‘The Corner Shop’ by When We Eat Takes Over Downtown Cairo in February

Celebrating Cairene culinary prowess in the heart of Downtown Cairo, When We Eat by Flavor Republic – the culinary maestros behind Cairo Food Week – is hosting its very first edition of The Corner Shop, a limited edition curatorial experience in partnership with Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment. Running from February 15th until February 28th, from 10 AM to 6 PM, at Downtown Cairo’s iconic Kodak Passage, The Corner Shop is essentially a gastronomic amalgamation, bringing together Cairo’s prime producers, artists, chefs, and all sorts of culinary talents under one proverbial roof.

Similar to Cairo Food Week’s ‘When We Eat Downtown Market’, which was held in summer 2024 and saw a slew of Cairo’s coolest culinary curators in proud attendance, The Corner Shop exists to both honour and pay respect to the traditional roots that shape modern-day Cairene culinary experiences, right in the centre of Downtown Cairo, where these very same roots were once planted.

“‘The Corner Shop’ is a spin-off from the countless conversations that occurred during Cairo Food Week, and particularly after the When We Eat Market.” Hoda El Sherif, CEO and co-founder of Flavor Republic, tells SceneEats. “Talking to both local and international guests we realised that there’s a demand for dining that is elevated yet approachable.” El Sherif adds.

Designed with an aesthetic nod to Cairo’s architectural influences, from the gilded calligraphy to its colonial-style windows, rooftops, and balconies, The Corner Shop honours every nook and corner of Downtown through myriad design elements brought to life by Egyptian branding agency Matter, essentially becoming an ode to Downtown Cairo.

“Cairo Food Week and its yearly calendar, including the When We Eat Market, have already created an international following. Now it’s about projecting our cultural identity from the heart of Cairo.” El Sherif shares. “That’s why ‘The Corner Shop’ is strategically positioned ‘in the heart of Cairo. It is easily accessible by the neighboring hotels, businesses and city tours, making it a market for locals as well as tourists.” she adds.

With an all-day menu curated in collaboration with Crave Catering, The Corner Shop shines a spotlight on local ingredients and flavours inspired by Downtown’s culinary icons, such as Café Riche and Groppi. Alongside the classic café dishes, the pop-up market will feature a coffee menu created by Quanta Coffee, exclusively offering classic variations—think Vienna coffees, traditional cappuccinos, and all sorts of old-school caffeinated beverages that eschew modern brew interpretations.

The Corner Shop will offer daily specials, limited edition menu items, and host a series of events, including workshops and exclusive dinners. Collaborations with Cairo’s emerging chefs and culinary talents will highlight the diverse and evolving food scene, while staying true to Cairo's gastronomic heritage.

Stay tuned to SceneEats for more exclusive news and live coverage from the first edition of When We Eat’s The Corner Shop.