Author: Amr El-Kady, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, based in Cairo.
I will always remember the comforting aroma that filled our home on Friday mornings. The delightful smell of Feteer meshaltit, a layered buttery pastry, would drift into our rooms, awakening our senses. My siblings and I eagerly awaited to savor it with black honey or the savory fava beans known as Fool, served alongside hot Baladi bread. This scent symbolized my childhood, a memory that I have shared with my own children. Each family has their unique nostalgic aroma associated with a homemade meal and a special moment in time.
Now, we have the opportunity to revisit these memories and delve into Egyptian cuisine in a whole new way. “Sofret Masr” or “A Taste of Egypt” debuts today on Google Arts & Culture. This collection is a collaboration with Rawi, an annual publication showcasing Egyptian history and art, as well as Nawaya, a network dedicated to preserving Egyptian heritage food traditions. The project features over 1,700 high-resolution photographs, more than 60 expertly curated stories, and over 30 videos exploring Egypt’s culinary history, dishes, culture, and locales for an engaging digital experience for those eager to explore the flavors of Egypt.