When a craving for good Southern comfort food hits, this is the place to find it. From mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet corn, fried chicken and tasty ribs. Just roll up your sleeves and enjoy one of the best American food restaurant in Heliopolis.

Signature Dishes

Fried Chicken and Waffles. The rest of the menu is quite substantial, offering a wide variety of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, pastas dishes, fried or roasted chicken and ribs options, as well as a kids’ menu and desserts.

Dishes Sampled

We started with a couple of appetizers, the Bacon Madness, which consisted of three large slices of deep-fried battered beef bacon, topped with melted cheddar cheese and slices of jalapeno; and the BBQ Cheese Fries, topped with pulled beef brisket, diced bell peppers and onions, served on a hot cast plate, which kept the dish warm and the cheese melted. For the main dishes we were presented with a set of plates chosen by the host. First the signature – and best known – dish: Chicken and Waffles Meal. This is a classic Southern sweet and sour dish. Two pieces of hot, crunchy, crispy crusted chicken were served with quartered waffles, maple syrup and coleslaw. The golden crust of the chicken was crunchy on the outside, and the meat was juicy and moist on the inside. It definitely did justice to the fame of this dish. Our second dish was the Big Mamma Special – three pieces of fried chicken served with a bowl of mac n’ cheese, buffalo sauce and slices of garlic bread. The mac n’ cheese was delightful, with its dense, thick, cheesy sauce. It well deserves an honorable mention – we would consider it to be the best in town. Still to come was the Half Roasted Chicken marinated with the special house rub, served with mashed potatoes, gravy and southern style rice.  Our last main dish was the 1/3 Rack Ribs, 10-hour slow-cooked beef ribs, with easily pulled tender meat, served with corn-on-the-cob.  To wrap up our evening we shared a warm Toffee Apple Pie topped with the house-made vanilla ice cream.

Other Options that Appealed

We would love to come and try the Buffalo Wings bucket and Churros for dessert. A wide range of both cold and hot drinks are available.

The Décor

Chicken and Ribs shares the space with its fellow outlet – Butcher’s Burger, which is located on the second floor. The interior of Chicken and Ribs is bright and yellow. A paneled wooden wall displaying black and white posters provides a backdrop to the comfortable faux leather benches and wooden table-tops, giving it the feel of an authentic Southern diner. Across the room, a grey brick wall displays a large blackboard and serves as a corner for a couple of high tables and chairs. A black metal grid wall panel gives way to the second floor Butcher’s Burger.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

The Heliopolis crowd fills the spot and the price range is reasonable. Portions are huge!

Contact Information

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to midnight. Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 2 am.

Address: 19 Ramses Street, Korba, Heliopolis

Tel: 0121 111 3300

Facebook and Instagram: @ChickenAndRibsEgypt

The newest addition to Semiramis Intercontinental’s stellar lineup up of restaurants offers hearty Indian food in Garden City packed with spices and notes from all the vast country and different regional flavors. Head chef Harish Tewari blends unique spice combinations as a part of his craft, creating a blueprint in India Along the Nile you will not find in any other establishment. We visited on a Thursday evening to enjoy their authentic cuisine.

Dishes Sampled

Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the servers and led to our comfortable and spacious table. We began the meal with a cocktails and chutney selection along with traditional papadum. We opted for the Lehsuni Jhinga, chargrilled Tandoori jumbo shrimps marinated in fried garlic and yoghurt. The shrimps were melt-in-your-mouth delicious and tender, a must-try. Next came two kinds of marinated kebab – the Bhatti da Murgh and the Murgh Chandi Tikka. These chicken morsels are soaked in two doses of marinade – salt and spices with lemon, and then yogurt, cream and more spice blends. This results in extremely tender chicken that bursts with flavor, the Bhatti chicken is a Punjabi specialty marinated in 16 spices!

We sampled the Barra Champ next, Australian lamb chops marinated for 24 hours in mustard oil and malt vinegar then grilled on coals for a pleasant smoky flavor. The Dal Dhungari was spectacular and the most unique dal we have ever tasted – smoked yellow lentils on charcoal tempered with garlic, onions and tomatoes, clove and cardamom. The smoky flavor infuses into the dal and leaves an ever-pleasant aftertaste, a real standout dish. Of course, the naan bread to scoop it all up with was delicious as well.

Our mains were a selection of both vegetarian and meaty options. Murgh Dum Biryani arrived, long grain basmati rice and chicken cooked in a traditional copper pot. The Bhuney Pyaz ki Subzi came next, a vegetarian dish consisting of oven roasted pickled onions cooked on a slow and low heat in panch phoron spices – a tomato and onion based thick yogurt sauce flavored with pumpkin, heavily spiced and quite delicious mixed with the rice. A unique dish that is worth a try for those avoiding meat. The Nihari Gosht came next, a lamb shank slow cooked for 8 hours with spices and lamb stock. The meat was so tender and fell off the bone.

For dessert, we sampled the Mango and Saffron Srikhand, a yogurt flavored pudding, and the Chukandar Ka Halwa, a sweet beetroot fudge. While we didn’t love the taste of the beetroot fudge by itself, the two desserts mixed together were absolutely delicious! The beetroot fudge balanced out with the tart mango flavor and the cooling yogurt. For authentic Indian desserts, these are a must try.

Other Options that Appealed & Beverage Available

Malabar Seafood Curry, Tandoori Chicken with a variety of sauces, and the tasting menus all look appealing. Full bar on offer: Cocktails – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, soft drinks, fresh juices, and local beer and wine is available, as well as hot drinks.

The Décor & Ambience

A lot of dark red, wood, and large candles adorn the bar area. There is a large open plan kitchen for visitors to enjoy watching the chefs at work. A lounge area in the back by the bar is available for those who wish to drink and nibble without being part of the crowd.

Intimate and low-lit, a refined venue for fine dining, catching up, and tantalizing the taste buds. Polite staff, a knowledgeable chef who mingles with the crowd, and timely service. You will want a repeat visit.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Couples, business colleagues, groups of friends in their 30s. Above average, but still good value for a hotel.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 12 pm – Midnight.

Address: Corniche El Nil – Garden City.

Tel: 02 798 8188

Web: www.ihg.com

Facebook/Instagram: SemiramisIC

This cheerful restaurant has two brand-new locations on the West and East side of town! We visited each to sample some of their delicious burgers in Cairo.

Type of Cuisine

Burgers may be the main attraction, but the great appetizers, prime quality Australian and South African Angus steaks, sandwiches, indulgent desserts and Tex-Mex items are not to be missed either.

Signature Dishes

Juicy Lucy Burger (two patties loaded with melting red cheddar cheese, chili con carne, pickles, lettuce and mayo); Portobello Mushroom Burger (Portobello mushrooms, Emmental cheese, rocket leaves, balsamic vinaigrette); The Butcher Sampler (a basket loaded with cheesy bites, potato skins, seasoned wedges, onion rings and nacho chips served with three dips); Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (fried chicken breast in Buffalo sauce, blue cheese sauce, lettuce and hot mayo); BB Buffalo Wings and Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake (served with warm toffee sauce and ice cream).

Dishes Sampled

Being a crisp winter evening, our thoughts went straight to comfort food, otherwise known as ‘carb overload’. The Butcher Sampler seemed a good choice, as it offered a selection of top favorite appetizer items. Everything lived up to our expectations, freshly cooked, hot, tasty and thankfully not greasy at all. The honey mustard, blue cheese and ranch dips were the perfect accompaniment, the potato skins had a generous dollop of chili con carne and the cheesy bites were addictive. We could have happily polished off a second round, but by then a huge platter of BBQ Ribs Nachos had arrived. The combination of succulent pulled beef, crisp nachos, oozing melted cheese and jalapenos, served with sour cream and pico de gallo was heaven on a plate and we made short work of it. The same went for the BB Buffalo Wings, another crowd pleaser. The strawberry milkshake we washed it all down with was a refreshing contrast, loaded with small pieces of fresh fruit, which gave it an extra edge.

A few minutes later our burgers arrived. Massive, tucked into homemade buns, accompanied by a large serving of fries and coleslaw salad. The Juicy Lucy took serious tackling, but as light plastic gloves come with each burger, the best approach is to just pick it up and go for it. The patties are made with coarsely ground high quality sirloin steak, chuck beef and brisket to get the maximum amount of flavor, and are cooked to your taste. The Portobello Mushroom Burger was mouth-watering as well. The burgers come in so many variations with optional add-ons that there will be something for everyone, and kids can enjoy ordering from the special Kids’ Menu.

We were left wondering how anyone can step up to the plate and take on The Mighty Bastard Challenge, a full 1kg burger with all the trimmings. That means loaded with cheese, caramelized onions, chili con carne, crispy onion and tortilla strips, lettuce, pickles and a special sauce. The challenge is to wipe your plate clean in less than 30 minutes and be posted on the Wall of Fame. Any takers?

As for dessert, we had been hoping to find space for the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake that we had heard great things about, but seriously, there was absolutely no way we could cram in another mouthful. Another day, we hope.

Beverage Options

Superb milkshakes, smoothies, juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

The Décor & Ambience

Simple wooden tables, brick walls and cheerful red seating. Friendly and casual with efficient service and a good mix of relaxing background music.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

From tots to nonagenarians. C’mon, who doesn’t love a good burger? The price range is really affordable, with great sized portions.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am.

Address: Korba, Heliopolis for East & Atrium Plaza in Sheikh Zayed for West.

Tel: 012 1111 3300 (Sheikh Zayed)

Delivery and takeaway: Takeaway available, delivery coming soon.

Facebook page: ButchersBurgerEgypt

Instagram: butchersburger

What could be better on a lovely winter morning than to bask in the sun with a long cappuccino and a plate of freshly baked croissants? Not much, we say. Copenhagen is one of the best breakfast options in Dandy Mall. It sits handily beside the main doors of Dandy Mall on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, giving it prime position to watch the constant flow of visitors to this popular location.

Type of Cuisine & Signature Dishes Super breakfasts, bakery products, fresh salads, pasta, pizza, soup, main dishes and a wide range of sandwiches made with home-baked bread. Signature dishes are the Eggs Benedict, Oven-baked Pasta Negresco, Fillet of Beef, Smoked Salmon Citrus Salad.

Dishes Sampled

This was planned to be a quick cappuccino before heading to the office, but turned out to be a lot more of an indulgence. We shared a selection of fresh croissants to wash down with our coffee, each with its own distinctive character. The plain croissant was just the right texture, perfectly golden brown and buttery. The cheese version was a more-ish mix of cheddar and Emmental, the chocolate croissant was light, chocolate-filled and not too sweet, and the almond croissant was a sugary, powdery, almond cream-filled delight. Our savory taste buds also loved the white cheese and olive croissant, with its sprinkling of black sesame seed. The display of sandwiches and gateaux was so tempting we couldn’t leave without trying a selection, so we departed with beautifully packaged mini-baguettes crammed with tuna salad, slices of roast turkey, smoked salmon, cheese salad and roast beef, along with a yummy selection of gateaux soirée. The presentation of the take-away items is impeccable, so we would happily offer them on social occasions.

Other Options that Appealed & Beverage Options

We would love to have a more leisurely breakfast and try the Eggs Benedict, and the Smoked Salmon Citrus Salad, a combination of smoked salmon, fresh orange, grapefruit, lettuce and avocado that looks perfect for a light lunch. Beverage options include plenty of juices, as well as a selection of teas and coffee in all their variations.

The Décor & Ambience

Keeping true to its characteristic fresh, vibrant ambience, the tables are white with delicate dark grey lacy runners and colorful flower-pots, the seats are in clear Perspex, and the whole feel is bright, light and airy. Seating is both indoor and outdoor, with sheltered awnings for winter. Shisha is available, as are TV screens for catching the match. Cheerful, with courteous serving staff and a relaxed feel.

Clientele Mix & Price Range

Anyone who likes to breakfast, brunch, lunch, dine and snack, as well as an evening clientele who come to have a bite and enjoy the night air.

Price range is moderate.

Contact Information

Opening hours: 8 am to 1 am

Address: Dandy Mall, KM 28 Cairo Alexandria Desert Road

Tel: 0101 302 6374

Facebook page: copenhagenegypt

Instagram: copenhagenegypt