Eat like an Egyptian
If you are looking to try some authentic Egyptian cuisine whilst you are on holiday then look no further than El Masrien. This institution of Egyptian cooking, has long been the staple venue for many Egyptian and non-Egyptian residents, however it was always a closely kept secret, as it was tucked away in Sharm’s Old Market area.
Well the secret is out and El Masrien has expanded with not only a branch in Nabq, but now the latest offering of a branch in Naama Bay. This welcome addition makes eating at El Masrien an easy choice for many tourists visiting the main hub of the resort.
The restaurant is situated on the main drag – the pedestrianized street, linking the main road where the taxi rank is to the down-town Naama area. The seating area is only on the large outdoor terrace, which has electric fans. Eating Egyptian style is very much a communal experience, so the dark wicker tables and chairs are large enough to seat up to eight people and are set in organised rows. Don’t be surprised if you have other people sitting at your table – it creates part of the ambiance.
The ambiance is always friendly, if not a little loud – but that just creates the authentic feel of the place. We dined when the Holland V Chile World Cup match was on, so we expected to have some vibrant soccer sounds around us, especially as the restaurant has at least four large flat screen T.Vs.
Our waiter greeted us and swiftly manoeuvred us to our table. Within seconds mineral water appeared with two glasses and the waiter whittled off his recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask for the menu, which is in English and Arabic, as sometimes the waiters can appear to be a little over keen to push their recommendations. We had a look at the extensive menu and decided to order what our waiter offered.
The menu has a range of traditional soups like lentil and even pigeon for the more adventurous. There is a section for ‘Mashi’ which are various vegetables (zucchini and eggplant) stuffed with deliciously spiced rice. There are also salads and mixed mezza, which are ideal for a shared starter. By ordering a selection and sharing the plates with friends, you get to sample more of the Egyptian flavours.
The main dishes can for Foreign eyes be a little over-whelming, also the English spelling needs some deciphering. Don’t be alarmed about the ‘Beef Flea’ it is ‘Beef Fillet’ – but these little idiosyncrasies just add to the ‘sharm’ J. There are some quite funky dishes if you dare, for example testicles and heart are on the menu.
For a milder palate there are plenty of items to choose from. There are pasta dishes, although I am not sure what ‘Spaghetti Blondz’ is or if you need to have a particular hair colour to order it. There is also duck on the menu which is definitely a treat for some. The proof is actually all around you, as the restaurant is packed with many Middle Eastern guests and resident Egyptians – so you know it is good.
We ordered mixed salads and mezza to start with, and then the recommended whole rotisserie chicken, stuffed with spiced rice with nuts and dried fruit, and the beef flake with potatoes. We definitely over ordered as the portions are huge and such value for money is it unbelievable. You can have a feast enough for four people for under 5 euro each.
The beef flake was incredibly tender pieces of beef cooked with thinly sliced potatoes in the oven. It was melt in the mouth and very tasty. The chicken with the rice was also very juicy and cooked to perfection. When you have food like this, copy the locals and eat with pieces of flat bread and your fingers. If it is possible it tastes even better.
El Masrien gives you an authentic Egyptian dining experience and it is incredible value for money. Don’t expect a high level of service or a refined dining ambiance. This is a fast and fun service. The food is delivered to your table, hot and within a flash. The waiters enjoy a little banter and ask the normal friendly questions of where you are from etc. If you dine at El Masrien you will eat like an Egyptian and walk away full and content. During the Holy month of Ramadan the restaurant will serve Iftar (the breakfast taken after sunset). El Masrien also has a delivery service and also (of course) offers Shishas for that after dinner digestive. Alcohol is not served.
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