Meet Chef Hamid Noori, this week’s guest editor, and owner of The Mantu and the soon-to-open The Mantu Market! Before coming to Richmond, Chef Noori was an executive chef in his native Afghanistan. In 2015, he and his family sought refuge in the U.S. amid increasing violence in his home country. When he moved to Richmond, he brought with him his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant, which came to fruition in 2019 with The Mantu, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Afghan cuisine in the modern style. Located in Carytown, The Mantu name has two meanings: the mantu dumpling, and also, “me and you,” which connects people – and Chef Noori’s story.
Since his arrival, Chef Noori has established himself as a culinary force in Richmond dining. In 2021, he made his first appearance on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay," and in spring 2022, he was profiled in The New York Times story, “They Fled Afghanistan for America. Now They Feed the Newest Arrivals.” Chef Noori is committed to helping other refugees coming to Virginia and the U.S. feel at home and welcome as they rebuild their lives and make a new start.
With the success of The Mantu, Chef Noori is now preparing to open The Mantu Market, a new café, bakery, and grocery in Henrico County.
This week, Chef Noori shares a few of his favorite RVA places. Take it away, Chef ...
International Rescue Committee
When I first arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan, I connected with the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization that helps refugees rebuild their lives, to help me find a job in a restaurant. That spirit of support has further inspired me to give back and help people who are in need. Through the IRC, I hired an Afghan refugee to work as a chef at The Mantu, and I’ve helped make and deliver meals to newly arrived immigrants. I encourage anyone to learn more about the IRC, meet people rebuilding their lives, and support their good work as a volunteer.
On Mondays, which is my day off, I usually go with my wife and kids to a local Indian restaurant on West Broad Street called Junoon Indian Cuisine, which has everything from eggplant masala and shrimp tandoori to coconut curry to North Indian-style biryani — so many delicious dishes to choose from. It’s a quiet place that’s great for families, and I love to support local, family-owned businesses that dedicate themselves to serving their authentic cuisines. Fortunately, Junoon is just down the street from The Mantu Market, so they might see me there more often!
My family and I also support the volunteer services of the local Ismaili Muslim community through the Ismaili CIVIC, whether that’s beautification work around the community or collecting food, donations, and supplies for new Afghan refugees resettling in Richmond. It’s in Afghan culture to serve people, and that’s what guides me, whether that’s at my restaurant or with the IRC or Ismaili CIVIC. I feel proud when I serve people, especially those from my homeland.
Coming this August, The Mantu Market will open its doors at 7510 W. Broad St. Get ready for authentically-made Afghani bread by Chef Norri plus grab-and-go Afghani dishes like kabobs, shawarma and chicken rolls. The Mantu Market will also offer a grocery area and a bakery!
