A Bite of the Capital Cairo Bites is back this weekend

CAIRO - 3 May 2017: With the theme “A Taste of Egypt,” the city’s favorite munching festivity is back this weekend, May 5 and 6, at Cairo Festival City—not the mall, the city itself.

“It will be the first time anyone has ever held an event there. The place is very suitable for hosting a perfect event from A to Z without any problems,” says Sara Abdullah, one of the event’s organizers. “It also has a huge parking area; added to [that] we are with [Majid] Al Futtaim [group], which facilitates everything.”

Last year’s Cairo Bites was a nostalgic-themed event at the Merryland Garden in Heliopolis and drew in more than 10,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors. This year, the festival’s theme was chosen to show support for local products so foodies can expect a blend of Egypt’s traditions and cultures.

Considered the biggest food festival Egypt has known, the event will be divided into six main parts; El Kheima (the tent), El Corniche (riverside promenade), El Dawar (countryside house usually made of mud and bricks), El Maadiya (the ferryboat), El Shamandoura (a buoy) and El Tableya (a wooden table designed for eating on the floor). Each of those parts represents a unique part of Egypt and is sponsored by one of the companies. El Cornish represents the Nile, the Tent represents the Bedouin culture of Egypt, El Tableya and El Dawar represent Upper Egyptian cities, and El Maadiya represents Port Said and Ismailia.

With more than 25 sponsors, including CBC Sofra, Aafiya, Otlob, Phillips, LG, Studio Masr and Tseppas. “This year we are hoping to reach a lot more than 10,000 visitors. As for our exhibitors, we usually target restaurants, however, this year we found out that most participants are companies selling food products and people who work in the food industry, Abdullah says. “We are open to anyone.”

Restaurants participating include Seara Egypt, Aloush, Studio Masr, The Rolling Dogs, Wafflicious, Just Baked, Lemony’s and Frozzy Twist. Visitors will also get to try a number of food items for free.

Abdullah explains that the itinerary for the two days of the event will be exactly the same “so people do not have to worry they will be missing anything out.” Doors will open at 4pm and will close at 11pm.

Various activities will be held throughout the event, including a mezmar (oriental flute) and tanoura (whirling dervish) show and a special Ayamna El Helwa (Our Golden Days) concert. Kids can enjoy the magician and superhero show and can take part in a cooking session live with television host Sally Fouad. CBC Sofra will set up their own stage, offering indulgent mouthwatering goodies.

Tickets are available at www.cairobites.com/buy-online and Alef bookstores. Ticket price is LE 150 for either day of the event.

Check out the Cairo Bites detailed program at www.cairobites.com/program. You can also get a feel of Cairo Bites through this video: www.cairobites.com/video. Ticket includes festival entry for one person for a single day and delicious samples from sponsors. There will also be discount vouchers to use at restaurants after the event by 2Go as well as free parking and free entry for children under 10.