Ingredient appreciation — what makes Mantu special

What sets Mantu apart is the handling of qorma onion sauce. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the aromatic with cardamom and saffron result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

kabuli pallow rice is the national dish, traditionally cooked for the most important occasions. The an Eid celebration feast atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had fresh pomegranate juice as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Mantu is the place to start.