I heard about Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant through social media and got excited to try it, so I ordered through DoorDash. The food was very well made, authentic, and incredibly tasty. Even the presentation through delivery was beautiful and made us excited to open everything and eat. So far, we tried the macarona béchamel -- it was fantastic, moist, not dry at all, and full of flavor. We also tried the koshary, and the sauce added to it was perfectly balanced and gave exactly the authentic taste needed. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. I can't wait to visit in person soon! read more

Koshary - 8/10 - A bit plain (macaroni and rice) but i liked it with the sauces, would prefer with more lentils Lamb shank - 8.5/10 - Meat came right off the bone, i liked this paired with the tomato sauce Beef kofta - 8.5/10 - Tender with a smokey flavor Chicken shish - 9.5/10 - Juicy, tender, and smokey Hawashi - 9.5/10 - Loved this beef stuffed bread, had the most flavor out of all the items Bessara - 9/10 - Super smooth bean dip, great with the pita Mombar - 7/10 - Tasty but i wasnt a fan of the rice mixed in with the beef sausage, also was a bit salty Hibiscus juice - 9.5/10 - So refreshing, perfectly sweet and tart This was my first time trying Egyptian food and i think ive discovered a perfect hidden gem for it The meat was smokey and cooked well but i will say that im used to more spice/flavor in my food so it didnt meet that expectation for me but the sauces helped add flavor. If youre in the area, definitely support this small business! read more

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Elhelmya is hands down the best Egyptian food I've ever tried and now my favorite place to go! I absolutely love their Kebda Eskandarany (Alexandrian liver) with jalapeño -- it's incredible with the warm pita and tahini sauce. The Shish Kebab with pyramid rice and grilled vegetables is another favorite. And of course, finishing the meal with Egyptian black tea with fresh mint is the perfect ending. Everyone is very friendly, the service is great, and you truly feel at home. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with Egyptian decor. Thank you to Yasmine and her team -- you can really feel how much heart they put into this place. Highly recommend! If you're looking for authentic Egyptian food and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is a must-try. read more

Run, don't walk here. Get the molokhia (green soup) if you like strong garlic flavor and are ok with slimy texture. Keep an open mind and open yourself up to amazing possibilities Egyptian cuisine has to offer. This place is super cute and the taste of the food did not disappoint either. read more

My partner and I were trying to figure out where to eat before picking up some Molly Tea and this spot was chosen as it was just a bit off the main strip of Belleaire. Its a very casual spot in a sorta rundown looking stripmall but don't let that deter you. The staff here were very kind and helped guide us in ordering and providing some info on food when asked. I went with the Alexandrian spicy liver and my partner went for the Koshary as our respective mains. We also got the pickled eggplant, bessara (fava bean dip), and dolma to start. We really enjoyed the apps, with the eggplant being a standout for me. It was light but flavorful and had a nice tanginess that really worked up my appetite. The bessara was new for me but I enjoyed it a lot and it had some raw garlic for a nice pungent bite, so word of warning for the garlic averse. As an avid enjoyer of offal meats, I really enjoyed my liver and thought the spices worked really well with the gamey/irony flavor of liver. My partner even tried some and thought it was good but he doesn't like liver. The koshary was also really good and had a fun mix of carbs and textures, sort of like a midwest pasta casserole but Egyptian..? Being new to Egyptian food, I had a great experience here and would recommend it for anyone wanting a flavorful, hearty meal. There were quite a few dishes, including the grilled meats, that I definitely need to come back and try! read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Interior - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

A real taste of Egypt. The service was pretty good. The owner is friendly. The vibe is very Egyptian like. We ordered Molokheya and beef Kabobs, baba ghanouj and pickled eggplant. The food was excellent. read more

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Extremely authentic Egyptian food. It truly feels like you're sitting in an Egyptian mother's kitchen. The framed Egyptian art and decor make the space feel cozy and familiar, and the flavors are incredible. My husband is Egyptian and absolutely loved it. The staff is so warm and welcoming. I ordered the molokhieh and fell in love instantly. Our waiter was kind and made friendly conversation with us, which added to the experience. We drove from Austin and ate here, and it was completely worth it. One of the best Egyptian food spots in Texas. Can't wait to come back. read more

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Fantastic Egyptian cuisine on the West side of Houston! We couldn't decide what to have for dinner one evening and stumbled upon Ehelmya when looking through the Yelp map. I can't say I've had authentic Egyptian food before, so I was intrigued. We came away from the experience very satisfied. I appreciated the menu was fairly small, which made it easier to choose dishes to share. We started with eggplant, fava bean dip, and dolmas (grape leaves). Every starter was fresh and flavorful with pronounced spices and nicely balanced. I enjoyed the acidity from the dolmas and eggplant contrasted with the protein rich fava beans. For my main course, I tried the Koshary. It's like a pasta dish with macraroni, lentils, rice, some crispy onions on top, and you mix in hot sauce and vinegar. It's a hearty comfort food with fun tangy and spicy notes. Additionally, I had a mint lemonade that was freshly made with, again, a perfect balance of flavor between tartness and refreshing mint. It definitely helped cool me off from the hot sauce. My partner tried the beef liver for his main course. While it's not my personal favorite, among the liver dishes I've had, this was by far the best. Highly recommend checking them out. read more

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Was feeling for some Egyptian food, and I hear that @elhelmyarestaurant is the best option in the city. decided to give it a try. the ambiance is great has a very homely feel to it. for the food we ordered multiple items including Besara, Koshari, Kebda Eskandrany, Mix Grill, Hawawshi, and Karkadeh. absolutely loved our meal, majority of the items reminded me of when I was in Egypt. First off the Besara which is a Fava bean dip, was great, thick creamy and flavorful with warm fluffy pita bread. next the Koshari, which was my favorite item during my trip to Egypt, felt like I was back in Cairo, the mix of ingredientsjust goes well together. Also enjoyed the Kebda which is thinly sliced beef liver, it was seasoned well and cooked to perfection. Also a big fan of Karkadeh, which is a Hibiscus drink, best i have had in the US. overall love it, and will be back. read more

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I'm always searching for specifically Egyptian restaurants (not just "Middle Eastern" or "Mediterranean"), so I was so happy when I found Elhelmya! The food was DELICIOUS, the server(/owner?) was very kind and the place was so cute. I ordered the karkade (hibiscus drink), pickled eggplant, besara, and the fattah with oxtail. Everything was excellent. I wish I had the money and the belly to try everything. I took what I couldn't finish to go. I had the leftovers the next day and they were still delicious! If I lived in Houston I would absolutely be a regular. I highly recommend everyone try ElHelmya if you want authentic Egyptian food. And if the owners ever hope to expand they would have free promotion in Dallas read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Hibiscus Juice (Karkadeh) / - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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An Authentic Taste of Egypt! I had an incredible dining experience at this Egyptian restaurant! From the moment we walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. The staff was attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the menu to us. read more

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First let's start with its AUTHENTIC Egyptian food. ElHelmya Egyptian Restaurant is a hidden gem serving authentic Egyptian food--and I couldn't be happier to have found it! Whether you're looking for protein-packed meals or delicious vegan options, they have something for everyone. This is the best place for healthy, original, and amazing flavors. Very happy to find it. It's a small restaurant, the area is not the best, but the food is the best. The flavors are rich, fresh, and truly original--you don't have to travel to Egypt to experience real Egyptian cuisine! The mix grill, stuffed pigeon, koshary, and molokhia are absolute must-tries. And don't skip the appetizers or the lentil soup--both are outstanding. Yes, it's a small restaurant, and the area might not be the best, but trust me, the food is unbeatable. On top of that, they cater for events and can pre-cook meals with a 72-hour request. They even offer a Ramadan buffet, featuring a special dish every day--always super fresh and flavorful. The place is fantastic, rich flavors, very healthy, and tasty. You don't have to go to Egypt. I also got to know they cater for events and can pre-cook meals upon 72 hour request. Owned and operated by Egyptians, this place delivers healthy, traditional, and mouthwatering dishes. If you're craving real Egyptian food, this is the place to be! They dont have falafel, but promised they will .. can't wait read more

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Food was great !!! Nice service also!!! Music and theme was cute as well !!!!!! Will definitely come back incha allah read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Food was great!!! Nice service!!! - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Neat little place, helpful, enthusiastic waitstaff, nice decor, expansive menu. Husband had oxtail with stuffed grape leaves --- lovely and savory, with just the right texture, plus chunky, smoky baba ganouj and perfect flatbread. I had the chicken sheesh tawouk with an app of pickled eggplant -- scrumptious! The rice came in a pyramid, and the veggies were perfectly charred. Rice pudding for dessert -- creamiest I've ever had! Will return for sure! read more

Everything was so spectacular!!! The service was amazing and not knowing what to eat we asked for recommendations. We got some great advice. Everything was flavored so well and really delicious!! My Koshary was like a warm hug. I can imagine moms making this for their kiddos as a way to say 'love you'. Will for sure be back read more

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Alhelmya is a must-visit if you're looking for authentic Egyptian food--everything tasted rich, comforting, and true to the culture. The kawar3 was perfectly cooked and full of deep flavor, the mombar was well-seasoned and satisfying, the 3akawi was tender and hearty, and the um ali was warm and creamy, the perfect finish. On top of that, the atmosphere feels genuinely Egyptian--welcoming, lively, and homey. Great food, great vibes, and generous portions; we'll definitely be back. read more

This is a long read, so buckle up and maybe grab a snack. If you're craving that real Egyptian street vibe, El Helmya is the spot. This isn't just a restaurant, it feels like you took a wrong turn and ended up on a side street in Cairo. The energy, the décor, the smell... bro, it hits. Full nostalgia mode. I genuinely felt like I was back home ( and I'm not even an Egyptian ) The people running it? Super warm and welcoming. It's got that mom and pop place feel, and you can tell there's love in every detail from the way they greet you to how they plate the food. Now, let's talk about the real reason you're here: the food. Here's what we ordered (and emotionally recovered from): * Kebda Eskandrani (Beef Liver): Straight-up fire. Tasted exactly like the street carts back home. The garlic, cumin, chili combo? Slapped hard. Paired with salad and tahini, chef's kiss. I almost shed a tear. * Mahshi Kromb (Stuffed cabbage rolls): Took me back to Ramadan nights when the neighbor auntie would knock on the door with a hot plate. Soft, flavorful, and full of heart. Comfort food max level. * Mombar (Rice stuffed sausages): Presentation? Fancy. Flavor? Imbaba-certified. Crispy outside, soft and herby inside. I felt judged by my arteries, but I had zero regrets. * Macarona Béchamel with Chicken Panee: Listen... I'm officially declaring this the best chicken panee in Texas. The macarona layers were creamy and rich, and the chicken? Golden, juicy, well seasoned. I wasn't ready for the emotional rollercoaster. Dessert: * Om Ali: Warm, creamy, flaky, and rich. Every spoon felt like a hug. Honestly, if Om Ali was a real person, I'd be down on one knee asking Ali for her hand. Drinks: Tried the Arosa tea and the cold hibiscus (karkadeh) both hit different. Clean, classic, and exactly what you want after a meal like that. - Sometimes I finish a meal like this and just stare into the void, wondering what I've been doing with my life. One thing's for sure though, I'm coming back (or moving to Egypt idk) next time, I'm bringing reinforcements. read more

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Awesome and fast service, the food was great!!! Definitely coming again!!!!!! Owner super nice and they had a performance!!! read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

My son,15, and I went to Elhelmya for the thanksgiving. We had incredible meals at this Egyptian restaurant, and I can't say enough about both the food and the hospitality. Every dish was bursting with special flavor , fresh, beautifully seasoned, and clearly made. You can truly taste the tradition behind each plate. What made the experience even more special was the hospitality. Our server was kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure we enjoyed our meal. The owner personally came by to check on us, share about the history, his food and his life, and make us feel completely at home. Their food, warmth and generosity created the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. Delicious food, welcoming people, and a memorable experience from start to finish. Highly, highly recommended! read more

This restaurant was recommended by two different friends as good tasty Egyptian country food. I don't know if I came on a bad day, or I just had the misfortune to choose the one bland item on the menu. And that's what the "Taster Tray" was. In a word: BLAND. We were having trouble choosing, being our first time at the restaurant, so the waiter recommended the taster tray. Unfortunately it contained no real cooked dishes of any kind. Only appetizers and very basic meatless dishes and "sauces". It was essentially vegetarian. Tiny portions too (we left hungry). There was some ground meat in the Mombar (stuffed intestines, which was dry and worse than bland) but that was also mostly rice. I regretted not ordering a proper hearty entrée. The dining room is also extremely basic and unappealing. Tacky decor, hard uncomfortable chairs. The only reason I'm giving a second star is because our waiter was super nice and friendly. Definitely too expensive for such small, bland portions. After such an experience I normally never return, but because of my friends' recommendations, I think I would like to come back and try a proper entrée to enable a definitive review. read more

This was my first time having real Egyptian food and it was great. I had the Tagen Macarona Bechamel & Panne and it was very flavorful and filling. I didn't get a chance to try their Mumbar but I hear it's one of their best dishes as well. This spot is a hole in the wall and a bit hidden away, you wouldn't expect to find such great food in this location but it's a nice surprise. The service is great and the people are nice. I highly recommend you try out El Helmya, best to go with family or friends so you can order multiple dishes and try everything to find what you like best. read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - 10/10 Amazing! - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food was amazing and service was excellent. The owner came to chat with us. She was really friendly and very much interested in our experience. While it was busy, they came to our table a couple of times to ask if everything was okay and we needed anything. I loved the cozy, home-style dinner setting. While I'm not Egyptian, I went with an Egyptian friend, who agreed that the food was amazing. This is the best Egyptian food I've ever had outside of Egypt. I will definitely return. read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Koshary, Molokheya & Chicken, Hawawshi with fries, Pickled Eggplant, Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spicy Liver Alexandrian Style - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

This restaurant hands down has the best authentic Egyptian cuisine, I have ever tried! The service staff were very professional and warm. The restaurant seating was nice as well. read more

The food was wonderful. I went with a group and we tried most of menu! The sense of welcome was stellar and the hospitality was second to none. What a lovely evening. I also learned some history and facts while dining. I love supporting places with good food and great service. Thank you Yasmin. read more

This was my family's first time trying Egyptian food and the food was WOW!!! The second you set foot into the restaurant you can smell the delicious scent of spices and food cooking coming from the kitchen. I would especially recommend the fattah akkawi if you have never tried oxtail in general. The food overall was so good, it felt like I was eating food that is usually made in authentic Egyptian household. The customer service was top of the line and honestly the best I have ever had, it felt like I was talking to family rather than an employee. The mixed grill was also very flavorful and tender but most importantly it was very very filling. I would definitely recommend this place without any hesitation and if you have never tried Egyptian food in general, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!!!!!!! read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Alexandrian Liver (Kebda Eskandrany) /Fattah Akkawi (Ox Tail) /Koshary /Mixed Grill / - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Nice authentic delicious Egyptian food. All of us really enjoyed it. The owner is also very welcoming.

Love the molokhia here! I'm so happy that an egyptian restaurant is here ion the southwest side of town. The service here is excellent and the people here are so nice! I wish them all the success read more

I cannot say enough good things about this place. The food is amazing. The service is even better. We brought our daughter here when she was visiting and she said that she hadn't had food that good since we were in Egypt. read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Karkade - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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What an experience, the food is very delicious. I ordered hawashe. Highly recommended. I Order karkadeh as a drink

Yay finally an authentic Egyptian food spot! It is a small restaurant but it has a parking lot which is nice. I would call to make sure you don't need to reserve in case they are booked for the night. Food was amazing. Had the kushri, mombar, and the Kebda! All tasted sooo good! Must visit if you are wanting to try true Egyptian food read more

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My ultimate go-to for being home-sick! Ambiance reminds me of growing up there, it's warm and inviting and brings back best of memories. The service is really good and those guys put in a lot of effort to make sure your experience is the best it can be. The facility is on the small side, but the highest quality you'll find. Now for the food...it's like stepping off the plane and going to the top traditional Egyptian restaurants without needing to fly to Egypt. From the chops to the molokheya to stuffed and fried squab, no place in Houston like this at all and definitely you're missing out if you don't go! read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Chops, oxtail tagin, eggplant, squab and molokheya, real mango, and mint lemonade. delicious!!! - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

AMAZING KOSHARY. 100/10 everyone, eat this food--it is INCREDIBLE. I will be back soon ok

There aren't many Egyptian restaurants in houston, so it felt great to come enjoy my favorite dishes. Just like mom's cooking The molokhia and mumbar were my favorite. Can't wait to come back and try some other dishes read more

Too crowded and too loud. Food taste not worth the high prices. Excellent service though.

The price of the pigeon is overpriced and the mix grilled too , food dry don't know why , service is bad , restroom the only thing is good here because it clean , Gratuity 18% which is not right for the bad service in this place they should give you the option to choose the Gratuity , the area not safe for family not recommend this place to go and spend 200$ for food that cost 80$ , the plate are so small for the price you offer read more

The service was amazing and so was the food! We would definitely come back another time. The decoration was wonderful, it felt like we were in Egypt. The bathrooms were clean, and parking was good too. read more

Elhelmya Egyptian Restaurant - Egyptian Near Me - Houston, Texas

The most authentic Egyptian resturant i have ever seen in Houston , it felt really good and the vibe is really amazing and took me back to Cairo for an hour and back , The owner is really nice too read more

Awful service we never received our food :/ We sat for so long we had to resort to just leaving at one point.

Amazing!!! Finally a true Egyptian experience. The food was amazing. Thank you Ramy for your great service. If you're craving a taste of home (Egypt) or you want to try the best Egyptian cuisine Houston has to offer, look no further. We will be back to try the amazing food again and try other dishes. read more

The food is NOT a real Egyptian. It is located in a low income area, expect to pay $33+ per person. The restaurant has steel bars I guess the area is not safe! They will charge you an 18% gratuity for a below average service. Very loud music. read more

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