I've been excited about trying Sufra since I saw the signage when it was being built. The hours are kind of odd (opens at 4 pm), so that made it harder to go. The first time we tried going for dinner, it was packed, so we went to Seoul Bites instead. This time I ordered carry-out.
The interior of Sufra looks really nice with the green and gold color scheme, although the parking lot could use some work. It looks like you have to order your food at the front counter and they bring it out to you, which is similar to another Yemeni restaurant I've been to.
We ordered fahsa lamb (stew) and zurbian chicken. Now, I've been to at least three other Yemeni restaurants including Shibam and Mandi King, and I'm not so sure that Sufra is authentic Yemeni. That said, both dishes were very good.
The fahsa lamb stew was actually a mix of lamb and chicken, which is fine but kind of odd. It was flavorful and the included bread was soft and pillowy. It was spicier than food I've had from other Yemeni restaurants.
The zurbian chicken was essentially chicken biryani, but milder. The rice and chicken were both soft and tender, and the salsa they included with it had a nice kick. It was on the dry side; some yogurt sauce would have been nice. There was also a potato in this dish, which I haven't seen at other Yemeni restaurants.
Overall it was good food, though. These two dishes were reasonably priced, but the lamb mandi and lamb hanith are pricey. I'd say this is a welcome addition to the Roosevelt Rd food scene. read more