appetizer

A whole fish marinated in a bright, spiced chermoula, then layered into a tagine with potato, tomato, and onion, topped with lemon and chile, and simmered until everything comes together into one dish. Classic Moroccan fish tagine, traditionally made with sea bream or another firm white fish, built almost entirely from pantry spices and whatever vegetables are at hand.

A coastal Egyptian classic that rarely makes it onto English-language menus: raw shrimp blended with garlic, onion, and warming spices, bound with ground rice, shaped into small croquettes, fried until golden, then simmered briefly in a light tomato sauce. Known at home as koftet el gambari (shrimp kofta), it's especially associated with the Mediterranean coast around Port Said and Damietta, where shrimp and rice are both everyday staples. Served simply, with sliced tomato and lettuce alongside.

Kefta briouats, also known as briouates de kefta, are small, crisp Moroccan pastries built around seasoned ground meat — usually beef or lamb — wrapped in paper-thin warqa pastry and folded into tight triangles before frying until deeply golden. They're a fixture of Moroccan appetizer spreads and Ramadan tables, most often served simply, though one distinctive regional style finishes them with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar for a sweet-savory contrast.

Shellfish go into a pan with softened onions and garlic, a splash of water, stock, or wine, and just a bit of seasoning. A few minutes under a lid and they open up, turning the cooking liquid into a briny, aromatic broth that’s every bit as good as the mussels or clams themselves; pure coastal comfort in a pot.

This three sisters stew is a hearty, vegetable-packed hug in a bowl, built around the classic trio of corn, beans, and squash. Those three ingredients simmer together with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs until the squash turns tender, the beans go creamy, and the corn gives little pops of sweetness in every bite. It’s thick, cozy, and satisfying enough to serve as a main dish, no meat required.

Skewers of sweet, succulent sea scallops and plump, juicy shrimp are grilled to perfection, then crowned with a vibrant tropical salsa that bursts with the flavors of mango, pineapple, and a hint of zesty lime. The combination of caramelized seafood and bright, fruity salsa creates a beautiful harmony of tastes and textures that is both refreshing and satisfying. 

This dish is the essence of summer dining; light, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for a sophisticated appetizer, or a light main course that feels like a mini-vacation. 

Succulent shrimp simmered in a foamy, flavour-packed beer broth, enhanced with garlic, fresh bay leaf and a hint of black pepper. A simple, one-pot dish that captures the seaside mood, perfect as an appetizer or a casual party favourite.