Sudanese Entrepreneur Julie Samir Opens Fusion Cuisine Restaurant in Cairo

Julie Samir, a 42-year-old Sudanese entrepreneur, has opened a restaurant called Kush Children's Village in eastern Cairo, Egypt. After fleeing her war-torn homeland with her two children over a year ago, Samir has found a way to introduce Sudanese culture to Egyptian consumers through a fusion menu of Sudanese cuisine.

The restaurant's name, Kush Children's Village, is inspired by the ancient kingdom of Kush, which straddled modern-day Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The menu features a variety of dishes, including agashe, skewered meat seasoned with a spicy peanut dry rub, and zigni, a beef stew marinated in Ethiopian spices.

Samir's team consists entirely of Sudanese refugees who, like her, fled the war. Chef Fadi Moufid, a 46-year-old former caterer, is responsible for the restaurant's signature dishes. "Everyone who works here is from Sudan. All of us came here fleeing the war," Samir said.

The restaurant aims to attract Egyptian customers by introducing them to Sudanese culture through food. "I'm targeting the Egyptian consumer. I want them to get to know Sudanese culture," Samir explained. However, adapting the dishes to suit local tastes has been a challenge. "Egyptians don't like their food as spicy as we do, so we try to tone it down so they can really appreciate it," said Chef Moufid.

This story highlights the resilience and determination of Sudanese refugees who have fled their war-torn homeland and are rebuilding their lives in Egypt. The number of refugees continues to grow, and initiatives like Julie Samir's restaurant can play a vital role in promoting cultural understanding and exchange between host communities and refugees.

Despite facing tough competition from established Syrian restaurants in Cairo, Kush Children's Village is slowly gaining popularity among Egyptian customers. Khaled Abdelrahman, an Egyptian guest, remarked, "I liked the taste of the spices and how tender the meat is."

Samir's story is part of a broader narrative of Sudanese refugees who have fled their war-torn homeland and are rebuilding their lives in Egypt. Over half a million Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in Egypt, many of whom have started businesses to support their families and share their culture.

Another Sudanese entrepreneur, Qussay Biram, has opened a dessert shop called Jeeb Maak in Cairo, selling traditional Sudanese sweets such as luqaimat. Biram's shop has expanded to three branches across Cairo, but he believes he will likely never return to Sudan.

The war in Sudan has had devastating effects, killing tens of thousands of people, displacing close to nine million, and bringing the country to the brink of famine. For refugees like Samir and Biram, rebuilding their lives in Egypt offers a semblance of stability amidst the chaos.

Kush Children's Village is more than just a restaurant; it is a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation. As Samir continues to overcome the challenges of running a business in a foreign land, she remains committed to sharing the flavors and traditions of Sudan with her new community.

Key Takeaways

• Julie Samir, a Sudanese refugee, opens Kush Children's Village restaurant in Cairo, Egypt.
• The restaurant serves Sudanese cuisine, including agashe and zigni, to introduce Egyptian consumers to Sudanese culture.
• The staff consists entirely of Sudanese refugees who fled the war, including Chef Fadi Moufid.
• The restaurant aims to promote cultural understanding and exchange between Egyptians and Sudanese refugees.
• Kush Children's Village is a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation for Sudanese refugees rebuilding their lives in Egypt.