeks, pumpkin or spinach & feta cheese (V) (G)
Aash
Afghan noodle soup, with or without meatballs topped with yoghurt.
(D) (V) (G)
Shoor Nakhud
Chickpeas, kidney beans and potato salad topped with our homemade coriander & chilli chutney (V)
Afghan Assorted tempura
Deep fried okra, zucchini, aubergine & potato (V) (G)
Shoor Nakhud
Chickpeas, kidney beans and potato salad topped with our homemade coriander & chilli chutney (V)
Mashawa
A filling lentil & bean soup with ground lamb topped with minty yoghurt (D)
Main Course - From the Kitchen...
Traditional Afghan rice
Plain Palou (V)
Emerald Palou (V)
Kabuli Palou
(with or without lamb shank or with chicken) (N)
Mantu
Stuffed Afghan dumplings with your choice of minced lamb or vegetable
filled pasta topped with lentils & yoghurt. (G) (D)
Ashak
Steamed leek filled pasta topped with minced lamb & yoghurt. (G) (D)
Kitchree Kurout
A soft rice dish made with lentils, topped with minced meat, fried onions, dry mint and dried yoghurt sauce. (D)
Chapli Kebab
Gently fried minced beef patty served with our homemade chutneys.
What our
CUSTOMER SAYS
MANTU, M for me, stands for mother or grandmother felt like I was back eating at home, A is for amazing variety of flavors that hit every single taste bud, N nostalgia being taken back in time to a beautiful childhood, T tasty & terrific !!!, U Will absolutely love it - highly recommend this great food and even better service!!
Excellent food. Menu is extensive and seasonal to a particularly high standard.
 I have to say, I enjoyed every single bite of the meal