Latest news with #Babbo's
CairoScene
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Ultimate Guide to Ramadan Tents & Experiences for 2025
These 7 Ramadan hotspots are your ticket to great food, peak vibes, and at least one dramatic tanoura performance. Mar 04, 2025 No one truly grasps the power of Ramadan tents. Sure, some call them festive dining spots, but let's be real—they're your ultimate Ramadan escape. You dodge family iftars where your aunt cross-examines your life choices like a court hearing, avoid the post-meal dishwashing trap, and, most importantly, have a neutral zone to meet that one person who ghosted you for seven months but suddenly resurfaces with a 'yalla neftar youm ma' ba'd?' text. Plus, you get endless food, over-the-top décor, and a guy spinning in circles for 20 minutes without passing out. Best of all? No one judges when you order a second kunafa—if anything, they respect it. The funny thing is, despite the name, not all of these "tents" are actual tents. Some are full-blown palaces because in Egypt, we break our fast in venues fancy enough to host international peace talks. Some scream luxury, others turn into full-on concerts, and a few will have you wondering if you came for sohour or accidentally walked into a live reenactment of 1001 Nights. Whether you're looking to catch up with friends, impress your boss at a corporate iftar, or just enjoy a guilt-free meal without explaining your entire life story to nosy relatives, we've got you covered. Here are the top Ramadan tents you need to check out this year. Sawa | Muhammad Ali Palace Step into history with Sawa, set in the breathtaking Muhammad Ali Palace. Picture breaking your fast surrounded by Ottoman architecture, golden chandeliers, and walls that have probably witnessed centuries of royal gossip. The setting alone makes you feel like you should be sipping karkade in a velvet robe. If you've ever wanted to feel like Ramadan royalty (without actually ruling anything), this is your spot. Layalina Tent | Baron Palace Ramadan is already magical, but having iftar at Baron Palace? That's just showing off. Layalina transforms one of Egypt's most fascinating landmarks into an Arabian Nights fantasy, complete with candlelit tables, plush cushions, and a menu that'll make you forget you swore to "eat light" this year. The only thing missing is a genie granting unlimited kunafa wishes (though, honestly, the waiter might if you ask nicely). El Mashrafia | Grand Egyptian Museum Curated by Fairmont Nile City, so you already know it's top-tier. Located at the Grand Egyptian Museum, El Mashrafia offers iftar and sohour with unreal pyramid views. This is where you go if you want your meal with a side of 'Wow, our ancestors really built that with their bare hands?' Just be warned—if you bring someone who just discovered the pyramids, prepare for a meal-long deep dive into wild conspiracy theories about 'the secret energy of the Sphinx.' Babbo's | West El Balad Babbo's is here for the vibes. Located in West El Balad, this spot blends authentic Egyptian street food with a modern twist. Less extravagant chandeliers, more late-night storytelling and loud laughter over foul and ta'ameya. The perfect mix of real and a little extra flair. Noisette Experience | Hilton Alexandria Corniche Every year, Noisette casually dominates the Ramadan tent scene. It's not just about food—it's a show. Expect live performances, surprise acts, and entertainment that makes you wonder if you accidentally stepped into a private concert. If you like your sohour with a side of spectacle, this is where you need to be. Wanasa Tent | New Giza If you've ever suffered through an awkward work iftar where people overcompensate with small talk or go completely silent while attacking the sambousek, Wanasa is here to change that. Set in New Giza, it's elegant without being too stiff, lively without being overwhelming, and spacious enough to fit the entire finance department and the marketing team that never responds to emails. Fawanees Tent | Four Seasons Alexandria For when you want to do sohour with a Mediterranean breeze instead of someone's shisha smoke in your face. Fawanees at Four Seasons Alexandria serves up immaculate food, a chic setup, and a vibe that makes you feel like you should be discussing international business affairs over qamar el deen. Hekayat Ramadan | Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Some Ramadan nights you forget, and some become the ones you'll be telling for years- Hekayat Ramadan at Kempinski guarantees the latter. Between the glowing lights, the music, and a feast so good it deserves its own novel, this isn't just a sohour, it's the kind of night that unfolds like a perfect story (pun intended).
CairoScene
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Babbo's & Al Ismaelia Host Ramadan Pop-Up in Downtown Cairo
Babbo's & Al Ismaelia Host Ramadan Pop-Up in Downtown Cairo The health-conscious eatery is putting together an exciting Ramadan experience for all the 'banat West El Balad' of Cairo. Babbo's 'Fi West El Balad', an extension of the Babbo's residing in El-Gezira Club in Zamalek and Taverna in Sidi Heneish, is more than just another restaurant. For the longest time, Babbo, the founder, has had a soft spot for old Downtown Cairo, with its vibrant streets and busy air. So, when they came across The Factory by Al Ismaelia, they were instantly bewitched. What was originally an abandoned paper factory/warehouse soon flourished into a culturally-rooted dining space for Babbo's Iftar and Suhoor events, tossed together at break-neck speed to be ready before Ramadan. 'Together with the creative team of Gallery Alef, we prepped the space with curations from traditional local brands that share our core value of celebrating and preserving Egyptian heritage,' Babbo tells SceneEats. 'Every piece of furniture and every dish on the menu has a story to tell, history to share, and a flavour to savour.' Babbo's Ramadan menu is a tribute to Egypt's rich culinary heritage, featuring Ramadan favourites like Foul and Taameya, Beid bel Agwa as well as irresistible Hummus Bowls. 'All our food is made in-house with the finest ingredients, no additives and lots of love. Our labna is freshly made, our baladi bread is freshly baked to order, and our spices are freshly ground. The goal is for the delicious authenticity of our dishes to transport you to the golden days of Downtown Cairo.' The restaurant also offers classics like Sharkasseya, a creamy walnut sauce that is served with chicken and rice and aubergine fatteh, among many more. Besides food, Babbo's is a feast for the eyes as well, one we're particularly grateful for in the hour-long minutes before Iftar. Dine under the same chandelier that illuminated Fatma Ghaly's - lighting pioneer Randa Fahmy's niece - wedding, admire 120-year-old wooden lanterns from Gallery Alef; and marvel at the beautiful woodwork of Omar Hossama, the third-generation woodworker who designed the dining space. Whether you're looking for a corporate event, a cosy family Iftar, or a chill Suhoor with friends, you can book your table by contacting 01092661144.
