El Gouna is a stunning resort town along Egypt’s Red Sea coast famous for its picturesque lagoons, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining scene. Among its many culinary gems, Kazouza Café stands out as a place that offers a meal and a journey back in time, with a nostalgic twist on classic Egyptian street food and retro décor that transports visitors to another era.
At Kazouza Café, you can enjoy various traditional Egyptian dishes made with fresh ingredients and a dash of creativity, all in a relaxed and inviting setting. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a relaxed dinner, Kazouza Café is the perfect spot for indulging in Egyptian street food with a gourmet touch.
A Journey Back in Time: The Retro Charm of Kazouza Café
Stepping into Kazouza Café feels like taking a trip down memory lane. The café’s décor is inspired by Egypt’s golden era of the 1960s and 1970s, with vibrant retro colors, vintage posters, and old radios decorating the walls. This unique atmosphere gives Kazouza Café its distinct charm, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking a dining experience with nostalgia.
The seating arrangement at Kazouza is casual yet stylish, with cozy booths and outdoor seating options that allow you to enjoy the pleasant El Gouna weather. Whether you’re seated indoors soaking in the vintage vibes or outside enjoying the fresh air, the ambiance is superb for a laid-back meal with friends or family.
Authentic Egyptian Street Food with a Modern Twist
While the ambiance is one of the key attractions at Kazouza Café, the food truly steals the show. The menu celebrates Egyptian street food, with a variety of classic dishes reimagined to suit modern tastes without losing their traditional essence.
Traditional Egyptian Breakfast
Kazouza Café offers a variety of Egyptian breakfast dishes that are both hearty and delicious, making it a great spot to start your day. Some of the most popular options include:
- Foul Medames: A staple in Egyptian cuisine, foul medames is a dish made from slow-cooked fava beans mashed and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, cumin, and garlic. At Kazouza Café, it’s served with various toppings, such as tahini, tomatoes, and chili peppers, giving you a rich and flavorful breakfast that is healthy and filling.
- Falafel (Ta’ameya): Egypt’s version of falafel is made with fava beans rather than chickpeas, giving it a lighter and fluffier texture. At Kazouza, the falafel is freshly fried and served with salads, pickles, and bread, perfecting your morning foul medames.
- Baladi Bread and Dips: No Egyptian breakfast is complete without baladi bread, a traditional flatbread baked fresh daily. It’s served alongside a selection of dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors with your meal.
Street Food Favorites: Sandwiches and Wraps
Kazouza Café offers a selection of sandwiches and wraps inspired by Egyptian street food but elevated with high-quality ingredients and careful preparation for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Shawarma: One of the café’s best-selling items, Kazouza’s shawarma is made with tender, marinated meat—either beef or chicken—that’s slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved into thin slices. It’s then wrapped in warm flatbread and served with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for locals and tourists.
- Kebda Eskandarani: Another street food classic, Kebda Eskandarani, is a liver sandwich that originated in Alexandria. At Kazouza Café, the liver is sautéed with garlic, cumin, and hot peppers, then served on baladi bread with pickles and tahini. This dish is known for its bold, spicy flavors, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat.
- Sogo‘ (Egyptian Sausage): Sogo‘ is a type of Egyptian Sausage made from minced beef or lamb, mixed with spices, and cooked with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Kazouza’s version of this popular street food is served in a sandwich, with all the smoky and savory flavors that make it such a beloved dish in Egypt.
Main Dishes with a Twist
For those looking for something more substantial, Kazouza Café offers a variety of main dishes that feature traditional Egyptian flavors but with a modern, gourmet presentation.
- Molokhia: This beloved Egyptian stew made from jute leaves is often served with rice or bread, along with a choice of chicken or rabbit. Kazouza Café’s take on molokhia maintains its authentic flavor while offering the dish a contemporary style that appeals to modern diners.
- Koshari: One of Egypt’s national dishes, koshari is a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish made from rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and fried onions. At Kazouza Café, koshari is served more elegantly than what you’d find on the streets of Cairo, but it still retains the soul and flavor that makes it such a beloved meal.
- Fattah: A dish often reserved for celebrations, Fattah is made from layers of crispy bread, rice, and slow-cooked meat, all topped with garlic and vinegar sauce. Kazouza’s version of fattah offers diners a chance to experience this traditional dish’s rich and comforting flavors with a modern twist.
Refreshments and Drinks: A Taste of Tradition
Kazouza Café offers a wide selection of refreshing drinks to complement the delicious food, many of which are inspired by Egypt’s traditional beverages.
- Karkadeh (Hibiscus Tea): A popular drink throughout Egypt, karkadeh is a refreshing tea made from hibiscus flowers. It can be served hot or cold and has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. At Kazouza Café, karkadeh is a favorite among diners looking for a thirst-quenching, traditional beverage.
- Sahlab: For those with a sweet tooth, Sahlab is a rich and creamy drink made from milk, orchid root powder, and sugar, often topped with cinnamon and nuts. It’s a perfect way to end a meal, especially during the cooler months when you’re looking for something warm and comforting.
- Mint Lemonade: A refreshing choice for a hot day in El Gouna, mint lemonade combines the zesty taste of lemon with the cool flavor of fresh mint. It’s one of the café’s most popular drinks, providing a crisp and revitalizing complement to the rich flavors of the food.
Desserts: A Sweet Finish to Your Meal
No visit to Kazouza Café is complete without indulging in one of their traditional Egyptian desserts, each offering a taste of Egypt’s rich culinary history.
- Om Ali: Often described as Egypt’s version of bread pudding, Om Ali is made from layers of puff pastry soaked in milk and cream, then baked with nuts and raisins. Kazouza’s version of this beloved dessert is creamy, rich, and delicious, making it the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
- Basbousa: This traditional Egyptian semolina cake is soaked in sugar syrup and often topped with almonds or coconut. It’s sweet, moist, and slightly crumbly, making it a delightful treat that pairs well with tea or coffee.
- Konafa: Made from thin, crispy pastry, Konafa is filled with cream, cheese, or nuts and soaked in sweet syrup. Kazouza’s konafa is served modernly, offering diners a gourmet version of this beloved dessert.
A Hub for Socializing and Relaxation
While the food is certainly the highlight, Kazouza Café is also popular for socializing and relaxing. The café’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place to meet friends for a casual meal, grab a coffee, or simply unwind after a day of exploring El Gouna.
The outdoor seating area is particularly favored, especially in the evenings when the weather is cooler. With views of El Gouna’s scenic streets and a pleasant breeze, it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely meal or a relaxing drink. The café is also known for its friendly and attentive staff, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well cared for.
Kazouza Café’s Role in El Gouna’s Dining Scene
El Gouna is home to a variety of restaurants offering international and local cuisine. Still, Kazouza Café has carved out a special place in the town’s dining scene by offering authentic Egyptian street food in a setting that combines nostalgia with modern comforts.
Its emphasis on high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and affordable prices makes it a favorite among locals and tourists. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to El Gouna or a regular, Kazouza Café is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the rich flavors of Egypt in a unique and welcoming environment.
In conclusion, Kazouza Café is not just a place to eat; it’s a culinary experience that takes you on a journey through Egypt’s street food culture, all while offering the comforts and hospitality that El Gouna is known for. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a full meal, Kazouza Café is the perfect spot to satisfy your appetite and enjoy the charm of this vibrant resort town.
