Pairing Mantu correctly — a note on qymaq cream tea

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Mantu. I ordered it with qymaq cream tea and the fragrant and warming elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. saffron in particular became more prominent in a good way.

kabuli pallow rice is the national dish, traditionally cooked for the most important occasions. The an Eid celebration feast is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Mantu with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.