Exclusive Interview | Saad “El-Harami” (The Thief): The Emperor of Fava Beans Who Outsmarted the “King of the Screen” at Dominoes

Cairo – By Mostafa El-Masry:

In a narrow alley scented with the authentic Egyptian Tahbeesha (special spice blend), and within walls that have witnessed generations, sits Saad Mohammed Sayed—famously known as Saad El-Harami.

His life is not merely the story of a fava bean vendor; it is a saga of struggle, innate wit, and coincidences that usually only exist in cinema scripts. His journey began in the far south, hailing from the New Valley as a young man carrying his ambitions in a small bundle, eventually settling in the heart of Khedivial Cairo.

From working in the Mostawqad (the traditional bean-stewing furnace) under the searing heat of the fire, to standing behind a bean cart in the Ataba district, “Uncle Saad” managed to impose his dominance with a unique flavor that forced neighboring restaurants to close their doors in the face of his superior “Daqqa” (secret dressing).

However, the dramatic turning point in his life was not just due to a “secret recipe.” It featured the “King of the Third Class” (Malek El-Terso), the legendary actor Farid Shawqi, and a historic dominoes match in the Qantarat El-Dekka area that concluded with the title “El-Harami” (The Thief). This nickname became a registered trademark pursued by newspapers and coveted by investors.

Today, Saad El-Harami is no longer just a bean vendor; his name resonates across the Arab world as a target for investors—a legal and human success story proving that a true “brand” is not just a billboard, but a life’s legacy.The Ascent: From the New Valley to “Qantarat El-Dekka”Tell us about the beginning.

How did Cairo receive a young man coming from Upper Egypt in the seventies?

I came from the New Valley and stayed in the “Bab al-Bahr” area. I worked in the Mostawqad and on bean carts. Although I only held a middle-school certificate, I mastered the “craft” of fava beans.

I started by renting a cart in Ataba. Thank God, I made a massive impact—to the point where the surrounding restaurants couldn’t start their business until I had finished my day’s sale.

Why did you move from Ataba to the Naguib El-Rihani and Emad El-Din theater district?

I moved due to harassment from some local restaurants and relocated to stand near “Taysir al-Halawani.”

When the traditional furnaces were closed, I rented a room in “Qantarat El-Dekka,” next to the Republic Theater and Naguib El-Rihani Street, to slow-cook the beans using a Babour (kerosene stove). That room was a hub for craftsmen, artists, and painters.

The Dominoes Match: The Birth of the “El-Harami” Title

How did the name “Saad” turn into “Saad El-Harami”? Did Farid Shawqi have a hand in that?

Absolutely! There was a cinema poster artist next to me. We used to play dominoes, and I would “steal” the win (cheat/outplay him) so he would have to pay for the drinks.

One Thursday night, the great artist Farid Shawqi walked in. I refused to stand up to greet him because I was in the middle of “stealing” the game from my friend.

I challenged Shawqi to beat me; he sat across from me, and indeed, I “stole” the game from him too.

A journalist was watching the scene, and the next day, he wrote the story. My artist friend then painted “Saad El-Harami has arrived” on my cart.

Global Ambitions and Investment in the GulfWe hear about massive offers from the Gulf states.

Will we see “Saad El-Harami” outside Egypt soon?

Definitely. The next step is international, specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as they are among the most important markets today. I am fully prepared to invest anywhere in Abu Dhabi or any region across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

I have received many offers; one investor wanted the rights to the name globally in exchange for a percentage, but I refused to surrender my name for mere “promises.” Currently, I am planning to open branches that reflect the strength of the brand.

The Gulf market appreciates quality and authenticity, and I am working on this with major law firms to secure my rights.

What do fava beans represent to you?

To me, beans are not just food; they are an evolution. They are the gateway to many recipes, such as beans with cream or Liyya (lamb fat), prepared in a modern style.

A final word for the youth?

“The forbidden is often the most desired.” The name “El-Harami” became a riddle that people love. My advice: never sell your name, no matter the temptations. The secret always lies in “authenticity” and commitment.