How Does an Egyptian Man Come to Fall in Love With Italian Pizza?

Although it might be difficult to admit sometimes, the truth is: sometimes our mothers know best. So, when Kimo Rady’s own mother told him, “You’re old enough, do it yourself,” after he asked her for a pizza on what seemed like a random day in 2015, she might have had more than an inkling of what that simple phrase would lead to in her son’s future.

Kimo Rady, now 36, is a man of many flavours; he’s a fun guy to hang out with, an actor who’s rubbed shoulders with the likes of Ethan Hawke and Oscar Isaac, and most importantly, a man who wasn’t afraid to leave behind a career in cinema to pursue his true passion: Neapolitan pizza. Rady has previously worked at What The Crust, had a brief stint making pizzas in Sweden, and has spent quite some time scouring libraries far and wide to find books on pizza-making.

Having introduced the concept of pizza catering to Egypt, he now spends his days inseparable from the oven, crafting pizzas that leave a lasting impression and forging connections that go beyond the plate. From parties to weddings to chill backyard gatherings, Kimo Rady brings his oven and his love for the dough wherever he goes, catering to both body and social spirits.

Earlier this month, I reached out to Rady for an interview for the very article you’re reading now. His immediate response was, “Are you free this Saturday?” Come Saturday, we met at Granita in Zamalek, where I learned a few fun facts—like how the ruler of Naples in the 1800s would sneak out of his palace to eat pizza, then considered a working-class food. Or how the Margherita pizza was actually named after a certain Queen Margherita—a detail that perhaps shouldn’t have been too surprising.

Yet most importantly, I found out how an Egyptian man came to fall in love with Italian pizza…

When did your journey with pizza begin?

It all started in 2015. I remember asking my mom, "Can you make me pizza?" and she just said, "You're old enough to make one yourself." So, I took it as a challenge and made my first pizza. It wasn’t half bad. I did it once, twice, three times, and each time it got better. My family loved it, and naturally, I started getting curious about pizza. I wanted to read more, try different references, and see what else was out there.

What was the very first pizza you made?

It was an Italian pizza in a round pan. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was Roman-style.

At what point did you realise this passion was becoming something more?

My friends would tell me, "This is better than all the pizzas out there," and I knew then I had to take it seriously. What started as a passion quickly turned into something more—an obsession. I read about pizza, studied it, and sought out the rarest books on pizza. I even dreamt about ovens at one point. I contacted pizzaiolos in Italy to get their guidance, and eventually, it became the sole purpose of my life.

When did you take it to the next level?

In 2018, I bought my very first professional oven. That’s when I realised I was no longer an amateur—I had become a professional. Around 2019, I introduced pizza catering to Egypt, which no one else was doing at the time. That’s when I had a moment of deliberation: do I continue my career in cinema, or do I pursue this passion for pizza that has transformed my life? I didn’t have to choose. Covid happened, and it chose pizza for me.

What drew you specifically to Neapolitan pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is the OG pizza. It was invented in Naples for the working class, using leftover dough, tomatoes, and cheese. It was a cheap snack for people on the go, but today, it’s sacred. Neapolitan pizza has its own character, and you get to know it over the years. It’s not an easy thing to master.

What would your life have been like if you hadn’t baked that first pizza in 2015?

Honestly, I don't know where I’d be. I was on the path to becoming a director, working in cinema for over 10 years. I even had a small speaking role in Marvel's Moon Knight and made some good friendships with Oscar Isaac, May Calamawy, and Ethan Hawke. But now, I make pizza—and I have no regrets. I’ve never been happier.

What is it about pizza that makes you love it so?

Pizza is a dish you bond over. It connects me to people. I make it with my hands, you eat it with yours, and that’s a special bond. I say this with the best intentions, but it’s like a part of me is inside you. I’m not just making pizza; I’m talking to people, getting their input, and sharing fun stories. That’s why I love catering—every day, I get to interact with new people.

If you could make pizza for three people, dead or alive, who would they be and what would you talk about?

Michaelangelo—I’d ask him how he finished the Sistine Chapel. Frank Sinatra—I’d want to hear all about the '50s. And Tyler Durden from Fight Club—that would be an interesting conversation!

What’s the most memorable aspect of your pizza journey so far?

The first time I made pizza for my family—that will always stay with me.