An Egyptian–Latino Sohour in Alexandria Celebrates Food Beyond Borders

They say Arabs and Latinos are cousins. But when it comes to food, they are more like siblings who argue over spice levels. This Saturday, Footnotes and Alexandria Deli are putting that theory to the test with a one-of-a-kind Egyptian–Latino sohour.

Footnotes is a storytelling project run by an Egyptian–Guatemalan couple who usually lead walking tours around Alexandria, uncovering hidden corners, local history, and culinary traditions. For this sohour, they are swapping the streets for the kitchen, curating a menu that shows how food can connect cultures without borders. Alexandria Deli, a cosy neighbourhood eatery, is hosting the evening and providing the space to bring the idea to life.

The menu blends flavours from both sides, moving through a series of dishes that highlight the overlap between Egyptian and Latin American food traditions. It starts with nachos con frijoles y chorizo—crispy nachos topped with beans and spicy chorizo. The main dish is taco al pastor, described as a Latin-style take on shawarma, served in a taco shell. For dessert, guests will have arroz con leche with dulce de leche, a creamy rice pudding finished with caramelised milk.

Drinks inspired by both regions will also be served, including tamarind juice, hibiscus juice, horchata, and sobia.

Juan, the Guatemalan half of Footnotes, discovered that many dishes he grew up with trace culinary routes that connect Egypt, Andalusia, and Latin America. The sohour aims to bring those flavours together again through food, conversation, and shared stories.

Food service begins at 8:00 PM. The event takes place at Alexandria Deli on Ismailia Street in Kafr Abdo, Alexandria.