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Egyptian Cuisine Brings a Taste of Home and New Flavors to the City
BY: HANNAH BEARD | Community Engagement Manager
“Cooking is my purpose. It gives me hope," shares Neama Khalil, Owner of Neama's Egyptian Foods. "When I cook, I feel free."
Neama and her husband, Youssef, create fresh Egyptian dishes to serve customers at Central Market. The inspiration for Neama’s signature plates comes from traditional foods served to celebrate Egyptian holidays. Neama was taught how to cook these dishes from her mother and Aunt back in Egypt where she lived until she moved to the United States three years ago.
“The first time my husband and I came to Cherry Lane, we read the stories about the people painted on the buildings,” shares Neama. As she reflects on the historic murals lining buildings along the walkway that surrounds Cherry Lane, she adds, “I like the history of Downtown York.”
The region’s Egyptian food scene was bare before NEAMA’S EGYPTIAN FOODS arrived at the end of 2020 in Downtown York, and it quickly became a favorite at Central Market. Customers have traveled from out of town, expressing their excitement for local Egyptian cuisine – from bechamel, their most popular item, to traditional butter cookies. Neama shared the nostalgia of an Egyptian family who recently visited, “The wife said the butter cookies reminded her of the ones her grandma used to make, and her husband liked the rice pudding. It was like the rice pudding his mom used to make.”
“I cook what I know and what I am good at,” adds Neama. And she does not disappoint! She and Yousseff offer vegetarian and vegan friendly options too, like vegetable soup, lentil soup, and Koshary, a dish with rice, lentils, crisped onions, and sauce.
DISHES TO TRY
KOFTA: Beef with Egyptian spices is cooked on kebabs then served with a cool tomato salad and creamy tehena sauce.
MAKRONA BECHAMEL: Neama’s most popular menu item. This pasta dish layers noodles, ground beef seasoned with an Egyptian spice blend, topped with a creamy Bechamel sauce. It is warm and comforting.
FTEER: Flakey, buttery, flat bread made by thinly rolling out dough and sculpting it into a layered ball then letting it slightly rise before it bakes. It can accompany your meal or pair with Egyptian spicy cheese and honey. Vegan- friendly Fteer is made with oil.
DON’T FORGET DESSERT: After a meal of flavorful Egyptian cuisine, classic cookies topped with powdered sugar relax your pallet with mild flavors and soft textures.
