Luxor Cafe: A Community Hub in Harvard Square Celebrating Ramadan
Luxor Cafe in Harvard Square is celebrating Ramadan with extended hours until 2 a.m., reflecting its Egyptian roots in ambiance and menu. The establishment, created by Abdelrahman Hassan, serves halal cuisine and fosters a community spirit through various events. Despite challenges, Hassan has successfully cultivated a vibrant space that emphasizes connection, cultural heritage, and collaboration.
Luxor Cafe is embracing the spirit of Ramadan by extending its hours until 2 a.m. during the holy month, which begins on Friday and continues until March 29. Last year, Abdelrahman Hassan secured a deal to open Luxor, evoking the ambiance of Egyptian cafes in its design and offerings. Located at 148 Mount Auburn St. in Harvard Square, this café has transformed from Darwin’s Ltd. coffee shop, which operated for over 30 years, to a vibrant establishment featuring sandy-colored walls and hieroglyphics.
The cafe’s interior includes a prayer space and showcases ornate lanterns that add warmth to the mosaic tables and cushions, which are personal items from Hassan’s parents’ last trip to Cairo. Luxor’s menu is halal and features a blend of Darwin’s classic offerings alongside Egyptian specialties introduced by Hassan, such as kibda and hawawshi, with several dishes named in honor of loved ones.
Luxor Café also serves as a community hub, hosting various events, including watch parties, poetry readings, and trivia nights, with Hassan emphasizing a vision of a gathering space that is free from alcohol, akin to the cafes of his homeland. He stated, “I wanted something to bring people together” and noted that this setting provides a welcome alternative to the American bar scene.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink until sunset, and the extensive late-night hours allow patrons to participate in Iftar, followed by prayers which last until late evening. Hassan acknowledged the cultural significance of these hours and expressed his commitment to providing a welcoming environment.
After realizing his initial intention of pursuing dentistry was not for him, Hassan shifted his focus to real estate, eventually guided by a mentor to open a café as a sustainable venture. After exploring numerous locations, he found the ideal spot on Mount Auburn St. Hassan worked tirelessly during the renovation phase, dedicating long hours to transform the café into a welcoming space.
The quiet neighborhood of Mount Auburn St. raised some concerns regarding noise during Luxor’s initial request for extended hours. However, after gaining initial approvals, the café was able to further extend its hours for Ramadan, with Hassan expressing gratitude for the strong relationship with local authorities.
Community contributions are paramount to Luxor’s development, with friends and family actively involved in operations, helping to create a unique café identity. Hassan appreciates the feedback from both family members and employees, promoting a collaborative environment where everyone feels included. Employees like Sahra Ahmed have noted the creative freedom at Luxor compared to other establishments.
Despite some pushback against its support for Palestinian causes, Hassan remains committed to the positive community engagement that defines Luxor. He reflects on the café’s progress over the past year, expressing gratitude for the community’s support and recognizing that building a successful café is a collective effort, saying, “It takes a village for a cafe – more than a village.”
In summary, Luxor Cafe is not only a dining establishment but also a community space that reflects Abdelrahman Hassan’s cultural heritage and commitment to providing a welcoming environment during Ramadan. By extending hours and offering halal cuisine, Luxor enriches Harvard Square while fostering connections among patrons. Hassan’s journey of transforming the café is a testament to determination and community support, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creating a successful venture.
Original Source: www.cambridgeday.com
