Breakfast in New Cairo: Arabiata (El Shabrawy) Review

I went to Arabiata looking for a local Egyptian breakfast experience. Arabiata used to be one of many branches El Shabrawy chain of restaurants. El Shabrawy is a family business but when the father passed away, those branches were distributed among the next generation and this branch was renamed Arabiata. 

List of the Arabiata Branches I tried:

• Arabiata Concord plaza New Cairo :  S Teseen, First New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
• Arabiata: First New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
• Arabiata Rehab City: Food/Restaurants Court
• Arabiata Airport: Airport Rd, Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozha, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

My Favorite Breakfast Items at Arabiata

Arabiata serves both Egyptian and some International cuisine. My favorites are the oriental Egyptian breakfast items on the menu. Here is my top 4 favorites:

• Arabiata Foul (Fava Beans)
• Arabiata Falafel
• Pastrami & Roumi Cheeses Omelette
• Fried Eggplant

Arabiata Location

This branch is located in Rehab city in New Cairo. The location has a modern and pleasant vibe. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I was there for breakfast… Egyptian one!

Service Quality at Arabiata

Staff were welcoming and helpful. The place was busy as it is one of the most famous breakfast places in the area. The place looked clean and inviting. Except with faulty soap dispenser in the washing room,everything else was good.

Ful Medames (Fava Beans)

The menu has many options and selections. The most important item on Egyptian breakfast table is Ful (or Fuol) Medames. Ful is simply slow cooked fava beans with vegetable oil added to the plate.

Arabiata serves Ful in many different versions including: Sohagi Foul, Ful with lentil and peas, Alexandian Ful, Ful with ghee, Ful Tajins: ful with bastirma and eggs (called Donia Arabiata), Ful with sausage, Ful with minced beef, and more.

My favorites are the original recipe Arabiata Ful and Ful with tomato sauce and garlic.

Falafel at Arabiata

Falafel is the other necessity on the Egyptian breakfast table. Arabiata has many varieties in the Falafel department. My favorite is Arabiata Falafel.

Egg Dishes at Arabiata

If you like eggs on breakfast you can try the boiled eggs fried in butter (called farmers eggs or Beid Fallahi). Omelette with Bastirma (pastrami) is also a favorite for me.

Other Breakfast options at Arabiata

If you are looking for something different on the side, try the fried eggplants.

Breakfast Cost at Arabiata

Pricing is considered of above average range for egypt but it is still reasonably priced. I paid around 100 Egyptian pounds for Ful, Falafel, Eggs, and fried eggplants in addition to water and tea. This is around $6 (in US Dollars). This is a relatively cheap price for a fairly large breakfast.

How to get there

Rehab city is a relatively closed community though and although you can find your way in, it is originally meant for its residents and their visitors. It is part of the new communities built outside old Cairo in what is know today as New Cairo.

Arabiata El Rehab City

Arabiata 1st Settlement

Arabiata Concord plaza

Arabiata Airport

There are many branches across Cairo. I tried some branches in New Cairo and the one close to the airport. One Arabia branch is located in 1st settlement (still in New Cairo). I Can’t complain about quality of service over there. All the branches I tried (other than the one at Rehab) are not in a gated community like Rehab.

I tried two other branches: Arabiata at Concord plaza New Cairo. Same level of service. Arabiata Airport: Was good, just too far for me to go back on regular basis. It is good if you’re on way to or from the airport though.

I checked some online reviews about Arabiata before I went, and found some angry or frustrated customer feedbacks. Some were talking about slow service, mistaken orders, or even orders with soda drinks or something spilled on their takeaway orders. I went anyway, and frankly I am happy I did.

My own experience was great, and I went again a week later. I have also tied the branch in first settlement and I am still happy with my experience in Arabiata. I do recommend it for those visiting Egypt and looking for an Egyptian Breakfast experience.

Conclusion

If you are looking to try Egyptian Breakfast while in Egypt: Try Arabiata it is good and affordable.