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Where to Eat Like a Local in Cairo, From Street Carts to Hidden Gems

Lana Abdelaziz

Cairo is a city where food doesn’t just fill your stomach, it tells a story. From the street corners where the scent of spices fills the air to the quiet, cozy spots tucked away in neighborhoods, eating like a local is one of the best ways to experience the city. As someone who’s been living in Cairo for a while now, I can confidently say that the food scene here has a personality all its own, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re craving a quick bite from a bustling street cart or looking for a hidden gem to unwind with friends, here’s my personal guide to eating like a local in Cairo.

1. Street Food: A Taste of Cairo’s Soul

No trip to Cairo is complete without sampling some of the city’s legendary street food. These vibrant carts and vendors are an integral part of Cairo’s daily rhythm, and I’ve spent countless afternoons savoring their offerings.

Koshary from Abou Tarek

● Koshary from Abou Tarek

If there’s one dish you’ll quickly fall in love with, it’s koshary, a hearty, comforting mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and a tangy tomato sauce. Abou Tarek is the place I always turn to when I want an authentic, no-frills koshary experience. The line of customers tells you everything you need to know about its popularity. For just a few pounds, you can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s been an Egyptian favorite for generations.

Foul and Ta’ameya

● Foul and Ta’ameya

Breakfast in Cairo isn’t complete without foul (fava beans) and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel). It’s the kind of meal that wakes you up and keeps you going. I’ve lost count of how many mornings I’ve started with a warm ta’ameya sandwich filled with fresh herbs and tahini. For the best, I head to Foul Wahid in Downtown Cairo. It’s a no-frills spot where locals crowd around the cart, enjoying their food with a side of chatter and laughter.

2. Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go for a Quiet Feast

While street food is essential, Cairo is also home to some hidden gems where you can enjoy a delicious, more relaxed meal. These spots may not always make it to the tourist guides, but that’s what makes them so special. Living here, I’ve come to see these spots as real gems.

Hawawshi El Refaey

● Hawawshi El Refaey (Sayeda Zeinab)

Tucked away in one of Cairo’s liveliest neighborhoods, El Refaey is the locals’ destination of choice for traditional hawawshi, a beloved Egyptian street food made by stuffing baladi bread with spiced minced meat and baking it till crispy and golden. The second you walk in, the scent of spiced minced meat sizzling in crispy fresh baladi bread hits you, warm, nostalgic, and enticing. It’s not hip, it’s not Instagrammable, and that’s exactly why I love it. Just you, a steaming hot hawawshi straight out of the oven, and the unique buzz of Cairo life outside.

● El Prince (Imbaba)

If you’re looking for a true Egyptian dinner, no frills, all flavor, El Prince in Imbaba is a rite of passage. Their molokhia, a garlicky green soup made from jute leaves, kebda, Alexandria-style liver sauteed with spices and peppers, and meat tagines have that homemade quality of flavor you simply can’t replicate. I’ve had loud, laughter-filled meals here where the food was the centerpiece of the table and the subject of conversation. You’ll wait for a table, but the chaos is part of the charm, and worth it every time.

3. Cafes to Unwind and Savor

Cairo’s cafe culture is an experience in itself. There’s a sense of history and tradition in the air as you sit down with a cup of kahwa (Arabic coffee) or sahlab (a warm, milky drink). These cafes are where time seems to slow down, and I’ve spent many afternoons lingering over a drink, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s energy.

El Fishawy (Khan El Khalili)

● El Fishawy (Khan El Khalili)

No visit to Cairo is complete without a stop at El Fishawy, the legendary cafe in the heart of Khan El Khalili Bazaar. It’s an iconic spot that’s been serving up coffee and tea for centuries. The vibrant atmosphere, with its bustling crowds and clinking cups, is part of the charm. Whether I’m sipping on sahlab in the winter or enjoying a strong kahwa in the summer, this place has a special spot in my heart.strangers. That hospitality? You don’t always get it in other cities.

Cafe Riche

● Cafe Riche (Downtown Cairo)

For a more laid-back experience, Cafe Riche in Downtown Cairo is where I go to soak in the city’s intellectual history. This cafe has been a gathering place for writers and artists for decades. The old-world charm and cozy ambiance make it a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and indulge in some quiet reflection or conversation.

4. Dinner Spots: The Best of Egyptian and Middle Eastern Cuisine

When the sun sets and I’m ready for a proper meal, Cairo offers an incredible array of dinner spots that showcase the flavors of Egypt and the wider Middle East. From lavish dinners to intimate meals, these places never fail to impress.

Abou El Sid

● Abou El Sid (Zamalek)

For a quintessential Egyptian meal, Abou El Sid in Zamalek is my favorite. The restaurant itself is a time capsule of Cairo in the 1930s, with antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, and walls covered in black-and-white photographs. The menu is a paean to traditional Egyptian food, with dishes such as Rice Muammar Tajeen, stuffed pigeon, and Sharkaseya, walnut bread sauce topped with chicken cutlets and served with white rice, all made with real flavors. Dining here is like traveling back in time, with a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that captures the essence of Egypt’s rich culinary heritage.

Zeeyara Restaurant (El Moez Street)

● Zeeyara Restaurant (El Moez Street)

For a true taste of Egypt’s culinary heritage in one of Cairo’s most storied settings, Zeeyara on El Moez Street is the best. Situated at the heart of old Islamic Cairo, this restaurant blends profound tradition with elegant presentation. The cuisine, such as stuffed grape leaves, fattah, a festive dish of rice, crispy bread, and garlic vinegar sauce topped with tender meat, and molokhia with rabbit, is firmly rooted in local taste but reinterpreted into haute cuisine. The atmosphere is almost film-like, especially at night, when the street is illuminated and oud music floats in the background. It’s a place I always recommend to friends seeking an unforgettable, stunningly prepared Egyptian dish in the heart of old Cairo.

5. Desserts: Sweet Treats to End the Meal

I’ve always had a soft spot for Egyptian desserts, and Cairo’s selection of sweets never disappoints. From the delicate to the indulgent, there’s always room for a little something sweet after a meal.

Kunafa

● Mandarine Koueider's Kunafa (Downtown Cairo)

For a never-fail kunafa, I go to Mandarine Koueider. It’s that kind of restaurant that’s stuck in time, beautifully. Their kunafa, a golden, crispy shredded pastry soaked in syrup and often filled with nuts or cream, is perfectly crispy and comes in so many different variations, but I always default to the original nut filling. I’ve purchased boxes here for family meals, Ramadan gatherings, or just a solitary
sweet something on a late-night downtown stroll.

Simonds

● Om Ali at Simonds (Zamalek)

When I’m in the mood for a classic Egyptian dessert that’s comforting, I head to Simonds Bakery in Zamalek. Established in 1898, Simonds has been an institution of Egyptian patisserie, having been the royal palace’s official caterer, no less. Their Om Ali is a heavenly mix of flaky pastry, creamy milk, and generous variety of nuts, the taste of which feels at the same time nostalgic and decadent.sweet something on a late-night downtown stroll.

Living in Cairo is an incredible journey, especially when it comes to the food. The city’s diverse and vibrant food scene has something for everyone, and no matter how long you’ve lived here, there’s always a new spot to discover. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack from a street cart or sitting down to a more leisurely meal in a hidden gem, Cairo’s food culture is something you can’t afford to miss. So, next time you’re in town, take a break from the touristy spots and explore the local flavors, you’ll be glad you did!

Writer Intro: Lana Abdelaziz is an Egyptian journalist, writer, and producer, born in Saudi Arabia. She has lived and worked in Istanbul, where her passion for storytelling continued to grow. Storytelling has always been one of her greatest passions, along with exploring different cultures and sharing fresh perspectives shaped by her rich heritage and experiences. She loves traveling and writing about the places, people, and moments that make every journey unique.
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