Frugal Expat

Better Than Pizza Hut

It was initially a business prospect that led us to an Arabic coffee shop strangely named ‘Moulin Rouge’. As we entered, the place was slightly crowded with people and the smoke from Shisha dominated the atmosphere. 

To get a fresher air, we opted to settle outside. Great that the weather was already pleasant!

While waiting for the waiter, my eyes were busy looking around not for anything but to observe. We thought that it was a small coffee shop only but to my surprise, there was a spacious tent at the back packed with guests.

Every time I visit an Arabic coffee shop, I knew only two items to order – shisha and Turkish coffee. And so I ordered the same in Moulin Rouge.

However, something caught my attention. There was a small booth with glass walls besides the entrance door. The man inside in red shirt was busy swirling on the air a piece of what seemed a white thin sheet. Curious, I stepped closer to the booth. I came to know that the white thin sheet was actually a dough.

With his crooked English, he told me he was making an Egyptian Pastry, one of the sought after item in the menu. I believed him because all the while we were there; people came, wait for 10-15 minutes and left with boxes of his freshly baked pastry.

I interviewed him while observing his baking skill. According to him, it runs in his family for generations. He said it was an Egyptian style pizza and it tasted better than Pizza Hut. I simply smiled because I could not affirm anything for I hadn’t tasted it yet.

He was busy kneading the dough. Then later the cupful dough turned into a very thin sheet after he spinned it on the air. Then it was ready for stuffing which I opted for cheese.

Shortly our order came. Fresh from the oven, it was hot and looked very yummy. After a bite, I was convinced. His pastry was better than Pizza Hut, no doubt about it.  

No wonder that there was constant influx of customers waiting for his pastry.

Price Cost:  It was AED 20 only and the serving was good for 2-3 persons.