?EAT THIS TONIGHT-

Babbo’s, the same people behind Babbo’s Taverna, brings you traditional Egyptian cuisine this Ramadan in their Downtown pop-upthat won’t send you into a food coma.Their concept is classic dishes we have grown to love getting a modern twist. Everything served on their menu is wholesome and made under their roof — down to the Baladi bread (white, brown, or mixed grain) and will deliver on taste — sans the guilty conscience.

We got a taste of the menu in Gezira Club before the holy month — it is diverse and will make a hearty meal. One of their Instagrammable items is their hummus bowls: A vibrant pink concoction — they use beetroot water — which through some sort of alchemy, colors the pureed pulse without changing its flavor. You can then add your toppings of different proteins to amp up your bowl. Try their mushroom hummus bowl — it was an Enterprise favorite.

It’s not all vegan and vegetarian here… Their shawarma and shish taouk with a side of vegetables are great if you want a full-on meal. Other dishes we enjoyed were the red bean hummus that had a nice kick to it and the freshly made labneh. Some more quirky dishes that also hit the spot were the foul heraty bruschetta that’s topped with parmesan (yes, you read that right). Then there are the sweet potato eggs, which had a nice balance of savory and sweet, and so did the lentil salad sprinkled with barameely cheese.

… but our vegans and vegetarian friends approve: There are a whopping lot of veggie and vegan choices on the menu making it a great joint for anyone who struggles to find food that fits their dietary preferences — or for big groups where people want different things. Even the desserts are protein-rich and ideal for the plant-based folk out there. Hurrah.

You can tell that the entire team is heavily involved. The staff and executive team are all part of the process and clearly devote time and energy to their work. If you stop by, you’ll be greeted by smiling faces and attentive waitstaff that will also help you navigate the menu if you’re unsure of what to go for.

And they're giving the same dedication to their Downtown Ramadan pop-up. Their venue, which was once a 1930s paper factory, will deliver a culinary and cultural experience in the heart of the action in Om El Donia. Babbos collaborated with some of Egypt’s finest artisans and family businesses to manifest a warm and welcoming venue giving a carefully curated Ramadan experience. Did we also mention that they will have stand-up comedians, improv performances, and live music at suhoor? Well, now you know.

This would be the place to have that family get-together or corporate iftar. If you’re stumped for new ideas for a corporate Ramadan iftar or suhoor contact them as their space can accommodate large parties and corporate events. They don’t do walk-ins though, so make sure to book by calling 01092661144 or messaging them on Instagram. They can also organize tours around downtown in case your group fancy a bit of activity to digest their meal.

The Downtown popup menu will offer some Babbo’s favorites with an addition of Ramadan specials. Make sure to bring your appetite: Duck moammar, sharkaseya, and aubergine fettah are some of the features on their menu. They also have their own twist on the classic assortment of soups and side dishes — but, as always, everything is made fresh. You can also have Babbo’s at home or the office, as they cater and have a penchant for outdoor venues that go along with their whole healthy vibe.

NOTE- For Babbo’s Downtown, reservations should be made a couple of days in advance as they are filling up fast.

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