Story

Chef Hamidullah Noori is the owner and operator of The Mantu in Carytown, The Mantu Market in Henrico, and The Mantu Short Pump, his latest venture in the greater Richmond area.

Chef Noori began his culinary career at age 18. In 2003, he joined the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, and in 2004, he joined the Kabul Serena Hotel, a five-star hotel in Afghanistan, as Commis Chef, where he was quickly promoted to Chef de Partie.

After his training, he returned to Kabul Serena Hotel as the Executive Chef where he oversaw the cuisine of several restaurants in the hotel. He was featured in several cooking show episodes on TOLO TV in Afghanistan and was later given the Executive Chef position at the USAID. Since his arrival in Richmond, Chef Noori showcased his talent at the Capital Farmers Market, the Hi Hostels Culture Kitchen, and other venues where he has continued to refine his art in international cuisine.

In May 2021, Chef Noori made his first appearance on the Food Network as a featured contestant on the culinary competition show, “Beat Bobby Flay.” In April 2022, he was profiled along with other top DMV-area chefs in The New York Times story, “They Fled Afghanistan for America. Now They Feed the Newest Arrivals.”

In addition to The New York Times, he has been featured on WNYC's "The Takeaway," Voice of America, Eater DC, VPM Public Media, WRIR 97.3 FM, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly, Richmond Bizsense, Richmond Magazine, Well + Good, The Progress-Index, and many other media outlets.