When the weather cools, keep an eye out for the metal drum ovens on Cairo’s pavements. Vendors roast whole sweet potatoes until the skins char and the centres turn soft, sweet and almost custardy. Batata mashwiya is simple street food at its best: warm, filling and wrapped up to eat as you walk.

Where to try it

There is no single famous shop to chase. Look for a busy evening cart around Downtown or in residential neighbourhoods such as Sayeda Zeinab, especially in the cooler months. The best choice is the vendor with a steady local queue and potatoes coming out hot.

Find sweet-potato street vendors around Downtown Cairo

Ask for one straight from the oven and give it a moment to cool before taking the first bite.