Join me for an Egyptian lunch at one of Cairo’s very traditional eateries!
On the menu here: ful medames (mashed fava beans), one of the most popular dishes, a staple in the Egyptian diet; fava bean is also used in making falafel, also known as “ta`meyya” (they are deep fried and sprinkled with sesame seeds); bitingan (grilled eggplant); torshi (pickled carrots, cucumber, beat, onion, etc.); a white cheese with tomato dip; and chipsies (homemade potato chips). And if you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of shatta (chilli powder). So grab a piece of baladi (thick, granulated, oval, wheat) bread and dig in!  Bil hana wish shifa’! بالهنا و الشفاء! (or bon appetit!)

Click here to read more about my book Cairo: The Family Guide (AUC Press, 2010).