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

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Willow’s, Arkan Plaza’s iconic food spot, announced the opening of its latest branch in District 5 around a month ago. Being a huge fan of their Arkan Plaza branch, we were intrigued to learn all about the newest branch in terms of food, ambience, and service. 

Arriving at the location, you’ll be instantly captivated by the aesthetic and decor. Willow’s signature green and beige theme, combined with the high ceilings and adorned with floral centrepieces, creates a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. The randomly placed street lights add a unique twist, giving the place a subtle street vibe that ties everything together beautifully. It’s highly recommended for a date night or a dinner celebration and perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Starting with appetizers, we were delighted to find that Willow’s offers a wide variety on their menu. From light options like creamy burrata and bresoala to heavier choices like panko shrimp and chicken tenders, there’s something for everyone. As fans of heavier appetizers, we opted for the chicken tenders with a side of their in-house honey mustard sauce. The sauce was the highlight of the meal, with its perfectly balanced flavours and creamy texture. The tenders were crispy with a smooth texture. Although above average, they were not as exceptional as expected at a price point of EGP 220. 

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For the main course, we savoured one of Willow’s signature pizzas, the Burrata Pizza at EGP 370, which came highly recommended by the staff. The pizza, made up of fluffy pizza dough, basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh burrata, was a perfect balance of flavours. The tanginess of the cherry tomatoes and the freshness of the basil were complemented by the smooth and creamy texture and flavours of the fresh burrata, creating a harmonious blend. The mix of temperatures between the hot dough, cold refreshing cheese, and room-temperature ingredients was a concern, but surprisingly, it elevated the experience.

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For all the carnivores out there, look no further; Willow’s Special House Steak was another item for the main course at EGP 550. The plate elevates the traditional steak experience to new heights with multiple twists. The Café de Paris butter topping and gravy duxelles sauce on the side uplifted the dish greatly, adding to the steak’s smoothness with their buttery consistency. The mashed potatoes are our recommended side dipped into the gravy duxelles sauce. The flavours were spot on.

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Finally, coming to sweet conclusions, make sure to check out their display area with fluffy pastry and mouthwatering cakes. We ordered from the menu since their tres leches cake (EGP 190) captured our attention. The sweet treat was adorned with a mixture of milk and condensed milk and a topping of cream and caramel sauce. The flavours were balanced, and the cake didn’t taste as sugary as it looked. The milkiness made it incredibly filling, so we highly recommend you share this delight with a loved one. 

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Our experience at Willow’s latest branch was outstanding. With everything cooked to perfection, an over-the-top ambience, and a homey atmosphere, we loved every bit of the experience. The staff may be slow during busy hours, but other than that, everything fell together perfectly. If you’re looking for a new date spot on the east side of Cairo, we highly recommend you give Willow’s a try.