Eat Local: Where to Go for Some of the Best Authentic Egyptian Food in Cairo
The local culinary scene and traditional Egyptian food is experiencing a wonderful revival as more and more people start to appreciate the depth and variety that you can find here. While traditional food is very often best eaten at home, there are a number of Cairo restaurants that offer pretty much the same experience, with just as much soul and love as you would find in any home kitchen.
Fasahet Somaya – Downtown
This charming little place is owned and run by its namesake, Somaya, an absolute legend of a woman and an icon of the Downtown restaurant scene. The cozy eatery is filled with her fiery and welcoming spirit and Somaya is absolutely the heart and soul of the place. She serves up a set menu of Egyptian dishes each day, and it is hands down some of the best local food you’ll find outside of an Egyptian home. Spaces are limited so make sure to reserve in advance.
Cairo Kitchen – Maadi & Zamalek
Cairo Kitchen is another of this city’s culinary gems, serving up a great menu of authentic local dishes, from a variety of tagens to stuffed vegetables and a delicious rotisserie chicken with molokheya. Their food is always fresh and of the highest quality, and the design of their spaces is always a gorgeous combination of funky modern and traditional Egyptian. They also have deliciously refreshing drinks like lemon-mint and hibiscus so make sure you give them a try!
Zooba – Various Locations
Zooba has an amazing success story, entering the scene around 10 years ago and recently opening a branch all the way in New York! They made a big splash when they first opened their brightly coloured doors, and have since become a bit of a staple. While they faced some resistance at first because of their relatively pricey ful and taameya sandwiches, they have in more than one way proved themselves to be well worth it. Their portions are very generous and they always put their own original twist on traditional dishes so that everything you eat is as exciting as it is comforting.
Abou el Sid – Zamalek
Named after a chef from Fatimid Cairo, Abou el Sid is and has been one of Cairo’s go-to restaurants for anyone looking to enjoy some delicious and authentic Egyptian food. The atmosphere and décor are both reminiscent of Ottoman times and make for a very cozy dining experience. The menu is extensive and the food is always fantastic; the Circasian chicken (chicken with a creamy walnut sauce) is a must-try!
Felfela – Downtown
Felfela is definitely one of the most iconic Egyptian restaurants and so many of us have fond childhood memories of family lunches here. The décor is quite eccentric and a lot of fun to explore, with live birds and some very funky sculptures hidden in every nook and cranny. The food is simple local fare done well, and they also serve beer, making it a great spot to go with friends or to sit alone and people watch. The besara is highly recommended, as is their taameya!
El Prince – Imbaba
This one is perhaps for the more adventurous spirits out there, El Prince is one of Cairo’s most famous eateries, a favorite of locals and a popular spot for tourists in the know. It’s a loud and bustling place where tables are spread out over streets and sidewalks, and servers dance through the crows with massive trays stacked high with different local delicacies. Their specialty is liver, but they also have some of the best molokheya you’ll find anywhere in Cairo. El Prince is definitely worth a try, at least once; it’s an experience unlike any other and the food is spectacular.
Andrea Mariouteya – New Giza
Last but certainly not least is Andrea Mariouteya, named after its original location by the Mariouteya canal in Giza. Andrea has been around since the 50s, and has steadily made a solid name for itself as one of the best restaurants serving traditional Egyptian cuisine in Cairo. It has since moved to a beautiful hill-top spot in New Giza with a jaw-dropping view and a gorgeous outdoor dining space. They’re famous for their rotisserie chicken, as well as their baladi bread, freshly baked at the entrance by local women using a traditional wood-burning clay oven. Their breakfast is to die for, especially their family-sized tray of eggs with basterma, and of course, the feteer (a buttery croissant-like pastry easten with cheese, honey or cream).