Always on the lookout for unique culinary offerings on the Cairo dining scene, we were a bit taken aback to find what we hear is possibly Egypt's sole server of authentic Brazilian cuisine. With visions of sizzling Brazilian barbecue, feasts of cassava, yams and peanuts, chourico sausage and rich salgadinhos cheese bread; we approached the dimly lit store front of Amelia's Kitchen located on Maadi's Road 233 in the Degla neighborhood. Although the black and white “open” sign hangs constantly in the glass wall shop front, the lack of bright lights and customers make this eatery more inconspicuous than ever. The interior of the restaurant feels more like a home-style kitchen with a few wire backed chairs, linoleum floors and an open stove. Two fridges flank the entranceway, one offering cans of soda; while the other hosts shelves of wrapped lasagne, pastries and tortes encased in layers of cellophane. Such features lend distinct meaning to home dining; the low brow decor will leave you feeling as if you've literally strolled into your neighbor's kitchen. The restaurant's ambiance does not entirely encourage a long and relaxed stay inside. As the owner herself proclaims; this is not so much a restaurant as it is a place to peruse the selection of dishes; order items to be cooked, and then take them home to your own kitchen. The kitchen caters to customers' take-away orders; so patrons can enjoy a taste of Brazil in their own homes. Along with lasagne, which is one of the kitchen's highest selling items; you can walk away with select finger foods, Brazilian focaccia breads, raviolis and plenty of chicken, shrimp, meats and cheeses that are roasted and sautéed. For lunch appetizers, expect a plethora of pastry rolls with shrimp, cheese and chicken. If you would like to enjoy a single serving of the meat lasagne, the rich multi-layer dish is yours for LE 40. The chicken focaccia (LE 35) is a savory sandwich ensemble, sautéed with sweet and spicy seasonings, and served piping hot. The kitchen's sweeter selection includes packages of rich brigadello chocolate desserts, the sugary coconut cocadas (selling for LE 2.50 a piece, and around LE 40 per kilo if you are a fan), caramel tortes, pastries and cakes (LE 25 upwards) of chocolate, vanilla, banana and carrot; all made to order. Amelia's Kitchen has been running for over 10 years now, bringing select Brazilian treats to tables for events and special occasions, as well as for those days when you aren't up for cooking yourself. The eatery also sells much of its home-cooked food frozen and ready to prepare, for those that would like to plan ahead. Most ingredients are local; but you can order select meat dishes of imported Brazilian beef for a taste of the kitchen's homeland, or the salgadinhos cheese bread made with tapioca flour, which is imported specially and available upon request. Best bit As far as we know, Amelia's Kitchen holds a monopoly on home-style Brazilian cuisine in Cairo. With friendly and individualized service, you may be enticed to try as many samples and sweets as you can. Worst bit The entire menu is not always available; so be sure to call or stop by ahead of time if you have a specific request. 360 Tip Amelia's Kitchen offers delivery to most Cairo neighborhoods, and is happy to provide catering specialized to your occasion. Amelia's Kitchen: 17 Road 233, Degla, Maddi, Cairo. Telephone: 0122378024, 25203311 This article was contributed by Cairo360 www.cairo360.com
