Tablia Balady-طبلية بلدي

The 19 Best Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt | Eater

"A tablia is a low, round table, commonly found in rural areas of Egypt; often a gathering place for family dinners, it’s a symbol of community. Evoking traditions of the matriarchs who serve their families at tablias, this small, inconspicuous restaurant, nestled in one of the many alleyways of Downtown Cairo, is owned and operated by home cook Samar, her mother, two sisters, and aunt. The menu changes daily, usually decided just a day before or early the same morning, providing just enough time for the quintet to purchase fresh ingredients and prepare meals before the doors open at 4:00 p.m. You can call in the afternoon to ask about the menu, or, like most customers, simply arrive and prepare to be surprised (and well-fed). This is about as close to home-cooked Egyptian food as visitors are likely to experience." - Laila Hassaballa