Exclusive Interview | From Dubai to Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Turkey… Then Egypt.. How was the “Hanim Aga” Identity Forged?

Cairo – Mostafa El Masry:

“Hanim Aga”: Where International Expertise Meets Turkish Cuisine with an Egyptian Soul

In an era of redundant dining experiences, the true bet lies in the “story” behind the project—the journey that distinguishes a standard establishment from one with a unique fingerprint. At the heart of this philosophy stands **”Hanim Aga Restaurant,”** a distinctive experience built not just on Turkish recipes, but on a vast legacy in the global food industry.

This journey spanned years across Egypt, the UAE, Vietnam, India, and Malaysia.This was no mere geographical relocation; it was a comprehensive academy in the nuances of food: from sourcing raw materials and unlocking the secrets of spices to quality control and supply chain management.

Under Turkish management and led by Turkish chefs, this expertise returned to Egypt. Through a synergy of Egyptian proficiency and Turkish vision, a project emerged with a clear philosophy: **”Quality First… Details Make the Difference.”

**In this interview, we dive behind the scenes to discover how years of travel were distilled into a kitchen, how daily operations are managed, and why “Hanim Aga” has become a standout name in a crowded market.

****Q: Your journey in the food industry began long ago. What kept you in such a demanding field for all these years?

**The journey started in **2007** within Egypt, and by **2008**, I began engaging with international markets. This field taught me everything from the ground up. I managed quality control, raw materials, sourcing, and import/export logistics. I’ve been involved in every stage of the process.

Over time, I developed a cumulative expertise that allows me to understand a product from its raw state until it reaches the customer’s plate. That’s why I stayed—this industry requires someone who understands the smallest details before the big ones.

**Q: Moving between the UAE, Vietnam, India, and Malaysia must have provided a unique perspective. How does that reflect on your work today?

**Traveling was the most pivotal phase of my professional life. Every country offered a different culinary and commercial character. In the **UAE**, where I spent nearly 9 years—specifically in the Musaffah Industrial area—I learned professional management and market dynamics

In **Vietnam**, I transitioned into international trade, importing products like pineapples and cooking oils. I sourced spices from **India** and Basmati rice from **Malaysia** and **Thailand**. This built a deep global network and a sophisticated understanding of the international food supply chain.

**Q: When did you decide to return to Egypt and settle down after years of travel?

**After many years abroad, I felt the need to establish something of my own in Egypt, utilizing the wealth of experience I had gathered. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary. I wanted to build a project based on genuine expertise and quality, rather than just launching a traditional business.

**Q: How did the partnership for “Hanim Aga” come about?

**The idea sparked when I met my partners through mutual connections. One of my partners is Turkish with extensive administrative experience, which created a perfect synergy.

I handle procurement, quality, and finance, while he specializes in management. This partnership isn’t just about dividing roles; it’s an exchange of cultures and expertise that helped us develop the brand rapidly.

**Q: Managing a restaurant is about more than just serving food. How do you oversee the daily operations?

**Management, for me, is rooted in meticulous follow-up. I oversee everything personally—from procurement to the final presentation. I hand-select our spices and seasonings and review expiration dates daily; there is zero room for error there. Moreover, a member of the management team is always present on the floor to ensure that our standards never waver.

**Q: The restaurant was already established before you took over. How did you handle that transition?

**When we took over, the place required significant restructuring. We focused on “revitalizing” the establishment by upgrading quality, systems, and staff. We worked on the fine details that truly impact the customer experience, and over time, the improvement became undeniable.

**Q: Despite being relatively new under your management, the restaurant has a massive social media presence. What’s the secret?

My background in social media helped me understand what resonates with people. We approached content strategically—focusing on high-quality food photography, engaging with our audience, and collaborating with content creators. Today, social media is vital; it allows people to “experience” the restaurant before they even step through the door.

**Q: Do you stick to traditional presentation, or do you add a modern twist?

**We preserve the authentic Turkish foundation but add our own signature. For instance, we serve dishes in a “standard” format, allowing customers to customize according to their taste. We ensure every element—from the sauces to the marination—is perfectly balanced.

**Q: Quality is a word often used in this industry. How do you guarantee its consistency?

**Quality isn’t an option; it’s the bedrock of our business. I personally inspect everything—from the arrival of raw materials to the storage and preparation methods. Consistency is what builds trust and keeps customers coming back.

**Q: How do you view the competition in the current market?

**The competition is fierce, but what sets us apart is **consistency**. Many places look great but fail to maintain their quality over time. We focus on ensuring the customer receives the same high-level experience every single visit.

**Q: Finally, what does “Hanim Aga” represent to you personally?

**”Hanim Aga” is the culmination of a long journey of hard work, learning, and travel. It is an experiment through which I aim to offer something different, proving that when expertise meets passion, you create a truly successful and meaningful project.