Cairo is Cairo's food culture is Egyptian heritage + Pyramids gateway — Koshary Abou Tarek (iconic Egyptian koshary canonical $2-5 since 1950). El Fishawi (Khan el-Khalili 1773 heritage cafe). Felfela (heritage Egyptian since 1959 $5-15). Ful + Ta'amiya + Mahshi + Molokhia ubiquitous Egyptian classics $3-10. Khan el-Khalili heritage bazaar dining atmospheric. Nile dinner cruise ($30-80 atmospheric Cairo). Mena House (iconic Pyramids view luxury $50-150). Stella + Sakara beer ($3-6 Egyptian beer). One of cheapest North African destinations. We've organized 14 restaurants across 4 categories. Each entry includes prices, hours, local tips, and a Google Maps link so you can plan straight from the page.
Abou Tarek koshary, Felfela, Abou El Sid, Andrea Mariouteya — the standard Egyptian sit-down restaurants
Abou Tarek
Abou Tarek · Downtown Cairo
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#1
MUST TRY
Koshary regular ($1.50), koshary large ($2.50), spicy + extra dakka (garlic-vinegar sauce) on the side
The reference koshary spot in Cairo — over 50 years in operation. Egypt's national dish (rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, crispy onions) for $1-3 a bowl. Multiple Downtown branches; the main one on Maarouf Street is the original.
$1-3
(EGP 50-100)
10:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Cash and cards. No reservations. Self-serve at the counter; pay first, then sit. Tip 5-10%.
Downtown Cairo institution since the 1960s — Egyptian classics in a tourist-friendly sit-down format. Photo menus, English-speaking staff, central location near Tahrir Square. The reliable introduction to Egyptian food for first-time visitors.
$3-8
(EGP 100-300)
12:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Cards and cash. Walk-in usually fine. Tip 5-10%. The mezze platter is the best way to sample multiple dishes.
Open-air Egyptian-Greek restaurant in a garden setting near the Pyramids — popular family lunch spot for both Cairo locals and tourists. The grilled chicken is the signature; large groups order the whole bird.
$10-25
(EGP 300-750)
12:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Reserve Fri-Sat lunch. Cards and cash. Tip 10%. Family-friendly with a playground area.
Molokhia with rabbit ($28), mahshi sampler ($22), Egyptian tasting menu ($35)
Mid-range Egyptian restaurant chain — multiple Cairo locations (Zamalek is the original). Authentic Egyptian classics in a stylish dining-room setting; the Zamalek branch is one of the best mid-range Egyptian sit-down options in the city.
$15-40
(EGP 450-1,200)
12:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Reserve Fri-Sat. Cards and cash. Tip 10%. The molokhia (Egyptian green soup) is the dish to order.
El Fishawi (since 1797), Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop — the historic cafés of Old Cairo
El Fishawi (since 1797)
El Fishawi · Khan el-Khalili
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#1
MUST TRY
Mint tea ($2), karkadeh hibiscus tea ($2), apple shisha ($5), Turkish coffee ($3)
Cairo's oldest café — opened in 1797 in the heart of Khan el-Khalili. Naguib Mahfouz (Egypt's Nobel laureate in literature) wrote here. Open 24 hours; the standard order is mint tea and shisha while watching the bazaar pass by.
$3-10
(EGP 100-300)
24h daily
Local tip: Cash and cards. Open 24 hours. Tip 5-10%. The mirrors and brass interior are the photo draw. Cheaper than the rooftop cafés a few blocks away.
Egyptian tasting menu ($25), grilled kebab ($18), traditional Egyptian salads ($10-14)
Named for the Nobel laureate Egyptian author — a more polished Khan el-Khalili dining option than El Fishawi, with table service and a full Egyptian menu. The literary atmosphere and Khan el-Khalili setting draw most visitors.
$10-30
(EGP 300-900)
10:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Cards and cash. Reserve Fri-Sat for dinner. Tip 5-10%. Walking distance from El Fishawi (both inside Khan el-Khalili).
Mint tea (shai bil naana, $1), karkadeh hibiscus tea ($1-2, served hot or iced), Turkish coffee ($2)
Mint tea and karkadeh (hibiscus tea) are the standard Egyptian beverages. Karkadeh is served hot in winter and iced in summer; mint tea is poured strong and sweet. Available at El Fishawi, Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop, and every neighborhood café.
$1-3 tea
(EGP 30-100)
Daily morning + evening
Local tip: Cash preferred. Tip 5-10%. Try both hot and iced karkadeh — different drinks. Carry small EGP notes.
Opened in 1869 as a royal hunting lodge — Cairo's most famous hotel and the only place in the world to dine with the Pyramids of Giza framed in the window. The afternoon tea is a more affordable way to experience the property than a full dinner.
$50-150
(EGP 1,500-4,500)
12:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Reserve Fri-Sat sunset for the best Pyramid lighting. Cards and cash. Smart casual / no shorts. Marriott Bonvoy points apply.
Standard 2-hour Nile dinner cruise — buffet with Egyptian classics (koshary, kofta, salads), live belly dancing, and a tanoura whirling dervish performance. The most-booked Cairo evening activity for first-time visitors.
$40-80
(EGP 1,200-2,400)
20:00-22:00 daily
Local tip: Pre-book online via Klook or Viator (15-20% cheaper than walk-up at the dock). Departures at 20:00 daily. Vegetarian options available; pre-notify.
Zamalek's open-air Nile-side dining destination — Egyptian-Mediterranean menu with riverfront tables. Popular with Cairo locals, expats and visitors wanting a relaxed Nile sunset dinner.
$30-70
(EGP 900-2,100)
13:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Reserve Fri-Sat — the river-view tables sell out. Cards and cash. Tip 5-10%. Smart casual.
Bella restaurant tasting menu ($150), Zitouni Egyptian fine dining ($100), Sunday brunch ($120)
Four Seasons First Residence Cairo houses Bella (Italian), Zitouni (Egyptian), and an Indian fine-dining room. The Nile-side terrace seating is one of the better luxury dinner views in the city.
$80-200
(EGP 2,400-6,000)
12:00-24:00 daily
Local tip: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead. Smart casual / no shorts. Cards and cash. Sunday brunch is the most-booked weekend meal.
The food court area within Khan el-Khalili — small Egyptian street food stalls and informal sit-down spots. Useful for a quick midday break between shopping and the El Fishawi tea stop.
$3-10
(EGP 100-300)
9:00-23:00 daily
Local tip: Cash preferred. Tip 5-10%. Bargain on tourist menu pricing — locals pay 30-50% less.
Ta'ameya sandwich ($1, in baladi bread with tomato + tahini), ta'ameya plate ($2)
Egyptian falafel — made with fava beans (not chickpeas like the Levantine version), parsley and spices. Sold from street carts and small shops citywide; $1-2 for a quick filling meal. A daily Egyptian staple.
$1-2
(EGP 30-60)
Daily morning + afternoon
Local tip: Cash only. Most popular stalls have queues at morning and lunch. The sandwich version is the standard order.
Ful medames bowl ($1, slow-cooked fava beans with cumin, lemon, garlic, olive oil), with baladi bread
Egypt's standard breakfast — slow-cooked fava beans dressed with cumin, lemon, garlic and olive oil, served with baladi bread. Sold from carts across the city in the morning. Cheap, filling, vegan-friendly.
$1-2
(EGP 30-60)
Daily morning
Local tip: Cash only. Best between 7:00-10:00 — the carts cook fresh batches overnight. $1 for a satisfying meal.
Koshary Abou Tarek + Felfela + ful + ta'amiya + Khan el-Khalili street + Stella beer. One of cheapest destinations.
Mid-Range
$30-70/day
El Fishawi cafe + heritage Egyptian + Nile cruise + Khan el-Khalili dining + Egyptian cooking class.
Luxury
$150+/day
Mena House Pyramids view + Four Seasons Nile + Sofitel El Gezirah + private guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about food and restaurants in Cairo.
What's Cairo's signature dish?
Koshary — Egypt's national dish (rice + lentils + pasta + chickpeas + tomato sauce + crispy onions), $1-3 a bowl at Abou Tarek. Ful medames (fava bean breakfast, $1-2). Ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel, $1-2). Mahshi (stuffed vegetables, $3-6). Kebab and kofta ($5-15). Mint tea and karkadeh hibiscus tea ($1-3) at El Fishawi.
Where to eat the famous Koshary?
Abou Tarek is the reference — 50+ years in operation, multiple Downtown branches, $1-3 a bowl. The main location is on Maarouf Street. Koshary el Tahrir is the runner-up. Order spicy with extra dakka (garlic-vinegar sauce).
Where to eat at El Fishawi?
El Fishawi (opened 1797 — Cairo's oldest café, where Naguib Mahfouz wrote, 24-hour mint tea and shisha, $3-10). Located inside Khan el-Khalili. The mirrors and brass interior are the photo draw. Cheaper than the rooftop cafés nearby.
Where to eat fine dining in Cairo?
Marriott Mena House for Pyramid-view dining ($50-150) — the iconic Cairo splurge. Four Seasons First Residence Cairo for Nile-view fine dining ($80-200). Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah ($60-150). The Nile dinner cruise ($40-80) is the most-booked evening activity for first-time visitors.
Where to eat heritage Egyptian?
Felfela (Downtown tourist-friendly Egyptian classics, $3-8). Abou El Sid (mid-range Egyptian chain, $15-40, Zamalek + multiple). Andrea Mariouteya (Egyptian-Greek garden lunch near the Pyramids, $10-25). Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop in Khan el-Khalili ($10-30).
What's the food cost?
Koshary $1-3. Ful medames $1-2. Ta'ameya $1-2. Kebab $5-15. Mid-range Egyptian dinner $8-25. Marriott Mena House Pyramid view $50-150. Four Seasons $80-200. Cairo is one of the cheapest food scenes in any Middle East capital.
Vegetarian options in Cairo?
Egyptian cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly — koshary, ta'ameya, ful medames, mahshi (stuffed vegetables) are all vegan or vegetarian. Most Egyptian restaurants have extensive vegetarian options without special request. Vegan is growing in Zamalek.
Tipping in Cairo?
Tipping (baksheesh) is essential — $1-2 at restaurants, $1 to mosque attendants, $1-2 to hotel bellhops, $5-10 per day for guides, $1 to taxi drivers as rounding. Cash USD or EGP. Carry small bills in both currencies.
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Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
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