This Chinese-Muslim Entrepreneur is Stirring the Food Scene in Cairo

Dry-fried noodles are a culinary art form—one that demands experience, precision, and passion. No one understands this better than Mariam Said, the Chinese-Muslim founder and entrepreneur behind New Cairo’s newest authentic Chinese hotspot, Yiwan.

Located in Rehab City’s old market, Yiwan opened three months ago, offering a menu brimming with authentic Chinese street food staples. From Lanzhou noodles, dry-fried noodles, and Rouba noodles to braised fish, sweet potato pancakes, and more. The short version? At Yiwan, you can slurp your way through an array of sweet, sour, and spicy soups that will keep you coming back for seconds—and thirds.

Despite being in its early days, Yiwan is already making its mark, and Mariam Said has no plans of slowing down. Having called Egypt home for 11 years, Said—an Arabic language student at Ain Shams University—has embraced her life in Um El-Dunia and has no intention of leaving her adopted home anytime soon.

The only question that remains: will you have your Lanzhou noodles hot or cold?