The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Often leaning on the
light and healthy side, sushi is usually a refreshing meal. When the words ‘all
you can eat’ come into the equation, though; that fine line between decadence
and indulgence becomes blurred into utter satiation. For this grill house and
sushi bar in Cairo, that’s their aim.

Sheboya is located
next door to L’Aroma in Mohandiseen. A quiet roundabout with loads of
greenery, Ahmed Sami Said Square provides a charming setting for a late
afternoon lunch. The restaurant’s interior includes plush deep booths and dim
lighting, compelling you to chill out for a few minutes.

Aside from the
restaurant’s main seating area is Sheboya’s clever pull: a white-tiled conveyor
belt passes through the chef’s area and onto a large table with bar stools,
providing fresh sushi at your fingertips.

To dine from the
conveyor belt, though; you have to agree to their all-you-can-eat offer for 130LE.
The possibilities for stuffing your face with sushi includes a list of maki
rolls and nigiri as well as three sashimi options including white fish. As freshly prepared trays make their way
around the belt; grab whatever strikes your fancy. If you like it, ask the
waiter and more will roll out shortly. Alternatively, menu requests can be made if
you don’t see what you want on the belt.

With patient customer
service, you’ve got some room to breathe and eat to your stomach’s content.
While the crabstick nigiri was a bit too strong for this reviewer’s taste, the
shrimp tempura nigiri was scrumptious. Both entirely fried, the rice and shrimp
are served piping hot and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce that is dangerous and
addictive.

When it comes to the
rolls, though; Sheboya has an edge. Under normal circumstances, small rolls are
usually seen as an aggravating rip-off, but when it comes to all-you-can-eat,
the rolls are manageable and well made; making the contrived process simple and
quite fun. The energy roll consists of shrimp, cucumber and cheese topped with
sesame seeds, chilli and caviar; providing a full palette of flavour and
texture. Another favourite is the rainbow roll, with equal portions of crab,
tuna, salmon and shrimp as well as avocado.

If you opt for à la
carte, six-piece rolls range between 40LE to 48LE and one piece of nigiri costs
around 10LE. Soups, including miso, cost
between 10LE to 20LE. Although sushi seems to be the primary reason for dining
at Sheboya, their grill includes standard pub grub such as chicken tenders,
nachos and beef fillets (60LE to 80LE).

Prying yourself away
from the passing slices might be difficult and we offer our empathy. Dining at
Sheboya’s was a pleasant yet hedonistic experience that we’re still recovering
from.