Salma Kandil — Where Emotion Meets Experience

Growing up, Salma Kandil was fascinated by beauty in all its forms — how it could be seen, felt, and remembered. For her, beauty wasn’t just visual; it was emotional. It lived in the moments that connected people — a look, a taste, a story. That curiosity led her into the world of storytelling — first through media and fashion, and later through food and ambience. Each phase of her journey shaped how she sees the world today: as a space
where creativity and emotion come together to create meaning.

The Journey from Media to Hospitality

Before opening her first restaurant, Salma built a career in media, mastering the art of communication and emotional storytelling. She began her professional path with J. Walter Thompson (JWT) — one of the world’s oldest and most influential international advertising agencies, founded in the United States with offices across the globe. Working with JWT’s Egypt office, she contributed to major campaigns that became part of the region’s cultural conversation, including work related to Abla Fahita and other pioneering productions. Her years in advertising shaped how she thinks about human emotion and storytelling — lessons that would later help her build a hospitality brand that speaks directly to people’s hearts.

Salma holds two academic degrees in Media and Mass Communication — one from MSA University in Egypt, and another from Middlesex University in London — a combination that gave her both a global perspective and a deep cultural grounding. Her next step was the world of fashion, where she collaborated with some of Egypt’s most celebrated figures.

That chapter refined her eye for detail, design, and presentation. She learned how to create moments that last — a skill that would later define the soul of her restaurant. When Salma finally stepped into the food and beverage industry, it wasn’t an easy transition. It was a completely new world with endless challenges — operations,
consistency, logistics. But she didn’t see obstacles; she saw possibilities. Her creativity
became her compass, transforming each challenge into a story told through taste, space,
and emotion.

Zaza Cuisine — A Love Story that Became a Brand

Zaza Cuisine is more than a restaurant — it’s a love story. It began in 2016 during Salma’s honeymoon, when two worlds came together and naturally completed each other. Her husband, a petroleum engineer, had a quiet passion for hospitality. Every summer, he would create small pop-up restaurants just to tell his friends he still lives in Egypt — keeping his connection to home alive despite his demanding career. Salma saw something special in what he was doing and encouraged him to turn that passion into a real brand — one that carried his nickname, Zaza. From that day, Zaza Cuisine became their shared dream. Every detail — from the logo and visual identity to the interior design was created by Salma’s own hands.

As a media graduate, she infused every element of the brand with emotion and story. From curating the signature Ramadan stage on the Nile to shaping the atmosphere, music, and experience — every idea carried her artistic touch. Her husband, with his engineering expertise, brought those ideas to life with precision and structure. Together, they built more than a business — they built a brand rooted in love, creativity, and Egyptian soul.

Where Culture Meets Emotion

Zaza Cuisine celebrates Egypt in its truest form — soulful, warm, and beautifully modern. Every plate tells a story, every scent evokes a memory, and every corner reflects the heart of a culture. For Salma and her husband, Zaza Cuisine is not just about food; it’s about belonging. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel the nostalgia, warmth, and generosity of Egypt — presented with contemporary elegance. “Building Zaza Cuisine
from an idea into a recognized brand is one of our proudest achievements,” Salma says. “It’s preserving culture, identity, and emotion in a modern way that still feels like home.”

Expanding Beyond Borders

The story of Zaza Cuisine continues to grow. What began as a shared dream between Salma and her husband has evolved into a brand that’s capturing hearts beyond Egypt. Zaza Cuisine first opened in Kuwait as a seasonal concept — a small winter restaurant that operated for just two months as a trial. The response was overwhelming. Kuwait’s audience connected deeply with the brand’s warmth, storytelling, and authentic Egyptian spirit. That success became the spark for something bigger.

Now, the couple is preparing to open a full-fledged branch in Kuwait — a new chapter in their journey of sharing Egyptian hospitality with the world. Together, they’ve transformed an idea born on their honeymoon into a brand that carries emotion, culture, and craftsmanship in every detail. And as Zaza Cuisine continues to grow, it carries with it the same love, partnership, and authenticity that built its very foundation. As they describe it, “We’re not just opening new branches — we’re sharing a story, a feeling, a home.”

Leadership, Lessons, and Legacy

Behind Zaza Cuisine’s success is resilience, discipline, and partnership. Salma knows that passion starts a dream, but consistency keeps it alive. Her attention to detail, creativity, and emotional intuition — combined with her husband’s precision and structure — have become the pillars of their brand. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency builds empires,” she says. “I’ve learned to trust timing, value people, and never compromise on quality or authenticity.” Her approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and teamwork. She sees her team as family — the heartbeat of Zaza Cuisine. Every success is shared, every challenge faced together. That sense of unity keeps the brand genuine and full of heart.

Inspiring Women to Dream Bigger

For Salma, this journey isn’t just about food or business — it’s about purpose. She hopes her story inspires women to merge art, ambition, and heart without losing their essence. “I want women to know they can dream big and still lead with grace,” she says. “Success doesn’t mean losing your softness — it means turning it into strength.” Her story stands as a reminder that femininity and power can coexist, that kindness is a force, and that true success comes from staying authentic to who you are.

A Legacy in the Making

Today, Salma Kandil and her husband are redefining what Egyptian hospitality means on
a global scale. Through Zaza Cuisine, they’ve built a bridge between heritage and
modernity, tradition and innovation. Their legacy is still unfolding — but one thing is
certain: they are not just building restaurants. They are crafting experiences that carry
emotion, pride, and identity. Every plate, every space, and every smile shared at Zaza
Cuisine is part of a larger story — one of love, partnership, and culture brought beautifully
to life. “Believe that every detour has a purpose,” Salma says. “The things you thought
were delays were actually direction. Trust your vision, stay kind, and never shrink to fit —
the world adjusts when you do.” And perhaps that’s what makes the story of Salma Kandil
— and Zaza Cuisine — so powerful. They don’t just serve food; they serve emotion. They
don’t just build a brand; they build meaning. And in doing so, they make the world feel a
little more like home

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