OUR STORY

From the streets of Cairo to the heart of Amsterdam

"من شوارع القاهرة إلى أمستردام"

The Boy with a Dream

From a young age, Adam had a dream—one that began at just 14 years old in the bustling streets of Cairo. Born into a culture where food is both a passion and a legacy, Adam spent his teenage years enchanted by the aroma of spices, the warmth of freshly baked bread, and the art of preparing traditional Egyptian dishes.

He would often watch his family cook in the kitchen, captivated by the magic they brought to their humble meals. It was here, amidst the fragrant spices and laughter of family gatherings, that his dream was born: one day, he would bring the taste of Egypt to the world.

A Culinary Odyssey

Years passed, and Adam’s love for food only grew stronger. With a burning ambition in his heart, he set out on a culinary journey that would take him far beyond the borders of his homeland. He traveled the world, seeking out new flavors, techniques, and inspiration.

His journey led him to the vibrant streets of Dubai, where he immersed himself in the rich food cultures of the Middle East. He explored the flavors of Western cuisine, discovering the delicate balance of tradition and innovation in places like Paris, Dubai, New York and finally Amsterdam. Every new experience added another layer to his culinary skills.

Finding Home in Amsterdam

After years of travel and exploration, Adam found his final destination: Amsterdam. This picturesque city, with its diverse food scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere, felt like the perfect place to bring his dream to life.

It was here, in the heart of Europe, that Adam decided to introduce a new culinary adventure—one that would celebrate the essence of his homeland. And so, HAWAWSHI was born, a love letter to Egypt in the form of a restaurant.

"The Hawawshi is carefully baked until the bread is crispy and the meat inside is bursting with flavor."

Beyond Street Food

But HAWAWSHI offers more than just street food. Chef Adam wanted to share the full breadth of Egypt’s rich culinary heritage with his guests, so he created a menu of "specials" that showcase the unique flavors of his homeland.

One of the standout dishes is a slow-cooked beef that melts in the mouth after 12 hours of gentle braising. Paired with fluffy Egyptian rice, fresh salad, and a creamy yogurt sauce, it’s a dish that speaks to the heart of Egypt’s love for bold, comforting flavors.

A Mission to Tell the World

Opening HAWAWSHI in Amsterdam is more than just the fulfilment of a childhood dream for Adam; it is a mission to tell the world about Egypt’s food culture. He believes that food is a bridge between cultures.

Through his restaurant, he hopes to introduce the people of Amsterdam and beyond to the rich and diverse flavors of his homeland. Every dish served at HAWAWSHI carries with it a story of Egypt—its traditions, its people, and its vibrant street food scene.

“We bring the real taste of Egypt to Amsterdam.”

— Chef Adam