Editor Pick
Eat Like an Egyptian
- July 13, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
dangaroo from Warsaw, Poland
If you are really hungry in Warsaw (or any major city in Poland) then this is the place you want to be heading. There's several in each city and quite a lot in the capital, they're normally fairly roomy and there are parts for non-smokers and smokers. Waiters are dressed in weird semi-traditional uniforms that generally makes them looks like tits but some people may appreciate it. Sphinx as you may have guessed, has a sort of Egyptian theme, generally with photos of Egypt and cheap Egyptian souvenirs and a Sphinx for it's logo.
Not confined to an Egyptian theme, it also has a woodeny northern Europe feel to it inside and a relaxed street cafe feel to its outside sections during the summer. The food just about covers everything from pizzas to fish but focuses on meat dishes, shoarma in particular with huge portions of chips and vegetables (normally cabbage), bread and 3 dips (garlic, salsa and tomato ketchup/mayo mixed) comes complimentary. Drinks are cheap, whether they be alcoholic or soft drinks. Some vegetarian choices are also available. The portions are unbelievably enormous and always fill you up, I've never known anyone have a desert there but it is possible!
Starters like Feta Salads are also fairly big, the large one is good enough as a meal in itself in fact! The sign on their chain outside says "best food by Tom Maltom", it's bothered me for years who Tom Maltom is, he's definitely not the chef in all the restaurants and must be the owner but I can't seem to find him. I realise that I've become rather sad when I've nothing better to do at 1 am than search for Tom Maltom! I've pictured him as an Ironside like character for some reason.
The wide array of food, usually quick service and cheap prices make this a superb option as a feeding hole! It's also got a pleasant feel to it and the waiters are relaxed about you sitting there and having drinks afterwards. The food is tasty and I've never not enjoyed a meal there but it's not a place you want to visit on a regular basis as you'll notice that the dishes do tend to taste quite similar and as variety is the spice of life, its not ideal for day to day or week to week visits!
English menus are available and staff always speak at least Polish and English, sometimes German too. Sphinx have branched out to Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, looks like Tom's on to a winner.
You can generally have a huge meal and a beer from 23zl (5.80), thats the way to go!
Website: http://www.sphinx.pl/ (also available in English, top right hand corner)