Cairo is a city surrounded by history and an energetic culture; that is what this city offers its guests in terms of breakfast-a really unique and delicious scene, much like its heritage. Ranging from traditional Egyptian food to the most modern cafes, breakfast in Cairo is an excellent way to tantalize your taste buds and fuel your day. Whether you are a local or traveling, here are some of the best breakfast places in Cairo you should not miss.
1. Felfela
Overview
Felfela was the erstwhile institution in the heart of downtown Cairo, best-liked for serving the most typically Egyptian breakfast.
Highs
– Foul Medames: Highly recommended to try this traditional fava bean puree, served with olive oil, lemon, and spices.
– Ta’ameya: Crispy outside and soft inside, Egyptian falafel made from fava beans, served with tahini sauce.
– Fresh Bread: Freshly baked baladi bread, great to dip into your foul or spread with tahini.
Why Visit?
Felfela epitomizes Egyptian breakfast culture and hence has a warm environment with heavy meals that makes it addictive for locals.
2. El-Masryeen
Overview
El-Masryeen has gained fame for Egyptian breakfast, which draws people from the city and tourists alike desiring an authentic taste of Cairo.
Highlights
• Cheese and Tomato Plate: A fresh mix of local cheese, tomato, and cucumbers to kick start your day.
• Om Ali: One of the traditional Egyptian desserts, these are commonly consumed at breakfast also. It is made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and sugar.
• Mint Tea: The perfect aromatic refreshing drink to complement your meal.
Why Visit?
El-Masryeen features an authentic Egyptian breakfast in which you can enjoy the taste of traditional foodstuff in a warm atmosphere.
3. Zooba
Overview
Zooba is one of the hip restaurants that reinvents Egyptian street food, bringing in many younger crowds around for breakfast.
Highlights
– Breakfast Box: Colorfully presented variety of traditional Egyptian breakfast products, including foul, ta’ameya, and fresh vegetables.
– Koshari Breakfast: The famous Egyptian dish, otherwise relished everywhere, combined in a breakfast serving.
– Smoothies and Juices: Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies to complement your meal, using fruits in season.
Why Visit?
Zooba uses traditional flavors and a modern feel, thus making this an excellent stop for a person seeking to experience Egyptian cuisine with a modern twist.
4. Café Riche
Overview
Café Riche is one of the oldest bars dating back to the 1920s. It stands out for its exquisite atmosphere and serving great breakfast delicacies.
Highlights
– Egyptian Breakfast Platter: Large platter with foul, ta’ameya, assortment of cheeses, olives, and fresh vegetables.
– Pastries: Fresh pastries come with a complimentary glass of Egyptian coffee.
Café Culture: Take in the atmosphere of a traditional café that over the years has played host to famous writers and artists.
Why Visit?
Café Riche is part of Cairo’s history; the place has a cozy feel to it and serves food that just illustrates the richness of Cairo’s culture.
5. The Breakfast Club
Overview
The Breakfast Club is a fashionably designed café, with an all-day breakfast menu which fuses some international items with Egyptian ones.
Highlights
– Classic American Breakfast: This serves the famous pancake, eggs, and bacon for when you are feeling like something traditional.
– Shakshuka: Poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce-a heavily laden Middle Eastern meal.
– Smoothie Bowls: Healthy and refreshing smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruits and granola.
Why visit?
It would be perfect for those who like a culinary mash-up with an energetic vibe to start the day off right.
6. Maharaja
Description
Maharaja is an Indian restaurant that serves breakfast but adds a little something to make it different by throwing in some Indian elements into your morning meal.
Honorable Mentions
– Paratha: Flaky and stuffed Indian bread, enjoyed in great satisfaction at breakfast time with yogurt and pickles.
– Masala Chai: Superbly balanced aromatic spiced tea that will get the day rolling
– Paneer Bhurji: Most flavorful and filling, in between scrambled paneer cheese cooked in spices and veggies.
Why Visit?
Maharaja serves a variant Indian-Egyptian fusion for breakfast if looking for something else.
7. Café Mocha
Overview
Café Mocha is one of those fashionably posh cafes that offer a wide variety of breakfast items and modern décor inside, thus making them attractive to both locals and expatriates alike.
Highlights
– Eggs Benedict: It tasted good, poached eggs and ham with hollandaise sauce.
– Granola Bowl: Fine, healthy option prepared with yogurt, granola, and seasonal fruits to get munched upon when looking for lighter kinds of breakfasts.
– Artisan Coffee: Top-quality, finely sourced beans to start your morning with.
Why Visit?
Café Mocha blends a contemporary ambiance with an assortment of menu items, hence being the reason why foodies and coffee enthusiasts often frequent this place.
8. Koshary Abou Tarek
Overview
Traditionally a lunch-and-dinner-only institution, Koshary Abou Tarek serves up a different breakfast menu that showcases Egyptian flavors.
Highlights
Koshary Breakfast: A small serving of rice, lentils, and pasta-the famous Egyptian recipe, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
Fresh Salads: Complement it with a side dish of fresh Egyptian salad.
Local Beverages: A glass of refreshing karkadeh or hibiscus tea, or a glass of freshly squeezed juice.
Why Visit?
For the adventurous eaters who want to taste the breakfast items that the Egyptian cuisine history would provide, Koshary Abou Tarek would be a good fit. For the culturally curious traveler, it is ideal.
9. Velaa Lounge
Overview
Velaa Lounge is for high society, offering upscale breakfasts in one of Cairo’s most busy districts: Zamalek. It fronts three corners, displaying a view of every facility around from mall buildings to urban greens.
Highlights
– French Toast: So rich and fluffy, with fresh fruits and maple syrup.
– Avocado Toast: The trendy offering with poached eggs and sprinkled chili flakes.
– Variety of Teas: Some of the finest out there in a very relaxed setting.
Why To Go?
To have the best breakfast with style, Velaa Lounge is the place to casually enjoy your morning meal.
10. Sultan Abu Elyas
Overview
This little restaurant is very famous for its delicious Egyptian breakfast and good hospitality.
Highlights
– Foul and Ta’ameya: Those traditional dishes served with a variety of accompaniments. This is what helps you have exactly what you want to eat with it for your breakfast.
– Hawawshi: A fresh pita bread stuffed and baked to perfection, offering something peculiarly unique for having your breakfast.
– Fresh Pickles and Vegetables: Once accompanying this in your meal, that really enhances the taste of it.
Why Go?
Sultan Abu Elyas has got that real rhythm of local breakfast, besides warm hospitality, with original flavors.
11. The Greek Campus Café
Overview
This cafe is located in one of the most bustling areas in town, Greek Campus, serving a very unique amalgamation of variations from the Mediterranean combined with Egyptian for breakfast.
Highlights
– Mediterranean Omelet: With a filling of feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs, it is a very flavorsome omelet.
– Labneh and Za’atar: Creamy labneh to be enjoyed with za’atar and olive oil on warm bread.
– Sweet Pastries: Variants of different Mediterranean variants to satiate your sweet tooth.
Why Visit?
Varied flavors with the liveliness of a campus atmosphere make The Greek Campus Café a great place to have breakfast.
12. Tahrir Café
Overview
This small café near Tahrir Square serves classic Egyptian breakfast in an informal and unpretentious ambiance.
Highlights
– Foul and Ta’ameya: Hearty dishes of essential Egyptian breakfast items served with all the classic accompaniments.
– Mish Mashy: Flavorful mix of scrambled eggs, spices, and fresh herbs.
Mint Tea: Refreshing to drink down your breakfast with.
Why Visit?
Tahrir Café is one of the perfect spots to fill your tummy with a full meal right in the heart of Cairo.
13. Gad
Overview
Gad is a classic fast-food chain serving good Egyptian breakfasts, thus making them the favorite place for locals.
Highlights
– Foul Medames: The foul here is full of flavor and mostly served with fresh vegetables and tahini.
– Ta’ameya Sandwich: Crispy falafel in a sandwich, excellent for a quick breakfast on-the-go.
– Fresh Juices: A variety of fresh juices to accompany the meal; just what you need to refresh yourself.
Why Visit?
Gad is where one gets to have a quick and scrumptious breakfast on-the-go, capturing the spirit of Egyptian street food.
14. Le Pacha 1901
Overview
Situated on a floating restaurant, this is one of the special dining experiences to be found on the Nile. Its menu has an exhaustive breakfast selection.
Highlights
– Buffet Breakfast: A sumptuous buffet of Egyptian and international cuisines ranging from different types of pastries to eggs and fresh fruits.
– Nile Views: Enjoy your breakfast with the great views of the Nile, adding to your meal.
– Signature Coffee: Get to enjoy the well-brewed coffee that’s quality, perfect for starting off your day.
Why Visit?
Le Pacha 1901 brings together a lovely atmosphere and a wide variety of options for breakfast to make those who want to indulge happy.
15. Café Al Masar
Overview
Café Al Masar is a foodie haven, usually hidden away, filled with its cozy environment and excellent breakfast delicacy.
Highlights
• Traditional Egyptian Breakfast: A proper heavy breakfast with foul, ta’ameya, fresh vegetables, and bread.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Several sweet breakfast options for the sweet-toothed.
• Local Delicacies: Try unique local items nowhere else available in the city’s cafes.
Why Visit?
Café Al Masar is ideal to have breakfast in a very chilled atmosphere with a glimpse into local life in a really charming setting.
Conclusion
The breakfast scene in Cairo is an exciting amalgamation of tradition and modernity, which caters to people from all walks of life. Whether you are feeling more classic Egyptian or trending brunch options, these spots will ensure that you kick-start your day on a delicious note. Both café and restaurant hopping don’t just fill your tummy but also provide an avenue to feel the great culture and warm hospitality this vibrant city has. So take a friend with you, or venture out alone-it doesn’t matter-and experience the best breakfast Cairo has to offer!
