Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Egyptian cuisine is a rich tapestry of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences, built around the ancient gifts of the Nile Valley — lentils, broad beans, wheat, and freshwater fish. The backbone of Egyptian food is ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), and koshari (a beloved rice-lentil-pasta dish), all seasoned with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Egyptian mezze culture embraces dozens of small dishes shared communally, and the tradition of slow-cooked meats and stuffed vegetables reflects the country's deep culinary heritage.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Sequoia
This iconic Nile-side restaurant in Zamalek offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine in a stunning setting. The multi-level terraces overlook the river with lush vegetation creating an oasis atmosphere. Known for excellent service and beautiful presentation.
3 Abou El Feda Street, Zamalek, Cairo
Felfela
A Cairo institution since 1959, Felfela serves authentic Egyptian cuisine in a lively folkloric atmosphere. The walls display traditional crafts and the menu covers all Egyptian classics. Multiple locations across Cairo.
15 Hoda Shaarawi Street, Downtown Cairo
Abu Tarek
The most famous kushari restaurant in Cairo, serving Egypt's beloved national dish since 1950. This multi-story eatery is always packed with locals. The simple menu focuses on perfecting one dish with generous portions.
40 Champollion Street, Downtown Cairo
Kushari El Tahrir
This hole-in-the-wall near Tahrir Square serves authentic kushari to office workers and students. The prices are rock-bottom and portions generous. Stand-up eating or takeaway only.
Off Tahrir Square, Cairo
Cilantro
Egypt's premier coffee chain offers quality espresso drinks and WiFi in modern settings. Multiple locations provide consistent service and comfortable seating. Popular with students, freelancers, and business meetings.
Multiple locations nationwide
Sofra Restaurant & Cafe
Luxor's finest restaurant serves authentic Upper Egyptian cuisine in a beautifully restored traditional house. The menu features recipes from local villages with modern presentation. The rooftop terrace provides temple views.
90 Mohamed Farid Street, Luxor
Al-Masry
This family-friendly restaurant in Luxor serves generous portions of grilled meats and traditional Egyptian dishes. The garden seating provides a pleasant evening atmosphere. Popular with both locals and tourists.
Al Mahatta Square, Luxor
Gad Restaurant
This popular chain serves quality Egyptian fast food with multiple locations across Egypt. Known for consistency, cleanliness, and quick service. The sandwiches and grilled meats attract locals and tourists alike.
Multiple locations nationwide
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe
Sofar Cafe Luxor
Brazil Coffee Shop Alexandria
King Tut Cafe Dahab
Egyptian
Felfela
El Shabrawy
Kazouza Restaurant Luxor
Kushari
Abu Tarek
Kushari El Tahrir
Koshari Goha Luxor
Bakery/Cafe
Nola Cupcakes
El Abd Patisserie
Cafe/Coffee
Cilantro
Beanos Cafe
Egyptian Breakfast
Mohamed Ahmed
El Domiaty
Foul
Foul Cart - Bab al-Luq
Ful Medames Cart - Aswan
Traditional Egyptian
Sofra Restaurant & Cafe
Abou El Sid
Cafe/Light Meals
El Fishawy Cafe
Cafe/Middle Eastern
Farsha Cafe Sharm El Sheikh
Egyptian Baladi
Taboon Restaurant Cairo
Egyptian Fast Food
Gad Restaurant
Egyptian/Chicken
Andrea El Mariouteya
Egyptian/Grill
Al-Masry
Egyptian/Middle Eastern
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
Egyptian/Seafood
Kazaz
Falafel
Taameya (Falafel) Stand Cairo
French/International
1886 Restaurant
Fresh Bread
Baladi Bread Bakery
Grilled Corn
Grilled Corn Vendor - Luxor Corniche
Grilled Meats
Al Refai
Hawawshi
Hawawshi Stand - Alexandria
Historic Cafe
Cafe Riche
International/Fusion
Makani Cafe & Restaurant
International/Steakhouse
The Blue Restaurant & Grill
Italian
Pizza Roma Sharm El Sheikh
Juice Bar/Cafe
Tutti Frutti Aswan
Mediterranean/Lebanese
Sequoia
Modern Egyptian Street Food
Zooba
Nubian/Egyptian
Aswan Moon Restaurant
Ottoman/Turkish
Osmanly Restaurant
Pizza/Italian
Alfredo Pizza Dahab
Seafood
Fish Market Restaurant Hurghada
Seafood/International
Starfish Restaurant Dahab
Shawarma
Shawarma Stands - Tahrir
Specialty Coffee
Coffee Roastery Cairo
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Vendor - Alexandria Corniche
Thai
Birdcage Bangkok Thai Restaurant
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Koshari
Egypt's national dish and ultimate street food — a hearty bowl of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and chili vinegar. Koshary Abou Tarek on Maarouf Street in Downtown Cairo is the most famous koshari shop in the world.
Find it at: Downtown Cairo koshari shops; Koshary Abou Tarek, 16 Maarouf Street
Ful Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, served with warm Egyptian flatbread (aish baladi). The staple breakfast of millions of Egyptians, eaten from sidewalk carts across the country.
Find it at: Sidewalk carts throughout Cairo and all Egyptian cities, active 6-11 AM
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Unlike Levantine falafel, Egyptian ta'ameya is made from fava beans rather than chickpeas, giving it a greener color and earthier flavor. Fried fresh and served in flatbread with tahini, tomatoes, and pickles.
Find it at: Falafel carts near Al-Azhar in Islamic Cairo, Tahrir Square area
Hawawshi
A crispy flatbread envelope stuffed with spiced minced meat, onions, and chili, baked in a traditional oven until golden. Cairo's most beloved late-night street food, found at small grills throughout the city until 2 AM.
Find it at: Grill shops throughout Cairo, especially Downtown and Dokki neighborhoods
Feteer Meshaltet
A flaky Egyptian pastry of many paper-thin layers, sweet or savory, made by expert pastry layers who toss and stretch the dough in a hypnotic display. Available with honey and cream or minced meat fillings.
Find it at: El-Abd Bakery (Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo), feteer shops throughout Egypt
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Khan el-Khalili Spice Market
The alleyways around Al-Hussain Square in Islamic Cairo contain Egypt's most atmospheric spice traders selling cumin, coriander, saffron, dried hibiscus, and dozens of blends used in Egyptian cooking for centuries.
Hours: Daily 9 AM - 10 PM
Souq el-Ataba
Cairo's historic central market adjacent to downtown with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, dried goods, and street food at the lowest prices in the city. Chaotic and authentic, it's where most Cairene households shop.
Hours: Daily 7 AM - 9 PM
Aswan Souq (Food Section)
The food section of Aswan's main market street offers outstanding Nubian spice blends, dried karkade (hibiscus), Aswan honey, dates, and preserved lemons. Far less touristy than Cairo's markets with excellent prices.
Hours: Daily 8 AM - 11 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal in Egypt — served from 2-4 PM. Many Egyptian families eat their largest meal at lunch; dinner is lighter.
Egyptian restaurants rarely close before midnight. Many popular spots don't fill up until 9-10 PM.
Tap water is unsafe to drink — always order bottled water ('maya madaniyya'). Costs EGP 10-20 per bottle.
Tipping (baksheesh) of 10-15% is expected at sit-down restaurants if no service charge is included.
Vegetarians are well-served by Egyptian cuisine — ful, koshari, ta'ameya, and countless mezze dishes are naturally plant-based.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $2-8/meal | Street food and local koshari/ful shops — the cheapest and often most delicious option |
| Mid-range | $15-35/meal | Sit-down Egyptian restaurants and tourist-oriented eateries with menus in English |
| Upscale | $50+/meal | Fine dining at hotel restaurants like Sequoia, Abou El Sid, or Nile-view restaurants in Zamalek |