JEDDAH: If traditional Egyptian home-cooked dishes are what you’re after, Tante at Jeddah Vibes Mall on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street is the place to go.
Tante, which means “aunt,” was established by the well-known Egyptian comedian Ashraf Abdel Baky.
The first impression of the trending spot is unmistakably Egyptian. Classic songs fill the air while colorful paintings, ornaments and other decor celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The menu showcases many of Egypt’s best-known comfort dishes, prepared with an emphasis on authentic flavors.
Before diving into the mains, and while a DJ played popular Egyptian music, we enjoyed the typical opening spread of traditional bread eish baladi, tahina, hummus, and Egyptian salata baladi, making it a good start.
This was followed by a first-time experience — an Egyptian drink made of salad juice, lemon, vinegar, and spices, which was not bad at all.
We were then served with the main spread, featuring molokhya, a traditional green soup; kofta, a sort of elongated meatball made with minced meat; hawawshy, a sandwich baked in the oven and filled with spiced minced beef; shish tawooq, a skewer of chicken cooked on coals; and mombar, a type of sausage.
After the heavy meal, my table companions convinced me to try the famous Egyptian dessert, Umm Ali — a rich, creamy bread pudding made with flaky pastry, sweetened milk, and mixed nuts.
Service throughout the visit was warm and attentive, with staff happy to explain the dishes and offer recommendations for first-time visitors.
Overall, Tante is a distinguished addition to the cafes, shops, and restaurants at Jeddah Vibes.
