Safya on Fletcher Street in Byron is my now not so secret local obsession and a place I love to retreat to often, particularly when I’m craving proper home-style cooking without actually having to lift a pot or pan myself!
I was asked recently “what are some of your favourite holiday destinations”, and Egypt definitely sits happily in my top 3. So, I guess you could say, that visiting Safya is kind’a like a little mini holiday for me!
Egyptians are renowned for their warmth and generosity, particularly when it comes to welcoming visitors into their homes. This generosity of spirit and warmth is one of the many things I love about Egypt and it certainly shines beautifully bright at Safya.
Caroline is the head chef and before opening Safya, she spent countless hours in the kitchen with Fady’s mum learning authentic home-style Egyptian cooking, “because I wanted the food to be real and authentic and to get the balance and depth of flavours of Egypt right. So it really does feel like you are eating food cooked in an Egyptian home when you are at Safya”, Caroline passionately explained to me on my recent visit.
Ok, so I’m going to admit that I mostly speed-read menus, yeah, I know I should probably take more time to read every word BUT I am pretty much always just looking for key words that pique my interest! So, when reading an Egyptian breakfast menu it’s always goodness like Shakshuka, Labne, Cairo Eggs, that easily catch my eye!
If you’re looking for something hearty and soothing, I’d recommend you dive your tastebuds into a jetlag free Egyptian classic of Shakshuka with a robust deep tomato based sauce with roasted capsicum for $20. My top tip? Add a side of chorizo for $5, instantly giving you a next level flavour sensation when combined on your fork with the rich tomato sauce and labne. Yep, you can thank me later!
Another of my favs, which has also become a favourite of my breakfast buddy Dave’s, is the Cairo Eggs with muma’s falafels for $18, which BTW are for me now the new benchmark in homemade falafel awesomeness!
If you’re looking for more of an Aussie spin to your Egyptian flavour passport, I’d highly and I mean highly recommend you get amongst the Dukka Dukka with Avocado on Toast! Why? Because, the flavour of the Dukka will have you dreaming of date palms gently swaying in the breeze, whilst you’re sailing down the Nile at sunset! Seriously, I’m not joking, the Dukka really is that good!
For more Egypitan foodie adventures with Safya join them on Instagram: @safyabyronbay
To keep up to date with our Taste Byron Bay food food lov’n fun join us on Instagram @tastebyronbay
Until next time!
T xxx
