Let the people eat cakes, biscuits and pastries
It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. However it must be said that the way to an Egyptian’s heart is with cake! Egyptians have a very sweet tooth and there are a huge range of yummy, sweet, tasty, glorious, in abundance, everywhere to satiate the need for something sweet.
Whether you call them:
• Kahk (biscuits/cookies)
• torte (layered cakes)
• desserts (like rice pudding)
• sweet things (haga helwa)
• pastries
you will probably want to try one of each of them!
So, who first thought of adding fat to flour and creating pastry and then filling it with yummy fillings? Well, opinions vary but it is maintained that it was the Ancient Egyptians who carry the title of first pastry bakers. This is probably with what is now known as The Fig Roll.
A suitable gift
One of the fabulous customs of this country, is that when someone is invited to your home for tea or a meal, they should bring a gift with them. Usually this gift is something sweet. So, how do you choose and where do you buy these yummy delicacies?
Patisseries
Scattered all over Egypt, there is usually one in every neighbourhood. All you have to do is ask a local person where you can find the nearest and best patisserie. They will smile, eyes will twinkle with fond memories, and stomach juices will begin to flow. Then with great excitement they will direct you to the shop of a thousand treats.
In these patisseries you will find a wide range of sweet things and usually some savoury on offer as well. Most of the sweet items have honey as the base, usually along with nuts, pastry, coconut or custard. They are ridiculously high in calories, but once you find your favourite, you will be hooked. Here are some best sellers:
• Basboosa: this is a semolina based dessert
• Konafa: phylo pastry (or pastry strands rolled into a nest), with nuts and honey in the middle
• Zalabia: fingers or balls of batter, fried They can be stuffed with nuts, cream, chocolate or custard. But every variety will coated in a sweet, syrupy sauce.
You make your choice, then place your order. You will be given an invoice with the details. You then head to the cashier and pay. You hand over the invoice and you will receive a receipt. Going back to the counter, you hand over proof of payment and your purchases boxed, tied with a ribbon and placed in a bag. Then off you go. And as you walk, keep an eye out for the envious glances you get from people on the street! Everyone loves cake and sweet things, and wishes you were coming to their house!
In restaurants
2 standard desserts that are often offered in restaurants are
• Om Ali: a hot delicious steaming bowl of bread, milk, sugar, coconut and nuts
• Rice pudding: usually cold, and consists of rice with sweet milk custard
At special feasts and celebrations
* kahk: shortbread type biscuits, plain or with filling, rolled in icing sugar
* torte: birthday type cakes: heavily iced and decorated, usually multi-layered
* cheese-cakes: of a variety of flavours: berry, mango, chocolate, caramel….. to name a few
Our choice
In Alexandria, if you need to buy take-away, my choice is always:
EL SAIDY, Sidi Gaber or Raml Station (both close to the tram).
If you want to sit down to a nice slice of cake with some coffee, then try DELICES, near Ramla Station. It has history, charm and a little quirkiness!