The article discusses the impact of Western eating habits on Middle Eastern food culture, emphasizing the importance of traditional food preparation methods, such as rolling grape leaves, to personal identity and social relations. It highlights the rise of fast food and its effects on family dynamics, mental health, and the erosion of traditional culinary practices. The article also explores the influence of capitalism on food consumption and the changing language of menus. Experts Antonio Tahhan and Dahlia El-Orabi provide insights on preserving traditional food culture and the empowering process of cooking.

Maison J. Groppi, a historic café in Cairo's Downtown, is undergoing renovations by Interior Design Studios Alchemy. The café, known for its Parisian style and high ceilings, has been a part of Cairo's history, frequented by politicians, intellectuals, and artists. It survived the 1952 anti-colonial protests and has seen changes through Egypt's social and economic shifts. Journalist Farah Bahgat and student Ahmed Al-Masry shared their hopes and skepticism about the renovation, emphasizing the importance of preserving its historical essence. Groppi's founder, Giacomo Groppi, was a pioneer in introducing chocolates and Crème Chantilly to Egypt.

The Cairo Criminal Court adjourned the trial of 739 defendants, including Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and photojournalist Mahmoud Abou Zeid (Shawkan), to 7 February. The charges include vandalism, attempted murder, planning an armed insurrection, and belonging to an outlawed group. Shawkan, arrested during the Rabaa Al-Adaweyya sit-in dispersal, remains detained despite other journalists being released. His health is reportedly deteriorating, and he has been denied medication. The sit-in was a protest against the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi. The Shawkan Photo Awards, honoring Shawkan, concluded its second round and will distribute awards on 19 January.

The Court of Appeal in Egypt overturned the 15-year sentence of a security officer convicted of killing political activist Shaimaa El-Sabbagh, granting a retrial despite evidence including video footage. El-Sabbagh's lawyer, Mohammed Abdel Aziz, plans to present all evidence again, while the Socialist Popular Alliance party is closely involved in the defense. Notorious lawyer Farid El-Deeb, defending the officer, argued the killing was unintentional. El-Sabbagh was killed during a protest by birdshot pellets, leading to local and international condemnation.