Closed
With the economy struggling, places are closing down left and right. And being the way we are as Egyptians, we grow attached to the places we frequent, not just because the food is good but also because of the memories we shared there. And just because these places shut down, it certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t close to our hearts and our bellies!

1- Chili’s, El Korba, Masr El GedidaA8jO2aFCAAAFA2r

We all mourned the loss of Chili’s el Korba. Its closing down marked the end of an era for Masr el Gedida residents. We still miss it dearly!

2- Pottery, Meeting Point, New Cairoimage4

This was the place to hang out if you were an AUCian or FUEian! You could sit down, nosh on their appetizers and benefit from their 20% discount if you presented your AUC ID. It was really nice to visit in between classes since it was only a couple of minutes away. These days if you want to replicate the pottery experience, you can either go all the way to Cairo Festival City or hang out at any of the multitudes on share3 el tes3een.

3-  Boulevard, Zamalek2013-635028640445472337-547

Another café we cannot believe is no longer with us! This place was everything to those who loved a nice shisha spot in Zamalek! Everything we ever wanted from shisha was served in that café; they offered Nutella shisha for God’s sake! Now if you still want the goodness that is Boulevard, you have to go all the way to Heliopolis where there other branch is!

4- Trianon, Soor Nady El Zamalek, Mohandessinpanorama_panorama_Screen_Shot_2012-12-31_at_8.19.18_AM.png

Many days were spent in this café overlooking Gam3et el Dewal streer. The café was known for its typically French cuisine and its classic decor. Now, it lost the luster and sophistication of old times with a revamped menu, and has been replaced by Costa Coffee.

5- Friday’s Merryland, Heliopolis1d80bc8292045.560ba982610d3

A family friendly place where you had the Merryland park to enjoy as well as a nice meal at this Friday’s restaurant. The closest alternative is Friday’s in Phase 2, City Stars.

6- Wel3a, Zamalek1387298303.jpg

Not only has Wel3a closed on 26th July street but at Club 33 as well! This space was also known for its shisha and nothing could ever beat either the Nile view or 26th July street! If only it hadn’t been torn down. If you’re still missing Wel3a, you can take a trip to Maadi and rekindle that nostalgia.

7- Na2na2a, Korba, Heliopolis

1896910_767487059979445_2062783256869386119_nWhere else could you get mini shawarma, drink a beverage from an 2ola and play endless board games? Na2na2a was the ultimate hangout spot; it was a real loss when it closed down!

8- El Brens, Imbaba 1924399_849361228413683_355331104_n

This place boasts the best kebda, molo5eya and 3akawii in town. Its closure marked the end of good Egyptian cuisine restaurants. Luckily, it’s said to reopen in Ramadan so make sure you show up with your appetites when it does!

Despite these closures, we are glad our bellies and the rest of our senses got to enjoy these places!