The New Cairo Café — Restaurant in Burnaby

Well. I'll. Be. Damned. This place is the real deal folks. Allow me to go into some explanation here, if you don't mind, because someone needs to write their MBA thesis on Mr. Yasser:

"How to succeed as a small business in the era of franchise overload and mass-consumerism"

Something like that.

Anyway, the man is a creative genius. I'm not kidding when I say that on the handful of times I've visited here, I've:

Ordered double due to the first order being so damn delicious. Burger days are the best days. Paid what I consider to be criminally low prices. Like, prices so reasonable, I felt I was robbing the man. Seen people laughing and smiling. Always.

That last point is why Yasser (the proprietor of New Cairo cafe) is a genius. In this age of communal disconnection and general low-level misery, Yasser has developed they system/skills to transform people's moods for the better. You simply don't find this in the customer-business relationship. People are generally happy here and the regulars are a 'Cheers' style crew.

If you're in the area (especially those folks who are at the near-by hospital for a less than optimal reason), experience the warm community, great comfort food, and criminally responsible prices, Yasser has...

We only found this place thanks to the reviews, it is hidden in the Sunset medical building with trees covering the signage. It is CASH only so make sure you go prepared. The soup was absolutely amazing. If you are looking for fresh, homemade soup and sandwiches this is the place. We also had a Turkey sandwhich. It was real Turkey breast, nothing processed. The chicken is also a real piece of chicken. And the portion size of Turkey was huge (see photo). Although Yaser (the owner) did not ask what we wanted on our sandwhich, you can expect mayo, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. Salt and pepper can be added at your table as he doesnt add any. You have to tell him if you want cheese. We saw the burgers on the stove and they looked delicious. He had 3 different soups but once one runs out, it's gone! He is not there to upsell, he truly just loves serving the delicious food he prepares and appreciates the gratitude he receives. The menu is soup, sandwiches, salad and I am guessing a hot meal of the day (burger day today). Simple selection but oh so good! Dont let the simple 80s decor startle you as you enter. I am a picky eater with stomach issues and I felt totally comfortable...

A few years ago I spent a lot of time in Burnaby Hospital both as an inpatient and as an outpatient attending various testing procedures. Whenever in the area I would stop in to a small cafe that was known as Yasser's. The food was absolutely DELICIOUS .low cost, and the proprieter Yasser was obviously intent in providing the best freshest food to his obviously loyal customers. The meal was.always served with a side of Yasser's wonderful sense of humour. I remember noticing a lot of local seniors who always seemed to be gathered there sharing conversation and laughter. My illness( and covid restrictions) has kept me in a different area of Burnaby, but recently a friend was going to be going to Sunset St. and I found myself telling her not to eat prior to going to the area so that she would be good and hungry to enjoy a good meal at Yasser's. She later phoned to tell me that the restaurant she found was called The New Cairo Cafe and assured me it was just as wonderful as the place I had called Yasser's. When she described her experience I realized it was one and the same place.We made a pact that when times are back to normal we will go there together....