The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

What this reviewer has affectionately
dubbed the ‘Cairo Cupcake Craze’ has not lost any momentum at all. In
fact, these bite-sized treats have become a typical fixture
in any dessert buffet, whether you are at a wedding at the Four Seasons,
or just at a a traditional dish party; cupcakes will surely be
found! Not that anyone is complaining. Who doesn’t get excited when
someone shows up with a box of cupcakes?  

Despite such a small and specific group of
clientele, numerous ‘cupcakeries’ have managed to flourish on the streets of Cairo,
decorating our usually beige streets with bursts of colour and personality –
not unlike sprinkles on a well-iced cupcake.

Not necessarily new to the scene, but
taking a more low-key approach is Riz-Atelier Cupcakes. Located inside Gezira Sporting
Club right by the HSBC branch, Riz-Atelier is run by Riham, who in the past
has appeared showing off her beautiful and edible designs on
national TV. 

This reviewer recently got a taste of some
of these creations and was impressed. Already feeling stuffed by a previous
meal, this dedicated reviewer took one for the Cairo 360 team and managed to
try not one, not two; but three different cupcakes!

The verdict? The Oreo cupcake was delicious;
moist and chocolaty on the inside with just the right amount of white frosting.
The red velvet cupcake was a definite success: with a rich and deep flavour,
this cupcake also had that perfect icing-to-cake ratio. The rosewater vanilla
was disappointing as the rosewater significantly overwhelmed any hint
of vanilla in both the icing and the cake itself, which was a bit dry. Rosewater is
a very acquired taste, though; and so if you are a rosewater fan, this
cake might be the best thing that you’ve ever had.  

Other flavours that this over-stuffed reviewer did
not have the pleasure to try was the chocolate cupcake with dark Belgian
chocolate ganache, the blueberry cupcake with cream cheese frosting and
blueberry jam, and the banana with cinnamon and honey. However, the
reviews on the table for these other flavours were overwhelmingly positive.

Riz-Atelier cupcakes
start at 10LE for the basic chocolate and vanilla cupcakes,
and 12LE if decorated with sugar paste. Other more exotic flavours
start at 12LE, such as the Pina Colada or the pumpkin with pecan and orange
icing. Custom-made cupcakes such as those for birthdays and baby showers cost 15LE
a piece. Although this might seem slightly pricey; consider that these
treats are made from a mix of both local and imported ingredients and that all
the decorations are handmade.