Mani’s Cafe was founded by three mums. Three women with a penchant for quality food, great coffee and a shared errand to run; the ‘school drop-off’.
In search of a weekly spot to unwind and recoup, they cleverly devised the optimum cafe-solution; a missing F&B offering for the Sultanate in the form of Mani’s…2016 marks the fourth year of Mani’s success, with their latest branch opening in Al Marsa 2 of Al Mouj, The Wave. Oman Magazine had the pleasure of sitting with business owner, Maisa Al Adawi to chat about all-things-culinary and her harmonious relationship with coffee, cake and Mani’s extensive offering from breakfast to sunset.
Upon entering the cafe, you are welcomed with fresh white cobbled walls, contemporary light fixtures and colorful striped banquette seating. Your eyes might be distracted and dart to the larger-than-life homemade cakes which are ‘sitting-pretty’ behind the glass fronted counter. From the chocolate lover to the cheesecake fanatic, there truly is something for everyone when it comes to the ‘perfect dessert’.
“It all started with coffee” – Maisa al Adawi
Mani’s has made a name for itself as a warm and friendly cafe with consistently excellent food and in turn, has developed a loyal following. Each dish has been carefully curated and ‘liberally checked’ by all three of it’s foodie-founders.
“We can go back on forth as to whether a dish should feature hummus or that extra slice of beetroot; we really do get involved to the Nth degree! But we love what we do and are proud to have considered every dish”
It is definitely true that the entire menu has been built with incredible thought and has surpassed many taste tests. We could not find a fault in any dish we had experienced; which in itself is quite a feat!
Our courteous host Maisa made no hesitation in offering us a delicious pitcher of homemade pink lemonade (you had us at pink!) which was packed with zesty lemons and had a real citrus kick to it. Such a refreshing change from the artificial, syrupy fizz that grace many of the world’s menus today. “We like to have fun with our drinks and try to offer healthier alternatives by using leafy-greens, kale, ginger and tonnes of antioxidant-filled fruit and veg”.
As well as using the best quality ingredients throughout the drinks offering, the food menu is packed with variety, flavour and a real food-trail of provenance. With daily deliveries of the freshest, homegrown ingredients, every salad, sandwich, pasta dish, main or dessert has been made lovingly by hand without cutting any corners.
“We make our own pestos, sauces, jams, honeys, granola and even siracha. It’s important to go the extra mile for healthier and tastier condiments and dressings. So we have taken the time to experiment and explore food and listen to what the people want. We were once asked for a specific flavour of jam, which spurred us on to produce our own Mani’s range of jam jars such as pineapple with star anise, marmalade and rhubarb jam.”
With three popular locations, their own range of retail products, and a paleo-friendly cloud cake to rival Mary Berry’s baking efforts, Manis Cafe also offers catering. Having hosted everything from corporate functions to wedding receptions, their team is on hand to assist with your occasion. (We are personally very keen on ordering a full Christmas dinner and possibly taking the credit from guests…)
With plenty of exciting plans on the horizon for Mani’s cafe, we are looking forward to hearing about their new own-blend of Kenyan coffee and their ever-growing goodies for sale to take home and enjoy.
For us at Oman Magazine, it’s a real foodies paradise and a must visit.
Qurum – 7am to 9pm
1st Floor of Jawharat al Shatti – Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Landline: +968 24607015
GSM: +968 99335160
Sohar – 7am to 9pm
Ground Floor, Al Sawary Tower, Sallan Roundabout, Sohar.
GSM: +968 98920243
Al Mouj Muscat – Newly launched
Al Marsa 2, Al Mouj, The Wave Muscat
