Known for their consistently good-quality food and coffees, Cilantro has become the main meeting-point for both young and old; while with over 40 branches (and counting) across the country, they have proven to be Egypt’s most favorite coffee shop franchise.

Uniformly furnished with small, cozy sofa-like seats and low tables, Cilantro is a homely shelter from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. It has affected the daily lifestyle of many coffee lovers, as it became their daily habit to grab a cup of steamy morning coffee or a healthy breakfast on their way to work.

Cilantro has added even more tantalizing dishes and has extensively extended their sandwiches, desserts, pastries and drinks menu.

First, on the list of new and yummy items is a breakfast menu that included pancakes, yogurt with muesli and fresh fruit salad. Follow any of these items with one of the new range of ‘steamers’ (including brownie, very berry and cinnamon cookie flavour), and your day is already off to a good start.

No new ‘toast’ sandwiches are on offer although there has been a come-back for some old favourites including the cottage cheese, but a multitude of hot sandwiches, baguette, viennois, paninis and ‘specialty breads’ have been added: ‘pizzadilla’ (a pizza in a tortilla), ‘chicken pane’ (baked not-fried chicken sandwich) and ‘shredded beef with cheese’ are all welcome additions.

Salads now feature ‘tuna’ and ‘tuscan’ and sushi, cheese and vegetable ‘platters’ are also on offer, while the ‘chicken basmati’ (basmati rice with grilled vegetables and chicken) is a delicious, hot, alternative.

New desserts include the hearty ‘Date slice’ (or flapjack if you’re British), Millionaires Shortbread, various mousses, éclairs, and ‘gelato’ ice cream and various gelato based concoctions including ‘choc o’nuts’, ‘cinnfull ginger crunch’ and ‘pistachio mountain’.

Their coffee does not disappoint either and though being a bit on the small side, it is unfailingly good. In addition to your basic choice of such hot beverages, as cappuccino, espresso, latte and mocha, Cilantro also boasts a nice selection of more creative coffee concoctions, including their Espresso Romano (with a zest of lemon), Caffe Nutella (a layer of rich chocolate sauce, whipped cream and nuts) and Caffe Chestnut (a dollop of whipped cream and a hefty serving of chestnut sauce). All coffees can be ordered decaffeinated or with sugar-free flavors upon request.

Other hot drinks new to the menu include ‘caramel cherrynut latte’ and ‘cinnamon caramel mocha’, while chilled drinks feature the heavenly ‘snickers frappe’, ‘fruity ice blended chocolate’ and a ‘light iced latte’ for the figure conscious.

With their ongoing efforts to develop and improve Cilantro’s range of services, some branches are now displaying a mini library of the famous Diwan bookshop; so that guests would either grab a book to read whilst enjoying their coffee or just make their choice amongst bestselling books on offer.

When it comes to service, it is definitely friendly and efficient although during busy periods it can be difficult getting the waiters’ attention.