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

Croissants,
doughnuts and muffins are not necessarily hard to come by in Cairo. In fact, every few blocks, there seems to be
a local bakery selling these baked goods for a pound or two each. However, The Bakery Shop (TBS) has bet that
Cairo residents are willing to pay a bit more for the highest quality, and
with branches now in Zamalek, Heliopolis and Maadi, it seems that TBS has bet
correctly.

Walking
into the ultra-modern, wood-panelled shop on Maadi’s Road Nine, you are
immediately struck by the smell of fresh-baked bread and croissants. In front of the kitchen there is a display
case full of the most popular products. Rows of croissant are filled with chocolate, almonds, cheese or
zaatar. The almond croissant (6.75LE) is
particularly good, covered in powdered sugar and flakier than most croissants found elsewhere in Cairo.

Next to the
croissants are the homemade doughnuts, which come in the classic chocolate and
cream-filled varieties along with specialty frosting.  For the croissants and doughnuts, expect to
pay between 6LE and 8LE per item.

Across from
the baked goods, a sandwich station is set up where you can choose from a
selection of seven kinds of bread. All
of the breads cost 2.75LE except for the brown bread, which will run you
5LE.  You then choose what kind of meat or
vegetable filling you want. For 15.50LE,
the roast beef is not a bad choice. For
a slightly higher price, try the fresh smoked salmon that goes well with onion,
tomato, and the house special dressing. 

In addition
to these ready-to-eat meals, TBS also sells loaves of fresh bread and
cake. Breads such as rye (18LE) and German dinkel
(24LE) come at a moderate price for their size. 

To wash
down your meal, TBS serves freshly squeezed strawberry, mango and guava juice
for 10LE a pop. Although the juices are
good, their bottles are quite small and can be a bit too sweet when paired with
a doughnut. Water or even iced coffee would be a better choice.