Embrace Baladi

Meet Antonio, founder of the Baladi brand. Antonio was born to Egyptian parents in Paris, and spent years as an aeronautics engineer but never truly felt connected to his roots. Driven by his childhood passion for food, he became a food guide in the city, showcasing the best pastries and worldwide street food in Paris. 

In 2024, Antonio returned to Egypt where he rediscovered the word “Baladi”, which means “my country”. He noticed that this term was often used with a negative connotation towards local goods, and tourists often mentioned that Egyptian food isn’t delicious. The truth is, bad quality food is often a result of authentic flavours getting lost in the rush to cater to mass tourism. Antonio saw potential in what others overlooked. He decided to redefine “Baladi”, creating a concept that celebrates the beauty and richness of local goods. 

You can have a Baladi experience too by joining Antonio on a food tour in Dahab, or by getting the Baladi Guide which allows you to support local businesses!