Egypt Tourism & Travel Guide - Eating Out in Egypt

Egypt Tour & Travel Guide - Eating Out in Egypt

While there are plenty of swanky fine dining restaurants in Cairo, try to sample Egyptian street food at the hundreds of worker cafes and smaller restaurants lining the streets. Kushari, an Egyptian variant of rajma-chawal is delicious as is fuul and of course the ubiquitous shawarma. Kofte and kebabs with fresh hot Egyptian bread will do the trick for the meatlovers. Egyptian coffee may not be as famous as its Turkish counterpart but is still worth lingering over in one of the many coffee and sheesha shops located in downtown Cairo.

Fishawi’s Coffee House

Chai and sheesha are what most people come here for. Falafel sandwiches are available for those with larger appetites. Don’t miss the wacky wall decor including a stuffed alligator on the wall and gigantic mirrors. Situated right next to Khan el Khalili Bazaar, it’s touristy, yes, but you still get to see a sizeable bunch of Cairene regulars who come to puff a sheesha and play backgammon for hours. All you Naguib Mahfouz buffs, come straight in.

Groppi’s

The other end of the spectrum, Groppi’s along with Shepheard’s Hotel featured vividly in almost any novel set in colonial Egypt. Once considered one of the world’s ritziest tea-rooms (what is it about Egypt and superlatives), there isn’t any doubt that Groppi has seen better days. Colonial buffs can, however, enjoy a coffee and macaroon in its gold and white dining room imagining the days when pashas and princes could be found chatting over afternoon tea at Groppi’s.

Sequoia

Tired of grotty cafes? Rub shoulders with hip, beautiful Cairenes for posh nosh at Sequoia at Zamalek Island. With its great location surrounded by the river and facing downtown, good food (excellent Egyptian dishes, mezze, kebabs, kofte and even sushi), and of course some 25 flavours of sheeshas, it’s no wonder that Sequoia is such a favourite of the young trendy crowd.

Felfela Restaurant

Located in downtown Cairo near Tahrir Square, this is the place to go to for classic Egyptian fare. It is also a great favourite on the organised tour itineraries and the place is usually crowded. The grills and kebabs along with Egyptian bread are worth the wait