Egypt is known as the land of ancient monuments and is famous for its rich history and diverse culture. It's also famous for its great food served with love and mouth-watering attention to detail. Egyptian food is in many ways an amalgamation and glimpse into every civilization that played an influence in shaping the history of this country. The influences and styles all combine and interact for a unique dining experience you'll truly savor.
Egypt is home to a number of restaurants that give locals as well as tourists overwhelming choices in terms of cuisines, taste, variety, price, ambiance, and much more. Bigger towns here like Cairo and Alexandria have more restaurants when compared to the smaller towns which have limited options, but there are also hidden gems all over. From five-star, splendid restaurants to lower-key back-alley places there's a world of possibilities when it comes to Egyptian cuisine.
Some Restaurants Worth Visiting
- Akher Sa’a, located in downtown Cairo. This place is known to serve the best Tamiya and Fuul sandwiches in town spiced up with distinct sauces and extras. The price list is very affordable and the food is fresh and well-cooked.
- Citadel View Restaurant in Cairo is an eating joint that offers a fabulous view and the food served here has a lot of unique French influence. One can enjoy typical Egyptian-style grilled meat feasts and on weekends there is a special meal buffet.
- Andrea’s Chicken and Fish Restaurant near Giza Pyramid serves the best-grilled chicken and mezze in town. The restaurant offers outdoor seating in the garden and there are also special attractions for kids.
- Moghul Rooms near the Giza Pyramids is an expensive place to dine but it’s all worth it for the luxurious interior ambiance and wonderful food. It offers authentic Indian food in an environment that’s sophisticated yet easygoing.
Leaving aside the history, antiquities, and adventure, Egypt can be visited for its food alone. Restaurants in Egypt are many and diverse, authentic, and atmospheric and offer value for money. The typical Egyptian food served in the country is available in plenty of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Also, if wondering if it would be a heavy affair on your wallet, then restaurants in Egypt are places that can ideally suit any budget and taste bud, just finding the right place is needed.
Dining In Alexandria
Alexandria is a popular Mediterranean center of culture and learning. The town has many seafood restaurants serving great food along the coastline. It also has various classical colonial hotels with five-star service and great food. In addition, there are many shisha cafes as well which serve simple Egyptian snacks to go along with your smoke.
Eating Out In Aswan
Aswan is more about scenic beauty than eating out, but there are many good restaurants in town, actually. There are many boat restaurants for lunch and dinner which serve pizza, burgers, sandwiches, typical Egyptian dishes, and more. The cheapest restaurants are in the market area.
Exploring More Restaurants In Cairo
Cairo is the largest city in Africa and has restaurants of every category and budget. From authentic street food stands to Western-style eateries, you can find them all here. The restaurants are particularly concentrated in the bazaar area where you can eat to your heart’s content.
Chill Out At Cafés And Restaurants In Dahab
Dahab is home to many chilled-out cafes located at the beachside. Restaurants here define the day and night life of Dahab and breakfast is mostly pancakes served with fresh juices and milkshakes. And of course, the party is incomplete without shisha and beer. Inside the town area, there are many restaurants that serve a great variety of food and are fun to explore.
Explore Good and History In Luxor
The 3,000-year-old temples at Luxor are the perfect backdrop for a delicious meal. Luxor has many cheap and higher-price delicious restaurants and the location is great with its spectacular view of markets, temples, and the River Nile.
Important Note On Dining Out In Egypt
When in Egypt, you will find food that contains no pork, and eating with the left hand is not allowed. When dining with Muslims, there are also special dining etiquettes that must be followed. Especially keep in mind that it is not appropriate to invite a Muslim friend to join you for a meal during daylight hours in Ramadan.
When at Egyptian restaurants that are informal, sharing a table with total strangers may be required. It’s never considered polite to force a conversation and you must act as if eating at a private table. Women should be seated only with women and you must never summon the staff by their names, just raise a hand or make simple eye contact.
PS: Egyptian Street Food
Street food in Egypt is served in a large variety and is also often delicious. Egyptian street food is especially popular for Koshary, foul, and Tamiya, along with many vegetarian options available. Vegetarians should double-check before consuming, however, as anything that is beef-free is considered vegetarian in Egypt. Other snacks served as street foods include sandwiches in different variants, chicken soup, roast corn, sweet potatoes, and more.
