Via furchildpets

People who own pets know how important it is to set up a meal plan for them, especially if you wanna keep your little furry friends healthy and well. But with the hassle of everyday life, sometimes it’s hard to keep up, and you find yourself coming home after a long day to starving little kitties, and trust me, you DO NOT wanna come home to starving cats.

Via furchildpets

But Furchild Pets has made life so much easier in Dubai and we owe our lives to them! They’ve introduced a healthy food plan, importing “non-medicated and ethically sourced halal meats imported from Australia, Germany, South Africa, France, Oman and America.”

Via furchildpets

The plan is to feed your furry friends back to optimum health, so whether they need more energy, cleaner teeth, shinier coats or to lose weight, Furchild Pets has got them covered. Not only that but they are offering reasonable prices starting from AED99 only.

WE SAID THIS: For more about this awesome program, click here.

Rana Awadalla

Rana is a literature student and bibliophile. Her passion for reading always leaves her eagerly searching for her next escape from reality. She strongly believes that there is nothing a good book and a strong cup of tea can’t cure.

The post This Meal Delivery Plan Is Every Pet Owner’s Dream in Dubai appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Any logical person who appreciates food would comprehend the idea that you have to head to different districts in Cairo for different kinds of food! You head to Maadi for proper dinner dates, Zamalek for group outings, Mohandeseen for late night cravings, and New Cairo for breakfast dates.

Which is why I have compiled the best places in New Cairo for your next breakfast date. Thank me later.

Angie’s Place 

I honestly couldn’t pick one picture, as selecting one image would not do justice to the beauty of this place! Angie’s is an all day breakfast spot located in The Spot Mall in front of AUC. Their pancakes are the best pancakes I’ve ever tried.

Ble Dore

Ble Dore is a new French Bakery in Rehab that you cannot afford not to try. Their coffee, pastries, and cheese cakes are literally out of this world.

Ovio

Via Facebook
by: @kholoudelmahdy

I basically love everything that Ovio has to offer, but their poached salmon is one thing I can never say no to. Ovio is located in Cairo Festival City.

Paul 

Via: Facebook

Paul is the first place that pops into anyone’s mind when the word breakfast is mentioned, and obviously, there is a reason for that. Paul’s three New Cairo branches are located in Point 90 Mall, Downtown Mall, Cairo Festival City Mall.

Frankie’s – The Breakfast Bar

Via: Facebook

You’d guess from its name why Frankie’s is on this list, but I can assure you that it’s not only the name that made Frankie’s hop onto this list. You can find their address on their Facebook page.

Brioche Doree

Via: Facebook

Brioche Doree has several branches in New Cairo. Anything from their bakery section is to die for. Yum!

Caruso’s American Cafe

Via: Facebook

Caurso made a huge buzz when it first opened because of its infamous pizza burger! But what many people do not know, is that they also have a very delicious breakfast menu. Caurso is located in Galleria Mall (next to Concord Plaza).

Shakespeare and Co. 

Via: Facebook

Yet another place that serves a very delisha ll day breakfast! You totes deserve this beautiful looking breakfast this weekend. It is located in Point 90 Mall.

Gaby’s 

Via: Facebook

Gaby’s Eggs Benedict is, by all means, a must-try.

WE SAID THIS: Thank me later. 

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed is a political science graduate. He’s half Egyptian/half Bahraini, born in Dubai. He’s really passionate about travelling, philosophy, politics, and movies. He’d always choose to live in the Shire, study in Hogwarts, and die in Westeros

The post The Only Breakfast Spots That Are Worth Trying in New Cairo appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Forget about America’s pancakes, the insane cheese and pastries variety in France and Italy’s crostata, because we have our equal share of breakfast meals in the Middle East that will leave you drooling.

Here are 16 different breakfasts from Middle Eastern and Arab countries that will leave your taste buds bursting with joy:

Egypt

Fool and tameya – only the best food in the world!

Morocco

A mix of mint green tea with bread, olive or Argan oil, butter, honey and jam and a wide variety of pastries and dried fruits.

Tunisia

Shakshuka, which is a dish of poached eggs in tomato, onions and chili sauce and spiced with cumin.

Turkey

A feast of cheese, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, jam, butter, Kaymak, Börek, simit and spicy Turkish sausage with eggs.

Cyprus

A sensational breakfast made of fried eggs, haloumi, whole grain bread and salad.

Iran

The typical Iranian thin bread in addition to nuts, cheese, homemade jam and black tea.

Syria and Lebanon

Manoucheh zaatar!

Palestine

Falafel, labneh with olive oil and green olives.

Jordan

Over stuffed falafel sandwich with vegetables and tehina.

Iraq

Samoon (an oval shaped bread loaf) with gaymer (thick white cream of buffalo milk), labneh and jam.

Yemen

A breakfast which consists of a stew of fool with brown beans, tomato, onion and chili, fried eggs with onion and tomatoes or liver with spices, in addition to large pancake-like bread.

Oman

Khabeesa which is semolina or cream of wheat cooked into porridge like consistency, flavored with saffron, rosewater and cardamom.

Algeria

M’shewsha, which is basically eggs, semolina and flour with warm honey all over it.

Saudi Arabia

Dates, honey, yoghurt, cream and traditional homemade Saudi Arabian bread.

Libya

Asida, which is cooked wheat flour lump of dough, sometimes with added butter or honey.

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss Legendary Dishes The Middle East Is Famous For.

Dina Hashish

Dina is an orthodontist with a passion for writing and blogging that surpasses the joy of straightening teeth. Her book blog “Closet nerd book club” promotes the work of young aspiring Egyptian authors. Her life’s guilty pleasure is tacky reality TV shows and the two addictions that have taken over her life are Game of Thrones and Perez Hilton.

The post 16 Middle Eastern Breakfasts That Everyone Should Try at Least Once appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Do you live in Dubai? Do you want to try a new restaurant? If yes, then this is for you.

Bu Qtair means literally “Qatir’s Father”: ‘Bu’ in slang Arabic languages means father and ‘Qatir’ is a male name. The local restaurant is an iconic, yet simple place. It has been open for more than 25 years. It serves only freshly caught fish and shrimps cooked using a secret recipe. Hence, you should know 200% that the taste and quality of your food will be as good as you would expect it to be.

Via: timeout

Furthermore, it is one of the few places in Dubai, where you can get fresh high quality seafood, with low prices. The restaurant also lies in close proximity to infamous luxury and touristic spot: Burj Al Arab Skyscraper Hotel. This means that if you are only a visitor of Dubai, you will surely be able to visit the restaurant with ease; you won’t have to venture into some unknown part of the city that only Dubai residents would know about.

Matar Al Tayer, the owner, opened his first fish shack in the 1980s to serve the growing expat population, coming from South Asia and the Middle East. Al Tayer’s family lived a tough life: they were fishermen, and pearl divers. They used to live next to other fishermen on -what was once- an uninhabited coastline.

Via: wordpress.com

Al Tayer then thought of opening up a restaurant, and dedicating it to his fellow fishermen. The restaurant started at out as a mere small kitchen, one that served karak Indian tea and paratha near the fishermen’s dormitory, which overlooked the beach.

Aside from the aforementioned literal meaning of Bu Qtair, the Emirati term was used by pearl divers to refer to the spots where sweet water had gathered along the coast: the area where these divers would bathe, after a long work day.

Via: tripadvisor

Initially, Al Tayer’s project was a complete failure: he did not have customers for four years. Nothing stays the same, and what he thought was a failure turned out to be the start of something big. When he asked one of his part-time cooks, Mousa, to cook food for the fishermen in his family, the place started to turn around: Mousa used to work for another local family, so he borrowed some of their freshly caught fish, and began serving it in the restaurant.

Even though the restaurant’s reputation is growing, the place is still the same for most part. The restaurant was and is still able to keep and increase its international fan base. It has become a tourist destination with pages/reviews on several big websites, like  Zomato and TripAdvisor.

Via: tripadvisor

A few years ago, the restaurant moved to a bigger place with an air-conditioned indoor area. Be careful, the place gets busy during lunch and dinner times, but it is completely worth it.

WE SAID THIS: If you are going for a night swim at the beach, make sure you pass by Bu Qtair and enjoy a tasty fresh dinner.

Scoop Team

Select Staff Writers from the Scoop Empire Team

The post Bu Qtair: This Fresh Food Restaurant Is One of Dubai’s Hidden Gems appeared first on Scoop Empire.

When choosing a place to eat, I consider several things: food quality, prices, cheese, and portion size! The first time I visited Sliders with a friend, I wasn’t really excited; primarily because of the very definition of the word “sliders.”

Via: Facebook

‘Slider’ is an American term for a small sandwich. And I – as a hardcore foodista – care very much about portion sizes; thus, I don’t find “we don’t care about sizes, we care about quality” to be an appealing thought.

Via: Facebook

Sliders, however, has proved me wrong on so many levels. Firstly, while looking at the menu, it is physically impossible to pick just one item; and this is exactly when the small portion sizes come in handy. Secondly, quality of food served for the money paid is more than a satisfactory trade-off; the sandwiches are relatively cheap for their size and the quality of ingredients in them. Indeed, the soft slider buns they use for their sandwiches are so addictive and are always freshly made.

Via: Facebook

Moreover, places that serve good Mac n’ Cheese are limited in Cairo, and I’ve probably tried all of them! I can shamelessly say that Sliders’ serve the best and most budget-friendly Mac n’ Cheese. Finally, I have ordered takeout from Sliders several times, and the food always arrives hot, fresh, and within a reasonable time frame.

WE SAID THIS: I highly recommend an order of plain Mac n’ Cheese, alongside a Chicken Supreme Slider Sandwich, and/or a Madman Slider Burger.

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed is a political science graduate. He’s half Egyptian/half Bahraini, born in Dubai. He’s really passionate about travelling, philosophy, politics, and movies. He’d always choose to live in the Shire, study in Hogwarts, and die in Westeros

The post Sliders: The Ultimate Proof That Size Doesn’t Matter appeared first on Scoop Empire.

With summer just around the corner and the need to look good in our swim suits creeping up on us, we’ve become the sad humans on diets. But hey, nobody said healthy food couldn’t be just as exquisite.

We bet these recipes will make you drool!

Start your mornings right with Mushroom and Wilted Greens Toast with a Poached Egg

Get the recipe!

Who says you can’t have Pizza when you’ve got your healthy game on?

Get the recipe!

Strawberry Mango Salsa – spring and summer in a bowl!

Get the recipe!

This healthy, yet super creamy, version of Fettuccine Alfredo is a Godsend

Get the recipe!

If joy and well-being were mixed in a bowl they will produce this Salmon Sashimi Rice Bowl

Get the recipe!

Seared Ahi Tuna with Chimichurri Sauce… Exotic yumminess done right!

Get the recipe!

When you just gotta have a good ol’ sandwich, go with this Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich

Get the recipe!

We didn’t forget all the sweet-tooths out there! Here are some Peanut Butter Banana Fudge Balls for y’all!

Get the recipe!

Look at the gorgeous purple color of that Dragon Fruit Smoothie!

Get the recipe!

Last but not least, Flour-less & Healthy Double Chocolate Cookies… Yes!

Get the recipe!

Because we just had to sneak in a cookie!

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss 10 Healthy Recipes that Will Get you Right on Track

Maya Ammar

She is passionate about life, with a severe case of wanderlust. She’s an avid sitcom watcher. Her life’s theme song is Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.

The post 10 Healthy Recipes That Actually Look and Taste Great appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Whenever I say the word shakshuka, people — often khawagas (foreigners) — give me a funny look, like I’ve sneezed or something. If you happen to be one of those people, I’ll briefly explain what it actually is because that’s the kind of person my mama would be proud of.

Via NYT Cooking

Shakshuka is a simple, go-to meal that is mainly served during breakfast. It is a North African dish that is now made throughout the Middle East, with every country having their very own version of it. If you like eggs and spices, then this dish is for you.

Now that I’m done giving shakshuka introductory lessons, it’s time to get cookin’. Below is a recipe that is so, so easy that you seriously need to have it for breakfast this morning. You’re welcome.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Via Kitchen Stories

Dice the onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and chili. Then cut the bell peppers into thin strips. Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then add the onion, garlic, chili, and bell pepper to sauté until soft (from 6 to 8 minutes). Add ginger, spicy paprika, and cumin and cook for another two minutes.

Via Kitchen Stories

Add fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes to the pan and lightly crush them with the cooking spoon. Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F. Add vegetable broth and cook over medium heat 20 minutes. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Finally, you can crack the stars of the show, eggs, into the pan, then crumble feta on top. Transfer to oven and bake at 190°C/375°F from 7 to 10 minutes until eggs have set. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley to serve.

Tada, there you go!

Via Kitchen Stories

WE SAID THIS: Click here for more delicious recipes.

Guest Writer

Guest writers who have worthy insights on pressing matters, that they feel the need to share with the world

http://www.scoopempire.com

The post This Shakshuka Recipe Is So Easy, It’s Perfect for Weekend Mornings appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Depending on where in the world you live, finding ingredients for some of the Middle East’s most mouthwatering recipes can be tricky. In a zone fraught with conflict, the region’s delicious cuisine is perhaps one of its most unifying factors.

Via Tumblr

So if you’re planning a traditional recipe away from home, where do you source these elusive ingredients? Many feel frustrated at the lack of choice in local supermarkets when it comes to niche ‘world food’ products, and rightly so, since these fresh and flavorsome options make great additions to a healthy diet. For this reason, Middle Eastern online grocery brands are a saving grace. The stores listed below are some of the best around.

Zamouri Spices

Via Zamour

When you have everything you need for a recipe except that one spice, it’s frustrating. Particularly when it’s a spice that can be hard to find, such as arrowroot powder or tamarind. Luckily, Zamouri Spices stocks just about every spice you’ll need for authentic Middle Eastern cooking, serving spice blends for tagines, etc. along with individual varieties. They also sell argan oil, traditional cookware, and natural skincare products.

Zamouri Spices is a family business, founded in 2003 by Majid and Mary Elbertai, who come from a long line of Moroccan spice merchants. They consider themselves ‘purveyors of exquisite gourmet seasonings’ and include plenty of recipes and instructional videos on the website to provide inspiration and direction when cooking, such as ‘How to season a tagine’ and ‘How to prepare a clay majmar’.

Whether you’re planning a baked kibbeh, chicken mhammer, or fennel tagine, Zamouri Spices is your best bet for spicing things up, and offers free shipping on orders over $100. They’re active on social media too, so check out what they’re up to on Facebook.

Hashems Roastery & Market

Via Hashems

Hashems has a beautiful website and sells all kinds of delicacies that you might find in a Middle Eastern market, including fine Arabic food, baklava, Turkish coffee, roasted nuts, fresh baked pita bread, and of course, spices. They also have some great recipes for beef kabobs, fattoush, and eggplant dip. It pretty much has everything you could want food-wise, along with a range of kitchenware and cookbooks.

Hashems prides itself on never selling premixed products that contain additives, fillers or preservatives, so you know you’re getting the real thing. The nuts and coffee are freshly roasted and delivered for optimal freshness. It was originally founded in 1959 when Abu Ali Sheik Theeb opened the Hashems Nuts & Coffee Gallery in the southern Lebanese village of Bint JBeil, and has since become an online emporium.

Hashems offers free shipping on orders over $59, and if you need any help, you can check out their live chat feature.

Tulumba

Via Milen Muftak

Tulumba describes itself as an ‘international goods’ store, and has been in business since 2003. More of a general store that also happens to sell groceries, it sells international produce worldwide, from food and books, to home decor and jewelry. Tulumba is based in Pittsburgh, US, and is famed for its excellent Turkish food section, which includes baked goods, dairy, meat & fish, oils, herbs & spices, coffee, condiments, sweets, pickles, and teas.

Tulumba is a particularly user-friendly site with an impressive houseware section, and best of all, its prices are reasonable. A nice touch is the items for sale by international artists and craftsmen, as well as its flower delivery service.

Arez Food

Via David Lebovitz

Arez Food is an online authentic Lebanese supermarket based in the UK, selling all of your usual bread, coffee, drinks, and nuts. This family-run business delivers throughout the UK and Europe, giving Arab expats the ability to cook their favorite dishes from home (as well as supplying wholesale ingredients for shops and restaurants). Arez Food will often stock new brands based on its customers’ recommendations and requests. It also does amazing pastries, which are freshly cooked and delivered every Saturday.

Ordering with Arez Food usually takes 3-5 working days to arrive via courier service, so you may need to order products in advance if you’re planning something particular, be it stuffed vine leaves or za’atar. The store has both English and Arabic speakers, so whatever you need, someone should be able to help you.

Persian Basket

Via Persian Basket

And finally, one of my favorites: Persian Basket. This online Persian/Iranian grocery store ships anywhere in the US or Canada, often sending out orders the same day. Based on its core values of time, culture, and culinary arts, Persian Basket makes it quick and convenient to order the fresh, high-quality ingredients you need, without driving miles out of town to find the nearest international foods store – be it lemons, pomegranates, figs, labneh, fresh baked lavash, pure saffron, or squash seeds.

As with all of the best Middle Eastern online grocery brands, Persian Basket also stocks an abundance of kitchenware and books, along with gift cards – ideal for the connoisseur of Persian cooking! You can follow Persian Basket on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: there are some mouthwatering pictures on the latter.

WE SAID THIS: If you’ve ever thought of setting up your own food and beverage store online, there’s never been a better time to do so, since online grocery sales are expected to surge over the next decade.

Guest Writer

Guest writers who have worthy insights on pressing matters, that they feel the need to share with the world

http://www.scoopempire.com

The post 5 of the Best Middle Eastern Online Grocery Brands appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Via Scoop Empire

It has been 10 years since La Trattoria — one of Zamalek’s most luxurious and authentic Italian restaurants — first opened its doors. To celebrate their very first decade, La Trattoria decided to revamp themselves, on every single level.

Via Scoop Empire

I have been a loyal customer to La Trattoria since 2013. When I first found out about the restaurant renovating, I wasn’t sure how exactly was I supposed to feel about this big change. But fortunately, I was a big fan.

La Trattoria may have gotten a new layout, as well as a new head chef that has a crafted a new specials menu, but the restaurant’s old menu is still there with all the customer-favorites — meaning La Trattoria, indeed, did revamp itself but still held onto its roots.

I would also like to add that something about the venue’s new look just adds this genuine sense of being in Italy.

Via Scoop Empire

Moreover — their new head chef, Augusto Rosati, is a promising sign that La Trattoria is definitely upping their game! Chef Rosati was born and raised in Abruzzio (which is in the center of Italy) and has worked for over 40 years in the food business all over Europe; including Rome, Paris, Nice, Costa Smeralda, Cortina D’ampezzo and Munich.

Via Scoop Empire

Rosati did not only create a brand new specials menu for the 10 years anniversary, but using his expertise in traditional Italian as well as international cuisine, he promised to introduce new menu every quarter (I know, right?)! I’m currently in love with their carbonara.

Via Scoop Empire

He also told us that he’ll be taking advantage of the freshest seasonal ingredients to present a little piece of Italy in every one of his bites.

Check out the gallery below for more behind-the-scenes pictures from our adventure at the new and improved La Trattoria:

WE SAID THIS: Guess you’ll have to thank me after you go to La Trattoria on your next date! 

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed is a political science graduate. He’s half Egyptian/half Bahraini, born in Dubai. He’s really passionate about travelling, philosophy, politics, and movies. He’d always choose to live in the Shire, study in Hogwarts, and die in Westeros

The post La Trattoria Celebrates Their First Decade with a New Chef, Look and Menu appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Ta3meya, or falafel, is a must in every Egyptian breakfast. Most of us usually just get it from the nearest foul cart, because, duuh, they’re cheap AF.

What you don’t know, however, is that you can make them yourself — and you needn’t be a master chef to do so. This following recipe is so easy it’s going to play a Coldplay song in your heart.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Via Kitchen Stories

In a large bowl, cover chickpeas with cold water, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Then, drain chickpeas and rinse with water. Proceed to cut bread into small pieces then finely dice red onion, garlic, ginger, parsley, cilantro and chili. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and then puree using a stand mixer or blender. Add flour and baking powder and knead into a firm dough.

Via Kitchen Stories

Using your hand, form small circle-like patties that basically look like falafel. Heat up vegetable oil over medium heat and fry until golden brown (4 to 6 minutes).

In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mint, salt, and pepper. Serve as a dipping sauce with falafel. Voila!

There you go:

Via Kitchen Stories

WE SAID THIS: For more recipes, click here.

Guest Writer

Guest writers who have worthy insights on pressing matters, that they feel the need to share with the world

http://www.scoopempire.com

The post You Won’t Buy Falafel Anymore After You Learn This Super Easy Recipe appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Via Ralph’s German Bakery

If the picture above does not make you feel things, then you should honestly just leave (unless you like food then you should definitely stay). Dahab’s very popular Ralph’s German Bakery that has pretty much amassed a cult following has released the best news ever.

A post shared by Ralph’s German Bakery (@ralphsgermanbakeryeg) on Sep 17, 2017 at 12:50pm PDT

After years of begging Ralph’s German Bakery, they have finally answered our prayers. They are opening their first branch outside of Dahab in Cairo. Where, you say? Maadi, and yes, it’s on Road 9.

Via Ralph’s German Bakery

If you, like us, are big fans of Ralph’s German Bakery *screams* WHEN IN DAHAB WE WENT EVERY DAY FOR BREAKFAST *screams* then you must be hyperventilating now, and we totes feel you. Their latest social media post shows that the bakery’s sign is already up on Road 9, and that it’s opening soon.

WE SAID THIS: We cannot absolutely wait.

Guest Writer

Guest writers who have worthy insights on pressing matters, that they feel the need to share with the world

http://www.scoopempire.com

The post Drop Everything Because Dahab’s Ralph’s German Bakery Is Opening in Maadi appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Fast food giants McDonald’s is celebrating International Coffee Day with seven days of free morning coffee, starting September 30. Just walk into any McDonald’s store in Dubai from 6 am until 10 am, and pick up a cup of freshly roasted coffee, made from 100% Arabica beans, for free — obviously.

Via Timeoutdubai

The chain has been making a real effort to boost its coffee quality over the past few years, and it has done a a great job, with its McCafé beverages getting more delicious, and the range getting bigger.

Via McDonald’s

“We understand how important the coffee culture is for consumers in the UAE and we are committed to continuously evolve our offerings to give customers the taste and convenience that they expect from McDonald’s,” said Walid Fakih, GM of McDonald’s UAE to TimeoutDubai.

WE SAID THIS: YAAAS!

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed is a political science graduate. He’s half Egyptian/half Bahraini, born in Dubai. He’s really passionate about travelling, philosophy, politics, and movies. He’d always choose to live in the Shire, study in Hogwarts, and die in Westeros

The post Celebrate International Coffee Day (for a Week) in Dubai with Free Coffee appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Today, I am writing about the thing I am most passionate about. And no, I’m not talking about traveling, movies, Game of Thrones, philosophy, politics, art, history, anime, or even Greek mythology; I’m talking about cheese. I can’t think of anything else in the world that gives me more pleasure than eating food that’s stuffed and covered with melted cheese.

Via Giphy

I sacrificed my non-existent beach body to explore different restaurants and dishes that have cheese on/in them, just to make this guide even more comprehensive and reliable. My fellow cheese addicts, I give you the best thing in the whole entire world.

Zack’s 

Via Facebook

The only place on earth that will make a normal functional human-being travel all the way to 6th of October! In a very short time, Zack’s made a huge buzz in the foodie’s scene with their very cheesy menu. I know the ride is long, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.

Location: 6th of October
Recommended Dish: Fried Chicken With White Sauce Pasta

Shocks Burgers 

Via Facebook

Shocks Burgers is hands down my favorite food truck in Cairo. I was already semi-addicted to the place, until they introduced their latest food crime, the Big Mouth! The Big Mouth is simply two (or three) pieces of burger, showered with melted cheese and caramelized onions, with mozzarella sticks on top!

Location: New Cairo
Recommended Dish: Big Mouth

Bell’s 

Via facebook

One of Maadi’s top breakfast spots introduced one of the cheesiest inventions there is. The thick toasted bread in the photo above is the Beyonce of food! And fortunately, it tastes just as good as it looks.

Location: Maadi
Recommended Dish: The Thick Toasted Bread

Desoky and Soda 

Via Facebook

The first thing that pops up to my mind when I mention cheesy food is Desoky and Soda; AKA cheese heaven. Those guys flood their food with cheese in the way every cheese lover fantasizes about. The only dilemma I face when I go there is not being able to decide between the cheesy pies, cheesy pastas and cheesy dips.

Location: Maadi and Dokki
Recommended Dish: Ghomos Crispy Gebna Say7a (crispy chicken dip with melted cheese)

Eato’s

Via Facebook

This place is basically heaven for fried chicken addicts. They also drown most of their sandwiches with melted cheese. My favorite, however, is Chicken Eato’s. I needn’t describe what it is, it’s just good! Think fried chicken and lots of cheese.

Location: Nasr City
Recommended Dish: Chicken Eato’s

Sliders 

Via Facebook

I’ve written a separate review on Sliders, and the picture above explains why. Although the restaurant’s thrives on mini sandwiches, their overly cheesy mac n’ cheese is their best item on the menu.

Location: Maadi
Recommended Dish: The mac n’ cheese, obviously.

City Crepe 

Via Facebook

Before opening their branch in Maadi, me and my friends would literally go to Nasr City every week just to eat from City Crepe. This place revolutionized the way Egyptians see and eat crepes. City Crepe stuff their crepes with insane amounts of cheese that you’ll actually find it really hard to take the first bite. City Crepe is hands down the ultimate cheat meal place that any cheese lover should seek when they’re on a diet.

Location: There are currently more than 20 branches all over Egypt
Recommended Dish: Hebeisha

Willy’s Kitchen 

Via Facebook

Willy’s Kitchen may be a hit and miss place, no one can deny their beautiful cheese inventions and how they upped the cheese game in Cairo.

Location: Nasr City and Fifth Settlement
Recommended Dish: Cheese Lava

7amza

Via Facebook

7amza is a very unique experience for cheese lovers. The place is very generous when it comes to pouring cheese all over everything.

Location: Nasr City and Fifth Settlement
Recommended Dish: Italian Hawawshy

El Sultan 

Via Facebook

El Sultan is one of Cairo’s hidden gems. They serve the cheesiest pizzas and pies to ever exist, and you won’t even believe how cheap they are. The thing I also adore about El Sultan is that it actually delivers 24\7; making it the perfect place to head to on weekends after a wild night. Their ma7showat el atraf (stuffed crust) pizza is everything you want and more.

Location: Nasr City
Recommended Dish: Feteera meshakel geban, edafa crispy, 7ashow kharegy (mix cheese pie, xxtra crispy chicken, cheese on top)

Nakhel 

Via Facebook

Nakhel is one of my favorite Syrian restaurants, mainly because their shawerma, fries, and fried chicken are always drowning in cheese. The food is relatively cheap so it has your back when your wallet doesn’t.

Location: Rehab and Obour
Recommended Dish: Zinger sandwich

Cheese House 

Via Facebook

Cheese House, AKA El Gebna 5ana, is a hidden gem in Heliopolis that believes in cheese and only cheese. I am in love with their mouthwatering cheese dips.

Location: Heliopolis
Recommended Dish: Fried Chicken Cheese Dip

My Queen

Via Facebook

My Queen‘s original branch in Mohandessin is literally always crowded because of, well, their food. They serve their deliciousness till very late, AKA it’s always there for you when you’re intoxicated at ungodly hours of the night. Their must-try chicken mozzarella sandwich is bae.

Location: Mohandeseen, Nasr City, and 6th of October
Recommended Dish: Chicken Mozzarella

Swiss Cottage 

Via Facebook

This is the perfect place for a date or a special occasion. They offer the pleasures of genuine Swiss cuisine by giving you the full fondue experience. Swiss Cottage’s cheese fondue is prepared by imported Swiss cheese.

Location: Maadi
Recommended Dish: Cheese Fondue

Honorable Mention

Alban Swisra 

Via Facebook

Alban Swisra is not on the list because it is located in Alexandria and not in Cairo, but one cannot write a guide about cheese without mentioning the cheesiest (in the best way possible) restaurant in Egypt. I will just leave this here and pray they open a branch anywhere in Cairo soon.

WE SAID THIS: I would love to hear recommendations of other cheesy places from my fellow cheese lovers. Good luck, and may the cheese be ever in your favor. 

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed is a political science graduate. He’s half Egyptian/half Bahraini, born in Dubai. He’s really passionate about travelling, philosophy, politics, and movies. He’d always choose to live in the Shire, study in Hogwarts, and die in Westeros

The post 14 Cairo Restaurants You Must Try If You’re Obsessed with Cheese appeared first on Scoop Empire.

In a relatively short period of time, The Nile Ritz-Carlton’s VIVO has become the first place to pop into anyone’s mind when the words “Italian cuisine” are mentioned.

Indeed, VIVO continues to elevate the burgeoning food scene in the country, from the contemporary chic décor to the panoramic views of the eternal Nile, the renowned Cairo Tower and their exquisite Italian culinary creations.

The Italian restaurant’s latest offering, One-Hour Express, will pamper their customers with their much-anticipated business lunch. Now, you needn’t sacrifice your precious time when you’re on a business lunch, because The Nile Ritz-Carlton has curated a way for you to have a lasting bond between you and your team/clients at VIVO.

The lunch hour will be served daily from 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm, but here where it all gets better. You’ll be able to have a wide variety of choices that are served within minutes after you’re seated. Guests can choose from a selection of soups or salads to accompany their main course. A little bird also told us that the selections are going to change regularly every week to cater to everyone’s taste.

The preparations also include some health-conscious choices (they haven’t forget about you, healthy people) to please professionals who are searching for a more healthy lunch to energize their day.

WE SAID THIS: We now know where Scoop’s next business lunch will take place. 

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The post Here’s Where You’re Having Your Cairo Business Lunch Next appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Can you stop talking about portion control, because frankly, no one cares. Oh, and can we also just say that some Arab dishes defy the concept of portion control. Let us take you through a journey your belly will definitely appreciate it.

Like honestly, can you just eat one piece of mombar? 

Via Kahraman Restaurant

or a piece of dolma (ma7shi)!

Via Tumblr

You either eat 10 pieces of sambousek or none at all

Via Food Network

Can you even eat koshari without kemala (refill)?

Via Tumblr

Dem liver and sausage sandwiches though that you end up eating them like a Snorlax  

Via El Menus

The same applies to batates me7amara (french fries)

Via Tumblr

As well as batata 7ara (spicy potatoes) 

Via Lebanon Food

Just look at this small scrumptious balls of heaven! How can you just have one or two or three and not have 100???

Via Food Network

Yes, we know you’re supposed to just have one stuffed pigeon but who has ever gotten full from just one?

Via Food Network

Do we even need to talk about falafel?

Via Tumblr

Goulash! All the freakin’ goulash!

Via Cook Pad

It is actually impossible to just have one slice of feteer

Via Feeter Heaven

One piece of bala7 el sham and you won’t be able to stop until you’ve eaten 1000 pieces of them

Via Tumblr

Zalabia is sadly as addictive as its brother (bala7 el sham)

Via Egy Food

WE SAID THIS: And that’s why us Arabs are fat. 

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The post Portion Control Doesn’t Exist in the Middle East Because of These Dishes appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Going out for food might be daunting which is why we’ve compiled a list of the vegan/vegetarian options available at everyone’s favorite restaurants, just so you celebrate World Vegetarian Day right.

Burger Factory 2012

It might seem weird to go to a burger place while fasting but you have not lived until you’ve tried The Burger Factory’s veggie burger. Here are the dishes you can have while fasting:

• Veggie sandwich (make sure to ask for no cheese!)
• Mushroom veggie burger
• Fried onion rings

Casper & Gambini’s

Caspar and Gambini’s doesn’t have an official fasting menu but they do have a few dishes you can still enjoy while fasting:

• Veggie spring rolls
• Wild mushroom soup
• Tomato basil soup
• Lentil soup
• Lemon quinoa salad

Vinny’s Pizzeria

Crave pizza while fasting? Vinny’s has you covered with their vegan pizza!

Cook Door

Cook door has you covered with a line of seyamy dishes including:

• Friskies Fajitas
• Vegan kofta sandwiches
• Vegan kofta platter

Butcher’s Burger

Butcher’s veggie burger is a great option for when you’re craving a fat, hearty burger!

Zooba

Zooba is many people’s Holy Grail when they have to fast. Their menu is filled with great seyamy options such as:

• Oriental salad
• Lentil salad
• Beetroot salad
• Cherry tomato salad
• Koshari
• Mousaka

GoodCals

• Three bean salad
• Quinoa and toasted almond salad
• Pesto pasta. (Make sure to ask for no cheese!)
• Grilled veggies wrap

Cake Café

For all you sweet toothed vegans out there, Cake café has you covered with:

• Hummus sandwich
• Aubergine sandwich
• Chocolate cake
• Lemon coconut cake
• Dark chocolate cookies
• Orange almond cake

Maharaja

Indian restaurants often have plenty of vegan options. Maharani for example has:

• Vegetable samosa
• Vegetable pakora
• Onion bhaji
• Kachumber salad
• Dal soup
• Gazer aur matar soup
• Tandoori roti
• Aloo paratha
• Onion kulcha
• Mushroom tikka
• Aloo capsicum
• Dal tarkewali
• Channa masala Punjabi
• Mushroom mutter
• Vegetarian kofta

Lychee

Cutting animal products out of your diet doesn’t necessarily mean you have to increase your intake of carbs and processed products, Lychee offer many healthy seyamy options. Nothing beats Lychee’s drinks and snacks. Most of their drinks are vegan and when it comes to snacks they have:

• The kale way
• Diet mate
• Oatmeal deluxe (Make sure to ask for almond milk!)
• Breakfast oatmeal (Make sure to ask for almond milk!)
• Protein oatmeal (Make sure to ask for almond milk!)
• Oat bar
• Mocha chia pudding
• Mango chia pudding

Man’oucheh

• Zaatar man’oucheh
• Sabanekh man’oucheh
• Virgin man’pizza

NOLA

• NOLA offers vegan options but make sure to request them 24 hours in advance
• Vegan vanilla chocolate fudge cupcake
• Vegan vanilla
• Vegan free double chocolate
• Vegan blueberry cupcake

Peking

• Cabbage chili salad
• Chinese salad
• Peking salad
• Mixed jumbo green salad
• Vegetable soup
• Broccoli & mushroom soup
• Vegetable spring rolls.
• Mixed vegetable BBQ
• Shredded mixed vegetables
• Chinese mixed vegetables
• Stir fry potato
• Fried noodles with vegetables
• Steamed rice
• Fried rice with vegetables

Crave

• Marinated grilled vegetables
• Farfalle primavera
• Vegetable lentil soup.
• Summer rolls

Gaya Restaurant

• Kimchi dolsot
• Jajangbab
• Mool naengmyeon
• Bibim neangymeon
• Jajangymeon
• Special jajangymeon
• Daynjang jigae
• Spring rolls
• Fried vegetable dumpling
• Steamed vegetable dumpling
• Deep fried vegetables
• Mixed vegetables
• Vegetable soup
• Miso soup
• Tofu with soy sauce
• Tofu with mixed vegetables
• Tofu with fried kimchi
• Mapa tofu

Mori Sushi

• Miso soup
• Tempura moriawese (vegetables)
• Hoso kappa maki
• Ura maki
• Kappa temaki
• Ngiri nabo
• Vegetarian sushi

Tamara

Most Lebanese mezzes are vegan so feel free to stuff yourself with all the hummus and baba ghanoug your heart desires. Taboulleh, thyme manakish and wara2 3enab are also great options.

Beano’s

You can still enjoy all of your favorite Beano’s drinks by asking for almond milk when ordering.

Starbucks

Any of Starbucks’ drinks can easily be turned seyamy by asking for soy milk instead of regular.
Clear sweetener syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, etc.) and mocha sauce are vegan.

And of course you can never go wrong with good old koshary.

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss 8 Phrases Arab Vegetarians Are Sick of Hearing.

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The post Mouthwatering Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes in Cairo Even Carnivores Will Love appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Dubai has the entire map of the world tucked in between its little nooks and crannies. If meandering around dark alleys in old Dubai is always on your weekend agenda, you’ve probably inhaled fragrances from every corner of the world. Whether you’re making out with a doner kebab after a pub crawl or are getting your fingers greasy with a foot-long dosa, Dubai has something for everyone. If your Instagram is plastered in more pictures of food than yourself and if shows like Survivor and Man versus Wild have you rolling your eyes, this list is for you!

Offal – Do you have the guts to digest this?

Via Giphy

The soothing jazz, delicate clinking of wine glasses, and sophisticated ambience at Boulevard Kitchen perfectly cloak what’s on its menu. While soups, salad, and seafood are to be expected – the lamb section will slap you in the face. Take your pick from its vast selection of lamb tongue fatteh, lamb liver, kidney, brain, or heart. If you’re feeling particularly courageous, opt for the lamb testicles. Seared in garlic, lemon, butter, and olive oil – it’s the perfect icebreaker on a first date!

Where to find it: Boulevard Kitchen is located at the Manzil Hotel, Downtown Dubai.

Puffer fish – Not your typical sushi dinner

Via Gastroville

Eleven deaths. 359 poisonings. One dangerous fish. Are you willing to put your life on the table to stomach some Japanese puffer fish? This notorious sea creature can ensure you don’t wake up the next morning if prepared incorrectly. Umai, a sexy pan-Asian restaurant, hands out puffer fish like it’s Halloween candy! Sink your teeth into the rubbery flesh of this puffer fish, but make sure you’ve called your family and said good bye first. A death-defying dish for only 160 dirhams.

Where to find it: Umai is located at The Oberoi Dubai, Business Bay.

Kopi Luwak – A unique caffeine rush

Via Giphy

Cleaning out your cat’s litterbox will never be the same again. If you think Starbucks is overpriced, wait until you’ve downed two cups of Kopi Luwak for 180 dirhams. Shipped in from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, this coffee comes with a bit of a backstory. The beverage is sourced from the Asian Civet cat that feeds on the fruit pulp of only the best coffee berries. Unlike your espresso machine, when the cat heads to the bathroom with a cigarette and newspaper, you know your coffee’s brewing. Once the animal has defecated, it’s feces is cleaned and roasted into your drink.

Where to find it: Icons Coffee Couture is located at Souk Al Bahar, beside Dubai Mall.

Sea cucumber – Part of your five a day

Via Scuba Magazine

One way to convince yourself to eat more greens is to opt for a vegetable that looks like it’s from an alien planet. If you’re bored of regular old cucumbers, spice up your relationship with it by tucking in to a delectable sea cucumber at China Sea. Silky, spiky, and squishy – make sure your taste buds know what they’re in for when ordering this dish. Priced at 128 dirhams, your dinner will be served dressed in spring onion waiting to become the protagonist of your nightmares.

Where to find it: China Sea is located on Al Maktoum Street, Al Rigga.

WE SAID THIS: You should also check out 9 Bizarre Yet Absolutely Delicious Dishes You Can Get in Cairo.

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The post 4 Must-Try Items on Any Dubai Food Bucket List appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Stop ordering takeouts and start tackling Indian food with these simple recipes for flavorful curries, samosas, and more. Oh, and just so you know, there’s a lot more to life than chicken tikka masala.

This pakora and bhaji recipe that will make your heart sing 

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

These samosas will give your life a whole new meaning 

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

This chicken curry in a hurry (that’s what it’s actually called) recipe is so easy to make it’ll make you feel like a master chef

Via NDFood

Click here for recipe.

This palak paneer recipe that will make you feel like a Popeye is a must-try 

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

This Bengali-style fish stew will ruin other fish stews for you 

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

Yes, this tandoori chicken will also ruin any other type of chickens for you

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

This curry-mashed potatoes recipe that should be in every vegan’s Bible

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

This raita dip recipe will make you believe love at first sight

Via Epicurious

Click here for recipe.

Yes, we know chicken korma is basic but this recipe is to die for 

Via Buzzfeed

Click here for recipe.

This chicken vindaloo recipe will make you hopeful for 2017

Via Rasamalaysia

Click here for recipe.

WE SAID THIS: You should also check out 6 Maklouba Recipes You Never Knew You Needed.

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The post 10 Delicious Indian Recipes That Are Not Chicken Tikka Masala appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Filipino food truly offers something for everyone. You can enjoy crunchy lumpia, hearty lechon, sweet banana turon, and freshly prepared fish all in the same meal — and often on the same plate. There are ube-laced sweets and morning diners that showcase the Filipino love of the fried egg. From high-minded modern Filipino restaurants to tiny takeaway spots, these are the best places to enjoy an authentic Filipino experience in the UAE.

Can we talk about Resto Pinoy’s delicious breakfasts? 

Via Pinoy

Filipino breakfasts usually consist of garlic fried rice, fried eggs and your choice of meat.

How glorious does this bangus sisig from Ortego’s Deli look like? 

Via Ortego’s Deli

Bangus sisig is basically sautéed crispy marinated bangus fish with caramelized red onions. Yum!

You need to devour Philippine Hut’s pancit (noodles)!

Via Food Network

Filipino noodles will ruin other noodles for you, forever.

Let Kuya Juan feed you some of his adobo

Via Tumblr

Kuya in Tagalog means brother. It’s also something you say to an older man that you respect. But let’s not delve into that, and talk about how delicious this adobo looks like?

 OFM’s lumpia sariwa will make you believe in life after love

Via Pinoya

Sariwa is basically an unfried spring roll with Filipino spices. Yes, you need to try it now.

Fried fish from Rice Overdose like you’ve never had it before 

Via Rice Overdose

Frying fish may be popular in the Middle East, but its Filipino counterpart is something else entirely. Think spicy and lots of flavors that will leave your taste buds foodgasming.

There are feasts, and there are Filipino feasts: they’re called boodle fights, and you can have them at the Filipino Kitchen

Via Tumblr

Think of most Filipino dishes you know, well, it’s that and more.

Manila Grill is when you want to have Filipino food and feel classy AF 

Via Manila Grill

This new Filipino fine dining restaurant from Asiana Hotel also serves popular Filipino dishes with pork.

How about some squid adobo from Carinderia ni Tandang Sora? Yes please!

Via Ang Sarap

All you need is some rice, and you’re good to go.

Jollibee is basically the Philippines’ McDonald’s, and just like McDonald’s it’s very freakin’ good! Make sure to have some Filipino spaghetti 

Via JolliBee

We’re so happy we have branches of you all over the city.

Bring a friend or two and share this generous serving of the delicious and healthy Bulalo at Max’s 

Via Max’s

Again, another popular chain restaurant from the Philippines makes it to Dubai, and we are so happy.

WE SAID THIS: You should also read 9 Outrageously Delicious Fries You Need to Eat in Dubai.

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The post 11 Filipino Restaurants in the UAE That’ll Make You Forget About Your Diet Plan appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Via Flooka

We’ve had enough of our beef and chicken shawerma sandwiches — which is why we were ecstatic when Flooka came to the rescue. The restaurant, located in Dubai Marine Resort & Spa, has created a new dish that will take shawerma to a whole new level; fish shawerma.

To make things even better, Flooka has decided to share their delish recipe with all of us. So yes, this is what we’re eating today and so should you.

Ingredients:

• 300g fresh hammour
• 2g of chopped fresh dill
• 10g of fried pine nuts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
• ½ tsp of cinnamon powder
• ½ tsp sweet pepper
• Pinch of white pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the fish into slices, and put it aside.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl then add the fish to marinate for an hour.
3. Heat the shawarma in low fire for 7 to 10 minutes, then top it with the pine nuts and chopped dill.

Tada, here you go!

Via Flooka

WE SAID THIS: You’re welcome.

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The post Fish Shawerma Is an Actual Thing, and Here’s the Recipe appeared first on Scoop Empire.