Dining in Egypt

Experience authentic Egyptian cuisine, ancient culinary traditions, and flavors that have delighted diners for thousands of years

Egypt's Rich Culinary Heritage

Egyptian cuisine reflects thousands of years of culinary tradition, blending ancient recipes with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences. Food in Egypt is deeply tied to the Nile's agricultural bounty, with staples like bread (aish baladi), fava beans, vegetables, and legumes forming the foundation of the national diet. Egyptian cooking emphasizes slow-cooked dishes, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and communal dining.

🍽️ Egyptian Food Philosophy

Egyptian cuisine is humble yet flavorful, focused on wholesome ingredients and time-tested recipes. Many dishes have been eaten along the Nile for millennia - fava beans, lentils, and bread date back to pharaonic times. Street food culture thrives in bustling markets and corner cafes, while traditional restaurants serve family recipes passed down through generations. Hospitality is paramount - guests are always offered tea and treated with warmth and generosity.

Egyptian Food and Cuisine

🍖 Must-Try Egyptian Dishes

Egyptian National Dishes

  • Ful Medames (فول مدمس): Egypt's national dish - slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, garlic. Eaten for breakfast for thousands of years!
  • Koshari (كشري): Egypt's beloved street food - rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, crispy onions, spicy tomato sauce. Hearty, vegetarian, addictive!
  • Ta'ameya (طعمية): Egyptian falafel made with fava beans (not chickpeas), herbs. Breakfast staple, often in sandwiches.
  • Molokhia (ملوخية): Green leafy soup (jute mallow) with garlic, coriander, served over rice with chicken or rabbit. Ancient dish dating to pharaonic times!
  • Mahshi (محشي): Stuffed vegetables - grape leaves, zucchini, peppers, eggplant filled with rice, herbs, sometimes meat.
  • Hamam Mahshi (حمام محشي): Stuffed roasted pigeon with rice or freekeh - traditional delicacy

Egyptian Mezze & Appetizers

  • Hummus (حمص): Creamy chickpea dip with tahini, lemon, garlic
  • Baba Ganoush (بابا غنوج): Smoky roasted eggplant dip
  • Tahini Salad: Sesame paste with lemon and garlic
  • Egyptian Salad (سلطة بلدي): Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lemon
  • Torshi (طرشي): Pickled vegetables - turnips, carrots, peppers
  • Baba Ganoush: Grilled eggplant with tahini
  • Basterma: Cured, spiced beef - Egyptian delicacy

Popular Street Food

  • Koshari Carts: Egypt's fast food - cheap (EGP 15-30), filling, delicious
  • Ful & Ta'ameya Sandwiches: Breakfast favorite (EGP 10-25)
  • Shawarma: Grilled meat wrap - chicken or beef (EGP 25-50)
  • Hawawshi (حواوشي): Spiced minced meat stuffed in baladi bread, baked (EGP 25-50)
  • Liver Sandwiches: Alexandria specialty - fried liver with spices (EGP 20-40)
  • Sambousek: Fried savory pastries with cheese or meat (EGP 5-15 each)
  • Koshary Abu Tarek: Most famous koshari restaurant in Cairo!

Grilled Meats & Kebabs

  • Kebab & Kofta: Grilled lamb/beef kebabs and minced meat skewers
  • Shish Tawook: Marinated grilled chicken
  • Mixed Grill: Combination of kebabs, kofta, chicken, lamb chops
  • Grilled Pigeon (Hamam): Stuffed with rice - Egyptian specialty
  • Samak Mashwi: Grilled Nile perch or sea fish
  • Restaurants: Abou El Sid, Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, El-Tabei El-Domyati

Soups & Stews

  • Molokhia Soup: Green jute mallow soup - ancient Egyptian dish
  • Shorbet Ads (عدس): Lentil soup with cumin, lemon - warming comfort food
  • Fattah (فتة): Layered dish with rice, bread, meat in vinegar-garlic sauce
  • Bamia (بامية): Okra stew with tomato, lamb or beef
  • Tagines: Slow-cooked meat and vegetable stews

Egyptian Sweets & Desserts

  • Basbousa (بسبوسة): Semolina cake soaked in syrup, coconut
  • Konafa (كنافة): Shredded pastry with sweet cheese or cream filling
  • Umm Ali (أم علي): Bread pudding with milk, nuts, raisins - Egyptian classic!
  • Baklava: Layered filo pastry with nuts and honey
  • Halawa: Sesame-based sweet (tahini halva)
  • Feteer Meshaltet: Flaky layered pastry, sweet or savory

🍽️ Dining Experiences in Egypt

🌟 Fine Dining & Upscale Restaurants

  • Sequoia (Cairo): Mediterranean cuisine with Nile views, trendy Zamalek location
  • Osmanly Restaurant (Cairo Marriott): Ottoman Turkish cuisine in historic palace
  • Crimson (Four Seasons Cairo): International fine dining overlooking Nile
  • 1902 Restaurant (Sofitel Alexandria): French-Mediterranean in historic hotel
  • Abou El Sid: Upscale traditional Egyptian cuisine (multiple locations)
  • Kazoku (Cairo): Japanese fusion in trendy setting
  • Cost: EGP 500-1,500+ per person (fine dining), EGP 200-500 (upscale)

🥘 Traditional Egyptian Restaurants

  • Abou El Sid: Authentic Egyptian in traditional décor (Cairo, multiple branches)
  • El-Tabei El-Domyati: Traditional Egyptian dishes, Downtown Cairo since 1950s
  • Felfela: Egyptian classics, central locations, tourist-friendly
  • Andrea El Mariouteya: Grilled chicken and pigeon near Pyramids
  • Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: In Khan el-Khalili, traditional atmosphere
  • Zooba: Modern Egyptian street food, fresh ingredients
  • Cost: EGP 100-300 per person

🍢 Middle Eastern & Arabic Cuisine

  • Abu Shakra: Famous for grilled meats since 1960s
  • El Shabrawy: Chain serving Egyptian and Lebanese food
  • Kazaz: Lebanese mezze and grills
  • Al-Azhar Restaurant: Near Islamic Cairo, traditional mezze
  • Taboula (Lebanese): Authentic Lebanese in Zamalek
  • Cost: EGP 150-400 per person

🌍 International Cuisine

  • Italian: La Gourmandise, Maison Thomas (pizza since 1922)
  • Asian: Kazoku (Japanese), Peking (Chinese), Thai (multiple)
  • Indian: Kandahar, Moghul Room
  • French: La Bodega, Le Deck
  • International Hotels: Four Seasons, Marriott, Kempinski restaurants

☕ Traditional Egyptian Cafes (Ahwas)

  • El Fishawy (Khan el-Khalili): Operating since 1773! Legendary historic cafe
  • Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: In Khan el-Khalili bazaar
  • El-Horreya Cafe: Downtown Cairo institution since 1920s
  • Café Riche: Historic political meeting place, Downtown
  • Experience: Shisha (hookah), Egyptian tea, Turkish coffee, backgammon
  • Cost: EGP 20-80 for drinks and shisha

🍕 Casual & Budget Dining

  • Koshary Abu Tarek: Most famous koshari in Egypt! (Downtown Cairo)
  • Gad Restaurants: Egyptian fast food chain (rotisserie chicken, sandwiches)
  • Zooba: Trendy Egyptian street food, modern setting
  • Local Ful & Falafel Shops: Authentic breakfast spots (EGP 10-30)
  • Shawarma Stands: Quick meals throughout cities (EGP 25-50)
  • Cost: EGP 30-150 per person

☕ Egyptian Beverages & Drinks

Traditional Hot Drinks

  • Egyptian Tea (Shai): Strong black tea, usually with lots of sugar. Served all day, everywhere!
  • Turkish Coffee (Ahwa): Thick, strong coffee grounds, sweetness ordered (sada=no sugar, mazbout=medium, ziyada=sweet)
  • Sahlab: Hot milk drink with orchid root, coconut, nuts - winter favorite
  • Helba: Fenugreek drink, sweet, believed to have health benefits
  • Yansoon: Anise tea - soothing, aromatic

Refreshing Cold Drinks

  • Karkadeh (كركديه): Hibiscus tea, served cold, tart and refreshing. Egypt's traditional summer drink!
  • Asab (عصب): Fresh sugar cane juice - sweet, energizing, sold from street carts
  • Tamr Hindi: Tamarind juice - sweet and tangy
  • Limon bil Na'na: Fresh lemon mint juice
  • Sobia: Coconut milk drink, popular during Ramadan
  • Fresh Fruit Juices: Mango, guava, strawberry, mixed (aseer)

Coffee & Tea Culture

  • Ahwa (Cafe): Traditional coffeehouses throughout Egypt
  • Shisha (Hookah): Flavored tobacco water pipes, social activity
  • Nescafe: Instant coffee surprisingly popular in cafes!
  • Mint Tea: Fresh mint leaves, hot water, sugar
  • Cost: EGP 10-30 for tea/coffee, EGP 30-60 for shisha
  • Experience: Sit for hours, chat, watch people, play backgammon

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Availability: Only in licensed hotels, tourist restaurants, some stores
  • Local Beer: Stella (Egyptian lager), Sakara Gold
  • Imported Beer: Heineken, Corona available at higher prices
  • Wine: Imported wines at hotels and upscale restaurants
  • Spirits: Available but expensive in licensed venues
  • Note: Alcohol not sold in local shops; must buy from hotels or duty-free
  • Ramadan: Alcohol service restricted even in hotels during daylight

📍 Where to Eat in Egypt

🏙️ Cairo Dining Districts

  • Zamalek: Upscale island district - trendy restaurants, cafes, Nile views
    • Sequoia, Kazoku, L'Aubergine, Abu El Sid
    • European-style cafes and bakeries
    • Mix of Egyptian and international cuisine
  • Downtown Cairo: Historic area - traditional eateries, street food
    • Koshary Abu Tarek, Felfela, El-Horreya Cafe
    • Budget-friendly authentic Egyptian food
    • Street food vendors and juice stands
  • Islamic Cairo / Khan el-Khalili: Medieval atmosphere
    • El Fishawy Cafe (since 1773), Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
    • Traditional Egyptian restaurants
    • Historic ambiance while dining
  • Heliopolis: Affluent suburb - family restaurants
    • Mix of Egyptian and international
    • Popular with local Egyptian families
  • Maadi: Expat-friendly area - international restaurants
    • Western food options
    • Cafes and bakeries

⛵ Nile River Dining

  • Nile Cruise Dinner Boats: Floating restaurants with buffet, live entertainment, belly dancing
    • Cost: EGP 300-800 per person (buffet + show)
    • Duration: 2-3 hours cruising Nile
    • Book through hotel or tour operators
  • Riverside Restaurants: Garden City, Zamalek, Giza Corniche
    • Sequoia, Tamarai, Pier 88
    • Stunning Nile sunset views
    • Romantic atmosphere, higher prices

🍽️ Luxor & Aswan Dining

Luxor:

  • Sofra Restaurant: Traditional Egyptian in historic house
  • 1886 Restaurant (Sofitel Winter Palace): Historic French-Egyptian
  • Street food near Luxor Temple and market
  • Hotel restaurants with Nile views

Aswan:

  • Nubian restaurants: Traditional Nubian cuisine
  • 1902 Restaurant (Old Cataract Hotel): Historic colonial-era dining
  • Nile-side cafes and restaurants
  • Fresh fish from Lake Nasser

🏖️ Red Sea Dining (Hurghada/Sharm)

  • Resort Dining: All-inclusive buffets, international cuisine
  • Fresh Seafood: Red Sea fish, grilled or fried
  • Marina Restaurants: Hurghada Marina, Naama Bay
  • Prices: Higher than mainland (tourist resort pricing)

🏛️ Alexandria Dining

  • Fish Market Restaurant: Choose your fish, they cook it!
  • Greek Club (Elite Club): Mediterranean cuisine, historic setting
  • Corniche Cafes: Sea views, fresh seafood
  • Mohammed Ahmed: Famous for ful and falafel since 1950s

🌟 Famous & Must-Visit Food Spots

Koshary Abu Tarek

Location: Downtown Cairo (Champollion Street)
Famous For: Egypt's best koshari - the national dish!
History: Family business, beloved Cairo institution
Cost: EGP 25-50 (incredibly cheap for quality!)
Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM daily
Tips: Always crowded (good sign!), takeaway available
Must-Order: Large koshari with extra sauce and onions

El Fishawy Cafe

Location: Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Islamic Cairo
History: Operating since 1773 - over 250 years!
Famous For: Shisha, mint tea, historic atmosphere
Experience: Mirrors everywhere, traditional décor, locals and tourists
Cost: EGP 50-150 for tea, shisha, light food
Hours: 24/7 - never closes!
Tips: Best in evening; order mint tea and shisha, soak in atmosphere

Zooba

Locations: Zamalek, 6th of October City (multiple branches in Cairo)
Concept: Modern Egyptian street food, fresh local ingredients
Menu: Ta'ameya, hawawshi, koshari, mahshi - elevated versions
Atmosphere: Trendy, young crowd, colorful décor
Cost: EGP 100-200 per person
Popular With: Young Egyptians and expats
Tips: Great for first-time trying Egyptian food in clean setting

Abou El Sid

Locations: Zamalek, Downtown, Maadi
Style: Upscale traditional Egyptian restaurant
Décor: Authentic 1950s Egyptian home atmosphere
Menu: All classic Egyptian dishes done well
Cost: EGP 200-400 per person
Best For: Tourists wanting quality Egyptian food
Tips: Try molokhia, grilled pigeon, umm ali dessert

Andrea El Mariouteya

Location: Near Giza Pyramids (59 Mariouteya Canal)
Famous For: Grilled chicken and pigeon since 1960s
Setting: Garden restaurant, outdoor dining
Specialty: Hamam (pigeon), grilled chicken, mezze
Cost: EGP 150-300 per person
Tips: Popular lunch spot after visiting Pyramids
Transport: Uber or taxi from Pyramids (10 minutes)

Sequoia

Location: Zamalek, along Nile River
Type: Mediterranean fusion, upscale lounge
Famous For: Stunning Nile views, trendy atmosphere
Best For: Sunset dining, cocktails, socializing
Cost: EGP 400-800 per person
Reservation: Essential, especially weekends
Dress Code: Smart casual

🌮 Egyptian Street Food - The Heart of Egyptian Cuisine

Why Egyptian Street Food is Amazing

Egyptian street food is where the country's culinary soul truly shines. Cheap, delicious, and authentic, street vendors and small shops serve food that Egyptians have eaten for generations. From koshari carts to ful breakfast stands, street food offers the most authentic taste of Egypt at incredibly affordable prices.

Essential Street Foods to Try

  • Koshari (كشري): EGP 15-30
    • Mixed rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, spicy tomato sauce
    • Entirely vegetarian and incredibly filling
    • Found at dedicated koshari shops everywhere
    • Best: Koshary Abu Tarek (Downtown Cairo)
  • Ful & Ta'ameya Sandwich: EGP 10-25
    • Fava bean stew or falafel in baladi bread
    • Traditional Egyptian breakfast
    • Topped with tahini, vegetables, pickles
    • Found at small shops and carts citywide
  • Hawawshi (حواوشي): EGP 25-50
    • Spiced minced meat stuffed in baladi bread, baked crispy
    • Like a meat-filled pita pizza
    • Order "hawawshi bi'l-lahma" (with meat)
  • Liver Sandwiches: EGP 20-40
    • Alexandria specialty - fried liver with peppers, spices
    • In pita bread with tahini
    • Try at "El-Prince" in Alexandria
  • Fresh Juice Stands: EGP 10-25
    • Sugar cane (asab), mango, guava, strawberry
    • Freshly squeezed, no ice (ask for "min gheir talg")
    • Avoid water-based drinks if unsure of cleanliness

Street Food Safety Tips

  • Choose Busy Stands: High turnover = fresh food
  • Avoid Tap Water: Including ice, salads washed in tap water
  • Watch Preparation: Make sure food cooked fresh in front of you
  • Start Slow: Try small portions first to adjust stomach
  • Morning is Safest: Food freshly prepared
  • Bring Sanitizer: Wash hands before eating
  • Bottled Water: Always drink bottled water, not tap
Egyptian Street Food

🍴 Dining Etiquette & Customs

Table Manners

  • Right Hand: Eat with right hand only (left hand considered unclean)
  • Bread: Used as utensil to scoop food - tear with right hand
  • Hospitality: Hosts may insist you eat more - polite to accept
  • Finish Plate: Cleaning plate shows you enjoyed meal
  • Tea Offer: Always offered after meal - accept for politeness
  • Sharing: Dishes often shared family-style

Restaurant Customs

  • Tipping: 10-15% standard in restaurants (not always included)
  • Service: Can be slow - patience appreciated
  • Calling Waiter: "Ya basha" (sir) or raise hand politely
  • Bill: Request with "al-hisab, min fadlak" (the bill, please)
  • Splitting Bill: Not common - one person usually pays
  • Water: Always order bottled water, not tap

Ramadan Dining

  • Daytime: Most restaurants closed; tourist hotels remain open
  • No Public Eating: Don't eat/drink in public during fasting hours
  • Iftar (Sunset): Special buffets when fast breaks (EGP 200-600)
  • Suhoor (Pre-dawn): Special late-night meals before fasting begins
  • Atmosphere: Festive evenings, special Ramadan decorations
  • Booking: Reserve Iftar meals in advance

Dietary Considerations

  • Halal: All meat in Egypt is halal (Islamic slaughter)
  • Pork: Not available (Islamic country)
  • Vegetarian: Many options - ful, ta'ameya, koshari, vegetables
  • Vegan: Possible but challenging - specify "min gheir zibda" (no butter)
  • Allergies: Communicate clearly - "ana 'andi hasaseya min..." (I'm allergic to...)
  • Spicy: Not typically very spicy; ask for "har" (hot) if desired

💰 Dining Cost Guide

Meal Prices in Egypt

  • Budget Street Food: EGP 15-50 per meal
    • Koshari: EGP 15-30
    • Ful/falafel sandwich: EGP 10-25
    • Shawarma sandwich: EGP 25-50
    • Juice: EGP 10-25
  • Casual Local Restaurants: EGP 80-200 per person
    • Full meal with sides and drinks
    • Traditional Egyptian restaurants
    • Small neighborhood eateries
  • Mid-Range Restaurants: EGP 200-400 per person
    • Better quality traditional Egyptian (Abou El Sid, Felfela)
    • International chains
    • Hotel restaurants
  • Upscale / Fine Dining: EGP 500-1,500+ per person
    • Nile-view restaurants
    • Five-star hotel dining
    • International fine dining
  • Nile Cruise Dinner: EGP 300-800 per person
    • Buffet dinner with entertainment
    • Belly dancing show
    • 2-3 hour cruise

Drinks & Beverages

  • Egyptian Tea: EGP 5-20
  • Turkish Coffee: EGP 10-30
  • Fresh Juice: EGP 15-40
  • Bottled Water: EGP 5-15 (always order bottled!)
  • Soft Drinks: EGP 10-25
  • Shisha: EGP 30-100 at cafes
  • Alcohol (hotels only): EGP 80-200+ per drink

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • Street food is incredibly cheap and authentic (EGP 15-50 per meal)
  • Eat where locals eat - avoid tourist-area restaurants (save 50-70%)
  • Koshari is filling, delicious, and costs EGP 20-30
  • Lunch menus often cheaper than dinner at same restaurant
  • Ahwas (cafes) very cheap - EGP 20-50 for tea and shisha
  • Supermarkets (Carrefour, Metro) for snacks and bottled water
  • Avoid hotel restaurants unless buffet deals
  • Share large mezze platters to try more dishes for less

🍽️ Tipping in Egypt

  • Restaurants: 10-15% of bill (check if service charge included)
  • Street Food: Rounding up or EGP 2-5 appreciated
  • Cafes: EGP 5-10 for waiter
  • Delivery: EGP 10-20 for delivery person
  • Hotel Dining: 10-15% standard
  • Note: Service charge (خدمة) sometimes included - check bill

⚠️ Food Safety Tips

  • Bottled Water Only: Never drink tap water or beverages with ice from unknown sources
  • Avoid: Raw salads (may be washed in tap water), fresh juices with added water
  • Peel Fruits: Only eat fruits you peel yourself (bananas, oranges)
  • Cooked Foods: Stick to well-cooked, hot food
  • Busy Places: High turnover means fresher food
  • Bring Medication: For potential stomach issues ("Pharaoh's Revenge")
  • Start Gradually: Let stomach adjust to new foods and spices

🎯 Food Tours & Culinary Experiences

Cairo Food Walking Tours

  • Downtown Cairo street food tour
  • Khan el-Khalili food and culture tour
  • Try 10+ Egyptian dishes in 3-4 hours
  • Local guide explains history and culture
  • Cost: EGP 400-800 per person
  • Includes: All food tastings, guide, transport between stops

Traditional Egyptian Cooking Class

  • Learn to make koshari, molokhia, mahshi
  • Local chef or home cook instructor
  • Market visit to buy fresh ingredients
  • Cook and eat your creations
  • Cost: EGP 500-1,200 per person
  • Duration: 3-5 hours including market and cooking

Nile Dinner Cruise

  • Floating restaurant on the Nile
  • International and Egyptian buffet
  • Live entertainment: belly dancing, tanoura (whirling dervish)
  • 2-3 hour cruise with Cairo skyline views
  • Cost: EGP 300-800 per person
  • Book through hotel or tour operators

Felucca Sunset with Picnic

  • Traditional sailboat on the Nile
  • Bring your own food/drinks or arrange with boat owner
  • Peaceful sailing at sunset
  • Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan
  • Cost: EGP 100-200 per hour for boat
  • Perfect for romantic dinner or relaxing experience

Nubian Dinner Experience (Aswan)

  • Traditional Nubian village dinner
  • Authentic Nubian cuisine and culture
  • Music and dancing
  • Colorful Nubian home setting
  • Cost: EGP 300-600 per person
  • Book through Aswan hotels or tour operators

Bedouin Dinner in Desert

  • Traditional Bedouin meal under stars
  • White Desert or Sinai Peninsula
  • Grilled meats, rice, tea around campfire
  • Part of desert safari packages
  • Authentic cultural experience
  • Usually included in overnight desert tours

🏆 Top Restaurant Recommendations by Budget

💰 Budget-Friendly (EGP 50-150)

  • Koshary Abu Tarek: Best koshari in Egypt (Downtown Cairo)
  • Gad Restaurants: Egyptian fast food chain, rotisserie chicken
  • Zooba: Modern street food, clean and tasty (Zamalek)
  • Local Ful Shops: Authentic breakfast, every neighborhood
  • El Shabrawy: Egyptian and Lebanese, multiple locations
  • Al-Azhar Restaurant: Traditional near Islamic Cairo

💳 Mid-Range (EGP 200-400)

  • Abou El Sid: Upscale Egyptian cuisine (Zamalek, Downtown, Maadi)
  • Felfela: Egyptian classics, central locations (since 1959)
  • Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: In Khan el-Khalili, traditional setting
  • Sofra (Luxor): Traditional Egyptian in historic house
  • Abu Shakra: Famous grilled meats since 1960s
  • Andrea El Mariouteya: Grilled pigeon and chicken near Pyramids

💎 Fine Dining (EGP 500-1,500+)

  • Sequoia: Mediterranean fusion, stunning Nile views (Zamalek)
  • Osmanly (Cairo Marriott): Ottoman cuisine in palace setting
  • Crimson (Four Seasons): International fine dining, Nile views
  • 1902 (Sofitel Alexandria): French-Mediterranean, historic
  • 1886 (Winter Palace Luxor): Colonial-era elegance
  • Old Cataract (Aswan): Historic hotel, Nile-view dining

🍽️ Must-Try Food Experiences

  • Breakfast at Ful Shop: Start day like Egyptians with ful medames (EGP 20-40)
  • Koshari at Abu Tarek: Egypt's national dish at its best (EGP 25-50)
  • Tea at El Fishawy: 250-year-old cafe in Khan el-Khalili (EGP 50-100)
  • Grilled Pigeon at Andrea: Traditional Egyptian specialty (EGP 200-300)
  • Nile Dinner Cruise: Buffet, belly dancing, Cairo lights (EGP 400-800)
  • Molokhia: Ancient Egyptian soup - must try! (Any traditional restaurant)
  • Umm Ali Dessert: Egypt's famous bread pudding (EGP 40-80)
  • Fresh Sugar Cane Juice: Street vendors (EGP 10-20)

📱 Food Delivery Apps

  • Talabat: Most popular food delivery in Egypt
  • Elmenus: Egyptian food delivery app
  • Uber Eats: Available in Cairo, limited coverage
  • Payment: Cash on delivery or card via app
  • Tips: Convenient for hotel dining, EGP 10-20 delivery tip

🥤 Where to Get Safe Drinking Water

  • Buy bottled water from supermarkets, kiosks
  • Brands: Baraka, Nestlé Pure Life, Aqua Delta, Hayat
  • Cost: EGP 5-15 for 1.5L bottle
  • Hotels provide complimentary bottles
  • Always verify bottle seal is intact
  • Avoid: Tap water, ice from unknown sources, fountain drinks

🗺️ Regional Egyptian Specialties

Cairo Specialties

  • Koshari: THE Cairo dish - find best at Abu Tarek
  • Ful Medames: Breakfast staple everywhere
  • Hawawshi: Meat-stuffed bread, Cairo favorite
  • Feteer: Flaky pastry, sweet or savory
  • Variety: Everything available in Cairo

Alexandria Specialties

  • Fresh Seafood: Mediterranean fish, shrimp, calamari
  • Liver Sandwiches: Fried liver with spices - Alexandria famous dish
  • Fish Market Restaurants: Choose fish, they grill it
  • Mediterranean Influence: Greek and Italian flavors
  • Best: Corniche seafood restaurants with sea views

Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan)

  • Grilled Nile Perch: Fresh from the Nile River
  • Nubian Cuisine: Unique dishes in Aswan
  • Tagines: Slow-cooked stews, influenced by North Africa
  • Spicier Food: More heat than northern Egypt
  • Dining: Often in hotel restaurants or simple local spots

Sinai & Red Sea

  • Fresh Red Sea Fish: Grouper, sea bass, shrimp
  • Bedouin Cuisine: Grilled meats, rice, traditional bread
  • Resort Dining: International buffets at all-inclusive hotels
  • Beach BBQ: Fresh seafood grilled beachside
  • Prices: Higher than mainland (resort premium)

Oases (Siwa, Bahariya)

  • Dates: Fresh dates from palm groves
  • Olive Oil: Local olive production
  • Simple Food: Basic but fresh ingredients
  • Bedouin Meals: Traditional desert cuisine
  • Limited Options: Few restaurants - often eat at hotels

Seasonal & Festival Foods

  • Ramadan: Dates, qatayef (sweet pancakes), konafa, special Iftar meals
  • Eid: Kahk (cookies), biscuits, festive sweets
  • Sham El-Nessim: Spring festival - salted fish (fesikh), onions, eggs
  • Winter: Sahlab, roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts from street vendors

📋 Practical Dining Information

🕒 Meal Times in Egypt

  • Breakfast (Fetur - فطور): 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Ful medames, ta'ameya, eggs, cheese, bread, tea
    • Street breakfast shops busiest 7-9 AM
  • Lunch (Ghada - غداء): 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Main meal of day for many Egyptians
    • Restaurants busy 2-4 PM
    • Some close 5-7 PM between lunch and dinner
  • Dinner (Asha - عشاء): 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
    • Lighter than lunch traditionally
    • Restaurants fill up 8-10 PM
    • Street food active until late night
  • Late Night: Ahwas (cafes) and some eateries open until 2-3 AM

📅 Restaurant Hours

  • Most Restaurants: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (or later)
  • Street Food: 6:00 AM - late night (some 24/7)
  • Ahwas (Cafes): 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM (or 24/7 like El Fishawy)
  • Hotel Restaurants: Fixed meal times for breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Friday: Some restaurants close for midday prayers (1-3 PM)
  • Ramadan: Daytime closures, open after sunset for Iftar

💳 Payment & Tipping

  • Payment: Cash preferred in most places (EGP)
  • Credit Cards: Accepted at upscale restaurants and hotels only
  • Mobile Payment: Rare - bring cash
  • Bill: Ask "al-hisab, min fadlak" (the bill, please)
  • Service Charge: Check if included (خدمة - khidma)
  • Tipping: 10-15% if service not included
  • Street Food: Round up or add EGP 2-5

🍽️ Ordering Tips

  • Mezze: Order multiple small dishes to share
  • Main Course: Often large portions - consider sharing
  • Ask for Recommendations: "Eh ahsan haga?" (What's the best thing?)
  • Spice Level: Specify "mish har" (not spicy) if sensitive
  • Bread: Complimentary baladi bread usually provided
  • Water: Always specify "mayya ma'daniya" (bottled water)

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Tap Water: NEVER drink - bottled water only!
  • Ice: Avoid unless from reputable hotel/restaurant
  • Salads: May be washed in tap water - order at own risk
  • Food Hygiene: Varies greatly - stick to busy, reputable places
  • Stomach Issues: Common for travelers - bring medication
  • Alcohol: Only available in licensed hotels and tourist restaurants

🗣️ Useful Arabic Food Phrases

Ordering & Requests

  • Menu: "Al-menu, min fadlak" (المنيو، من فضلك)
  • Water: "Mayya ma'daniya" (مياه معدنية - bottled water)
  • Bill: "Al-hisab, min fadlak" (الحساب، من فضلك)
  • No ice: "Min gheir talg" (من غير ثلج)
  • Not spicy: "Mish har" (مش حار)
  • Delicious: "Tayyib awi!" (طيب قوي)

Common Dishes

  • Koshari: كشري
  • Ful medames: فول مدمس
  • Ta'ameya: طعمية (falafel)
  • Molokhia: ملوخية
  • Kebab: كباب
  • Kofta: كفتة

Drinks

  • Tea: "Shai" (شاي)
  • Coffee: "Ahwa" (قهوة)
  • Juice: "Aseer" (عصير)
  • Sugar cane juice: "Asab" (قصب)
  • Mint: "Na'na" (نعناع)
  • No sugar: "Min gheir sukkar" (من غير سكر)

Helpful Expressions

  • Thank you: "Shukran" (شكرا)
  • Enjoy your meal: "Bil hana wal shifa" (بالهناء والشفاء)
  • Very tasty: "Tayyib geddan" (طيب جداً)
  • I'm allergic: "Ana 'andi hasasiya" (أنا عندي حساسية)
  • Vegetarian: "Nabati" (نباتي)

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