How One Architect Found Her ‘Roots & Rituals’ on the Shores of Marassi

As an architectural designer with a holistic approach to both her life and her work, Sara Abdelsamie has long sought the balance in things, and her diet was no exception. When Abdelsamie found that she could not easily access the nutritious, flavorful meals that she had grown accustomed to in Dubai and Milan, where her career often took her, she decided to take matters into her own hands through Roots & Rituals.

Setting up shop on the North Coast’s Marassi, Roots & Rituals offers a holistic and well-balanced menu that does not sacrifice on flavour. Drawing from ancient Egyptian medicinal practices, Roots & Rituals utilises seasonal Egyptian ingredients and herbs, avoiding processed foods and “relying solely on whole foods, just like our ancient Egyptian ancestors did,” Abdelsamie tells SceneEats.  

The menu features several summer-friendly staples, such as Greek yoghurt fro-yos, nutrient-packed healthy food bowls fit for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any meal in-between, as well as a variety of sourdough-based dishes and snackable protein-packed wraps. 

Egyptian influences are apparent throughout the menu, with the ‘Ta’ameya Bites’ bowl and ‘Ta’ameya wrap’, made with hummus and baked in the oven, both being hits for Roots & Rituals’ patrons. Another Egyptian inspired menu item, the ‘Pharaoh's Brew’ utilises a carefully crafted fusion of traditional Egyptian herbs and spices, designed to provide a soothing and refreshing drink. In other words, it’s Egyptian grandmother approved.  

Yet the holistic aspect of things is not limited to Roots & Rituals' menu, but rather seeps into the actual Roots & Rituals space as well. As an architect and founder of her own design studio ‘Out of Spaces,’ Abdelsamie crafted a well-rounded sensory experience for her patrons by balancing modern minimalism with traditional Egyptian elements. The central papyrus plants evoke the tranquillity reminiscent of the Nile’s banks, while alabaster lighting fixtures and seasonal herbs enhance the sensory engagement.

By combining tradition with modern appeal, Abdelsamie envisions Roots & Rituals as an authentic Egyptian experience that resonates deeply with its patrons. “I wanted to blend traditional and modern health-focused food options, offering not just a meal, but a story and a moment of mindfulness,” Abdelsamie notes. “we’re about a lifestyle that celebrates our ingredients’ roots and the rituals of authentic Egyptian culinary traditions.” she adds. 

With Sara Abdelsamie planning to expand in Cairo soon, we cannot wait to get in touch with our roots in the capital. In case you wanted a personal recommendation from Abdelsamie herself, this is what she had to say: “My personal go-to is the lean chicken bowl with oven-baked crispy sweet chilli chicken. When I finish my workout and crave something balanced and super fulfilling, that’s what I go for.”