Cairo Takeaway

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"Walk in only" - in this day and age, you've got to have strong confidence in your pulling power to stand by this policy. Normally, these three words strike fear into my overly-prepared little heart, but I have long been curious about this charming, unpretentious corner spot opposite the Enmore Theatre, and I decided to brave it with a couple of friends. 

Charcoal chicken plate, $16

The charcoal chicken plate is really a deconstructed charcoal chicken pita pocket. It is served with tender, smoky chicken breast pieces, salad, tomato chutney, gorgeously tart pickles and fragrant toum. The toum is creamy and very, very good - almost as good as the famed one at El Jannah. 


Koshari, $16

One of my dining companions is a wonderfully well-travelled ex-Emirates flight attendant. When she discovered this dish on the menu, she was delighted. Since having tried this dish of rice and chickpeas in Cairo, she had been craving it. Though not as good as the one in Cairo (I am informed), this dish was filling, flavourful and charmingly simple. 


Mixed vegetarian plate, $22

The highlight of the mixed vegetarian plate is definitely the wonderful cauliflower. Salty, gently charred and perfectly cooked, I could eat this all night and be happy. The felafel is perhaps the crispiest and fluffiest I have ever had - wonderful dipped in tahini, but just as good on its own. The vegetarian plate also comes with eggah, which is Egyptian omelet. it is similar to a frittata, with onions and courgette, served in a cake-like slice.

Maaloubah, $23

This was at the recommendation of the staff - slow cooked lamb with cauliflower rice pilaf. Now I'm usually not a lamb-eater. Having grown up not eating lamb, I usually find it quite gamey. This, however, was beautiful. The meat is cooked until it literally melts, and the flavours are complex and well-balanced. With such high praise coming from a non-lamb-eater, you know this is good. 

Kounaffa, $11

Baked string pastry, custard, lemon syrup and strawberry - tasting just like a White Rabbit milk lolly. It is like a comforting hug of a dessert, and long after the meal is finished there is still the lingering fragrant, milky, sweetness on the palate. 

Score: 4.5/5
Cost: approx $40pp 
Address: 81 Enmore Rd, Newtown 


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