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

There’s no shortage of Ramadan tents in Cairo and the number only increases year by year. Some are successes, some are short-lived, but one of the most popular and enduring is Four Seasons First Residence’s own take on the traditional kheima, La Gourmandise.

Located in what is an almost courtyard-like space in the centre of the adjoining First Mall, La Gourmandise’s pink and orange draping has become a trademark of Ramadan at the Four Seasons thanks to its modern look and feel. This year, the tent is offering a lavish fetar buffet that features all manner of dishes – hot and cold mezzes, shawerma, grilled meats, salad, soup, pasta and dessert stations and pretty much anything else you could possibly think of – and all for just 425LE++ per person.

But what really makes La Gourmandise special is its unique atmosphere, which strikes the tricky balance of sophistication and comfort, while offering diners the opportunity to relax with post-fetar tea and shisha in a simple, classy and elegant setting.

But these aren’t the only Ramadan festivities taking place at the five-star hotel. Under the expert hands of Syrian gastronomical genius, Chef Nidal, poolside restaurant, Aura, is offering a wholesome Shami family-style fetar set menu, also for 425LE++.

Every dish is created from scratch, retaining the Shaami authenticity that so many other restaurants in Cairo fail to achieve – from the kobeba, fresh bread and mezzes, to the Oriental desserts, including the signature Konafa Nabulseya. But what makes fetar at Aura special is the ambiance; with private cabanas lined along the scenically-lit pool allowing you to watch all your favourite Ramadan shows and football matches, it all makes for chic, intimate affair.

For more information and reservations, call 02-3567-2015 or check out Four Seasons First Residence on Facebook.