Bagels in Cairo are often reduced to vehicles for fillings — at Sousi’s Bagels, the bread itself is the focus. Founder Asmaa El-Said developed their signature recipe by borrowing from several bagel traditions to apply both the New York crunch and Japanese softness. The core bagel menu includes plain, sesame, everything seasoning, poppy seed, four-cheese, tomato basil, matcha, and cinnamon.

Start with the matcha: The standout was the matcha bagel paired with matcha cream cheese and raspberry jam. The result is a bagel that is complex, clean, and well balanced — earthy from the matcha, brightened by the jam.

The cinnamon bagel — filled with Sousi’s house cinnamon sauce — offers a similar restraint. Lightly sweet but not cloying, it stands well on its own but also lends itself to flexible complements, whether you’re in the mood for more sweetness or a savory contrast.

The whole wheat is a healthier option that holds its own: This one is less about flavor innovation and more about meeting a nutritional preference without compromising on texture whatsoever. It has a grain-forward profile and a direr, more toaster character, making it a practical option for those avoiding refined flour.

The poppy seed bagel is a quiet success, structurally similar to the plain, the added seeds offer a slight bitterness and crunch that make it much more interesting, particularly alongside a morning coffee or a sharper spread.

A very special shoutout to the spreads: The tomato basil and garlic rosemary options are the most refined, each offering sharpness and depth that elevate the base without masking it. They’re also portioned so generously as to enjoy it alone—a fact not lost on us.

WHERE TO GET IT- Orders must be placed a day in advance through their website for delivery or pickup from El Rehab Gate 24. While the core menu is well-executed and consistently available, the “Customize Your Bagel” feature — which requires up to four days’ notice.

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