Side Piece makes a meal out of fries at The Drive

It’s one thing to indulge in a pack of French fries on the side, but it’s another to fully commit to the fried Dutch-adopted delicacy and make it your main meal. Side Piece is on a mission to bring the beloved side to the center of the plate. Newly minted at the locally focused The Drive 1, Side Piece knows its way around a good fry, specializing in the art of 12mm-thick, Dutch-style fries, cut fresh daily, and double-fried to perfection.

First impressions: The spot is small and, as expected, casual, with just four tables set up beside the booth for those coming to sit and eat — and we were there for the latter. Because we visited on a weekday, we easily snapped up a table, but we expect it to be a different story on weekends.

On to the menu: Fries come in three sizes — medium (for one), large (for one particularly hungry person), and a whole-kilo cone (ideal for sharing between four), with the first two sizes available in either a cone or a plate. As for sauces, there are 12 house-made options to choose from, ranging from familiar condiments to more adventurous options such as avocado lime, Korean BBQ, mango chutney mayo, and chipotle mayo. If you’re after something more substantial, four loaded-fries options are on offer: smoky brisket, Mexican beef, buffalo ranch, and Tokyo teriyaki. A selection of dirty sodas and even brownie fries for dessert round out the menu.

What we tried, and enjoyed: Arriving on empty stomachs, we naturally gravitated toward the loaded fries, opting for the can’t-go-wrong classic smoky brisket for a little added protein. Tempted by the range of sauces, we couldn’t resist ordering an extra medium plate of fries, split between avocado lime and truffle mushroom mayo. The fries were everything we expected: fresh, crispy, and well-seasoned, with the potato skins left on for that extra bit of texture and flavour. The smoky brisket loaded fries were a delicious affair, topped with a tasty combination of BBQ and cheese sauces, a generous helping of tender brisket, and a few tempura onion rings to finish things off.

And for the smallest size on offer, the medium plate was impressively generous. The avocado lime sauce was a standout, bringing a strong, zesty kick that cut through the richness of the fries. The truffle mushroom mayo also delivered, with the earthy truffle flavor balancing nicely against the creamy mayo.

The verdict: Side Piece is where you want to go when all you’re craving is a fresh batch of fries, made with care and exceptionally well. It does justice to a classic, making a convincing case for fries as a meal in their own right — at least occasionally. Whether you’re after a quick on-the-go snack or a casual lunch with friends and a serious fries craving, Side Piece is well worth a try.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Side Piece opened at The Drive 1 in New Cairo.

💵 Per person: EGP 300-700

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes