Fashafeesh is the name I invented for corn puff snacks. The Fashafeesh industry in Egypt is actually quite large. Many companies have them on the market. A very popular company is called Flaminco Snack Food Co.
The problem is that I don't know the source of these products. I don't know if they've passed the tests needed. I don't know if they're mechanically packaged. They don't advertise. They don't have an identity. These types of Fashafeesh are found only at certain kiosks. They aren't sophisticated enough to be sold at regular super markets alongside cheetos and lays.
On the back of the packet the following is written:
INGREDIENTS
CORN MEAL - OIL
Cheedr Cheese (The spelling mistake is actually there)
Salt- Natural color
Produced by
FLAMINCO SNACK FOOD CO.
Made in Egypt
Good for 3 months from production date.
I turned the pack over and over and tried looking for a production date printed on the pack...there wasn't any. There was also no nutritional information. Just a bad print of Winnie the Pooh and Tiger in each other's arms holding corn. Gay...
My problem with the Fashafeesh is that I'm obsessed with them. I just love the airy crunch that you get when you bite into one. They way they take seconds to dissolve in your mouth. The infinite number of Fashafeeshes in one pack. It like a never ending pack of crisps. Each snack is crispier than the one before. They taste cheesy and they smell like old socks. My family hates it when I bring them home. But something is keeping me hooked onto those little devils.
Yesterday I was hanging out with my father. There is a very small kiosk that is a three minute walk away from where my dad lives. Note that that smaller the kiosk, the bigger the chance that they've got Fashafeesh in stock. I went and bought three giant packs, two sodas and gum. (You need gum after eating Fashafeesh because they tend to stick to your molars and only gum or a sufficient amount of gargling can get rid of them). They also make your hands turn orange, so you have to wash your hand very well after you finish eating them.
As I walked in, my family obviously needed some entertainment. Someone asked for some Fashafeesh as I ripped open the bag. I gave them a pack for themselves.Then went and sat down,keeping one on my lap. The munching started.
Five minutes later. Everyone was hooked. The crunching sounds filled the room. So did the smell of old socks. But nobody seemed to mind. The corn puffs were just so good, no one could stop. I was afraid they'd finish the pack I'd given them, and turn to mine.
They did. I couldn't understand it. First they make fun of me for liking the stuff, then they want to share.
