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

Dining out for iftar during Ramadan can be an overwhelming experience, with packed venues, long waits, and the dreaded feeling of leaving still hungry. Enter Babbo’s Eats—one of last year’s most talked-about spots. With its social media still buzzing, we let curiosity (and hunger) lead the way, setting out to see if Babbo’s truly delivers. 

Where Tradition Meets Instagram-Worthy Decor

Located in Al Ismailia Factory, Babbo’s immerses you in an ambience that screams Middle Eastern art from the moment you step inside. A traditional corner adorned with Arabic décor instantly captivates attention, making it the perfect backdrop for aesthetic snippets. The dining area is decorated with flowers, artistic paintings, and traditional staples such as the menu written in Arabic on the wall or galabeya mock-ups; the space is the perfect sweet spot between artisan and street-styled. The playlist will also instantly grab your attention—soothing tracks that complement the meal and atmosphere rather than overpower the experience.

Iftar Spread: A Ramadan Culinary Experience 

Priced at EGP 2,000 per person, Babbo’s iftar set menu delivers in terms of variety and portion size. The servings were unexpectedly generous, with a variety that left no craving unsatisfied. We started with a spread of appetisers, salads, and soup. The appetiser selection included hummus, labneh, red bean, yellow bean, tahini, and pickles. Salads ranged from a classic balady mix to a lentil salad, while the soup—a surprising combination of arugula and almonds—set the tone for the inventive twists to come.

Old Meets New: A Refreshing Take on Culinary Innovation

What stood out most was Babbo’s ability to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. Their lentil salad, for instance, combined a familiar base of greens with well-cooked lentils, almonds, and cottage cheese, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavours. As for the arugula and almond soup, despite it sounding like an unconventional pairing, it was one for the books—its creamy consistency, the slight peppery bite of the arugula, and the occasional crunch of almonds made it a memorable dish.

The Main Event: Comfort Food with a Twist

The star of the main course was the duck breast with freekeh, drizzled with a tangy, creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked, the duck melted effortlessly into the dish, while the freekeh—unlike many places—had perfectly balanced seasoning, tying everything together. Another standout was the eggplant fatteh, topped with yoghurt and finished with a balsamic glaze; added to the yoghurt was a touch of labneh, which made it creamier and overall more soothing than traditional eggplant fatteh. Alongside these, Babbo’s served a selection of Ramadan staples: mahshy, molokhia, rice, shish tawook, and kebab hala, all prepared in a way that felt like home, and tasted perfectly balanced when it came to seasoning.

Ending on a Sweet Note: Dessert without the Sugar Overload

If there’s one thing most desserts get wrong, it’s excess. Babbo’s, however, nailed the balance. Their dessert selection featured konafa bel tamr, halawet el gebna, and mahalabia, each delivering just the right amount of sweetness. The halawet el gebna—a Middle Eastern delight made from semolina and cheese dough, rolled and filled with sweet cream—was a creamy, indulgent surprise that left a lasting, honey-glazed impression. 

The Verdict: Hype Well-Deserved

Babbo’s didn’t just meet expectations—it exceeded them. The food was exceptional, the portions generous, and the service impeccable. Staff members were attentive, ensuring that each course arrived just as we were ready for the next. Whether you’re here for the ambience or the flavours, Babbo’s Eats is a spot you don’t want to miss this Ramadan.