CairoVan brings something genuinely distinctive to Brighton and Sussex’s street-food scene: Egyptian family recipes, cooked with British produce and served from one of the most recognisable food vans on the road.
Its orange-and-cream vintage camper is hard to miss, but the story behind it is just as memorable. Founder Monem Mansour describes himself as a Brightonian–Cairene mix, combining the food heritage of his Egyptian family with ingredients sourced in Britain—many of them from Sussex.
CairoVan’s Brighton and Cairo story
CairoVan began after Monem catered for his nephew’s wedding in 2016. Encouraged by family and friends, he moved from years of front-of-house hospitality work into cooking professionally. He prefers the description “traditional cook” to chef: the dishes are rooted in recipes handed down by his grandmother, father and aunts.
That family connection shapes the whole business. Egyptian flavours provide the recipes and inspiration, while the produce reflects Monem’s English and Sussex roots. The result is contemporary street food that still has a clear sense of place and history.
What is on the CairoVan menu?
The menu centres on wraps and salad boxes built around slow-cooked meat, Egyptian falafel and fresh accompaniments. The exact selection can change between public events, pop-ups and private bookings, so customers should check CairoVan’s live listings or social channels before travelling.
Egyptian taameyya
CairoVan’s falafel is the Egyptian version, known as taameyya. Instead of chickpeas, it is made with fava beans, fresh herbs and garlic. CairoVan describes the result as green and soft inside with a crisp shell. The beans come from Hodmedod’s, a British supplier specialising in sustainably grown pulses and grains.
Slow-roasted lamb
The lamb follows a Mansour family recipe and is cooked low and slow with plenty of garlic. CairoVan says its free-range lamb comes from Stoneywish, the family farm in East Sussex, where Monem’s relatives have farmed for generations. The business uses legs and shoulders for slow-roasted wraps, while offcuts go into spiced chipolatas and kofta to reduce waste.
Chicken shawarma
The chicken shawarma begins with British chicken thighs marinated in yoghurt, garlic and aromatic spices. After slow cooking, it is served in soft khobez bread with crisp salad and sauces. CairoVan sources its chicken through A Twine, a family-run butcher in Hassocks.
Other dishes and accompaniments mentioned by CairoVan include halloumi fries, hummus, tahini, tabbouleh, fattoush, Egyptian-style potato salad and meze. Availability varies by venue and booking.
Sussex produce and a lower-waste approach
Local sourcing is not just a marketing line here. CairoVan says all its ingredients and supplies come from the UK, with many sourced in Sussex. Organic free-range eggs come from The Mac’s Farm in Ditchling, fruit and vegetables are supplied by Jeremy’s of Henfield, and khobez bread comes from Rayan Bakery.
The business also sends used cooking oil to Olleco, which converts it into biofuel. Alongside using more of each animal and buying through independent suppliers, that gives CairoVan’s sustainability claims some practical substance.
Where can you find CairoVan?
CairoVan is a mobile business rather than a permanent restaurant. It appears at pubs, vineyards, breweries, festivals, weddings and other events across Brighton, Hove and Sussex. Previous Brighton residencies have included Shelter Hall, while current pitches and pop-ups are published through the official CairoVan website and Instagram account @cairo_van.
Because mobile schedules can change, it is worth checking the latest post or event listing before setting off rather than relying on an older timetable.
Private hire, weddings and home dining
CairoVan can be booked for outdoor events, weddings, garden parties and private celebrations. The van can operate on either a prepaid or pay-as-you-go basis, with the team serving directly through its hatches.
There is also a home dining service for dinner parties and birthdays. CairoVan cooks a selection of meze in the customer’s kitchen, lays the table, serves and clears up afterwards. Bespoke requirements should be discussed directly with the team, especially for allergies or dietary needs.
How to contact CairoVan
- Website: cairovan.com
- Email: hello@cairovan.com
- Telephone: 07887 607199
- Instagram: @cairo_van
Menu items, prices, pitches and service times can change. Confirm current details with CairoVan before ordering or travelling.
Why CairoVan is worth seeking out
Brighton has no shortage of street food, but CairoVan offers a combination that feels personal rather than generic: Egyptian recipes with a direct family history, recognisably Sussex ingredients and a wonderfully characterful vehicle. For anyone curious about the difference between chickpea falafel and Egyptian taameyya—or simply looking for slow-cooked shawarma served with real local provenance—it is a van worth watching for.
Sources: CairoVan official website; NCASS member profile; Brighton Source interview. Article information checked on 20 September 2026.
Leave a Reply