About Chez Nermine 

At Chez Nermine, my ultimate mission is to help families across the globe cook scrumptious Egyptian recipes with ease and enjoy its vibrant flavors steeped in 7000 years of history.

If you want to shake your meals’ routine, then you’ve come to the right place.

• I’ll inspire you with mouthwatering Egyptian recipes.
• I’ll guide you through ancient yet ageless cooking tutorials.
• I’ll entertain you with a fun, riveting story behind each recipe.
• I’ll save you money and time using affordable pantry staples and smart shortcuts.

Nermine in a central food market in Cairo

Photo Credit: Iman Al Hoary

I am on a mission to simplify Egyptian cuisine so anyone, anywhere in the world, can effortlessly try its recipes and savor its vibrant flavors.

Why You Should Try Egyptian Cuisine 

• Sustainable: Dive into zero-waste cooking techniques, where every part of an ingredient is used, and embrace the richness of seasonal produce, reducing your environmental footprint while supporting local growers.
• Economic: With its reliance on accessible staples like lentils, beans, and grains, Egyptian dishes are not only hearty but also budget-friendly.
• Flavorsome: The flavors are bold and colorful, rooted in a deep culinary history that merges spices and herbs to create unforgettable, aromatic dishes.
• Freezer Friendly: Many Egyptian recipes, from hearty stews to stuffed vegetables, can be made in bulk and frozen for easy, nutritious meals later on.
• Mediterranean: Egyptian cuisine is part of the broader Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, with a focus on olive oil, legumes, vegetables, and fish—offering a well-balanced and nutritious eating experience.
• Vegan: Egyptian cuisine naturally incorporates a variety of plant-based dishes, making it easy to enjoy as a vegan. Staples like lentils, fava beans, chickpeas, and vegetables are at the heart of many traditional recipes, offering protein-packed and flavorful meals without the need for animal products. Classic dishes such as Ful Medames and Koshari are beloved by vegans and non-vegans alike for their satisfying flavors and textures.

About Nermine Mansour 

Nermine Mansour, born and raised in Egypt, is a former Egyptian diplomat who has transitioned into an entrepreneur, food writer, and passionate advocate for Egyptian cuisine. With her unique blend of diplomatic expertise and love for food, Nermine is on a mission to raise the flag of her food and cultural heritage.

As an immigrant, Nermine faced the challenge of finding authentic Egyptian restaurants in the diaspora, which prompted her to take matters into her own hands. Determined to reconnect her US-born children with their cultural roots, she embarked on a journey to master Egyptian cooking.

Through her food, Nermine not only reconnected her family to their heritage but also built a loyal and growing community of Egyptian expatriates, eager for a taste of home and nostalgic for the flavors of their upbringing. Her culinary creations have become a bridge, linking families across the diaspora to the rich traditions of Egypt.

Nomadic Life and the Art of Gastro Diplomacy

Over the past two decades, Nermine has lived in nine cities across five continents, including Cairo, Guatemala City, Algiers, Paris, Washington D.C., and Yerevan. Her culinary adventures in these iconic gastronomic hubs have refined her senses, honed her palate, and inspired her to document and share her rich food heritage through her blog, Chez Nermine, and her Instagram page @cheznermine.

Nermine’s love for cooking first blossomed in Paris, where she mastered the art of fine cooking and the intricacies of flavor layering, learning from the best—France’s skilled home cooks. This early experience laid the foundation for her to embrace and share the vibrant, diverse world of Egyptian cuisine.

Nermine in a traditional Armenian costume

As an immigrant mother in the diaspora, cooking Egyptian food has been my anchor and joy. It successfully reconnected my family with our roots and helped me build a wonderful community of foodies.

During her latest adventure in Singapore, Nermine’s food journey progressed by leaps and bounds. She hosted cooking shows, developed food content for digital platforms, and elaborated menus for Egyptian and Mediterranean pop-up dinners.

Nermine’s gastro diplomacy work and recipes are featured in Serious Eats, The New York Times, The Guardian, and National Geographic.

Nermine is currently based in Alexandria, VA, where she vigorously advocates for Egyptian food and culture.

Nermine, first-time mother in Paris

Nermine in Paris

My Favorite Egyptian Dishes 

It’s difficult to choose just a few favorite Egyptian recipes, as the list seems endless! But if I had to narrow it down, here are my top five must-tries!

• Kishk (Chicken Savory Pudding)
• Molokhia (Jute Mellow Soup)
• Bissara (Dip of Split Fava Beans)
• Macarona Forn (Pasta Bake)
• Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)

Kishk (Egyptian Savory Pudding)

Molokhia (Egyptian Jute Mallow)

Egyptian Macarona Forn (Egyptian beef-pasta bake)

Om Ali is an iconic Egyptian dessert

Bissara (Egyptian Dip of Split Fava Beans)