Luxor Cafe: An Egyptian Haven in Harvard Square Embracing Community and Ramadan

Luxor Cafe in Harvard Square, Cambridge, offers extended hours until 2 a.m. during Ramadan, fostering a community-centered space reflecting Egyptian café culture. The menu includes halal foods, blending traditional Egyptian dishes with local favorites. The café hosts various events, aiming to provide a welcoming atmosphere for patrons while promoting social connections. Despite facing some community opposition, Luxor has received approval for its operating hours, showcasing strong local support.

Luxor Cafe, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, opens its doors until 2 a.m. during Ramadan, which commences on Friday and concludes on March 29. Last Ramadan marked the moment when Abdelrahman Hassan secured the deal to establish Luxor, which mirrors the ambiance of traditional Egyptian cafes. The establishment takes over a location where Darwin’s Ltd. coffee shop operated for over 30 years, renouncing its previous color scheme for sandy tones and deep browns.

The interior of the cafe features hieroglyphics and ornate lanterns, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere with seating that also serves as a prayer area. The menu is halal, incorporating Darwins’ sandwiches along with Egyptian delicacies like kibda and hawawshi. Hassan personally names many menu items after family members to infuse a personal touch.

Luxor Cafe also promotes community involvement by hosting various events such as soccer viewing parties, poetry slams, and trivia nights, aiming to provide a communal space free from alcohol, akin to cafes in Egypt. Hassan emphasized his desire to foster a welcoming environment for friends and families to gather.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, thus Luxor offers late-night hours to cater to patrons for Iftar and prayer. The cafe’s operation until 2 a.m. accommodates the social habits prevalent in Muslim communities, and Hassan expressed enthusiasm over the support he received for extending hours, noting the city’s positive reception.

Hassan’s journey began with a substantial personal investment intended for dental school, but he pivoted towards fostering a cafe, inspired by a friend’s guidance. After extensive site searches and renovations that required significant personal sacrifice, he created a vibrant café atmosphere. He has since dedicated himself to Luxor, engaging in operation curation and menu development.

Despite challenges from local residents concerned about noise levels due to extended hours, Luxor received city approval, displaying Hassan’s commitment to community relationship-building. He expressed gratitude for the local support and shared that the spirit of Ramadan imbues extraordinary blessings.

Hassan’s endeavors to grow Luxor rely heavily on friendships and family participation, indicating the collective effort involved in operating the café. Early employees like Sahra Ahmed find the work environment empowering, noting opportunities to contribute creatively without the rigidity of corporate structures.

Hassan acknowledged occasional resistance due to Luxor’s advocacy for Palestinian liberation but remains focused on community support while cherishing achievements over the past year. His conviction encapsulated the essence of community building, stating, “It takes a village to raise a child? It takes a village for a cafe – more than a village.”

In summary, Luxor Cafe embodies a unique blend of Egyptian culture and community spirit in Harvard Square. Under Abdelrahman Hassan’s leadership, it operates late nights during Ramadan, promoting a collective social space without alcohol. Despite challenges, Luxor has garnered community support, turning it into a vibrant hub for local gatherings, heritage, and shared meals, reflecting Hassan’s profound commitment to fostering connections and inclusivity.

Original Source: www.cambridgeday.com