Hadramout is a region in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, within the country of Yemen located at the south west tip of Saudi Arabia along the Gulf of Aden. Approximately the size of the state of California, the northern part of the country is more mountainous while the south is desert-like, bordering on the Arabian Sea. The name Hadramout is now also associated with a dining establishment on Holland-Sylvania Rd just north of Central Avenue in Sylvania Township.
A comfortable, inviting space
The interior is well lit with a warm color palette, the outer walls of the room housing booths surrounding tables of 4 or 8 in the center of the dining space. The mild sounds of babbling water emanate from a central fountain, which is soothing and bathes the dining area in comforting sound. Recorded music, clearly Mediterranean or North African, is played with meandering melodies from the oud, a stringed instrument like a lute, and a qanbus, another stringed instrument, with no frets, which is played with a bow. A separate room for private gath- erings or parties is available, or can be used if crowds require it.
The restaurant opened last fall, founded by Abdullah Bintamam and Mahmood Meqdad. Bintamam is a construction specialist with the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, and Meqdad is a pharmacist. Both young men originally came to Toledo to attend the University and decided to stay. The impetus for opening Hadramout was to make Yemeni food available in Toledo.
Prior to opening, the closest Yemeni eatery was in Detroit. Obviating the need for a drive of more than an hour, there are a number of Yemeni families (a growing population in Northwest Ohio) who are expected to be a mainstay of regulars for Hadramout.
Intriguing menu; similar food, prepared differently
The menu includes family meals like Haneeth, spice rubbed crispy oven baked chicken or lamb, cooked in a clay oven, with rice. The Mandi (we ordered the chicken) is rubbed in mild spices, then slow cooked and served over flavored rice. The lamb stew, or Fahsah, comes served in an extremely hot stone bowl , boiling and bubbling when delivered to the table. The fish dish is a grilled whole pompano, butterflied and topped with a red sauce. Flavorful and tender, the sweet fish was beautifully complemented by the saffron spiced rice. Regularly used spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and dry lime leaves, among others. While the dishes do not have spicy heat levels, the tastes are unique in
the Toledo area.
The atmosphere is pleasant and the food is served quickly and efficiently. The staff are friendly and accommodating, explaining Yemeni foods and traditions while making us feel welcome. For a unique, yet familiar, and delicious experience, visit hardamout.
M- sun 12pm-9pm
3200 N Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-441-0029
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