Chicken with teen shooki (prickly pear) sauce and chicken with harankash (gooseberry) sauce are just some of the creations birthed by Chef Mohamed Elkaneshy that led him to become a symbol of culinary innovation in Alexandria. Elkaneshy owns Khubz Sag, a Somouha-based restaurant that offers a variety of unique sandwiches and dishes established in 2020. However, the path leading to him running his current establishment was one riddled with challenges and hurdles. A Story of Perseverance “One day you will thank yourself for not giving up,” reads the sign right under his griddle. At a glance, it may seem like an ordinary motivational quote placed for aesthetic reasons, but in 38-year-old Elkaneshy’s case, it is an important reminder not to let external forces break his spirit. After spending years working as a chef outside of Egypt in countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, eight years ago his heart longed for his hometown of Alexandria; he decided to return and try to establish his own restaurant. Armed with only EGP 1,000 (around USD 64) upon his return, a friend allowed him to use his restaurant space, a small eatery in Schutz,…
This Egyptian Chef Overcame All Obstacles to Make His Culinary Dreams Come True
November 1, 2021
