Moustafa El Sayed opened snackbar Cido on Van Hallstraat in 1986, and his nephew Farouk El Sayed took over in 2019 and renamed it De Buurman.
Farouk closed the Staatsliedenbuurt shop on Tuesday 6 October, but his second shop on Postjesweg stays open.
He announced the move on Instagram, saying he was sad to go but above all grateful to customers for every coffee, chat at the bar and smile they shared.
Many neighbours replied with kind messages, and one promised to drop by for a coffee at Postjesweg.
From snackbar to food destination
The shop became a hit thanks to homemade snacks, lots of vegetables, hospitality and smart branding, with customers queuing for Egyptian broad bean falafel and cheeseburger rolls topped with cheese soufflé.
In December 2024, Farouk opened De Buurman Farouk at Postjesweg 143, which serves specialty coffee, house-baked sourdough and focaccia with very juicy meatloaf.
It also sells his mother’s recipe for Egyptian hibiscus lemonade, a fixture at the old shop, plus mint tea and homemade lentil soup.
If the falafel has you craving more, here is where to find Middle Eastern cooking across the city.