Cairo, the bustling heart of Egypt, is famous for its ancient pyramids, rich history, and lively street food scene. In every corner of the city, you’ll find various flavors that reflect Egypt’s cultural diversity and culinary heritage. From the iconic koshary to the crispy falafel (ta’ameya), Egyptian street food is important to the local experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick snack or a filling meal, Cairo’s street food vendors and local eateries serve some of the most authentic, mouth-watering dishes you’ll ever taste. Here’s a guide to the best places in Cairo to engage in this flavorful journey, where tradition meets taste.
1. Felfela
Felfela is a famous spot for Egyptian street food. It is particularly famous for its falafel (called “ta’ameya” in Egypt), foul (fava beans), and various mezze. The restaurant has a long-standing reputation and is popular among locals and tourists.
Felfela is a well-known Egyptian restaurant that has been an icon in Cairo’s dining scene since its founding in 1959. Located near Tahrir Square, Felfela is famous for offering various traditional Egyptian dishes, including foul (fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), koshary, molokhia, and grilled meats. The restaurant has a casual street food section and a more formal dining area, serving different dining preferences.
Felfela’s charming, rustic decor, featuring greenery and traditional Egyptian elements, adds to its appeal, attracting both locals and tourists. Known for its consistency and authentic flavors, Felfela is a classic spot to experience Egyptian cuisine, especially for visitors exploring downtown Cairo.
- Location: 15 Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo
- Contact: +20 2 2392 2833
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
2. Bashandy
Bashandy is a local favorite for anyone craving sandwiches stuffed with liver, sausage, or shawarma. Located in Nasr City, this spot is famous for its grilled sandwiches, which are packed with flavor and are perfect for a satisfying street food experience.
Bashandy is a well-known Egyptian restaurant popular for serving affordable and delicious traditional Egyptian fast food, particularly shawarma and grilled meats. The restaurant offers a variety of local favorites, including foul (fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), kebabs, and sandwiches.
Bashandy is famous for its shawarma, served in sandwich form and as a platter, and is often accompanied by salads, tahini, and pickles. With its casual, street-food vibe and multiple branches in Cairo, Bashandy is a favorite among locals looking for a quick, flavorful meal that represents Egypt’s vibrant culinary traditions.
- Location: 13 Abbas Al Akkad St., Nasr City
- Contact: +20 2 2260 2920
- Working Hours: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
3. Koshary Abou Tarek
Koshary Abou Tarek is one of the most popular restaurants in Cairo. It is renowned for serving koshary, Egypt’s national dish. Founded by Tarek in the 1950s, the restaurant has become an iconic spot for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Egyptian street food experience.
Koshary at Abou Tarek consists of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and optional garlic vinegar or hot sauce. Known for its consistently high quality, generous portions, and fast service, the restaurant operates in a casual, bustling environment, particularly at its flagship location in downtown Cairo.
No Egyptian street food list is complete without mentioning Koshary, Egypt’s national dish. Abou Tarek is one of the most famous places to try this hearty dish of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas topped with tomato sauce, fried onions, and garlic-vinegar dressing.
- Location: 16 Maarouf Street, Downtown Cairo
- Contact: +20 2 2577 5935
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
4. El Refaay
El Refaay is a street food gem, particularly popular for its Egyptian-style feteer (layered pastry). Whether savory or sweet, their feteer is made fresh to order and packed with flavor.
El Refaay is a traditional Egyptian restaurant primarily known for serving authentic foul (fava beans) and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel). Located in various areas of Cairo, El Refaay has gained popularity for offering classic Egyptian street food in a simple, no-frills setting. The restaurant is particularly known for its fresh, flavorful dishes, including kebda (liver), fried eggs, and potato sandwiches, all served with traditional Egyptian bread.
El Refaay caters mostly to locals looking for affordable, hearty meals, especially for breakfast or a quick bite. Its reputation is built on maintaining the authentic taste of Egyptian street food, making it a beloved spot for those who enjoy traditional flavors in a casual atmosphere.
- Location: 6B St. Fatma El Sharbatly, Nasr City
- Contact: +20 102 733 3399
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
5. Zööba
Zööba offers a modern twist on Egyptian street food classics with a chic, fast-casual vibe. It’s a great spot for a foul, falafel, kosher, and their unique take on shawarma. It’s well-suited for both sit-down meals and takeout.
Zooba is a modern Egyptian street food restaurant that has gained popularity for its exceptional approach to traditional dishes. Founded in Cairo in 2012, Zooba reimagines classic Egyptian street food with a contemporary twist, using high-quality ingredients and creative presentations. The menu features beloved local dishes like foul (fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), koshary, hawawshi (stuffed bread with minced meat), and a variety of salads and dips.
Zooba stands out for its vibrant, colorful decor and casual yet trendy atmosphere, appealing to locals and international visitors. The brand has expanded beyond Egypt, with locations in countries like the U.S. and the UAE, bringing a modern taste of Egyptian street food to a global audience.
- Location: 26th of July St., Zamalek, Cairo
- Contact: +20 2 2735 9864
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
6. Tabali
Tabali offers a modern take on traditional Egyptian breakfast with fresh, quality ingredients. Their menu has items like falafel, foul, and eggs, focusing on variety and freshness. It’s a great place to get an authentic yet upscale Egyptian breakfast.
Tabali is a famous Egyptian restaurant chain famous for offering traditional Egyptian breakfast dishes in a modern and casual setting. The menu at Tabali focuses on classic Egyptian breakfast staples like foul (fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), eggs, cheese, and baladi bread. The restaurant is also known for serving a variety of mezze, dips, and fresh salads alongside freshly baked bread.
Tabali’s appeal lies in its mixture of authentic Egyptian flavors with a clean, contemporary dining experience, making it a favorite place for locals and tourists. It’s viral for breakfast and brunch, offering a modern take on Egypt’s iconic comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
- Location: Multiple branches, including Zamalek, Maadi, and Heliopolis
- Contact: +20 2 2735 0898 (Zamalek Branch)
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
7. El Haty
El Haty is famous for grilled meats and sandwiches, especially Egyptian-style kebabs and kofta. The rich flavors of their meat are a testament to traditional Egyptian grilling techniques. The generous portion sizes make it a great place for a hearty meal.
El Haty is a famous restaurant in Egypt specializing in grilled meats and traditional Egyptian cuisine. “Haty” refers to a grill master, emphasizing the restaurant’s focus on charcoal-grilled dishes like kebabs, kofta, and grilled chicken. El Haty has several locations across Cairo and is popular for its flavorful grilled items, served alongside classic Egyptian staples like tahini, salads, and bread.
Many branches of El Haty are casual, family-friendly dining spots that offer large portions and affordable prices. They’re a famous option for those seeking authentic, hearty Egyptian meals, specifically for gatherings or special occasions where grilled meats are a must.
- Location: 11 Talaat Harb St., Downtown Cairo
- Contact: +20 2 2393 0651
- Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
8.Abo Haidar
Abo Haidar is a tiny yet iconic street food joint in Heliopolis, famous for its tasty shawarma sandwiches. This old-school spot is usually packed with locals who come to grab a quick bite of freshly prepared shawarma.
Abu Heidar is a popular local restaurant in Heliopolis, Cairo, known for its delicious shawarma. It’s considered one of the city’s most iconic spots for Egyptian-style shawarma, often served with garlic sauce, pickles, and tahini. The restaurant has a no-frills atmosphere but is famous for its consistently flavorful food and affordable prices.
Abu Heidar has a long-standing reputation in the area, attracting locals and tourists seeking a quick and tasty meal. Heliopolis, a historic district with European-inspired architecture, adds to the charm of dining at such a classic local place.
- Location: El Marghany St., Heliopolis
- Contact: +20 2 2415 9899
- Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
9. Sobhy Kaber
Sobhy Kaber is one of the most famous street food joints in Cairo. It serves traditional Egyptian grilled meats and molokhia (a green leafy soup served with rice). It’s also known for serving large portions of well-seasoned kofta, lamb chops, and chicken.
Sobhy Kaber is a well-known Egyptian restaurant chain famous for serving traditional Egyptian grilled meats and other local dishes. Established by Sobhy Kaber, the restaurant started as a small family-run business and has grown into a major dining destination in Cairo. It is particularly popular for its grilled kebabs, kofta, lamb, and molokhia (a traditional leafy green stew).
The restaurant has several locations across Cairo, with its flagship branch in Shubra. Sobhy Kaber is known for its lively atmosphere, large portions, and focus on authentic, high-quality Egyptian cuisine. It attracts locals and tourists looking for a genuine Egyptian dining experience.
- Location: 151 El Teraa El Bolakia St., Shubra
- Contact: +20 120 260 4700
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
10. Tata Tamiya
Tata Tamiya is a must-visit if you want to try authentic Egyptian ta’ameya (falafel made from fava beans). This family-owned spot serves one of Cairo’s crispiest, most flavorful falafels, with various fillings, from classic to spicy versions.
- Location: 22 Shagaret el-Dor St., Zamalek
- Contact: +20 2 2736 0245
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
11. El Brins
Located in the heart of Cairo, El Brins is a spot you can’t miss if you’re a fan of hearty street food. They specialize in slow-cooked meat dishes, especially “fetter meshaltet” and “member” (stuffed intestines). It’s a great spot to try authentic Egyptian comfort food.
El Brins is a famous restaurant in Cairo, famous for its authentic Egyptian cuisine, particularly slow-cooked meat dishes. Located in the busy area of Imbaba, El Brins has gained a popularity for serving traditional dishes like fatta (a layered dish with rice, bread, and meat), kebda (liver), and molokhia (green leafy soup) alongside various grilled meats.
The restaurant is known for its generous portions, hearty meals, and a strong focus on flavor, making it a go-to spot for those craving Egyptian comfort food. Despite its modest and casual setting, El Brins attracts various customers, from locals to food enthusiasts, looking to authentically experience Cairo’s rich culinary heritage.
- Location: 77 Al Tablo St., Giza
- Contact: +20 100 185 3478
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
12. Baba Abdo
A hidden gem in the streets of Cairo, Baba Abdo is famous for its sandwiches stuffed with kofta, liver, and other local fillings. Known for its quick service and fresh ingredients, it’s ideal for a quick meal on the go.
Baba Abdo is a well-known Egyptian restaurant, particularly famous for its traditional koshary, a beloved Egyptian street food made from a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and topped with tomato sauce, fried onions, and a tangy vinegar-garlic sauce. Baba Abdo has established a strong reputation for serving some of the best koshary in the country, along with other Egyptian comfort foods like foul (fava beans) and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel).
With multiple locations, particularly in Cairo, Baba Abdo is appreciated for its flavorful food, quick service, and affordable prices. It is famous for locals and tourists looking to enjoy authentic Egyptian street food in a casual setting.
- Location: 58 Ahmed Esmat St., Ain Shams
- Contact: +20 2 2498 5121
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Monday to Sunday)
Conclusion
Cairo’s street food culture offers various delicious options. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Each location brings a unique flavor to Egypt’s street food tradition, from the famous koshary of Abou Tarek to the modeEgypt’ss at Tabali and Zööba.
