MandiXpress is one of the best halal Middle Eastern restaurants in Irvine . The food is authentic, fresh, and full of rich Yemeni flavors. Their lamb mandi and chicken dishes are especially amazing -- the meat is very tender and cooked perfectly, and the rice is flavorful and well-seasoned. The restaurant is also very clean and has a welcoming atmosphere. Staff are friendly, respectful, and provide good service, which makes the dining experience even better. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable for the quality you get. Overall, MandiXpress is a great spot for anyone looking for 100% halal, delicious, and authentic Middle Eastern food. Highly recommended for families and food lovers who enjoy traditional Yemeni cuisine. read more

The hookah was fire asf, also the food was delicious, thanks to Moatez. Will come back for the hookah.

Thank you guys for the delicious dinner and the service is really good thes my scan time with my family im really happy thank moataz your so kind thank to everyone read more

WOW! First time trying YEMENI food and it was WORTH IT!! We weren't sure what to order and the cashier was very helpful in guiding us through the menu! We had the chicken kabob, and beef koobideh, as well as hummus and fresh bread. Everything was so tasty and made to order. Portions are HUGE. Located right in front of the main library in Riverside. This place is quiet with ample seating. I will say please review the menu ahead of time and see what looks good. I can't wait to go back and try out some new items on the menu. Each dish ranges from $18-$30 depending on the plate. Family meals are $50-$70 Rating 10/10 read more

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Pretty good place for yemen food. This place was basically in downtown Riverside. There's a parking lot so you don't have to worry about parking in a structure or street parking. We came in on a hot day but it didn't seem like there was AC inside, just a huge fan, just fyi. I decided to order the single order of lamb mandi, which was pretty good. The lamb was really tender and I loved the sauces accompanying the dish. The flavor was great. One thing to note was that the portions were huge... so definitely share with others when coming here. Service was pretty good. You would just order at the counter and they'll bring the food to you. We were basically the only ones here when we came, so nothing to complain about that. read more

Mandi Xpress - lamb - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Amazing rice (fresh almonds, golden raisins and spices). My wife got the Mova Fish plate. It was 2 large fish halves, rubbed with a citrus and spice marinade and then looked grilled on an open flame based on the lovely charred edges. We thought we would take leftovers home but we devoured the whole thing. I had the beef kabobs with 1/2 salad and 1/2 rice. Depending on how much rice you like, the 1/2 salad is the way to go. Gives some vegetables and brightness to a rich plate. Kabobs can easily get dry but these were nice and juicy. Served with a large green chilli for kick, and hummus. We also ordered a side of hummus which came with a huge, fresh baked flat bread. That was a meal in itself and we definitely took most of that home. The creaminess of the hummus and the wonderful olive oil on top was so nice. I highly recommend this restaurant especially if you have a large group. There were only two of us, but we saw many people coming in in groups of four or six that ordered these huge shareable platters that looked really, really good. read more

Mandi Xpress - Hummus and bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Took the kids here for a weekend lunch. It's a casual spot in downtown Riverside near the Main Library. Very chill vibes and never seems to be crowded. I picked this spot due to the stellar, near perfect aggregate Yelp rating and reviews. We ordered a family special with the lamb mandi and four ground beef kabobs (beef koubideh?). The flavor did not disappoint. We were looking for extra authenticity and my teenager just loved it. The lamb was as tender off the bone as could be. We had to order a side salad. The food tasted pretty authentic and fresh. There was an added layer of yumminess that we were looking for. read more

Mandi Xpress - Family special lamb mandi and ground beef with rice plus separately ordered salad. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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Absolutely delicious! Our first time trying Yemen food! Absolutely coming back!! We ordered Beef koobideh and chicken Mandi with Yemen bread! If I could give it 10 stars I would! The gentleman who took our order was patient and nice. The restaurant was very clean and the music was beautiful, very peaceful!! read more

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The rice is aromatic and the full meal was a very pleasant dinner. The bread, hummus, and lamb is great.

We walked across the street after studying at the Main Library. It was our first time trying Yemeni food so we ordered two of the plates-beef koobideh and chicken kabobs. We also tried the fresh Yemeni bread which came out made to order. Everything we had was delicious. The service was very helpful and offered great recommendations. There was a lot of seating space both inside and outside. They also currently have Ramadan buffets for those who are Muslim which was being set up as we entered. Overall a great first experience! read more

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Went here with friends on a Saturday around 2:40pm. Not too busy. Service was friendly, but took about 35 mins for my fries, Spicy Potato Xpress Appetizer. I was expecting something more filling with that name. Didn't know it was simply fries. They were good and spicy. Just didn't think it was worth that wait. Also it was about $10. The Mango Juice was good. Tasted like mango lassi. They were out of some of their vegetarian options unfortunately. Maybe they were short staffed, but I'd try this place again. The ambiance is relaxing, not too busy, not too noisy. * Spicy Potato Appetizer: 4/5, you'll need more food than this. Basically just French fries with seasoning, spices. * Mango Juice: 4/5, thicker like mango lassi, pretty sweet. read more

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This was my second time here and it's a cute very clean restaurant. I was on my lunch so I didn't want anything too heavy so I ordered the lentil soup and the egg plant. The egg plant with the bread was delicious But my lentil soup I would have preferred if they told me they didn't have enough. It was super water down and just tasteless. read more

With many Yemeni cafés appearing, why not a restaurant, too? Such is the case with Mandi Xpress, located on University Avenue across the street from the downtown branch of the public library, and next to Riverside City College Arts buildings. I'm already eager to explore more on the menu, but the unique take on familiar things, such as the chicken shish kabob plate with the special rice and grilled veggies was especially delicious. I opted for half-salad and half-rice, which proved to be an excellent balance. Friendly service and employees make coming here a joy, especially since I sometimes do food deliveries. Look for them on Über Eats. read more

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My first time visit and also my last. I met my husband here for lunch and the best part of my meal was the mural on the wall. Having dined at places from here to Greece and many places in between I can honestly say the dish that I had here left much to be desired. The beef skewers with 1/2 salad 1/2 rice were lacking in flavor and the two sauces did nothing to improve upon that flavor. I was going to have a canned soda with my lunch, because the soda fountain was broken but, they were charging $3.99 FOR A CANNED SODA!! I politely declined, on principle alone. I'm giving them 2 stars because I liked the salad, which consisted of cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and red onion and because the mural is beautiful. The other dishes may be good, but you'll have to try them for yourself. read more

Mandi Xpress - The skewers with salad and rice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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This place was decent. Price was okay. Empty when I arrived. The line was busy when I called and I had to order in, then wait. read more

Mandi Xpress - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Always passed by this place on the way to Mt Rubidoux, and after the long hike one day my husband and I got hungry and decided to try their food. Surprisingly, the two entrees we ordered were really good. I got the beef koobideh plate which comes with two strips of meat with a side of salad, seasoned rice, hummus, and two different sauces. Hummus was creamy yet not too strong. Beef was tender and flavorful, and not dry! Husband ordered the fahsah. It's a new dish for us; it's a mixture of lamb and beef cooked in their specialty sauce to compliment with the baked naan. Not gamey at all. Plenty of food for the two of us and the quality of the food was epic! Food is made upon order so go here when you have plenty of time or plan to order ahead for pick-up. Super clean inside, plenty for seatings, and they have a hookah lounge outdoors if interested! read more

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Amazing food, really delicious and testing great, the decoration so beautiful and relaxing. Good job keep going read more

I came here with my parents after a school event and we had a great experience! The food was delicious and the three of us were able to share a family plate with lots of leftovers for later. The lamb was so tender and flavorful, definitely our favorite. Lots of free seating inside and the service was friendly. I'll definitely be coming back soon! read more

Mandi Xpress - Lamb Mandi, Beef Kabodeih - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Very good. I loooove mandi. This place is amazing. The vibe is super cool. Love the painting on the wall. The rice and meat were so fresh. Just having dessert now and wooow. Must try read more

Delicious food and so good I love visit every time Delicious and enjoyable spicy, read more

Mandi Xpress - Wow - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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We went for lunch on a whim. Happen to come across it on our way to lunch to another place and turned back to get there. And we did not regret one bit. The place is very welcoming, the decor minimalist yet bright. We ordered the Chicken & sheek mandi family platter along with Foula express and Spicy potato. The server - Vaish was very helpful in choosing the right dishes. The Foul dish is a traditional Yemeni dish which is made of Fava beans cooked in tomato sauce and spices. It is served with the traditional Bread. The taste was amazing & we loved every bite of that. It had the right tangy & spiced flavor which hits your palate in a really a pleasant way. The star of the show was the chicken & Sheesh kabab. The chicken was grilled to perfection & the meat was fall off the bone juicy. The pilaf rice tasted really well with raisins, nuts sprinkled generously and lended a subtle nutty flavor. The sheesh kabab was amazing and delicious. The accompanying sauces complemented the whole dish & we just couldn't resist digging in. The Spicy potato also needs to mentioned. French fried cooked coated with the traditional Yemeni sauce served as a perfect accompaniment to the Foul dish. Overall a must visit place & can't wait to go there again. read more

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We visited Mandi Xpress hoping to try Yemeni food for the first time. The decor and ambiance were beautiful (very clean and thoughtfully designed, with interesting cultural notes on the tables). That part was a real highlight. We ordered chai, coffee, the "spicy potato" appetizer (I repeated this several times in different ways to be clear), and the beef koobibeh. For an "Xpress" restaurant, the order took more longer than anticipated (almost 30 mins), and when we got home, we discovered the appetizer was missing. We drove back, and the [male staff or owner] was very kind and professional, immediately offering a refund or to remake the dish. We appreciated that and chose to wait so we could try it. Unfortunately, when the food was finally ready, the [female employee/cashier] made sure to tell us (in a condescending, almost scolding tone) that we had not ordered the spicy potato in the first place. This was not true, and considering she hadn't repeated the order back to confirm in the first place, the attitude felt especially misplaced. The [male staff or owner] even motioned for her to stop, which says a lot. The whole ordeal took over an hour between driving back and forth and waiting again, and the dismissive service really overshadowed the experience. The food was OK, the chai was decent, and the coffee wasn't for us. In the end, while the ambiance is wonderful, the service left us disappointed enough that we wouldn't return. read more

Mandi Xpress - Unfortunately neither of these were worth the attitude we received from the cashier. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

What an amazing little gem in down town riverside. This morning we wanted something different for breakfast and came across mandi xpress. We ordered their breakfast platter. It was such a warm delicious meal. The service was great. The vibes were immaculate. My husband wants to go back tonight for dinner lol. read more

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Everything is amazing, wonderful food, and wonderful service, and really nice ambiance that makes everything special and joyful. read more

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a quick xmas day lunch to fuel for the day. first time having yemeni food so i don't feel i can truly appreciate this dish for its intentions but will comment on flavors alone. ordered: half chicken mandi and mango lassi. always a fan of mango lassi, how can it go wrong? chicken is crazyyyy marinated/seasoned? what is this flavor it was like a spiced up flavorful chicken my tastebuds never encountered such a flavorful chicken before. and i mean the meat is flavorful not just the outside bc that is easy. flavor all the way through to the bone. half rice/half veg is the way to go, the veg balances out the saltiness frm the chicken, and just eat your veggies. the cucumber yogurt sauce thing i think tasted better w the veg alone, but could go without. the red salsa sauce thing was so yum w the chicken. perfect spoon has a little rice, some pieces of veg, chicken piece, soaked in the red sauce. followed by more veggies/rice. service is friendly. a table was here celebrating for bday which made the vibes fun and friendly overall: still don't know what mandi is, i think rice dish. delicious, would come back to try more of the menu, but would park in the plaza bc walking through dtr is so sketch read more

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Mandi Xpress never disappoints! The food is rich in flavor, perfectly cooked, and always fresh. The portions are generous, and everything tastes authentic. Big thanks to Om Umm Amer she is the best! Her smile made me wanna come again,Super friendly, welcoming, and always makes sure everything is perfect. Her service really stands out. Definitely coming back! read more

Great food quality. A longer wait time, but definitely worth it. The lamb nandi is a tried a true for sure.

Food is great, fresh and flavorful, I can eat this everyday, I will definitely be coming back. read more

Mandi Xpress - Food is great, fresh, and flavorful, I will definitely be going back - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

First time here, we came after the rush hour. Food were delicious we ordered fish mova served aromati rice, lamb fahsah with huge Yemeni bread, xpress kibbeh which is fried meat pockets, midye baklava. I asked if I can get each flavor, and the lady was nice enough to give me. Turkish coffee, ice matcha latte with almond milk and Yemeni coffee (didn't take pic of the ice matcha latte and Yemeni coffee). The place was clean, the only this is they need more help. Feel bad for the little young lady running around taking orders and serving food. We have no complaints and we'll be back. read more

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I took my BF out for dinner, and I wanted to order everything on the menu. We ordered chicken mandi with rice (beautiful saffron color), yemni bread (made fresh to order), green salad and cheesecake. My only complaint, is the waiter kept bringing us dishes that we didn't order, (salad and 2 cucumber yogurts) and they gave us plastic plates and utensils (which was weird since we did not order it to go). Don't get me wrong, this is a great restaurant, with delicious food and I'm definitely going back, they just need to make a few tweaks to be perfect! read more

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Environment was good. Food was good.service was good. Fresh and tasty food great food too read more

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We stopped at Mandi express after visiting Riverside downtown. The food was amazing we had the family plate lamb and chicken, Lentil soup, and hummus with bread. The meat was tender and delicious. The chicken was tasty. The lentil was warm and hearty. Everything worked well together to make a very combination. I highly recommend it Now let's talk about service. What can I can say you know good service when you are at the receiving end of it, because it just makes you feel good. The lady at the counter. "Oum Omar" I asked her for her name because I was so impressed with her service. She took our order and was very friendly explaining the options. Over all a very nice lady. The sever Moartaz was super nice as well he got us our order of Karak tea and made it himself so I like to give him credit for that amazing tea. It was perfect for the nice outdoor seating cold night. So to make long a story short. If you like good service and amazing food, you won't go wrong by visiting this little gem nested right in the bosom of Riverside. I hope you find this review helpful and drop me a comment. Check out the pictures With love from Morocco and Egypt read more

Mandi Xpress - Delicious tender lamb and chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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We came here when the place just opened for few weeks. The place is quite new. I believe we supposed to order and pay first before get seated. There were 2 staffs and one manager at the time we ordered. And one of the staffs was assisting the order. Both staffs were not familiar with the menu because they need to keep asking the manager whenever we ask on the ingredients of the food and what it was consisting of. Which to me clearly staffs didn't have any product knowledge before start working on the floor. As for the food, Chicken Mandi was super tasty the bones of the chicken was removed easily when we pull it out and rice has some nuts and raisin. Yogurt & Cucumber Salad was tasted fine. Lastly their signature dish was soo delish. It was served on tender lamb served in hot stone and accompanied with bread (which in our experience, bread took sometimes to come when the lamb had been delivered on our table). Additionally, this place also served Yemeni coffee (coffee w/ cardamon & milk). Foods were fantastic, only downside was the service which could be so much better. read more

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First time here today. I ordered the combo beef koobideh and chicken shish kabob. Big bold flavor in every bite, absolutely delicious, and big portions. The service was friendly, helpful, and professional. Moatez was great, helped me understand my menu options, and give me suggestions. The restaurant is clean and the decor is inviting and gives me a since of the origins of the food, with great painting and decorations of Middle East. I have found my new favorite lunch spot in the Mission Inn area of Riverside. If you haven't tried it, try it soon. Especially if you are like me and always looking for something new and different, this is the spot. read more

Mandi Xpress - Beef Koobideh and Chicken Mandi, Shish Kebab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Craving amazing Middle Eastern food but don't feel like driving all the way to LA or Orange County? Check out Mandi Express -- you won't regret it! The food is so good -- full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and super fresh. The service was great too, and everyone there was really friendly. We even got to meet the chef, she was awesome. Prices are very good-- dinner for two came with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Definitely a win! Whether you're looking for a fun date night spot or just want to experience authentic Middle Eastern flavors , Mandi Express is a must-try! read more

I had the Lamb Mandi and did not disappoint' huge portions and very savory. Great service and kind people working the place. Definitely will come back when the opportunity arises. read more

Mandi Xpress - Lamb Mandi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

First time trying Yemeni cuisine. Food was fresh delicious and yummy. Worth the wait. Definitely will come back again and try the one in Irvine read more

The food and service were absolutely exceptional! I'll be coming back many times! The restaurant itself is also very beautiful and welcoming. Highly recommend. read more

Mandi Xpress - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Service was good went in for take out, Ordered that kabob and Koobideh not bad but iv had better meat was a bit dry and bland, the rice was good and hummus was good to. read more

We had a really good experience at this place because of the friendly service and amazing food! Located in Downtown Riverside, this hole in the wall, restaurant provides yummy Yemeni food. The cashier/server was very welcoming, and related to our friend's citizenship journey. Afterwards, she gave us some baklava on the house! She also recommended the fish dish with bread and we ordered this with two additional lamb mandi dishes. We ordered at the counter and assumed these individual meals were more small, casual meals. We were surprised when the food came out in huge portions, which is great if you are eating family style. The great thing was that we were able to have leftovers! For the price point, this was an amazing deal. The food was very well-seasoned and comparable to other Middle Eastern food I've had in more restaurant dense areas, such as LA or Orange County. I would definitely come back again if I am in the area, and recommend this to those who love authentic Yemeni food. read more

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