What to Eat When You “Don’t Have Time for This”

Bachelors, bachelorettes, and ‘lazy susans’ of the Egyptian working class, this one’s for you. This is your resident SceneEats correspondent reporting live from the (dis)comfort of my office chair where I have just been struck by - proverbial -  lightning. And by lightning I mean, it just hit me that I’m perpetually hungry, and yet never seem to possess the verve to actually do anything about it other than click-my-way through my phone and have something delivered.

And while that is pretty much as convenient as convenience gets, it’s simply not sustainable, and oftentimes one has to economise, or simply cannot bear to wait out the however-long delivery time. In moments like these, it’s almost heaven-sent having something edible within arm’s reach that barely requires any effort to prepare, and so for this week’s SceneEats guide, we’re taking a somewhat different approach.

Instant pastas to deliciously inventive ‘heat and eat’ packs, here’s what to munch on when…

You crave Mahshi, but just can’t be bothered… 

The fix: Choice’s ‘Ready Vine Leaves’

Imagine actually having the energy to roll vine leaves from scratch? Can’t even comprehend that. Luckily for us though, living in the 21st century does have its perks, seeing as apparently canned and pre-rolled vine leaves are a thing, and guess what? They’re actually delicious - tried and tested. 

You want soup, but even that is too much work…

The fix: Batchelors’ ‘Cup a Soup’

Instant soups are pretty much hit or miss, you might end up with something super clunky, or you might end up with coloured water, but one brand that pretty much mastered the art of the broth is undoubtedly Batchelors’ - and that double entendre of a name definitely earns it extra points. A personal recommendation? The cream of mushroom option.

Koshary’s on your mind, and somehow even that is an overwhelming thought…

The fix: Tik Tik’s instant koshary

Sometimes even the easiest of pick-me-up meals need further simplification, and Tik Tik’s instant koshary pretty much packs Egypt’s beloved national dish back in its nexus point. Pour some hot water and you’re golden - no catch there.

You’re binge-watching Naruto and want to live out your fantasies…

The Fix: Samyang Instant Ramen Noodles

Authentically Korean, Samyang Instant noodles are pretty much the go-to if you want a taste of proper instant noodles. Available in a variety of flavours, you can also top it off with your protein of choice and get slurping.

You’re on the run in New Cairo and can’t make up your mind…

The fix: Jones the Grocer’s hot buffet

Running late from work and already dreading having to make yourself dinner before jumping in bed? We’d suggest passing by Jones the Grocer in New Cairo, filling up a plate, and calling it a day. 

You get those midnight hawawshi cravings…

The fix: Tor’s ‘Heat & Eat’ hawawshi.

Hawawshi is integral to the Egyptian experience, and there are nights when we just feel an extra bit patriotic. Having Tor’s ‘Heat & Eat’ hawawshi in your freezer will undoubtedly make future you happy. Just a few minutes in the oven and you’re good to go. You’re welcome.

The spirits dictate a meeting with ‘Mac & Cheese’...

The fix: Tik Tik’s instant ‘Mac & Cheese’

Mac & Cheese is pretty much the epitome of comfort food, and the only thing we’ll give the Americans credit for. Having a few packs of Tik Tik’s instant mac & cheese in your cupboard is something you’ll be grateful for on a rainy day, seeing as it's both a breeze to ‘make’, and delicious to have.

You don’t have time for a healthy breakfast...

The fix: Good Mill’s instant flavoured oatmeal

We know what you’re thinking, isn’t oatmeal already…instant? Well, we’d argue that Good Mill’s instant oatmeal spares you the few extra steps of making sure it actually tastes good, and prepacks it with flavours that’ll distract you from the fact that oatmeal is, well, oatmeal.