Food, glorious food - Africa and Middle East

Africa and Middle East

Eritrean heaven
“Mssawa in Eritrea sits on the Red Sea and was decimated during the war with Ethiopia. However, among the crumbling buildings of the old city there is a small kitchen which was where I ate one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had. The menu has the grand total of one dish - freshly cooked fish with homemade bread, cooked in a tube oven. It is not the most likely looking place for such a memorable meal - the only place to sit was outside on plastic chairs in the street, and a flock of local cats do their best to get a piece of the action, but it was heaven on my tastebuds!”
Megan Freese, Operations Manager

Mensaf in Jordan
“I would have to say one of my favourite foods recently was Mensaf, a traditional meal from Petra, Jordan. It consists of a huge piece of thin bread similar to a chapatti, covered with rice and goat meat. The goat had been cooked for hours in a runny yoghurt, with lots of fresh herbs. When serving, the waiter poured more yoghurt over the dish, it was very runny and oily, and by itself had a very strange, bitter taste, but over the dish it was lovely. It was by far, the group’s favourite meal of the whole trip, and great way to get everyone involved. We ate with our hands and were all a bit of a mess by the end!”
Hannah Cuss, Senior Customer Service Executive

Egyptian foul
"I would question whether there is a better breakfast anywhere in the world than Egyptian foul. It is said that foul is to the Egyptians what pasta is to the Italians. The dish is a mouth watering mix of fava beans, tomatoes, onions, spices and lemon juice – finished off with raw chillies. Foul sellers ply their trade in the cities, serving the dish piping hot from huge drums. Best served with warm pitta bread, the Egyptian equivalent of beans on toast is not only delicious but won’t break the bank – street sellers charge as little as 30p for this superb breakfast. It can also be easily cooked at home, bring back memories of an Egyptian holiday."
Simon Grove, Head of Product

South Africa – legendary roti
“If you really want to experience what Durban has to offer on a low budget, then do yourself a favour and head over to the Sunrise Chip and Ranch aka Johnny’s Roti. This place has become a legend in its own right – not only amongst locals but also for those international visitors lucky enough to stumble onto its secret. Of course there are many options to choose from – like the bunny chow – a delicious half or quarter loaf of white bread, with the centre scooped out and filled with either mutton or chicken curry. Beware the heat of these bad boys - it can make a grown man cry. However it is not this particular item of food that has made Johnny’s so infamous – oh no my friends – it is the Chip and Double Cheese (triple if you dare) Roti. This amazing piece of grub will satisfy Bear Grylls on a return trip from surviving the Kalahari Desert. Yes it is that phenomenal.

The final step on your voyage through gourmet heaven is to choose your gravy - mutton or chicken - and your pint of milk. Please do not penny pinch on the pint of milk, believe me the pint of milk will become your saviour. As you wait for your meal to arrive you think ‘is this Roti going to be worth the visit to what can only be described as the dodgiest looking take away spot ever?’
However your Roti arrives, you have to hold it with two hands – it’s too heavy for one. The length is as long as my forearm. As you hurriedly scuttle to your car – the warmth of the Roti burning in your hand, you cannot get the car door open fast enough. Your sudden erratic movements to anyone that was not a local would undoubtedly result in a call, a police van and a night in a cold cell.

You finally get in the door open you sit down and unwrap your treasure. The first bite – the flavour explodes – never would you have thought that chips, cheese and curry gravy could taste so good in an oversized pancake.
But as each bite goes by – it all starts to make sense. This is the solution to world hunger and you are holding it in your hand, because no matter how big your appetite you will not finish the entire Roti.
If you feel the above might be a bit too much of living on the edge – then upgrade your experience and visit Sunrise House of Curries – it’s much more upmarket. This is situated in an lovely part of Durban and is rated for its relaxed vibe and friendly atmosphere. You can sit and enjoy your Roti on the deck whilst catching the Rugby game on the big screen TV and sinking a Lion Larger and catching up with old friends or making new.”
Caryn Darley-Waddilove, Customer Support Executive