CAIRO: In an economic crisis that has led to a shortage of medicines, Egyptians are skipping trips to drug stores and instead turning to herbal remedies to treat every-day illnesses.
In the Cairo working class neighborhood of Basateen, dozens can be seen lining up outside a decades-old herbal spice shop with pyramid-shaped stacks of jars on display, filled with everything from honey and ginger to camel’s hay.
Apothecaries say there is a roughly 70-80 percent increase in sales after a series of harsh economic reforms hit medicine supply in pharmacies across the country and increased the cost of some generic and even life-saving drugs.
Store owner Samy Al-Attar — whose last name is Arabic for apothecary — says a knowledgeable apothecary can find substitutes for drugs treating almost all non-terminal illnesses.
Just like pharmacies, the walls inside Al-Attar’s store are lined with drawers and containers. But rather than pharmaceutical drugs, they hold herbs, each said to have its own unique healing property.
Customers impatiently crowd outside the shop window, where employees can be seen dashing around the tiny interior, choosing from a variety of textures and colors, filling clear plastic bags with orders.
Al-Attar’s role is like many pharmacists. Customers explain their symptoms and he produces a concoction of spices and herbs along with a method of administration.
Egypt’s health ministry is in the middle of negotiations with pharmaceutical companies over a 15 percent increase in prices of locally-produced drugs, and a 20 percent increase in the prices of imported ones.
Local spices and herbs, meanwhile, cost between 5 and 10 Egyptian pounds ($0.27-0.54) per kilogram.
As drug supplies run short, Egyptians turn to herbal remedies
As drug supplies run short, Egyptians turn to herbal remedies
Where We Are Going Today: Auria
- The restaurant itself is very spacious, offering seating on both sides of the dining area
Situated on the bustling Takhassusi Road, Auria offers a high-end dining and bakery experience in the heart of the capital.
The best way to describe the restaurant is modern and cozy, featuring dim lighting, comfortable seating, and attentive staff.
Before diving into the menu and recommendations, it is worth noting the restaurant’s no-children policy — a choice that feels somewhat unusual given that Riyadh is such a family-oriented city.
Those arriving with children under the age of 13, whether with a reservation or as a walk-in, can expect to be turned away and denied service.
The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience characterized by smaller, more refined portions at a higher price point.
Most starters range from SR55 ($15) to SR75, while the majority of main dishes fall between SR85 and SR135.
Among the starters, the highly recommended dishes include the crispy shrimp tempura — four pieces served with a zesty chili-yuzu mayo — and the lobster kari, which features prawns, cream cheese, and a vibrant coriander-jalapeno dressing.
Another top-rated starter is the grilled corn salad, a vibrant mix of avocado, citrus, and fresh herbs topped with caramelized nuts. The shrimp salad also makes for a refreshing beginning, though it remains a third-choice contender when compared to the standout corn salad.
Regarding the pasta, both the penne arrabbiata and the rigatoni pecorino felt somewhat standard. While well-executed, they were not quite as exciting as the rest of the menu.
For the main courses, there is a choice of several proteins, including sea bass, lamb, veal, chicken and steak. Of these, the most highly recommended are the grilled prime angus fillet and the veal al limone.
The steak was exceptionally tender and juicy, yielding easily to the knife, while the veal was light and buttery with a bright citrus finish.
We were warmly greeted with traditional Saudi coffee, and throughout our meal, our coffee cup was never allowed to run dry.
The restaurant itself is very spacious, offering seating on both sides of the dining area.
While the oversized, cozy chairs are a key attribute of the luxurious ambiance, they are quite heavy and difficult to adjust, often requiring the assistance of a server to help you slide in or out of the table.
In addition to the lunch and dinner service, the restaurant offers a breakfast menu which we have not tried yet.
While the no-children policy and the premium price point may be factors, the quality of the food and the quiet, upscale atmosphere make it a notable, under-the-radar destination in Riyadh.
