If you live in New York City or are just visiting, you probably know there is a lot of amazing food to eat. You can find pizza on every corner, big plates of pasta, and crunchy tacos. But there is one special kind of food in Astoria you really need to try. It is called Egyptian seafood!

You might be thinking, “Wait, I know what seafood is, and I know where Egypt is, but what is Egyptian seafood?” 

Well, it is a very special way of cooking fish that comes from Egypt. It is healthy, it is fun to eat, and it tastes different than any other fish you have ever had.

One of the best places to try this is Sabry’s Seafood. It is right in the heart of Astoria, Queens. Let’s talk about why this food is so cool and why you should take your family there for dinner!

What Makes Egyptian Seafood Different?

When most people think of seafood in America, they think of fish and chips (which is fried fish with French fries) or maybe a shrimp cocktail. But in Egypt, they do things a little differently.

Egypt is a country that has a lot of water around it. It has the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Because of this, people in Egypt have been cooking fish for thousands of years! They use special spices that make the fish smell like a garden. They use things like cumin, garlic, lemon, and parsley.

The biggest difference is how they cook the fish. At an Egyptian restaurant like Sabry’s, we don’t just give you a small piece of fish on a plate. Often, we cook the whole fish! This means the fish still has its head and its tail. It might look a little silly at first, but cooking it this way keeps the meat very juicy and tender.

The people who work there will help you choose. They might say, This Sea Bass is very sweet, or This Red Snapper is very crunchy. It feels like you are at a real fish market in a city far away. This makes dinner feel like an adventure before you even take a single bite.

Read also: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes at Sabry’s Seafood in Astoria for Seafood Lovers

How We Cook the Fish

Once you pick your fish, you have to decide how you want the chefs to cook it. There are two main ways that are very popular in Egyptian cooking:

1. Singary Style

This is a very famous way to cook fish in Egypt. They cut the fish open so it lies flat, almost like a butterfly. Then, they put a bunch of chopped vegetables on top, like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and lots of garlic. They bake it in a very hot oven. When it comes out, the vegetables have turned into a delicious sauce that soaks into the fish. It is not spicy-hot, but it has a lot of yum factor!

2. Grilled with Bran (Samat)

This is a very healthy way to eat. They cover the outside of the fish in something called bran (which comes from wheat) and put it on a very hot grill. The outside gets dark and smoky, which keeps the inside of the fish tasting fresh and sweet. When you peel back the skin, the fish inside is perfect.

The Sides are Just as Good!

In Egypt, you never just eat a piece of fish by itself. That would be boring! Instead, the table gets filled up with lots of little bowls of food. This is called Mezze.

  • Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas. It is great for dipping warm pita bread into.
  • Baba Ghanoush: This is a funny name, right? It is a dip made from eggplant. It tastes smoky and creamy.
  • Tahini: A sauce made from sesame seeds. Egyptian people love to pour this over their fish. It’s like a special Egyptian gravy!
  • Eggplant with Tomato: This is a traditional Egyptian side where tender eggplant is simmered in a savory tomato sauce.
  • Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad that helps cleanse your palate between bites of seasoned fish.
  • Brown Rice (Sayadiyah): This is not white rice. It is brown rice cooked with onions and special spices. It is both sweet and salty, and it pairs perfectly with seafood.
  • Mulukhiyah with Shrimp: A very famous Egyptian green soup! It is made from a leafy green vegetable and garlic, and Sabry’s serves a special version with shrimp inside.
  • French Fries: If you prefer something classic, you can also get a plate of hot, crunchy fries to go with your meal!

Read also: Why Sabry’s Seafood is the Perfect Choice for Seafood Lovers

Why Astoria is the Place to Be

Astoria is a neighborhood in Queens, New York. It is one of the most interesting places in the world because people from every country live there. There is a part of Astoria called Little Egypt because there are so many shops and restaurants from Egypt there.

When you walk down the street in Astoria, you can smell the grilled fish and the sweet spices in the air. Going to a place like Sabry’s Seafood is like taking a plane trip to Egypt without ever leaving New York City. You get to hear different languages, see beautiful decorations, and meet people who are very proud of their culture.

It’s Good for Your Body

Did you know that fish is brain food? It has vitamins and healthy oils that help you grow strong and think better at school.

Because Egyptian seafood is usually grilled or baked (not fried in heavy grease), it is very good for your heart. It makes you feel full and happy, but not yucky full like after you eat too much fast food. Plus, the vegetables they use, like lemons and garlic, help keep you from getting sick.

Bring the Whole Family

Egyptian dining is all about family. In some restaurants, you eat quickly and leave. But at an Egyptian seafood restaurant, they want you to stay and talk. The tables are big, so everyone can fit. Everyone shares bowls of rice and salad.

It is a great place to celebrate a birthday or just a Friday night. Even if you think you don’t like fish, you should try a bite of the Egyptian style. Many kids find out that they actually love it because it doesn’t taste fishy, it just tastes like a delicious, grilled treat.

Summary: Why You Should Come to Sabry’s Seafood

If you are looking for something new to do in New York City, skip the burger and try the fish! Here is a quick list of why Egyptian seafood in Astoria is a must-try:

  1. The Freshness: You pick the fish yourself from the ice.
  2. The Flavor: The spices like cumin and lemon make it taste like sunshine.
  3. The Experience: You get to see a different culture and try new things like Tahini and Sayadiyah rice.
  4. The Health: It is one of the healthiest dinners you can find.
  5. The Fun: Eating a whole fish is a cool story to tell your friends!

Next time anyone asks, What do you want for dinner?, tell them you want to go to Sabry’s Seafood in Astoria. 

New York City is a big place with millions of things to eat, but Egyptian seafood is a hidden gem. It is a taste of the sea, a taste of history, and a taste of Egypt, all right here in Queens!