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

You know those places in Cairo that are usually open
up for a late-night stack, catering to your gastronomically-inclined urges with
tasty greasy sandwiches? Well, Mustakis is not one of them.

Located on Mansour Mohamed Street right next to
Hardees in Zamalek, Mustakis does serve greasy sandwiches; but they’re the type
that will make you nauseated; not satiated.

The tiny little eatery has mismatched, colourful,
modern furniture – the type that’s really uncomfortable. The white floors and
white walls give way to a glass storefront that only helps feed the paranoia of
being seen in there.

Mustakis is a Greek name, according to their staff
(thought we highly doubt that), and the music and photos hung on the wall add
more to the Mediterranean feel; but then they claim to have no Greek
association aside from their name. Other musical choices inside the sandwich
shop include horribly outdated 80s music.

But
let’s talk food – after all, who cares about anything other than that when
visiting a sandwich shop late at night? You should know that the food here is
just as disappointing as their decor and music selection.

The
Mustakis sandwich (19LE) – apparently their signature sandwich – was dreadful.
Cut-up pieces of steak were stuffed into a loaf of white bread and smothered
with cheese and mayo. While the dressing was acceptable and tasty, the meat was
overcooked, chewy and devoid of any taste.

Just
as atrocious is the fried chicken sandwich for 20LE. Two slices of deep-fried
chicken (fried to the point where you can taste the burnt grease) are covered
with sliced tomatoes, lettuce and some mayonnaise.

The
Mustakis burger, which was recommended by the staff, was the cherry on top of
this dismal culinary experience. The homemade beef patty was undercooked and
raw in the centre, which was more than enough to keep us from finishing it.

The service at Mustakis is overzealous, but we’re
sure that is due to the lack of clientele. It takes over fifteen minutes to
make the sandwiches even when you’re the only ones in there – we’re not sure if it’s culinary incompetence or just
because it’s cooked so damn fresh.