This Egyptian specialty coffee shop has made a splash on the west side with two branches open in Sheikh Zayed, and now the brand is expanding to central Cairo with a spacious branch in the newly refurbished ICONIA building in Zamalek (formerly known as the AUC dorms). We visited for the weekend brunch and left impressed.
Signature Drinks
30 North boasts 20-25 different kinds of coffee, and is the only member of the Specialty Coffee Association, staff are fully certified by the SCA and can help customers navigate the extensive coffee menu and seven different types of coffee brewing.
Signature Dishes
Salmon Eggs Benedict, Veggie Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs on a Bagel, Shrimp Avocado Salad, Goat Cheese Salad, Philly Cheesesteak, and the Avocado Smoked Salmon on Toast count as signature plates.
Dishes Sampled
After an educational introduction to the coffee making process at 30 North, we selected our beans and brewing method of choice for the morning. The barista certainly helped, and assured us that freshness is guaranteed for each cup of coffee, as only the right amount of beans needed for the branch are roasted each day so as not to go stale. We opted for the Clever method of brew, which steeps the coffee slowly at a temperature below boiling in small batches. The Indonesian Flores bean we selected gave a smooth and lower acidity drink, similar to a tea. It was very pleasant and just right to prime our palate for the delicious brunch ahead.
The Roast Turkey Breast and Emmental sandwich comprised of a fresh baguette filled with generous slices of roast turkey, prepared in-house, topped with Dijon mustard, lettuce, tomato, and lovely melted Emmental cheese. The plate comes with thick seasoned potato wedges and a generous helping of mixed greens, mushroom, and tomato tossed in a divine house mustard dressing.
The Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, one of 30 North’s signature dishes, arrived next. A thick slice of whole wheat toast topped with mashed avocado, lettuce, smoked salmon, two poached eggs drenched in hollandaise sauce. The bread was sensational, perfectly toasted and crispy on the outside. It’s worth mentioning that all bakery and desserts are made on the premises, so freshness is guaranteed.
We washed down brunch with a thick avocado and Rocca juice, smooth and subtly sweet, blended with milk. Finally, we had to cap off the meal with one more cup of amazing coffee, and that was the right decision to make. Another Clever brew of Kenyan AA bean came next, hitting the right spot with a full bodied, high acidity drink with delightful fruity notes. We highly recommend you forgo milk and sugar with your coffee so you can truly taste the authenticity of the coffee.
Other Menu Options that Appealed
Many more coffees are a must, and the menu is certainly worth exploring – the selection of avocados on toast is appealing, and the entire breakfast and salads menu.
Beverages Available
Coffee, coffee, coffee! Plus, a large selection of juices and iced beverages.
Photos
Décor & Ambience
30 North Zamalek offered ample courtyard seating and a small selection of indoor tables. The space dominates the main courtyard of the ICONIA building, and the coffee bar boasts every bean you dream of, with the brewing techniques on display for customers who wish to learn more about how they can enjoy their coffee.
Clientele Mix
Groups of friends mingling and socializing on the weekend, families who caffeinate together, and business professionals gabbing over brew.
Price range: Average to high depending on what you order, but it’s worth it.
Contact Information
Location: ICONIA Zamalek, 16 Mohammed Thakeb St.
Tel: 0120 3823030
Opening hours: 8 am – midnight
Facebook and Instagram: @30northcoffee
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