'Alaz' Egyptian Restaurant Brings Authentic Flavours to Chiswick

A new culinary venture has emerged in Chiswick, offering a taste of Egypt's rich and diverse cuisine. The restaurant, named 'Alaz', which translates to 'more delicious' in Arabic, is located at 448 Chiswick High Road. It is the brainchild of Sabrina Tolba and Abeer Abdelghany, two women with a passion for authentic Egyptian food. Sabrina, who previously established the successful Alaz Catering, partners with Abeer, a chef whose culinary skills have been honed in the family kitchen rather than commercial settings.

The restaurant aims to provide patrons with a genuine Egyptian dining experience, capturing the essence of Egypt's vibrant food culture. "Alaz will offer our customers a unique and authentic experience," Sabrina shared. "Egyptians love gatherings over food and entertaining large groups, so this will be like having lots of people over at my house, and I get the chance to cook for them." The dishes are crafted to be wholesome and flavourful, using fresh ingredients that promise to transport Egyptian guests back to their homeland while appealing to a wide range of palates.

The menu at Alaz features some of Egypt's most beloved traditional dishes. Among them is Ful Medames, a hearty breakfast dish made with fava beans, garlic, and lemon juice, often garnished with olive oil and served with warm bread. Another highlight is Molokhia, a green soup made from jute leaves, seasoned with garlic and coriander, and typically served with rice or bread. The restaurant also offers Mahshi, a dish of vegetables such as peppers and aubergines stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices.

For those with a sweet tooth, Alaz presents a selection of traditional Egyptian desserts. Basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in syrup, and Umm Ali, a rich bread pudding with nuts and raisins, are among the offerings. The drinks menu includes Karkadeh, a refreshing hibiscus tea served hot or cold, and Sahlab, a warm, creamy drink made with milk and flavoured with rose water and nuts.

Egyptian cuisine is often compared to other Mediterranean cuisines, such as those from Cyprus or Turkey, but it possesses unique characteristics. The use of spices and ingredients like pomegranate seeds adds distinct Arabic touches. The influences of Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese culinary traditions are evident, reflecting Egypt's historical interactions with these cultures. For instance, the menu includes Macaroni Bechamel, a dish similar to the Greek version but made exclusively with beef, and Moussaka, prepared without the Bechamel sauce typically used in Greek recipes.

Sabrina's background in the hospitality industry is extensive. Her father owned the Pharoahs restaurant in Teddington, and she has lived in various parts of west London, including Teddington, Chiswick, and Acton. Her professional journey includes roles at Selfridges and M&S, where she trained staff in customer service and earned an MBA in marketing. These experiences paved the way for her to establish her own catering business, which gained prominence through events at the Egyptian embassy and expanded to include dinner parties, garden parties, and corporate events. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a pivot to home deliveries, a move that kept the business thriving during challenging times.

Alaz is supported by Egyptian restaurateur and media mogul Alaa El Kahky and his wife, Abeer Abdel Ghani. Together, they share a vision of elevating modern Egyptian cuisine's profile in London. Their collaboration aims to showcase the depth and variety of Egyptian food, challenging preconceived notions and introducing diners to the country's culinary heritage.

The opening of Alaz marks a significant addition to Chiswick's dining scene, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the flavours of Egypt. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality is evident in every dish, promising a memorable dining experience that celebrates the richness of Egyptian culture.

As the restaurant continues to welcome guests, it is poised to become a beloved fixture in the community. Its presence not only enriches the local culinary landscape but also fosters a greater appreciation for the diverse and vibrant traditions of Egyptian cuisine. With its warm hospitality and delectable offerings, Alaz invites diners to embark on a culinary journey that honours the past while embracing the present.