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1, Ahmed Heshmat St.
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Fruit & Vegetable
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Melissa Howell
is certainly not short on grocery options; the island houses all of
Cairo’s major supermarket chains, two or three large fruit shops, a slew
of smaller grocers and super-koshks, and even the high-end purveyors,
Gourmet and Voila. However, the number of independent produce grocers is
astoundingly limited for a neighbourhood with so much to offer in the
way of food. More surprising is the fact that the few that exist often
have limited variety and questionable quality. But Negmet Heshmat, as
the name suggests, is a star among Zamalek’s produce shops.
Located
on Ahmed Heshmat Street, not far from Ismail Mohamed Street, Negmet
Heshmat is typically overflowing with fresh produce. The tiny shop is
without fanfare and completely unadorned, save the edible greenery
spilling out onto the sidewalk. Beckoning passersby with crates of
lettuce and herbs, the shop lets its produce speak for itself.
shady shopfront typically displays heads of crisp iceberg (4LE), both
green and red leaf lettuces (3LE), romaine and herbs. Pesto enthusiasts
will love the massive bunches of sweet, fresh basil, more than
reasonably priced at 5LE. All of the shop’s easily perishable leafy
greens are carefully propped up and frequently sprayed with water,
preventing spoilage as well as saving time in food preparation.
The
shop’s interior is split evenly between vegetables and fruits. All the
standard vegetable offerings are available, including onion, potatoes,
cucumbers, courgettes, peppers and cauliflower. Harder to find items
including asparagus, leeks, and broccoli (8LE per kilo) are usually on
hand as well.
Fruits include whatever is in season; at the
moment, beautiful citrus, pomegranates and apples (12LE per kilo) are
available. Negmet Heshmat also offer a few items imported from elsewhere
in the region, including plums and avocados (around 10LE per piece).
It
is rare that you’ll find fruits and vegetables that have wilted or gone
off – the employees seem to take great pride in providing optimum
quality produce. The exception to this are the few items sold wrapped in
Styrofoam trays, which occasionally disappoint.
be sure you get your money’s worth for your groceries, ask for a bag
and choose your own pieces – unlike some produce vendors, the staff
happily accommodate this request. Although you’ll pay the “Zamalek
premium” at this produce store, the prices are cheaper than you’ll find
at mainstream supermarkets – and the quality is worlds better.
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