Hadoota Masreya is an Egyptian restaurant which doubles as a shisha lounge. It’s unfortunate the shisha area is not separate to the dining area which, I would have thought, is required by law these days. As such, for non-smokers at least, the dining experience is a somewhat smoky, smelly affair. And that’s regrettable because the food at this expansive restaurant on SZR is actually quite good. Located side-by-side to sister concern Barracuda (no guessing what kind of restaurant that is) it’s a few doors down from Mediclinic on the Al Safa service road and a doddle to get to. There’s plenty of RTA parking.
Interior 
A view from the street 
Interior
My local friend, Abdul-Latif, and I shared a bowl of the Egyptian version of Risoni Soup to start. Risoni is the one with the little rice shaped pasta in it. Believe it or not this was the most delicious soup of its kind that I have had. Portions are large so one bowl is good for two – sharing is caring. Oh, and for the record, it does NOT need half a lime squeezed in as Abdul-Latif insisted on doing for me. Anyway, we followed that with one of the best Rocco Salads I have had. In fact, it was so good I almost ordered another.
Rocca Salad 
Rice shaped pasta from the Risoni Soup 
Risoni Soup
Ever since I first visited Al Damyati & Iskandaron in Karma, I’ve been convinced that Egyptians know a thing or two about making lamb chops and have ordered chops whenever I dine at an Egyptian restaurant, this one included. Abdul-Latif ordered what turned out to be an excellent Chicken Molokhia claiming that, in addition to being delicious, it was also good for the digestive system. The chops were disappointing by comparison. Now, for those of you who have not yet been fortunate enough to try Chicken Molokhia, it comes as a green, slimy soup with a side of short-grain Egyptian rice and vermicelli, and a piece of fried chicken. Before I knew what was happening Abdul-Latif squeezed lime all over the portion I served myself – grr.
Rice and chicken for the Molokhia 
Molokhia 
Lamb Chops
Service at Hadoota Masreya was better than I expected. I liked the fact that the staff were a really multi-national mix which included Egyptians, but also Africans and Filipinos. I found them friendly and fast in getting us what we wanted. I didn’t appreciate the fact that I had to eat my meal beside someone who was huffing and puffing on a hookah. In addition to ruining my dining experience, the nauseating smell of moassel followed me throughout the day – ugh. And it is for this reason only why I rate this otherwise fine restaurant down. Guys, get a room…for your smokers.
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.
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