The Little Egypt Features Spicy Mediterranean Food

Little Egypt Cafe sits on a vibrant corner in Westport, its facade is held up by pillars adorned with hieroglyphs, and it’s nestled next to a hookah bar. I stepped in for dinner, and surprisingly only two people occupied the medium sized restaurant. One sat behind a wooden room divider, the other on the opposite end by wall length windows, which opened to the three tables of outdoor seating in the front of the shop.

The Egyptian culture was present with each step on the hardwood floor. My first impression was that the room was gaudy, dripping with bright colors, but I soon found it relaxing. On a large brick wall, opposite the register, I marveled at the murals which showed ancient Egyptians, with three sparkling gold pyramids sitting next to them. Paintings of Egyptian life, plants, carpets and designs almost hid wall brick wall. Plants were settled in every corner of the room and gold orbs hung from the bare ceiling.

Behind the register, bills from different countries framed a window into their steamy kitchen. Above were large pictures of the menu, falafel sandwich, arabic salad, hummos. The Mediterranean menu influences American favorites, like fries and burgers, to make creative entrees- Mixed House Grill, Kifta Kabab Sandwich and a side of crispy fries.

My mouth watered when the spicy scent from the kitchen wafted towards me. A polite employee took my order at the register, I decided on the chicken kabab sandwich with a side of fries. While I waited, I sat next to the empty buffet bar in the center of the room and talked with the cashier about cameras. I brought a photographer with me and he noticed the camera and started telling us about his journeys in Paris with his own camera.

My food came out quickly and I paid after I received my food, only $7.64. And it was delicious. Grilled chicken, smothered in savory spices and wrapped in pita bread, oozing with their special cucumber sauce. They came with a side fries, which were just-made, hot and crispy.

What seemed, at first, an overwhelmingly Egyptian atmosphere, turned out to be a pleasant mix of culture. The Mediterranean menu introduced me to a different genre of food and the avid employees and quick service makes me sure I’ll be back soon; and hopefully I’ll find it packed with new customers, ready for an authentic Egyptian meal.