HAWAWSHI — Restaurant in Amsterdam

I traveled all the way from Denmark to Amsterdam with a friend who is Egyptian. Since there are no Egyptian restaurants in Denmark, we were excited to finally try some authentic Egyptian food, and Hawashi seemed like the obvious choice.

The restaurant is small and located a bit outside the city center. The staff member we met was very friendly, kind, and service-minded. Communication was easy since we spoke Arabic, which made us feel welcome at first.

However, our experience quickly turned disappointing. When we asked to use the restroom, we were directed to a toilet in the backyard. The area smelled rotten, there was trash everywhere, and the toilet itself smelled strongly of urine. There was no hand soap available, which made us uncomfortable considering we had to touch several door handles before getting back to the restaurant, where there finally was a sink with soap.

When the food arrived, things got worse. The hawashi was advertised as being made with ribeye, but instead it was just minced meat. The bread was soggy, the meat was raw inside, and it tasted sour and old. We also ordered another meat dish, but what we got was mostly bones with a small side of rice. Everything tasted suspicious, and we stopped eating after just a few bites.

It also became clear that the food was pre-made and simply reheated in an oven. We noticed that the food was stored uncovered in buffet trays and only covered with plastic wrap, which raised serious concerns about hygiene and food safety.

In the end, we left the restaurant regretting our decision to eat there. We thought we were getting a cheap meal, but after comparing prices in Amsterdam, we realized that this was actually very expensive given the poor quality, unhygienic facilities, and overall experience.

On our 10-hour drive back to Copenhagen, we both felt unwell and suffered from indigestion. Unfortunately, this was one of the worst dining...

Hawawshi Amsterdam offers a delectable journey into Egyptian cuisine right in the heart of Amsterdam. As an avid enthusiast of Middle Eastern flavors, I was thrilled to discover this gem nestled in the city's bustling streets.

Upon stepping into the cozy establishment, I was warmly greeted by the staff, who exuded genuine hospitality. The ambiance was inviting, with a hint of Egyptian charm that transported me to the bustling streets of Cairo.

The menu boasted an array of traditional Egyptian dishes, but my eyes were set on their famed specialty, the Hawawshi. Known for its savory meat filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust, it's a quintessential comfort food in Egypt.

Despite the bustling crowd, the cleaning service was impeccable, ensuring a hygienic and pleasant dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the Hawawshi. While the wait was slightly longer due to the popularity of the dish, it was well worth it. The first bite was a burst of flavors—succulent meat, fragrant spices, and a perfect balance of textures. Each bite transported me to the streets of Cairo, where Hawawshi is a beloved staple.

While the wait might test your patience, trust me, the experience is worth every minute. And besides, the anticipation only adds to the excitement!

In conclusion, if you're a fan of authentic Egyptian cuisine or simply looking to embark on a culinary adventure, Hawawshi Amsterdam is a must-visit. With its welcoming ambiance, friendly staff, and mouthwatering dishes, it's a true taste of Egypt in the heart of Amsterdam. Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste...

OK so where to even start! Upon entering we were greeted by the owner and chef (Adam) with a big friendly smile as he was busy tinkering away behind the salad bar. As we pondered with delight on the 3 main hawawshi options (main is a filled Egyptian flat bread with either a veggie kofta mix or a meat kofta mix), Adam explained the concept and gave us little taster samples of the side dishes. We opted for 5 sides which honestly were too much, but on hungry empty bellies we took on the challenge. We ate 1. stuffed baby roasted aubergine with tonnes of herbs, 2. roasted cauliflower with a mild turmeric type spice, 3. fermented tomato and mint salad which had some delicious dressing, 4. the babaganous (!!) omg was so smokey and unlike anything I have ever tasted, and lastly with the Egyptian pickles. All I can say if you love Ottolenghi flavours you will love Hawawshi's dishes - all real food with really intense flavours and textures. It was all so good I actually cried after the first few bites and upon leaving the street food cafe, my hubby turned to me saying it was so good, the whole flavour experience gave him goosebumps! We will be back and wish you every success with...