Al Jazar: A Minimalist Approach 

On Al Jazar Street in al Riyadh Khartoum, under a large white sign spelling out the word “Al Jazar” in big bold black-lined red letters, is a great little take out for a delicious kufta sandwich. As the namesake explicates, the enterprise is a byproduct of the original butcher shop to which its base operation is physically attached.

The location is minimalist in its approach. Beneath the large sign is a single table with a cashier. Your order is taken and written on a strip of paper. To the right of the cashier is a counter. Two to three young men work methodically preparing the orders. Next to them are three condiments: taheena sauce, shatta (hot sauce), and a tub of cheese spread. To the left of them the skewers of kufta spanning a long nondescript trough of coal emitting plumes of smoke into a large exhaust hood. Opposite the counter a small patio with two benches for those preferring to sit.

The one-page menu lists four variations of “the sandwich”—aady (regular) or jumbo, fateera or bread, with cheese or not, shatta or not.

The sandwich itself is unpretentious—meat and bread, with or without condiments. The meat is sufficiently seasoned, well cooked and, most importantly, served hot. Therein lies Al Jazar’s attraction.

The service is generally fast, depending on the time of day, and convenient, particularly if you are on the go. And for the relatively economical cost, it’s a delicious quicky to keep the hounds of hunger at bay.