Summer eats
Egypt’s dining scene has never been hotter — especially at our go-to getaway spots. New options are popping up nationwide, with offers of cuisines from every corner of the world and dining experiences for every occasion. No matter where you find yourself this summer, here are some of our new and old favorites across the country that are bound to add a bit of calorie-induced happiness to your day.
Mediterranean food truck Mario’s combines three of our favorite things: seafood, burgers, and milkshakes. Mario’s created quite a buzz last year when it made its debut in Sahel’s Marassi, and the food truck now has additional branches in Sheikh Zayed and New Cairo. The owners used to live in Italy and decided to bring along their favorite dish from the Italian coast: pesce fritto al cono — yep, a paper cone filled with fred seafood. We’re upset that we’ve lived so long without this. Among other signature dishes that come highly recommended are the Maple bacon double burger, the shrimp roll, and the Cali crab roll. Whatever you order, make sure you leave room for an inventive shake. Flavors include peanut brownies, lemon pie, and salted crackers.
Malu’s Deli brings charm, comfort, and coziness to Gouna’s dining scene: This colorful little diner is always worth your time when you’re in Gouna. Overlooking the iconic Marina, Malu’s menu is as fresh as it is delicious — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. We especially like their breakfast — the poached eggs are cooked to a tee, the pancakes are light, fluffy, and dripping in sauce, and the coffee is good, too. Sip, sit back, and enjoy the cool Red Sea breeze.
Megumi: A Japanese bar by the crystal waters of the Mediterranean. Brought to our Sahel seashores by the minds behind Sachi, we knew this place would win us over even before we attended the opening in Almaza Bay during Eid break. This cocktail room has already carved out its own special place in the North Coast scene with its strong beats, bites, and a crowd that just wants to have a good time. Trust us, it’s worth the drive.
Staying in the city? Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Sheikh Zayed: Deluca. Away from the bustle of the city a, Deluca in Tara Compound is a well-kept secret. The cafe boasts a stylish outdoor seating area surrounded by greenery and shaded by trees, with jazz tunes on the soundtrack. The place is open from 8-12am, and if you go early in the morning, you’ll find the nursery and school run crowd relaxing after dropoff. Their iced frappuccinos and hot lattes hit all the right notes, and our favorite breakfast is the salmon benedict. For carb lovers, they also do a nice slice of pizza, a very decent chicken parm , and a yummy cheesecake. Deluca is also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your day out with furry friends.
Lavish nostalgia and consistent quality at Zamalek’s L’asiatique: Before there were hundreds of sushi spots in Cairo, high-end Japanese food meant L’asiatique at the Le Pacha boat in the Nile. The lavish Asian restaurant with its low tables has seen its fair share of first dates, special dinners, and ladies’ nights out, and never fails to deliver. We recently revisited and are happy to report that the food is just as delicious as we remember, and the service just as excellent. The menu boasts mouth-watering specialties from China, India, and Thailand along with a fresh sushi bar. Make sure you try their crispy duck, tuna tataki, and dim sum, and get the nougatine maison for dessert. Word of caution: this place is not easy on the wallet, but the splurge is worth it.