DINEOUT Hiddo-Dhowr Restaurant, Hargeisa
A TASTE OF GOOD LIVING – SOMALILAND STYLE By Rooble Mohamed
I
f you want to sample the authentic food and culture of Somaliland, then pay a visit to Hiddo-Dhowr. Located within easy reach of the centre of Hargeisa, this restaurant is the destination of choice for local people and tourists alike. Hiddo-Dhowr is owned not by a world-famous chef, or even by an international chain, but by Sahra Halgan, the famous Somaliland singer and freedom fighter. Underlining its unique credentials, HiddoDhowr stands out among other Somali eating places because of its emphasis on traditional Somali culture, which is reflected in the decor of the restaurant.
Traditional Hiddo-Dhowr serves traditional food such as oven-cooked shuuro with either subag (natural ghee) and milk or red sauce. Other classic dishes include sugaar (small pieces of meat) with traditional Somali lahooh (anjera); fish direct from Berbera; organic goat meat; and camel meat. To accompany these various dishes there is an interesting choice of beverages including fresh
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camel milk as well as tea, soft drinks and various juices. To provide customers with a snapshot of traditional Somali living, the restaurant is designed in a conventional Somali style, with small huts and a big hall constructed of hand-made materials such as caws and dermo. There are no ‘modern’ chairs, just small tables and authentic Somali chairs known as gambadh. Visitors and tourists can admire the various artefacts that adorn the restaurant, although unfortunately they are not for sale. In addition to its great food and authentic atmosphere, Hiddo-Dhowr offers live entertainment on certain nights. The restaurant comes alive towards the end of the week, with Thursday and Friday nights becoming quite legendary.
Live music takes the form of the traditional Somali oud (kaman) played by Abdinasir Ma’alin Aideed, one of the most celebrated oud musicians on the Somali peninsula. Singers also include Sahra Halgan, who owns the restaurant, and other popular artists such as Aabbi Mire Da’ar and Mohamed Ali Burco. Weekend events usually start around 8 pm and continue until midnight. Occasionally there are also traditional Somali dances, plays and other activities to entertain the visitors. These nights are so popular that customers are advised to reserve a table in advance. The price is $10 per person, which includes dinner and live music). Hiddo-Dhowr also caters for larger groups who wish to organise their own event.
Dine
Delicious Somali food