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

Egyptian cuisine holds a special place in our hearts. Its rich flavours and traditional recipes are unmatched, making it more than just food; it’s a cultural experience. With that in mind, we decided to explore Bahia El Nil, a restaurant promising to serve Egyptian classics in their purest form. Our goal was simple: to see whether Bahia truly delivers on its reputation as a home for authentic Egyptian dining.

Bahia on the Nile: Simple Yet Charming

Bahia El Nil is located inside a houseboat on the Nile. The setting is modest, with simple tables and chairs. Indoors, the space is air-conditioned and cosy, while the outdoor area comes alive at night with a soft breeze and calm river views. The service is handled by young Egyptian staff who add to the down-to-earth, genuinely local experience.

Bahia’s Starters: Small Portions, Familiar Taste

To get a feel for the variety, we opted for a mixed tray of appetisers. Unfortunately, it came with a small serving of old cheese, morta, and toast barely enough for one person. We also tried the Tahini Salad for EGP 30 and a Green Salad for EGP 25. Both tasted exactly like what you’d expect from a classic Egyptian eatery, but we missed having proper salad water to complete the mix.

The Famous Bahia Butter Tray

The highlight of our visit was the Bahia Butter Tray, priced at EGP 1,100. The tray came with six dishes arranged around the edges, with a hot pan of melting butter in the centre. On top of that, two pigeons were placed, giving the tray its signature flavour. The pigeon was tasty but not fully well-done. The mombar was a winner, spiced to perfection, while the shish chicken stood out with its flavours and exceptional marination. The vine leaves were served cold, which made it hard to judge. The meat samosas were enjoyable, and the kofta was soft and tender while maintaining the classic taste that we all love. The cabbage rolls, kromb, however, fell short and could use a better recipe and cooking method.

Bahia’s Overall Experience

On the whole, our visit to Bahia El Nil was satisfying. The Bahia Butter Tray can easily serve three people, although the appetisers and sides that came with it were too small compared to the main dish. That said, the value for money was fair. Between the setting, the food, and the friendly service, Bahia El Nil delivers a true Egyptian dining experience worth trying.