Fish Mongers

A typically Alexandrian sight. A vendor carries a wicker or straw basket held across his arm filled with fresh fish that he proudly exhibits to passersby, calling out to people to enjoy the sight of the fish still fresh and writhing. Some of the luckier street vendors eventually become shop owners, or as in some cases owners of famous Alexandrian fish restaurants along the Corniche. Others would sell shell fish such as clams (gandofli) or the smaller version called Om el Khouloul, which is eaten raw with highly spiced tahini called hebash. These must be very fresh or else there is a risk of food poisoning. If the shell is open, then it is “sick” and must be discarded.