There is already so much to enjoy on Dapperplein in Amsterdam East, and now Nara Nara has been added to the mix, Chef Saïd's first own restaurant. Anyone who has dined at Mana Mana in recent years, the Middle Eastern establishment with branches in De Pijp and West, among others, knows his cooking style: he was the chef there before starting his own business. At Nara Nara Saïd brings his Egyptian background to the forefront, inspired by the flavors, traditions, and communal eating culture he grew up with.

Those roots are not merely decorative: Saïd grew up on a farm in Egypt where he worked the land and cultivated and harvested his own ingredients. The name refers to the Egyptian word. nar, which means fire, traditionally the place where people gather for warmth, stories, and food. That idea forms the heart of the matter.

On your plate, that means classic Egyptian street food. Vegetables play the leading role in most dishes, always accompanied by fish and meat options. Sharing stems from Egyptian dining culture, where dishes are placed in the center of the table, but those who prefer to keep their own plate (yes) can arrange the table as they see fit.