Cork’s first authentic Egyptian food truck opens soon in the middle of town
The countdown is on.
On October 18th, the city will welcome its very first authentic Egyptian food truck at the Fifth Quarter on Cork’s Paul Street. Cairo 2 Cork is set to bring the bold spices, rich traditions, and comforting dishes of Cairo straight to Leeside.
From fragrant falafel to a hefty Egyptian Munch Box, Pyramid Pittas and sizzling shawarma, this new arrival promises a true taste of Egypt — all thanks to owner Nivene Sadick, who grew up surrounded by the hearty, aromatic flavours of Egyptian cooking.
Nivene Sadick
“I was born and raised in Cork City, my mom Geraldine is from The Lough area originally and my dad Magdi is from Cairo, Egypt.” Nivene told Yay Cork.
“They met in London in the 70’s and moved back here to Cork in 1983. Food has always been a huge part of my life. Spending endless summers in Egypt and eventually moving there in 2011 for five years, I saw that it was what brought people together, and my family especially my dad — made sure I learned to cook from a young age.
Nivene as a child, sharing a meal with her family.
I’ve worked in several delicatessens in Cork and also worked in a restaurant in Dubai, and I also share recipes on my Instagram cooking channel. Cooking isn’t just work for me, it’s something I genuinely love and I’m always excited to try new things in the kitchen.”
Nivene’s love of Egyptian food comes from growing up surrounded by the smells, flavours, and traditions of family cooking, something she is passing on to her own two children, son Yaseen (16) and daughter Zaina (6.)
“In Egypt, food is such a big part of daily life and celebrations, and I’ve always been fascinated by the way a meal can bring people together. My dad in particular taught me so much about our traditional dishes and the importance of cooking with care and love.
‘I want to make my kids proud’
“There’s a wonderful food scene here in Cork, but I don’t know of any Egyptian cuisine here yet. That’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about Cairo 2 Cork — I wanted to share the flavours I grew up with and offer something unique that you can’t really find anywhere else in the city and other counties.”
Nivene was recently invited to lunch with the the Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Selim and other ambassadors in Dublin: “It felt like a scene from a movie!” she told us.
“They were all congratulating me on being the first authentic Egyptian food trailer in Ireland and I can definitely say it was a very proud moment for me. I’ve put so much work into this and as a mum of two, I want to make my kids proud.
“Opening a food business here in Cork was originally the dream of my uncle and my dad, but unfortunately the opportunity never arose for them to pursue their dream so I feel like now is the time for me to do this not just for myself but for them. They will be a huge help to me on this journey and I’m lucky to have amazing family and friends, like Adrianne Cook (owner of The Crafted Sausage in the Marina Market) who helped make this dream come true.”
Nivene has been working with the team at Jack Cuthberts Bakery to create the perfect traditional Egyptian bread to serve with her dishes.
View this post on Instagram
“We will be opening on October 18th and we will be based in the Fifth Quarter (just outside Paul St Shopping Centre serving Egyptian Streetfood and some items with a Cork twist on our weekly specials.”
Expect authentic Egyptian dishes such as Hawawshi (Cairo Crunch on the menu), which is a grilled pita stuffed with juicy Egyptian style lamb mince with seasoned fries, and tahini and garlic sauce.
“Pyramids Pittas are grilled chicken/kofta/falafel bites loaded into a warm pitta with crispy salad leaves, red onion smothered in our tahini and garlic sauce with a side of seasoned fries.” adds Nivene.
“And also our highly anticipated – Egyptian Munch Box; grilled chicken, lamb kofta, Egyptian style mac and cheese, vermicelli rice, seasoned fries, fresh salad, tahini and garlic sauce – it will be a big hit with families and teens!”
From October 18th, Cairo 2 Cork will open from 11am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday.
