When we heard our favorite Dahab coffee house was opening in Maadi, we could not wait to dig into their amazing fresh baked goodies right here at home, rather than patiently wait for our next Sinai visit! We visited for brunch and left fully satisfied.
Signature drinks and dishes: Full English Breakfast, Sausage or Spinach Quiche, Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Puff Pastry.
Dishes and drinks sampled: After satisfying our caffeine cravings with a cappuccino and a caramel latté, both of which perfectly hit the spot, we opted to begin with a Full English Breakfast and a Bacon Breakfast. The Full English was served with the chosen scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, and fried mushroom and onion slices along with a basket of freshly baked bread. The Bacon Breakfast was very similar, but without the sausages and heavier on the bacon. Both breakfasts were hearty and generous, but the real prize in this venue is the large selection of fresh savory and sweet pastries and cakes.
As you step into the coffee and cashier area, you are greeted by a long and enticing display of goodies. We chose a selection of their bestsellers, even though the selection process was a difficult one with so many options to consider. Choosing an even number of sweet and savory, we went for the Sausage Quiche, Laugen Hawaii, Nutty Twister, Cinnamon Roll, and Cherry Cream Puff.
The Sausage Quiche was delicious, a perfect sized snack to accompany coffee, stuffed with a creamy mushroom and sausage filling, this pastry tasted incredible. The Laugen Hawaii was also yummy, a flat baked pizza with crispy melted cheese and turkey ham topped with pineapple slices. For dessert, we tucked into the warm Nutty Twister which was fresh out of the oven – a soft, flat pretzel filled with crushed nuts and cinnamon and the massive Cinnamon Roll stuffed with cinnamon, custard, and raisins – to die for! Finally, although we barely had any stomach space to spare, we sampled the Cherry Cream Puff, which was divine. A soft and airy puff pastry rolled in sugar, with a warm and gooey filling of cherry compote and cream. Tasted just as good as it sounds!
Other menu options that appealed: Ralph’s offers a wide variety of breakfast platters and sandwiches – we earmarked the Big Vienna Breakfast, Ralph’s Special Baguette, and Schwarzwalder Art Sandwich for the future.
Beverage options: Full array of hot and cold coffee options and fresh juices, as well as soft drinks.
Décor: Offering all outdoor seating on the terrace, the décor is simple but comfortable. A lovely cherry blossom tree adorns the street sign, which sets the tone for the establishment. Wooden tables and picnic style seating, for those who like outdoor cafés, this is the ticket.
Ambience: Very laid-back coffee house vibe. This is a good spot for catching up on some work or socializing with small groups of friends. The din of busy Road 9 is inescapable. Quite a popular spot already, you may have to wait for seating.
Clientele mix: Maadi locals and expats searching for a taste of home.
Price range: Affordable.
Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm
Address: 24 Road 9, Maadi
