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.

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

We have always loved this venue for its buzzing atmosphere and good sounds, and now we can add exciting cuisine to the attractions. A fresh concept and well-curated menu have transformed The Terrace 610 into a foodie haven that is worth checking out.

Signature Dishes

Chicken Bites, Herb Crusted Coconut Shrimp, Vodka Chili Prawn Noodles, Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Pizza, Smoked Salmon and Crab Cream Flatbread, Rosemary Shrimp Pasta, Lobster Lasagna, and Ginger Sesame Glazed Ribs.

Dishes Sampled

First things first, we kicked off with one of the many intriguing cocktails to whet our appetites. The Cosmopolitan was pleasingly fresh with citrus and berry undertones, not too sweet and did the job superbly. Going classic to start, we opted for Lobster Bisque and Chicken Liver Parfait. Both rated top marks; the bisque had amazing depth of flavor and we loved the chunks of lobster, mussels and huge prawns. The Chicken Liver Parfait was as authentic as it comes, with just the right amount of toast for smearing with the rich, creamy mousse. Both were quite filling, but we opted to try the Smoked Salmon and Crab Cream Flatbread nonetheless. A great decision, as it was addictively more-ish. The piquant capers gave just the right balance against the creaminess of the crab and the exquisitely fresh smoked salmon.

Venturing further, we decided on the Truffle Tenderloin Steak and Salmon and Curry Coconut Cream. The generous cut of tenderloin was cooked exactly as requested, wonderfully tender, and came with a sizable portion of truffle-infused gnocchi. The salmon was pink, moist and flaky, and came bathed in a creamy coconut sauce with just a waft of curry to enhance it. With white basmati rice to mop up the sauce, it was surprisingly filling. Not really planning for dessert, as we had dined a little too well, we were still persuaded to share a portion of Tahini Chocolate and Pistachio Cheesecake. Rich and decadent, immaculately presented, it was everything promised and more. The meal throughout had met the most exacting standards, and left us in awe. Chapeau to Chef Marwa and her skillful team!

Other Menu Options that Appealed and Beverages Available

With plans already in place for a return visit we have shortlisted some menu items that caught our eye: Roasted Tomato Soup, Roasted Halloumi Salad, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder and Leg, Artichoke Carpaccio, Cauliflower Popcorn and Wasabi Steak Tartare.

There is a full bar, along with a good range of soft options. We highly recommend the cocktails, with soft versions available for those who prefer.

Décor and Ambience

Subtle lighting, copious greenery, industrial chic touches and well-spaced tables with comfortable seating. The table settings blew us away with their creativity, and the service was top-notch. Add on the great music selection and it makes for a sophisticated but relaxing setting.

Clientele Mix: This has to be an unbeatable date night spot for the 25+ crowd. A good time is virtually guaranteed. It also works perfectly well for groups of friends, and for us, it was a nice way to finish off a work week with early dinner. We recommend booking ahead.

Price Range: Moderate upwards.

Contact Information

Opening hours: Closed on Sundays. Weekdays – 5-10 pm Weekends – 2-7 (Brunch) 7-10 pm (Dinner). Late Night scene with Snack Menu from 12 am till late.

Address: Cairo Jazz Club 610, Al Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed

Tel:  0100 811 1330

Facebook: The Terrace 610

Instagram: theterrace610

By: Mariam Elhamy

Cheese-y goodness is the status quo at Melt. All kinds of rich, ooey, gooey melted cheese in every bite! Located inside Mall of Egypt and overlooking Ski Egypt, Melt Bistro & Café takes cheeses to new levels, just when you thought you couldn’t reinvent the wheel (of cheese)!

Signatures Dishes

Any of Melt’s takes on the classic grilled cheese, and there are plenty! Avocado Mexican Shrimp Salad, Arancini appetizer (fried mushrooms and spinach risotto) and Philly Steak Sandwich.

Dishes Sampled 

We started out with the Avocado Mexican Shrimp Salad, a fresh twist on a traditional Mexican salad; red kidney beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and cilantro leaves, grilled avocado, topped with grilled shrimp. We then sampled one of Melt’s signature appetizer dishes, the Smoked Mozzarella. If you’re into smoked food this discovery will really blow you away! The thinly sliced smoked mozzarella topped with Rocca leaves, diced cherry tomatoes, a special tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar was a very pleasant new taste surprise for us!

The Cheese Fondue is one item you should not pass up at Melt! A mix of melted cheeses arrived in a huge pot with a candle underneath to keep it warm. We dipped crunchy green apple cubes into the cheese, savoring every bite of the sweet and creamy combination! The fondue platter also comes with seasoned grilled chicken slices, roasted potato wedges and toasted bread croutons.

The cheesy goodness just kept flowing when we received our Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. This came in a pot with a good ratio of pasta versus cheese and marinated buffalo chicken. But Melt wouldn’t leave a dish this basic without adding its’ own touch; we were wowed by the jaw-dropping cheese-melting show performed on our dish! The server melted the top of half a cheese wheel onto our dish and we dove in like there was no tomorrow.

Just when we started thinking about all the extra weight we had probably put on, the dessert menu came. We were recommended the Homemade Cheesecake and the Lotus Cookie Madness, but Melt was generous enough to also serve us the Chocolate Fondant and the Boston Fudge Cake. Winner of this round was by far the Lotus Cookie Madness. For anyone who likes Lotus biscuits this is a dream come true. The chewy chocolate chip cookie was already great on its own but to our delight it was coated with Lotus spread, vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. The Chocolate Fondant was a great pick too, and the vanilla ice cream is spectacular.

Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available

On another visit we would love to try the Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas and the Brioche Burger. The beverage menu includes hot and iced tea and soft drinks.

Décor & Ambience 

Very modern with marble and granite tables, colorful walls, dark wood and very comfy chairs. There’s a nice seating area that overlooks Ski Egypt, which could be super fun to watch

Clientele Mix: Families and people working with their laptops.

Price range: Moderate

Contact Information

Location: Entrance H1, Mall of Egypt, El Wahat Rd

Tel: 16002

Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm (Open till 12 am on weekends)

Facebook and Instagram: @MeltBistroAndCafe