Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, family bonding, and gathering with friends, but the same old routine can get boring really quick during the holy month. Luckily, Cairo is home of the most festive Ramadan’s in the world, from colorful lanterns to over the top entertainment, exquisite food to friendly banter with fellow Ramadaners. This year, the city that never sleeps, especially during Ramadan has brought us a rainbow of Ramadan tents filled with activities, delicious food, and memories to be cherished for years to come.

Here are 15 Ramadan tents to visit with your squad for Sohour and Iftar this holy month.

3al Borg
 

#AScoopOfNow: Meanwhile in #Zamalek, we’re by the #CairoTower with @3alborg for #Sohour. On a scale of one to puppies, how Instagrammable is our view? #Egypt #Ramadan

A photo posted by Scoop Empire (@scoopempire) on Jun 8, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT

Big thanks to Zooba for making all our Sohour dreams come true!

3al Nile on Nile Maxim Boat

#AScoopOfNow: While some of us are enjoying the view of the #CairoTower during #Sohour, others are feasting their eyes to the #Nile (and obviously the nomnomnom food) at @maximrestaurants boat. #Zamalek #Egypt #Ramadan

A photo posted by Scoop Empire (@scoopempire) on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:15pm PDT

Fel-Felucca

#FelFelucca #RamadanFelFelucca #Ramadan #RiverNile #Nile #Gathering #RevivingTheNile #Friends #Happiness

A photo posted by Fel-Felucca (@felfelucca) on Jul 9, 2015 at 1:11pm PDT

Très Bon

Tres Bon wishes you all a Ramadan Kareem! You can enjoy our Ramadan ala carte menu starting tomorrow in both our branches Tivoli & Korba #greeting #Ramadan #Food #foodie #iftar #sohour

A photo posted by Très Bon (@tresbonegypt) on Jun 5, 2016 at 11:48am PDT

A Table

Everyday is a surprise at A table, come enjoy our Ramadan menu, offering you the best ingredients in town! For reservation please call us on 01060022237. #ramadanatable #ramadan #atablesurprise #sheikhzayed #egypt #foodpost #games #entertainment #tawla #fresh #delicious #foodgram #restaurant #foodporn #fun #foodgasm #6october #instafood #foodies #foodstyle #foodlover #meal #tasty #buffet #foodpost #instafood

A photo posted by atablerestaurants (@atablerestaurants) on Jun 11, 2016 at 3:22am PDT

Wust El Balad at the Nile Ritz Carlton

(Photo Credit: The Nile Ritz-Carlton)

Fawanees at Intercontinental Semiramis

Nile Terrace presents Fawanees and authentic Ramadan Iftar and Sohour experiences. Indulge in delicious oriental favourites under the stars. #IHGFoodie #Ramadan #icsemiramis #luxurylife #luxury #hotel #hotellife #lifestyle #classy #hotelroom #comfort #dinner #cairo #hotelview #nile #vacations #holiday #nileterrace #happymoment #homeawayfromhome #cuisine #instafood #travelgram #gourment #intercontinental #beautifuldestinations #wanderlust #regram #IHGFoodie

A photo posted by InterContinental Semiramis (@icsemiramis) on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Ramadana at New Cairo

#AScoopOfNow: Meanwhile in #NewCairo, we’re @ramadanaeg tent getting our #Sohour game on. #Egypt #Ramadan

A photo posted by Scoop Empire (@scoopempire) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:44pm PDT

Si Omar at Fairmont Tower Heliopolis 

#AScoopOfNow: Back in @fairmontheliopolistowers’ @siomar.egy, the legendary #AhmedAdaweya has taken over the stage and serenading our #Sohour. #Egypt #SiOmar2016

A video posted by Scoop Empire (@scoopempire) on Jun 8, 2016 at 3:42pm PDT

Welad el Zawat at JW Marriott 

This Sohour is turning out to be as magical as Ramadan can get here at Layaly Mirage tent! Stay tuned, because we still have a surprise in store. Bahaa Sultan is going to be performing tonight!

A photo posted by JW Marriott Hotel Cairo (@jwmarriottcairo) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:38pm PDT

Layalina at the Sofitel Gezirah

We’re celebrating Ramadan in magnifique style at our tent Layalina, where we’ve invited some of our favourite guests to a fabulous Sohour. #SofitelWorld

A photo posted by Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah (@sofitelcairoeg) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT

Superstar @raghebalama got the crowd crazy at 3altawla’s Grand Opening!! #3atawla #Galleria40 #Ramadan #Ramadan2016 #RamadanTent #RamadanKareem #Sohour #Suhour #6October #Cairo #Egypt #SheikhZayed

A video posted by Galleria40 (@galleria40) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:37pm PDT

Sequoia

Cairo’s movers and shakers are here for Sohour this evening – the soft summer breeze, Om Kulthum playing in the background and the Middle East’s favorite dishes all make a colorful and special night by the Nile. Ramadan Kareem to you all!

A photo posted by Sequoia (@sequoiaonline) on Jun 10, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

Samar Marwan

Samar Marwan is the accidental product of Palestinian refugees living between the West and Middle East. The San Francisco native is hella serious about PCRF, LGBT rights, and burritos. Through her online writings she is intent on breaking taboos in the Arab world and liberating the white man from orientalism. Currently, she is planning a revolution against the hipsters. Send her your love (or hate) at HellaSamar or samar@scoopempire.com.

The post Ramadan 2016: Where You Should Go for Iftar and Sohour in Cairo appeared first on Scoop Empire.

You may ask, “why eat Mexican food when you’re in Lebanon, motherland of the most amazing cuisine known to mankind?” NO, you’re probably not asking that, you know why? BECAUSE MEXICAN FOOD IS AWESOME AF. That, and the fact that eating tabbouleh erryday will dull our souls. Ladies and gents, get your sombreros on because I’m taking you out for El Comida Mexicana!

For restaurant numbero uno I wanted to take you to Chili’s in Achrafieh for obvious reasons of course! Look at those sizzling platters mmmmmmm!

Pacifico is the first Latino-themed restaurant to have ever opened in Monot, and some people say, in all of Lebanon

Garcia’s is for those who will venture a little outside of Beirut to Dbayeh around sunset on a quest for real Mexican flavors. Can you look at this and not cry?

Joe Pena’s 1987 is old, authentic, and has a great vibe!

Carlito’s: the tagline (no son solo nachos y margaritas) says enough. Mexican food is not only nachos and margaritas

O Cacti is relatively new, and it’s about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Beirut

Have a Mexican night and get yo booty to Hamra so your Spanish can become fluent at La Palma. They serve a variety of traditional Mexican meals

And as if all those weren’t enough, you could be a lucky one to come across the Mexican food truck, El Gringo

Then of course there’s the Lebanese restaurant Roadster Diner that offers some Mexican themed starters! Pretty good stuff

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on 11 Signs You Were Born and Raised in Lebanon.

Scoop Team

Select Staff Writers from the Scoop Empire Team

The post 9 Restaurants Every Mexican Food Lover Must Visit in Lebanon appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Ahhh, Ramadan! You really get our creative juices flowing. Especially when it comes to desserts. In Egypt, a7na we take creative to the next level sa3at, sometimes resulting in masterpieces, but most times it ends up being bizarre; which is why we’re gathered here right now. We give you the shrimp konafa sushi.

Egyptian cooking company, Food Mazboot, released a video a couple of days ago of their chef Amr Nagui creating the strangest Ramadan dessert/food ever. We want to know why? How dare you do this to sushi? Have you got no honor? We’ll never look at our favorite Japanese seafood dish the same ever again. What’s next? Konafa bel omelette? Konafa ma3a roz w molokheya? WHAT? Sushi bel ta3meya? Oh, wait! That’s actually a thing you’ve created as well.

sushi with falafel

Matez3aloosh menena ya Food Mazboot, we just really love our sushi and don’t like anyone messing around with it, OKAY?!?! If it makes you feel better, we love your Lord of the Rings pizza.

Anyway ya gama3a, if you’re one of those people who actually are okay with the shrimp konafa sushi, here’s a video teaching you how to make them. *whispers* ekhs 3aleko *whispers*

 

WE SAID THIS: Let us know what you honestly feel about the shrimp konafa sushi in the comments section.

Scoop Team

Select Staff Writers from the Scoop Empire Team

The post Why Is Shrimp Konafa Sushi an Actual Thing in Egypt? appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Food is all we care about in Ramadan (we apologise if we sound a little bit dramatic but we’re fasting and really hungry and we love food, OKAY?!?!). And what better way to taste all kinds of new food than in the holy month when you’re craving everything after you hear athan el Maghreb.

Anyway, we’ve rounded up a list of the best places to have Iftar and Sohour in the pearl of Mediterranean, Alexandria, so you don’t have to.

Along the Mediterranean Sea (Tolip Beach, Hilton Korniche, Zaafrana)

(egyptianalex/flickr)

Alexandria is known for its beautiful and oh-so Instagrammable Mediterranean sea, and one would be only stupid not to share this view with people. Three places offer such a lovely atmosphere: Tolip beach, Hilton Korniche and Zaafrana where you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the sea along with Ramadan’s decorations.

Fernando’s

(egyptianalex/flickr)

Known for its on point Italian food, Fernando’s topped the old restaurants in Alexandria by serving a variety of choices in its open buffet over Iftar. Also the interior design of the place will make you feel like a royal!

Sheesh Beesh

(@sheeshbeekeg)

With its oriental atmosphere and average prices, Sheesh Beesh offers a live band show to entertain the guests during the holy month.

L Passage

(tripadvisor)

L Passage continues to be in the race of the trending places in Ramadan this year with its diversity in food choices from different parts of the world.

Khan Asia

(tamerhassan)

Khan Asia which just opened recently is the perfect place to enjoy a kheima Ramadaneia on the beach. Although it had problems starting and the service was bad, but they managed to change all that in a matter of days which only shows how successful they want this project to be

Teatro

(tripadvisor)

Blending the old atmosphere with the new, Teatro still manages to make its guests feel warm and relaxed. It also lets them experience the atmosphere of el zaman el gameel.

Pastaweesy

Having just opened, Pastaweesy is getting very good reviews for its pasta in a very short time. Mamma mia ya ged3an!

A3dat 3araby (Wa7et Khattab, Hany and el Garary)

(a3dat3araby)

And of course the list won’t be complete without wa7et khattab, hany and el garary. Whether it’s the road trip to reach to the place, the atmosphere of being with “3arab,” the homemade food or the insanely tasty tea, you’ll never regret going there.

Arabiatta

(ELMENUS)

You’ll be lucky if you can get a place in Arabiatta to try the food. With a very good service and a variety of oriental dishes you cannot walk out of the place without a smile on your face or in that case in your tummy

Alban Swisra

(ELMENUS)

Alban Swisra is definitely a place to visit this Ramadan for Sohour. We recommend its melted cheese, yalahwi!

WE SAID THIS: All these places might be cool, but you won’t enjoy them without your family and friends. After all, Ramadan is about El lamma el 7elwa. So make sure you grab your lamma and hit those places before the holy month ends.

Scoop Team

Select Staff Writers from the Scoop Empire Team

The post Ramadan 2016: Where You Should Go for Iftar and Sohour in Alexandria appeared first on Scoop Empire.

It’s A Fine & Dandy Weekend Coming Up In Dandenong The Bearded Bakers will be baking & shaking once more at 141 – 145 Lonsdale St, Dandenong this Thursday to Sunday, from 6pm till late. #knafeh #knafehbakery #knafehmelbourne #melbourne #melbourneeats #melbournedessert #beardedbakers

A photo posted by Knafeh Melbourne (@knafehmelbourne) on Jun 15, 2016 at 12:34am PDT

Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern desert filled with sweet cheese, topped pistachios, and dripping with sweet sweet sugar syrup; it’ll have you running for a glass of water afterwards. But now there’s an additional knafeh topping that’s making us extra thirsty, the Bearded Bakers.

Dance The Night Away Join The Bearded Bakers for another night of Dancing and Dessert. Here behind Sydney Wings and Things – 151 Canterbury Rd, Bankstown, from 6pm till late.

A video posted by Knafeh Sydney (@knafehsydney) on Apr 15, 2016 at 11:22pm PDT

Ameer El-Issa started the Knafeh after there was huge demand for the desert at his family’s cafe, the Shisha Bar and Grill,  which is “a re-purposed shipping container, adorned with street art and housing a commercial bakery.” The bakers, whose trademark is their sultry beards, consist of a mix of Palestinian Muslims and Christians who are baking their way into our hearts one bite of knafeh at a time. The containers, which pop up around Sydney and Melbourne, are named after El-Issa’s father’s hometown, Jerusalem, “we’re using it to bring you one of our families best kept secrets. Because the best things in life, are best shared.”

Bakers Got Talent They sing, they dance, they bake, they shake. What more could you need? Find them this week at 15-17 Weston St Brunswick (@codeblackcoffee) Thursday, 6pm – late Plus; Saturday: @pentridgecoburg 11am – 4pm #knafeh #knafehbakery #knafehmelbourne #melbourne #melbourneeats #melbournedessert #beardedbakers

A video posted by Knafeh Melbourne (@knafehmelbourne) on May 19, 2016 at 12:37am PDT

The Bearded Bakers don’t only serve the best knafeh in town, they also put on a show you had no idea you needed! They’re hipsters (the good kind), they’re Arab, they have Australian accents, THEY BAKE! Oh and they raised funds for Bowl Cancer Australia, can we just take a minute to #CantEven because anjed we literally can’t.

Baking is Serious Business Our Locations this week; @knafehsydney : 1024 The Horsley Drive, Wetherill Park @knafehmelbourne : Rear of Coburg Market 419 – 423 Sydney Rd Coburg. Join our bakers at one of our sites from 6pm till late tonight @fonsii #knafeh #knafehbakery #beardedbakers #streetfood #sydneydessert #sydneyfood #sydneyeats

A photo posted by Knafeh Sydney (@knafehsydney) on May 22, 2016 at 12:43am PDT

Their Instagram account has us drooling, for the knafeh of course…and possibly other reasons. Dear Bearded Bakers can you please ship your container on world tour, cause we really need yoooou…to make us some knafeh!

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on Dear Molten Lava Konafa, You Are Melting My Soul.

Samar Marwan

Samar Marwan is the accidental product of Palestinian refugees living between the West and Middle East. The San Francisco native is hella serious about PCRF, LGBT rights, and burritos. Through her online writings she is intent on breaking taboos in the Arab world and liberating the white man from orientalism. Currently, she is planning a revolution against the hipsters. Send her your love (or hate) at HellaSamar or samar@scoopempire.com.

The post The ‘Bearded Bakers’ Are Exactly What We Prayed for This Ramadan appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Posted by Zooba on Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Homegrown Egyptian brand and one of our absolute favorite restaurants in Egypt, Zooba, just released a new video ad online and it’s been blowing up the internet!

If you haven’t seen the video, Zooba tackles the negative comments that they always receive on their social media platforms regarding how expensive they are and then they launched an on-ground activation where instead of having the stickers they usually have on their sandwiches, they printed stickers of the negative comments and quotes they received on social media; and they caught the people’s reactions on camera. They later show that the Zooba Original sandwich is the biggest sandwich in the market and introduce the brand new “Slightly Smaller Zooba” sandwich that is smaller, cheaper but with the same quality.

Now the guys from Zooba told us exclusively that it all started when they decided to do a competitive analysis of the market, ordered all ful, taamia and egg sandwiches from different vendors across different categories, weighed each one of them, and found out that their sandwich is almost, and sometimes, even more than double the weight of the other sandwiches.

They had two options; either to establish their sandwich as the biggest sandwich, or to adapt their business and launch a new line; one that is more competitive with the street size, with a similar amount of content (yet still a bit more) with the same great quality, at a lower price and that’s exactly what they ended up doing.

Now the point of the ad is that it shows you that you might actually pay more for a Zooba sandwich, but you’re absolutely getting your money’s worth. First of all, it definitely offers the biggest most-filling sandwiches in the market as their sandwiches’ size are statistically more than twice an average sandwich, as shown in the demonstration by Zooba founder, Chris Khalifa.

Also what a lot of people dismiss and never talk about when they’re complaining about the prices is the quality of the service and the food that Zooba has been able to keep for more than four years. Zooba has been one of the Egyptian restaurants that cares so much about the quality of the food that they take extra measures to ensure that every single item is perfect; like how they soak their ful for eight hours and then have it slow cooked for 12 hours daily or how their signature fava beans and herb mix is prepared hourly, or how they bake their bread themselves to ensure that it’s always hot and fresh, and many other things to ensure customer satisfaction.

Zooba has also been a pioneer in the local eats business and has achieved in four years what many other restaurants have failed to do. Now with five branches all over Cairo in Zamalek, Maadi, Korba, Citystars Mall and Downtown Mall, they have always been consistent with their quality and branding and have succeeded in making local Egyptian food presentable and relatable. They also helped put Egyptian cuisine on the map, winning awards internationally, like when they snagged first place at the London Falafel Festival earlier last month.

Now some people are still complaining about how this video only tackles the sandwiches aspect, but still doesn’t justify why Zooba’s koshary or their sugar cane or their dips and so on are expensive, and they might be right. However, as mentioned previously, you’re buying quality, you’re buying your comfort. Zooba is the kind of place you’d take your foreigner friends who come to Egypt to to try Egyptian food without worrying about food poisoning. This is basically like someone who goes to buy high-quality designer clothes and then complain about how expensive they are. THEY’RE NOT FORCING YOU TO BUY IT!

WE SAID THIS: Congratulations Zooba on yet another success and on another huge milestone in your impressive homegrown history!

Hady ElHady

A computer nerd gone wrong, Hady is a self-proclaimed social media whore who went from programming and writing code to writing about the Kardashians and celebrity gossip. His guilty pleasure is watching trashy reality TV and his mom is always fighting with him because she believes that he loves Beyoncé more than her.

The post Did You Actually Understand Zooba’s Latest Ad? appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Photos of a floating boat restaurant in the Pearl of the Mediterranean, AKA Alexandria, have been taking over Facebook by storm, and we couldn’t be more excited. Apparently, it will be around the Alexandrian Shooting Club and Qaitbay Castle area.

In just one day, photos have been shared more than 4.6K times and the comments section has over 1K comments. People even started reserving places online a month from now.

WE SAID THIS: Stay tuned for more updates…

Monaliza Wahba

Animal advocate and fashion guru, Monaliza, was born in Alexandria to an Egyptian father and an Armenian-Lebanese mother. Married to her best friend. A fashion stylist/personal shopper, a social butterfly, a traveller and an entrepreneur. Wannabe drummer and hip hop dancer. She can’t resist that bakery smell of a crisping croissant and her house never runs out of Nutella. She currently lives in Dubai.

The post Alexandria Is Going Crazy over Its First Floating Restaurant appeared first on Scoop Empire.

(drunch)

Shisha, waterpipes, hookah, narghile, or hubble-bubble pipes, there are almost more words that refer to shishas in English than in Arabic. Since the British smoking ban was enforced exactly nine years ago, most (but not all) underground and enclosed shisha areas were closed down. Open air shisha spots, however, are in every corner of London and have been growing ever since the first shisha places sparkled on Edgware Road in the 70s.

Another rising trend is the electronic shishas that you can even order in some clubs and smoke inside as you wish. There is no mystery as to why such places are constantly on the rise: people like to chill in social spaces everywhere in the world, and in London, you can charge about 15 times what you would charge in Egypt for each shisha and still be in the normal price range. There are so many waterpipe places in London that you could list them endlessly, but we carefully selected a few for you in case you are lost in the sea of pipes…

Mo Café

(momo)

“Going to Momo” in London language is sort of like saying you’re “going to Marrakech” for a couple of hours – unless you are referring to the downstairs restaurant/bar/club, but if this is the case you were meant to say “going to Black Dice” anyway, so you better get your vocabulary straight. It’s upstairs in front of the restaurant called Momo that you will be able to enjoy your shisha in a cosy and heated terrace that could make you forget about central London, transporting you to a little garden for some Moroccan type of chilling.

Momo wasn’t opened by a Mohammed, as you could have imagined, but by the one and only Mourad Mazouz, who is also guilty for opening Sketch in London, Derrière in Paris, Almaz in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Drunch

(drunch)

Drunch is one of my favourite places to have shishas in London, and I’m not saying that because it’s run by a bunch of the kawlest dudes in town…nor am I saying that because they have all-glitter shishas…but because Drunch is at the corner of Blenheim and Woodstock streets, two of the cutest little streets in London, offering a piece of quietness in the form of a sexy lounge. Exactly what you need just a few steps away from crowded shopping hub, Oxford Street. Their fresh juices are vital and you can enjoy their food in a “Private Living Room” if you feel like it. Also, isn’t it so swag to be like: “hey babe, let’s go for drunch tomorrow?” cause brunches are so two thousand and late…

And we hear they’re opening new locations soon! Woopwoop!

Mamounia Lounge

(mamounia)

You can enjoy the Mamounia Lounge at two locations: Knightsbridge and Mayfair. They both offer amazing Arabic food with a Western twist including mezze, main dishes, and pastries. If you were going to go for just one thing, I’d recommend the truffle hummus. You can enjoy a wide range of flavors of charcoal shishas in the floor heated outside space, but also e-shishas inside. Both locations also have a bar and you can enjoy belly dancing and other flamboyant shows most of the evenings (when it’s not Ramadan).

Elysée Roof Garden

(elyséelondon)

If you wouldn’t think of going to the notorious Greek place of London for a shisha, you’ve got it all wrong. Elysée’s Roof Garden is actually highly populated by Middle Easterners who know their shishas, and most of the shisha staff is certainly Egyptian. The enchanted atmosphere of the roof garden is equipped for you to enjoy under any weather condition. No other place in London will give you such a Mediterranean vibe; from the delicious Greek signature dishes, to the warm ambiance, the music, or just the thought that while you’re sipping your shisha upstairs, people are breaking plates downstairs on live music!

Baku Bistro

(bakubistro)

Baku Bistro is another go-to for shisha lovers in London. They have a very enjoyable outside space on a pedestrian row of Mayfair where you can chill and enjoy really good shishas.

Sidi Maarouf

(sidimarouf)

If you’re an Arab that has ever stepped foot in London, there is no way you do not know Maarouf. Most people see it as the best Lebanese chain of restaurants in London. The Edgware Road branch couldn’t get away without offering shishas outside. The chilling area is extremely pleasant and the shishas’ quality is as sharp as the food’s.

Dar Marrakesh

(darmarakkesh)

Just because you can’t talk about shishas and London without mentioning Edgware Road. This is a nice one with a shisha lounge in the back garden and always quite international crowds. Prices for shishas on Edgware Road also tend to be less expensive than in Knightsbridge and Mayfair, and you get to have a whole Middle Eastern experience as you walk to and out of the place. And of course if you speak a bit of Arabic you’ll be received as home.

Café Cairo

(cafecairo)

For an alternative experience, pick Café Cairo. Whilst in the hype neighbourhood of Brixton, Café Cairo will remind you all what you love about Khan El Khalili’s mess and downtown Cairo’s design and architecture with some London extravaganza on top. The shisha area is just another one of these unexpected rooms that you end up into if you wonder around a little bit. The atmosphere is as easygoing as in Cairo’s popular places: you can bring your own food if you feel like it. They will encourage you to join in your pjs for the free screening nights and they have the most random themed nights such as last week’s “The Cairo Freak Show.”

WE SAID THIS: You should also check out Is Toronto’s Proposed Ban on Shisha Racist?

Anicée Gohar

Anicée studied a lot of serious sh** to end up spending her life at the most frivolous events around the world, from red carpets to festivals. TV producer, reporter and occasional writer, Anicee wants to remain a child forever and gets excited by baby goats, Nutella, good movies, the beach, and weirdos. Half Egyptian half French, living in Soho London, on the road most of the year, she would be best described as a nomad with serious commitment issues.

https://www.instagram.com/aniceegohar/

The post 8 Shisha Places Every Arab Needs to Try in London appeared first on Scoop Empire.

This is one of the rare moments in my life where I find myself speechless. I just don’t get it. First came the konafa mango, dates, banana, caramel, Nutella and red velvet and the world has expressed its anger and disgust.

This year somehow not only dessert stores, but every food outlet in the city, has managed to sabotage the poor konafa. We have konafa with cheese cake and zalabia, red velvet shawerma, konafa sushi, konafa bel basbusa, be roz be laban, be 3ish saraya, and now we have a freakin’ Konafa burger. Fee eh ya Masr!

In an attempt to give Burger Joint an excuse for such a malformed creation, these are most probably the reasons they thought of before introducing their latest sandwich:

So it’s Ramadan and no one will eat Burgers

30 days will affect our sales big time

We blame the konafa, it stole every customer in the country

Damn you konafa sushi. You knew how to make people eat seafood in Ramadan with your evil plan

Ok so how can we catch up with the world’s latest trend?

We need to incorporate Ramadan in our menu somehow

Yalahwi! I got it. Let’s turn burgers into konfa filled with creme

Mmm…but the buns will absorb the konafa syrup and it won’t be cellulite-inducing enough

Then we pour honey all over the buns

AND THAT IS HOW YOU HAVE A TRENDING RAMADAN DESSERT IN EGYPT!!

I’d like to add that I’m a huge Burger Joint supporter and I’m just kidding. I love you guys. Please, don’t ban me from your burgers.

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on Why Is Shrimp Konafa Sushi an Actual Thing in Egypt?

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 10 Illogical Reasons Why Burger Joint Made a Konafa Burger appeared first on Scoop Empire.

During Ramadan, there’s absolutely no shortage of Sohour places in Cairo. Literally every place turns into an Iftar or Sohour (or BOTH) venue, making it really hard for any of them to stand out. But last Thursday, we got invited to the opening of Ayadina’s fourth branch (also open in Korba, Citystars and Galleria40) and Blaze’s (also open in Heliopolis and Mohandessin) opening at New Cairo’s Point 90 Mall, and it’s safe to say they stood out.

Upon entering Ayadina, we saw the most fabulous chandelier that would so make Sia wanna swing from it. The decor looked like something from Alice in Wonderland, very colorful, bubbly but with a Ramadan twist. We sat on pink chairs that were larger than usual chairs (think less scary than the Iron Throne but still looks as majestic) and were bombarded with delicious cocktails (virgin cocktails obviously). We so recommend the virgin mojitos!

After we freshened up, we attacked the buffet. But it wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. So many decisions. SO MANY DELICIOUS LEBANESE DECISIONS! Should we start with the vine leaves? The mini hawawshis? The kebab with tehina? The sojo2? The shish tawook with cream sauce? We don’t know. But what we did know is that we had all of the above…and more.

Saying everything was absolutely delicious would be an understatement, but everything was really, really delicious (go for the sojo2)! After our attack on the buffet, we moved from our table to Blaze, the sister cafe to Lebanese restaurant Ayadina, where we feasted our ears to some live entertainment, treated our sweet tooth to some scrumptious Um Ali (we love her and Ali and the whole family), and shisha-ed our night away.

WE SAID THIS: We recommend you hurry up and head there for Iftar or Sohour because you literally only have ten days of Ramadan to live our experience. Meanwhile, we’re heading back there again to break our fast tonight.

Kurt Galalah

Found in a box of bananas from the Philippines on the River Nile at an early age, Kurt is born to a Filipino mother and an Egyptian father which means emotionally he is completely screwed. Kurt is a bubbling cauldron of masculinity aside from his girly hair, camp voice and passion for One Direction.

The post Ayadina and Blaze Take Iftar and Sohour to the next Level in New Cairo appeared first on Scoop Empire.

As Ramadan winds down, Ramadana Tent in New Cairo is preparing for its big finale with the entertainment lineup getting bigger, and bigger stars each weekend. This Thursday Ramadana Tent will be bringing 90s cult favorite Hossam Hosny, who will be hitting the stage to perform all of our nostalgic favorites including Kol El Banat Bathabk.  

Ramadana’s human-size pool table has attracted some stiff competition for an official face-off and things are heating up with some serious rivalry. Sohour at Ramadana has an array of mouthwatering traditional Egyptian favorites from savory mezza’s to decadent desserts, and nothing but the good times during this holy month. 

WE SAID THIS: For reservations, call 01111 044 447. 

Samar Marwan

Samar Marwan is the accidental product of Palestinian refugees living between the West and Middle East. The San Francisco native is hella serious about PCRF, LGBT rights, and burritos. Through her online writings she is intent on breaking taboos in the Arab world and liberating the white man from orientalism. Currently, she is planning a revolution against the hipsters. Send her your love (or hate) at HellaSamar or samar@scoopempire.com.

The post Kol El Banat Hat7ebak at Ramadana This Weekend appeared first on Scoop Empire.

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on 16 Desserts in Cairo that Will Sabotage Your Diet Plans.

Samar Marwan

Samar Marwan is the accidental product of Palestinian refugees living between the West and Middle East. The San Francisco native is hella serious about PCRF, LGBT rights, and burritos. Through her online writings she is intent on breaking taboos in the Arab world and liberating the white man from orientalism. Currently, she is planning a revolution against the hipsters. Send her your love (or hate) at HellaSamar or samar@scoopempire.com.

The post Here’s Why Tseppas Will Give You #Ka7kGoals This Ramadan appeared first on Scoop Empire.

‘Tis the season! When the holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end, when the “Hal El Badr Badry” song is playing everywhere, when the Eid movies are coming out and when everyone looks like drug addicts with sugar all over their noses because they’ve been stuffing their faces with ka7k.

Now that the season of konafa and atayef is over, the season of ka7k and ghorayeba is upon us. And since you usually only have ka7k for a few days during Eid (and realistically a couple of weeks after that), you have a limited period of time to get your ka7k game on, so it better be really REALLY good and you need to pick just the right place to buy it from.

But worry no more! From pistachio and pressed date to malban, agameya and even BLUEBERRY, here’s a list of 26 places you can get your ka7k (and other Eid treats).

1. Tseppas

2. Abu Auf

3. Dukes

4. El Abd

5. Nola Cupcakes

6. La Poire

7. Coppermelt

8. Bisco Misr

9. Cinnabon

10. Monginis

11. Gourmet Egypt

12. Carousel

13. TBS

14. La Pomme

15. Sale Sucre

16. The Batter Half & Co

17. Etoile

18. Tortina

19. Delight

20. Les Dames

21. Simonds

22. Helw El Samadi

23. Tartino

24. Crumbs

25. Groppi

26. Love Bites

WE SAID THIS: Happy Eid everyone!

Hady ElHady

A computer nerd gone wrong, Hady is a self-proclaimed social media whore who went from programming and writing code to writing about the Kardashians and celebrity gossip. His guilty pleasure is watching trashy reality TV and his mom is always fighting with him because she believes that he loves Beyoncé more than her.

The post The Only Eid Ka7k Guide You’ll Ever Need in Cairo appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Dear morning coffee,

It’s been a month since I last smelt your soul creeping into mine, sending shivers down my spine. It’s been 30 days since I laid my eyes on your smoking hot existence. It’s been 720 hours since I ran to your caffeine haven in the early hours of the morning, and it’s been 43,2000 minutes of craving, hurting, agony, daydreaming and occasional tantrums. I’m not even sure of these numbers, my brain isn’t functioning anymore.

Your absence has allowed my inner toddler to surface and hurt people…and things. Just yesterday, I almost smashed my laptop because there was no Wi-Fi, it wasn’t even its fault. The day before, I almost intentionally ran over human beings with my car because they were simply there. Yet, the most excruciating moment of all was our first week apart when someone asked me at work if I’ve seen his phone and I said no, knowing exactly where it was but the toddler wanted people to feel the same pain of separation.

I am officially hours away from touching you, feeling safe embracing you and sniffing you like the coffee creep I was born to be.  Come back before I start losing friends. Ba7ebak and yala ba2a.

WE SAID THIS: CAN IT BE TOMORROW ALREADY?

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 An Open Letter to My Eid’s First Morning Coffee appeared first on Scoop Empire.

I present you with another glorious place to get over those Mexican cravings: Taqueria Del Jefe in Pasteur Street, Beirut! Although specialized in the most beautiful tacos known to mankind, they also serve other sweet and savory Mexican dishes. 3an jad, we Mexi-can’t even! We’re so happy all of our Mexican dreams can finally come true! YAAS!!!

The food is so gorgeous, you can instantly tell that it was crafted with love. In fact you can watch the staff carefully prepare your meal from over the counter.  No pressure!

It’s unique yet simple ambience makes the casual dining experience memorable.

WE SAID THIS: They open Tuesdays to Sundays from 5PM to 1AM. You thinking what I’m thinking? PERF MIDNIGHT SNACK!

Scoop Team

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The post A Taqueria Just Opened in Beirut and We Mexi-Can’t Even appeared first on Scoop Empire.

www.todayifoundout.com

Get ready for bumping into more McDonald’s branches in the United Arab Emirates this summer. The popular fast-food chain decided to expand and open their new branches in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, ADNOC stations in Mushrif area and Mohamed Bin Zayed Street as well as Dubai International Retail Center.

McDonald’s Al Ain branch will be a double-story stand-alone restaurant with 130 seat capacity, covers 259 square meters of interior space equipped with interactive technology systems and playground for the kids.

The opening of the new McDonald’s restaurants boosts the total number of Big Tasty creators in the Emirates to 148.

WE SAID THIS: Who said I should be a kid to get a happy meal? I’m totally diggin’ in!

Monaliza Wahba

Animal advocate and fashion guru, Monaliza, was born in Alexandria to an Egyptian father and an Armenian-Lebanese mother. Married to her best friend. A fashion stylist/personal shopper, a social butterfly, a traveller and an entrepreneur. Wannabe drummer and hip hop dancer. She can’t resist that bakery smell of a crisping croissant and her house never runs out of Nutella. She currently lives in Dubai.

The post UAE Now Has a Total of 148 McDonald’s Branches appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Okay so, you probably don’t wanna know anything about me, but I don’t really care. I’m originally from Fayoum but I moved to Cairo a few years ago. It all has been a great experience and all of that, but the one thing I miss about home is my mother’s cooking; her ma7shi especially. My cooking skills are, well, let me just say that they’re not as good as beta3et mama.

But if there’s one thing all these years of living alone taught me, it’s that you have to fend for yourself, which is exactly what I did. I’ve rounded up a list of the best places in Cairo to get ma7shi from that is as good as your mama…at least at little bit close to it.

Abou El Sid

(abouelsid)

I’m not the biggest fan of wara2 3enab. I prefer other types of ma7shis, but Abou El Sid’s wara2 3enab game is on point.

Kababgy El Menoufy 

(tumblr)

El Menoufy will get your back if you live in Tagamo3 El-Khames and you’re broke AF. Thank you for being there for me when I had no one ya Menoufy walahy!

Om Hassan

(tumblr)

Yes, everyone gives Om Hassan shit because of their alleged donkey meat fedi7a, and I genuinely do not care about all of that. Their molokheya is amazing, their lesa asfour soup is amazing…wait, sorry! I forgot I was here for ma7shi. Okay so, Om Hassan’s mix ma7shi is to die for. Please try it today. Yalla!

Baheya 

(baheya)

The only place in Cairo where you get some good cabbage ma7shi.

Kabab Shaker

(tumblr)

Much like Menoufy, Kabab Shaker will be there for you when you’re broke.

Cairo Kitchen

(cairokitchen)

Yes, Cairo Kitchen could be pretentious showeya (more like keteer), but if it’s payday and you’re feeling a little spendy and fancy AF, you should definitely treat yourself with some ma7shi from Cairo Kitchen.

El Sit Hosneya 

(tumblr)

I’m not actually sure if all the food at El Sit Hosneya is actually cooked by her, but so far from what I’ve ordered, it has always been consistent. Much like her kousa ma7shi. #nomnomnom

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on 11 Best Shawerma Places in Cairo.

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The post 7 Ma7shi Places in Cairo Your Mom Would Approve of appeared first on Scoop Empire.

We all love sushi (NO I AM NOT TALKING TO THE SUSHI HATERS HERE, IF YOU ARE, PLEASE LEAVE)! Sushi is why I get out of bed in the morning sometimes. Why, you say? Because I know I live in a world with sushi. There’s one small problem though. SUSHI IS CRAZY EXPENSIVE, OKAY??? So y’all better be damn sure that raw fish you’re eating is worth every bareeza you’re paying.

1) Kai

(kaisushi)

Location: Nasr City, City Stars, Mosaique Dining Zone, 4th floor.

Why it’s worth your money: 160LE FOR ALL YOU CAN EAT YA GED3AN!!!

2) Sachi Sushi

(sachisushi)

Location: Korba, 3, Cleopatra Street.

Why it’s worth your money: The place has a “Mediterranean” menu including a vast array of sushi. It’s crazy affordable and you can take a look at their menu from this link.

3) Sakura Sushi

(sakurasushi)

Location: Maadi, Degla, 38, Road 231.

Why it’s worth your money: Fresh salmon. So effin’ fresh!

4) Sushi Bay

(sushibay)

Location: Heliopolis, El Thawrra Street, Inside Cafe Supreme.

Why it’s worth your money: Their 24-piece combination dish costs EGP 185, which is more than enough for two sushi gluttons. Sushi Bay has a good balance of flavors, with hints of sesame in the right place and complementing sauces that set off the meal.

5) Gaya Sushi

(gaya)

Location: Maadi, 41 Road 218.
Why it’s worth your money: The best place to try kimbab. What’s kimbab? It’s basically Korean sushi and it’s so delicious!

6) One Oak

(oneoak)

Locations:

• 6th of October City, Tivoli Dome.
• New Cairo, Point 90 Mall.

Why it’s worth your money: Maintaining the quality of two completely different cuisines – in this case, steak and sushi – is no easy task, though One Oak proves otherwise.

7) Arigato

(arigato)

Location: 6th of October City, Legenda Mall.
Why it’s worth your money: A true gem of a restaurant in Cairo, everything there is absolutely fresh and delicious. It ‘s highly recommended for those looking for something a bit different and very healthy and easy to get to from Downtown.

8) Jo Sushi

(josushi)

Location: Heliopolis, 32, Mohamed Ahmed Street.

Why it’s worth your money: Why go to Japan when you can just go to Jo?

9) Izumi

(dusitthani)

Location: New Cairo, Dusit Thani Lakeview Hotel.

Why it’s worth your money: This Orange Blossom Roll is highly recommended for sushi beginners, the Green Dragon roll and the Crazy Spicy roll are also a “must try” there.

10) Sushi Shack Express

(sushiexpress)

Locations:

• Einstein Kaffee, City Stars.
• The Garden Cafe, City Stars
• Coffeeshop Company, The District Mall
• Golio’s Cafe, The Platform Maadi – On the 1st of August
• Einstein Kafee, Nile City Towers – On the 1st of August

Why it’s worth your money: For when you’re broke and want to have sushi, aka CRAZY AFFORDABLE!

11) Torii

(TORRI)

Location: Zamalek, Omar Khayam Casino, Marriott Hotel.

Why it’s worth your money: The restaurant is beautifully decorated with –naturally- an Asian inspired theme. The whole place has a very peaceful and relaxing energy that you just feel as you pass through Torii’s door.

13) Mokai

(mokai)

Location: New Cairo, 5th Settlement.

Why it’s worth your money: Aside from their sushi platters, they are famous for their Teppanyaki show in which the Chef cooks right in front of you. The show involves lots of knives and fire, very exciting!

WE SAID THIS: Why can’t sushi be more cheap though? *cries*

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The post 13 Cairo Sushi Restaurants That Are Actually Worth Your Money appeared first on Scoop Empire.

Ahhhh, Dahab! Dahab is a small town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, approximately 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, it is now considered to be one of Sinai’s most treasured diving destinations. But, it’s not just all about diving and being a human Flipper that makes Dahab amazing. Part of what makes the whole Dahab experience magical is the restaurants they have. Not only are most of them, if not all of them, cheap but they’re also very, very delicious.

Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramses – English Breakfast 

(hellskitchendahab)

The most English breakfast you can ever have in Dahab. The sausages are bacon are also pork, or as the owner have once told us, “I have real bacon, not the bullshit one.”

Nirvana – Ice Cream

(pictaa)

Nirvana may be popular because of its authentic Indian food, but what you don’t know is its ice cream game is strong AF. You will not stop eating ice cream begad!

Athanor – Any Pizza 

(tripadvisor)

Italian food at its finest! We’re not even being our dramatic basic biznatches self, any pizza from Athanor is truly #nomnomnom.

Hell’s Kitchen – Chicken Wings

(tripadvisor)

Nope, the restaurant is not owned by Gordon Ramsay, more like Gordon Ramses though. One of our favorite places to chill and have a small bite, aka chicken wings and drinks.

Fresh Fish – Any Burger

(tripadvisor)

You might think you’d want to seafood from Fresh Fish but how can you when they’re burgers are YUMYUMYUM!!!

King Chicken – Lesan Asfour Soup, Grilled Chicken, Rice and Molokheya

(tripadvisor)

Basically though anything you have at this restaurant will be f****** amazing if you’re into Egyptian food. Be careful as the restaurant is usually always busy and it’s very hard to get yourself a table there so you’ll probably get your food to go.

Shark – Seafood Platter 

(tripadvisor)

Our favorite place to have seafood in Dahab. The view is amazing, but the food is perfect. So fresh it will physically hurt! The service is also impeccable.

Lvovich – Russian Honey Cake 

(russianrecipes)

Begad, we’re not even that into cakes but Russian honey cakes are life. They’re also the best with some Bedouin tea!

Anywhere at Blue Hole – Egyptian breakfast 

(kurtgalalah)

How can you say no to an Egyptian breakfast when it has a view that Instagrammable?

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. – Pasta Bolognese

(instagram)

We can’t stop pasta, we won’t stop pasta.

Blue House – Green Curry

(tripadvisor)

Thai is hands down our favorite Asian cuisine. Located in front of Ali Baba hotel, Blue House is where all your Thai dreams will come true. Sadly though, it as been renovating for months and many locals say it won’t come back again. If that happens, you can go to The Kitchen instead which is your next best thing when you fancy Asian food.

Hum Yum – Fool and Ta3meya

(tripadvisor)

This place is very busy in the mornings because a) everyone is probably hungover b) everyone wants hungover food c) fool and ta3meya is the best hangover food.

WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss out on 10 Things Only Dahab Lovers Will Understand.

Scoop Team

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The post 12 Ridiculously Yummy Foods You Must Eat in Dahab appeared first on Scoop Empire.

I love food as much as the next person. I eat when I’m happy, sad, and basically whenever. But what makes this a problem is that I’m really, really indecisive. I don’t know what to eat most of the time and I spend hours and hours on Otlob, then end up ordering a big tasty from McDonald’s and cry. But guess what, most people are! To cure this indecisive disease, I’ve decided to hunt my favorite food bloggers down and ask them what their favorite Cairo restaurants are.

Ramy Soli

Al Khal – Nasr City

(ramysoli)

When it comes to oriental food, I’ll definitely recommend Al Khal at Intercontinental Citystars. Super friendly (not creepy friendly) staff, and the simplicity of the wooden pergola design that will bring the summer vibes to Cairo with eye-catchy curtains boasting exquisite prints gives the place a unique ambiance. Their Saturday brunch is a set menu but it’s more of a family-themed brunch, so expect loads of dishes on the table, from hawawshi (my personal favorite item), liver, sausage, and macaroni béchamel to mixed grill and more. Oh, did I mention that they have a molokheya station? Yes, you don’t want to miss your “shah2a”. Moms of Egypt should be worried because it’s a fierce competition!

Culina – Downtown Cairo

(ramysoli)

I’m not a big fan of open buffets, but Culina’s Friday Brunch at The Nile Ritz-Carlton was super impressive with its helpful staff, relaxing ambiance, and the fantastic variety of food. When I say variety I mean sushi, Indian, pasta, pizza, fresh seafood, huge variety of breads, salads, shawerma, paella, grilled section, all kinds of foie gras, and don’t get me started with the desserts paradise (their chocolate is a must-try). Everything you can think of was there and it was just perfectly executed.

Omar Shabrawy

Crave – Fifth Settlement, Sheikh Zayed, Maadi, Heliopolis, Zamalek

(omarsfood)

Every now and then we get a new trend when it comes to dining in Cairo. Whether it a new ‘in’ place or new dish making the rounds around town (like sushi back in 2006). I honestly find consistency is key when it comes to eating out. Crave is definitely one of those places that never get old, home of the shrimp konafa, and many other delightful starters. Don’t get me started on those hot and cold gooey desserts that make you leave with a guaranteed happy tummy. If I had to choose a favorite item off their menu, I’d definitely go with the salmon teriyaki dish, perfectly seasoned tender salmon with a side of glass noodles (another personal favorite), and best of all, it’s all dipped in sweet teriyaki sauce.

The Hungry Giraffe Eats

Sachi – Heliopolis 

(TheHungryGiraffeEats)

Kazoku – New Cairo

(TheHungryGiraffeEats)

Sachi and Kazoku remain two of my ultimate favorite fine dining restaurants in Egypt. Their quality, and most importantly, consistency are the reasons I always recommend them to friends and family. The experience is highly elevated by the ambiance and decor, it’s simply unmatched by anything else here.

Cairo Munch

Garbi – Dokki 

(cairomunch)

Garbi is our first greek experience, to our good fortune it really stood out with its beautifully presented dishes, delicious food, and good service.

Taste & Tell

Casper & Gambini’s – Maadi, 6th of October, Downtown Cairo, Nasr City, Fifth Settlement

(tasteandtell)

When im hungry, I can’t risk it with any restaurant because I hate being disappointed. My first pick though goes to Casper & Gambini’s. I love everything on their menu, especially the salads, and of course the main dishes and burgers.

Tavolini – Zamalek

(tavolinozamalek)

My second pick will be Tavolino! It’s a new Italian restobar, with great quality food and portions. The coziness of the place also deserves a thumbs up.

Sachi – Heliopolis 

(sachirestaurant)

Their chateaubriand is amazing. Think silky butter and the flavorful herbs. Yum!

Mido Eats

The Lemon Tree & Co – Zamalek, Sahel 

(midoeats)

If I was to list all of the amazing places I have eaten at in Cairo, then I would unfortunately only be mentioning a total of three or four restaurants. But The Lemon Tree & Co. is exceptional in every way. The managing partners certified chefs, explaining why the food is quite perfect. The place has a strong sense of identity from the wood that is used to build the lounges’ furniture to the branded napkins on your plate. I recently visited the North Coast branch in Telal and I highly recommend the tea-smoked salmon.

Kazoku – New Cairo

(midoeats)

Just when I thought that I will never live to see Japanese fusion cuisine done right in Cairo, Kazoku opened and saved us all! This place takes fine dining to the next level. Most items on the menu are very new to the Egyptian gastro-scene and are prepared at very high quality standards with garnishes that will make your eyes pop and your heart move. If you ever plan on going to Kazoku for dinner, make sure you try more than just their sushi and be sure to have an empty stomach and a full wallet.

 
 

Bite & Brag

 

Carlos – Zamalek 

(biteandbrag)

 

Located in the Le Pacha 1901 boat that’s docked on the Nile, people can choose to order from Carlos’ menu or can take their tastebuds on a journey with sushi from L’asiatique or spicy delicacies from Mahraja like its infamous butter chicken and garlic naan. One thing’s guaranteed: no matter which menu someone chooses to go with, they’ll end up going back for more! Carlo’s offers a wide range of fantastic dishes, but the one that takes the cake is its bestselling pigeon baked risotto. It is served in a tagine; the risotto is creamy, the pigeon is tender, and the flavors are unparalleled – much like the service and the view.

 

Mirai – Zamalek

 

(biteandbrag)

 

In the sea of Asian restaurants in Cairo, Mirai takes the prize for the most underrated. Also located on the Nile, it sits between Left Bank and Sequoia. While its sushi is just as good as any other, the teppanyaki Mirai offers is in a league of its own. The teppanyaki set menu offers miso soup served with tofu, a chicken salad with an exquisite peanut dressing, a main dish of either meat or chicken, and rice and/or noodles. Being a devoted carnivore, I am ruthless when it comes to meat – which I prefer to eat as rare as possible. Surprisingly, Mirai’s meat teppanyaki has never disappointed! They offer meat that literally melts in the mouth, and the spices the meat is thoroughly marinated in makes one true assurance: there will be no leftovers!

The Smokery – New Cairo

 

(biteandbrag)

While the Smokery doesn’t offer drool worthy food by the Nile, it does offer Kattameya Height’s golf course as a serene view. There is not one meal or dish that The Smokery offers that falls short of a 10/10! Their (relatively) newly introduced breakfast menu is by far the best that Egypt has to offer. Poached eggs that give a show of yolk porn, creamed spinach that give Popeye a run for his muscles, and French toast that would make the most devoted Parisienne jealous! With the freshest salmon and best cuts of steak in town, their chef truly knows his way with a piece of fish, and knows how to cook a big piece of steak! And speaking of those jealous Parisiennes, those who miss out on Smokery’s creme brûlée have never really been to The Smokery.

 
 

The Food Review

Backfire Hangouts – New Cairo

(thefoodreview)

My go-to place for American style burgers is definitely Backfire Hangouts which in no time became my favourite spot. The decent variety of burgers along with their remarkably good pizza is definitely a bonus when you have a large group splitting over the ‘burger or pizza’ lunch.  My favourite burger there is the mechanic burger topped with bacon, fried onion rings and cheese…loads of cheese. Tip: ask for extra cheese to get a burger similar to the one in the picture along with crispy wedges.

 

The Batter Half & Co – Zamalek, Fifth Settlement

(thefoodreview)

The dessert heaven in town has got to be The Batter Half, maintaining the high quality and the originality makes it my favourite place. I recommend there their red velvet which is balanced to perfection. Before leaving the place make sure to take one of their chocolate heaven cups. This cup is the reason why I now find people getting married to food a little bit sane.

 
 
 

Karim Petsadsis

 

Kazlak – Maadi

 

(karimpetsadsis)

Kazlak in my opinion needs a more exposure as it deserves to be on top of the list when it comes to dining options in Cairo. Definitely one of the hidden gems in Maadi with a very unique menu and presentation techniques that will just blow your mind away ! A wide variety of items to choose from to serve every taste out there. My favorite items to order there are definitely the coffee butter sirloin steak, smoked wings and the onion soup.

 

 

Ravish – Heliopolis 

 

(karimpetsadsis)

Ravish is the black horse when it comes to burgers, I love how simple their menu is and how well they execute their recipes. All they need to work on is the consistency of their burgers and I’m pretty sure they can easily be the best burger place in Egypt. I always order the smoky bacon burger when I go there, unlike what most might think, I actually love their tempura battered onion rings.

 
 
h

Hungry Egyptian

 

Kazoku – New Cairo 

 

(hungryegyptian)

 

Sachi (by the Sea) – Heliopolis, Sahel

 

(sachirestaurant)

 

(sachirestaurant)

We find it impossible to choose between Sachi or Kazoku or even Ayman Baky’s newest baby Sachi by the Sea. We love all three! They’re certainly all very different from each other but they also have a lot in common – like an impeccable service, great food quality, super creative drinks and amazing interiors. We really do believe Baky and his fabulous team are changing the fine dinning scene in Egypt. If you pass by Kazoku, make sure to try their sliders and their soft shell crab roll. If you’re in Heliopolis and have the chance to have dinner at Sachi, order the tuna tartare and salmon sashimi. And since it’s Sahel season and Sachi by the Sea is killing it, you should try the grilled octopus and lobster pasta.

 
 

Hady ElHady

 

The Grill – Downtown Cairo

 

(hadyelhady)

 

You haven’t had a proper dinner until you try The Grill’s 6-course dinner with their out of this world dishes that could only be described as heavenly. From oven-baked beef wellington with duck liver mousse to their French duck breast and roasted rabbit loin glazed with pearl onion and pumpkin puree, it’ll take you on a culinary experience that you don’t want to come back from. They also like to experiment with their dishes like their forest mushroom tea and lobster cappuccino soups that might sound weird and unfamiliar but will definitely take you places. Also it’s notable to mention that the restaurant view is absolutely unbelievable which is perfect for a date or any special occasion.

 

 

 

Foodista Egypt

 

Lan Yuan – Maadi

 

(foodistaegypt)

This place is literally a hole in the wall, it’s very low-key but this hidden gem serves some of the best Asian dishes we have ever had. Their crispy balls and spring rolls are just perfect and their Mongolian beef is just super tender and full of flavor. The stir fried beef noodles are probably one of the most authentic noodles in Cairo.

 

La Tratorria – Zamalek 

 

(foodistaegypt)

 

This classy restaurant is your definition of a refined dining experience with a laid-back feel to it. They’ve got some pretty impressive Italian dishes. The polenta frita is a brilliant creation by the chef, basically crispy polenta fries served with house-made honey mustard sauce. The vitello tonnato is out of this world. The filleto di manzo gorgonzola is just brilliant, with its succulent beef fillets topped with melting gorgonzola, and we order ours with a side of their super creamy risotto.

 

 

 

WE SAID THIS: Let us know what your favorite restaurant in the comments section.

 

Kurt Galalah

Found in a box of bananas from the Philippines on the River Nile at an early age, Kurt is born to a Filipino mother and an Egyptian father which means emotionally he is completely screwed. Kurt is a bubbling cauldron of masculinity aside from his girly hair, camp voice and passion for One Direction.

The post We Asked 15 Food Bloggers What Their Favorite Cairo Restaurant Was and Here’s What They Said appeared first on Scoop Empire.