Today we’d like to introduce you to Menna Ali.
Hi Menna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
WOWSHI: A Taste of Egypt, A Journey of Passion.
I started my business under the name Triple Tasty, with a simple goal: to share the food I love with people around me. Back then, I offered a variety of homemade dishes through catering—every plate made with care and the authentic flavors I grew up with. But something special started to happen.
People kept coming back for one dish in particular—Hawowshi.
It’s a traditional Egyptian street food, stuffed with perfectly spiced meat, tucked inside crispy bread, and baked until golden. I’ve always made it from scratch, with love and pride. The reactions were overwhelming. I realized that this dish was more than just a menu item—it was an experience. That’s when I decided to pivot and go all in. That’s when WOWSHI was born.
WOWSHI became my way of bringing a piece of Egyptian street food culture to the States. I didn’t have to push it too hard—it marketed itself. It quickly became comfort food for everyone, no matter where they were from. One of the most heartwarming things for me is when I see people from all different backgrounds lining up at my booth and telling me, “We came especially for this!” That moment never gets old. It reminds me why I started.
From those small beginnings as Triple Tasty to now catering public festivals, private events, and everything in between, it’s been a ride full of challenges—especially as a working mom. But I faced each one with determination and belief in what I do.
WOWSHI isn’t just a business anymore. It’s a dream that turned real. It’s my story, it’s my culture, and it’s my love—served hot and fresh to anyone who wants a bite.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. If I’m honest, this journey has been filled with late nights, early mornings, and countless moments where I had to dig deep to keep going. As a mom of triplets and their older brother, balancing motherhood with building a business from the ground up has been one of the greatest challenges of my life.
Running WOWSHI hasn’t just been about recipes or sales—it’s been about juggling my dream while raising four young souls, making sure they grow up with strong values, kindness, and confidence. There were days when I’d be preparing a big catering order with one hand while helping with homework or solving sibling fights with the other. From school runs to soccer practice, from bedtime stories to early morning markets—every step has required sacrifices, resilience, and an unshakable belief in what I’m doing.
And being a working mom comes with its own set of invisible weights. We constantly feel the need to prove ourselves—not just to the world, but sometimes to ourselves. We’re expected to show up as full-time moms and full-time business owners, without dropping the ball on either. But even in those moments of exhaustion or self-doubt, I chose not to give up. I kept showing up. Because I want my kids to grow up seeing what’s possible when you work hard, stay passionate, and never stop believing in your dream.
Every struggle, every long night, every obstacle—it’s shaped WOWSHI into what it is today. And it’s made my story one of grit, love, and unbreakable spirit. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, not just as a business owner, but as a mother who refused to give up.
As you know, we’re big fans of WOWSHI. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At WOWSHI, we serve more than just food—we serve nostalgia, comfort, and culture, all wrapped up in a warm, crispy bite. We specialize in authentic Egyptian street food, and we’re proud to say we’ve brought the bold, comforting flavors of Egypt to the heart of the United States.
Our signature dish is Hawowshi—a traditional Egyptian favorite made with love and care. We bake fresh Egyptian balady bread from scratch, fill it with perfectly seasoned meat using authentic spices, and grill it in ghee until it’s golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Every piece of WOWSHI is handmade, using real ingredients and traditional techniques that take you straight to the bustling streets of Cairo with every bite.
What truly sets us apart is the heart behind the brand. From the bread to the filling, nothing is mass-produced or rushed. Each item is prepared home-style, using authentic Egyptian ingredients, the way it’s done back home—by hand, with love. And that love shows. Our customers often say they can feel it from the very first bite—that WOWSHI isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience.
We’re proud that WOWSHI has become known for delivering street food that comforts the soul, appealing to both Egyptians longing for a taste of home and newcomers looking to explore something new and flavorful. Our booth has become a place where people gather not just for food, but for connection, culture, and community.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that WOWSHI has remained true to its roots. We never compromised on quality or tradition, even as we grew. We’ve built a reputation for being honest, heart-led, and deeply connected to our heritage and that’s something you can’t fake.
For readers and future customers, here’s what I want you to know: WOWSHI is more than food. It’s a story. It’s tradition. It’s made with real hands, real ingredients, and real love. Whether you’re booking us for a private event, visiting our booth, or trying us for the first time, we promise to serve you something that’s not just delicious but meaningful.
How do you define success?
For me, success in the food business isn’t just measured by numbers or how many plates we serve it’s measured by connection, emotion, and impact.
Success is when someone takes a bite of our Hawowshi, closes their eyes, and tells me, “This reminds me of home.” It’s when people from all backgrounds whether they’ve ever been to Egypt or not come back to our booth and say, “I’ve been craving this all week.” That’s success. It means we’re not just feeding stomachs we’re feeding souls.
It’s also about consistency and integrity. Making sure every product that leaves our hands reflects the quality, love, and authenticity that WOWSHI stands for. Success is maintaining that standard, even as we grow.
From a business owner’s perspective, success is being able to balance passion with perseverance. It’s building something from scratch, overcoming challenges, and still waking up every day excited to keep going. And personally, as a working mom, success is knowing that I’m showing my kids what’s possible when you believe in your dream and pour your heart into your work.
So for me, success is simple: making people happy, staying true to our roots, and turning food into a meaningful experience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowshiworld/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561581117214&_rdc=1&_rdr
