Fayez Al Nusari, founder of Mandilicious, had one clear mission — to share the rich flavors of Yemeni cuisine with a modern, fast-food twist. In a city as diverse as Dubai, he saw an opportunity to introduce traditional dishes to a fast-paced audience without sacrificing authenticity. His brand, Mandilicious, blends heritage recipes with the efficiency of a fast-casual dining model, creating a unique niche in the market.
Fayez grew up with the aromas of slow-cooked mandi, fragrant spices, and the warm hospitality of Yemeni culture. However, he noticed that such dishes were often confined to home kitchens or full-service restaurants. His vision was to make mandi and other traditional meals accessible to people on the go — while maintaining the same quality and depth of flavor.
At the heart of Mandilicious is its central kitchen, capable of producing up to 6,000 meals a day. This operational efficiency allows the brand to maintain consistency across outlets, serve large volumes, and still honor the slow-cooked essence of Yemeni cuisine. The menu offers mandi, kabsa, and other regional favorites, presented in a format that works for both dine-in and takeaway customers.
Dubai’s dining landscape is competitive, with global cuisines available on almost every corner. Fayez differentiated Mandilicious by focusing on cultural authenticity. The brand doesn’t just sell food — it tells the story of Yemen through flavors, presentation, and even its branding. This storytelling element resonates with both locals who crave familiarity and expats seeking something new.
Fayez’s central kitchen approach is not just about efficiency; it’s about scalability. By centralizing production, he can expand into new locations without compromising quality. This model also supports catering for large events, further cementing Mandilicious as a versatile player in the food industry.
Mandilicious has introduced many first-time customers to Yemeni cuisine. Fayez’s ability to merge tradition with modern operations has positioned him as a cultural innovator in Dubai’s fast-casual sector. His work shows that heritage food can thrive in contemporary formats, inspiring other entrepreneurs to experiment with their own cultural cuisines.
Fayez Al Nusari, founder of Mandilicious, has proven that tradition and innovation can share the same plate. By reimagining Yemeni dishes for today’s busy lifestyles, he’s created more than a restaurant — he’s built a bridge between cultures, one meal at a time.
1. Who is Fayez Al Nusari?
He is the founder of Mandilicious, a fast-casual brand bringing Yemeni cuisine to Dubai.
2. What is Mandilicious known for?
It specializes in mandi and other traditional Yemeni dishes served in a quick, modern format.
3. How many meals does Mandilicious produce daily?
Its central kitchen can produce up to 6,000 meals per day.
4. Where can you find Mandilicious outlets?
They operate across Dubai, with a model designed for easy expansion.
5. Does Mandilicious offer catering?
Yes, its centralized kitchen allows for large-scale catering services.
