4.303
4 (Mon) November 2013
Molokheya with Rabbit and Rice
2.5
at Abou el Sid (Stars Centre)
-Nasr, Cairo, Egypt-
with SYK, DP
Conference in Egypt: Day 3 of 7
- Day 1 (4.301 Arabic Spiced Chicken Kofta)
- Day 2 (4.302 Stuffed Pigeon with Rice)
In Cairo. Here to attend the 1st Expert Consultation on Public Health Law in the Eastern Mediterranean, hosted by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO). First time in Egypt, first time in Africa.
Whereas the western-style eateries in the mall were packed, especially the food courts, the Egyptian restaurants seemed largely empty, same as yesterday. I was told that Egyptians would rather spend their money when eating out on foreign food and eat better local food at home for free.
One of our dining companions, a participant in the meeting this week, had lived in Cairo for a year, so he was familiar with the cuisine and helped us order.
Molokheya is an Egyptian dish. Soup consisting of mallow leaves. Though common throughout the region, it’s generally considered to be the Egyptian national dish.
With respect, I didn’t like it very much. Herbaceous, grassy in flavor. But alas I couldn’t get past the slimy texture (coincidentally, I had okra yesterday).
On the bright side, I finally got to try rabbit! It tastes like chicken, seriously. A hint of gaminess, but I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been concentrating.
Overall, I enjoyed the meal very much, not only the food but also the conversation.
(For more details re food, see WHAT)
(For more details re venue, see WHERE IN THE WORLD)