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

While many restaurants in Cairo open to great fanfare and hype, it’s the test of time that often sends the unsuccessful off to restaurant heaven – being inconsistent is the Cairo’s most consistent trait.

Powered by Amer Group, Studio Masr has built quite a reputation over the years and has expanded to over fifteen branches, even including a couple abroad.

But there’s one location in particular that remains somewhat special. The Nile City Boat branch located in Zamalek boasts both a great view and a special mixture of kitsch and Oriental memorabilia.

While most of the Nile-side boat venues are pretty crowded on weekends, we decided to have a midweek lunch, opting to sit in their open air terrace-like area, especially in between seasons when there’s just the right amount of sun and breeze.

The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, offering standard Oriental cuisine and grills including kebab, kofta, veal, lamb and chicken, as well as tagens and appetisers.

Feeling particularly hungry we decided we would order a couple of mezzas, Hummus with Meat and Pine Nuts (32LE) and Chicken Liver with Garlic and Lemon Sauce (32LE), as well as the Studio Masr Grill Shawaya for two (160LE).

This kind of cuisine isn’t generally served very fast, so it was no surprise it took upwards of thirty minutes to arrive.

The appetizess arrived first accompanied by fresh bread baskets. The Hummus was smooth and freshly made rather than canned. The meat was hot off the skillet and the pine nuts were roasted with the meat..

Similarly, the Chicken Liver was nice and zesty and, along with the fresh warm bread, left us eager for more food.

The Studio Masr Grill (160LE), featuring Kebab, Kofta, Veal Cutlets or Lamb Chops, Chicken Breasts and Shish Tawook, was a very decent in portion for two. While the seasoning was delicious all around, the kebab, veal cutlets and chicken breasts were slightly overcooked.

The all-around experience was pretty good, if unspectacular. With a pleasant atmosphere in both this and most of its branches, plus food that needs no market education and that Egyptians love, it’s no surprise a restaurant like Studio Masr has flourished so well over the last few years.