Abou El-Sid

As a food enthusiast eager to explore diverse cuisines, I recently visited Abou El-Sid, an authentic Egyptian restaurant in Jeddah.

The ambiance welcomed me with dim lighting, maroon walls, and nostalgic portraits of iconic figures from Egypt’s golden age of cinema.

I began with the lisan asfour soup, its flavorful broth setting the stage for the feast ahead.

For mains, I enjoyed traditional dishes like molokheya, mixed grill, and mahashi, each bursting with authentic flavors.

To accompany my meal, I couldn’t resist the mumbar, a savory delight of lamb intestines stuffed with rice and spices. Opting for outdoor seating, I basked in the warm sun and tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by classic Egyptian melodies playing softly in the background. Abou ElSid truly offered an immersive and delightful culinary experience.

Who is Abou El-Sid?

In the heart of Fatimid Cairo resided a humble yet legendary cook, Al-Sayyed Abou El-Sid. Renowned for his exquisite dishes, influenced by the

Ottoman Empire and Egypt’s rich gastronomic heritage, his culinary masterpieces attracted admirers from far and wide.

Even the sultan, after tasting his creations in disguise, offered him a prestigious position as his chef. However, Abou El-Sid realized that palace life couldn’t replace the warmth of his humble home. Despite the sultan’s refusal to let him go, he eventually escaped, leaving behind his culinary secrets in a book. Centuries later, his book was discovered, inspiring an authentic Egyptian restaurant named after him. Today, Abou ElSid’s legacy lives on through the restaurant, delighting diners with genuine Egyptian cuisine rooted in his timeless recipes.