Food in Cairo: Where to Eat for a Taste of True Egyptian Hospitality

Cairo has a captivating atmosphere that makes it unlike any other city in the world. This eclectic capital is buzzing with stories, scents, and delicious flavours. In fact, foods in Cairo are deeply tied to the country's diverse identity.

Once a meeting point of cultures from across Africa, the Mediterranean, and Asia, Egyptian cuisine reflects this diversity in its rich palette of flavours.
 

From traditional dishes serving local classics to serene Nile-side restaurants with fusion cuisine, foods in Cairo appeal to every kind of traveller.
 

In this tastefully curated guide, you’ll get to discover Egyptian cuisine and where to eat in Cairo. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or the whole family, you'll be all set to enjoy a culinary journey that will keep you coming back for more.

We’re starting off with some of the most beloved national dishes. These are the kind of foods in Cairo that locals eat every day. 
 

First up is Koshary – a hearty mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and crispy onions topped with a homemade tomato sauce and garlic cumin vinaigrette. Add a touch of chilli sauce if you really want to give it a kick. Try this carb-rich dish at Abu Tarek, a downtown favourite that’s absolutely beloved by locals. If you ask anyone about foods in Cairo, they'll tell you that this is one of the best spots for Koshary. 
 

For history buffs: Koshary originated in 19th-century Cairo as a hearty fusion of Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences.
 

Next, we have Ful Medames, which is mashed fava beans seasoned with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It's widely available, but Zooba in Zamalek offers a modern, family-friendly take. Dip some fresh pita bread into your bowl of Ful, and you’ll be craving this dish even when you head back home.
 

We also highly recommend Taameya, which is what many Cairenes call falafel. In Egypt, it’s typically made with ground fava beans, rather than chickpeas like in Syria or Lebanon. It’s crispy, bursting with flavour, and a staple that can be found around nearly every corner.
 

If you're wondering where to eat in Cairo, try Taameya and other local favourites at Felfela in Wust El-Balad, also known as Downtown Cairo. This is where you can wander past French-inspired architecture from the 1950s, or pop into the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. One of the more famous restaurants known for serving traditional foods in Cairo, Felfela is full of vintage charm. Bring the family, try the fried eggplant with garlic, and enjoy a side of sightseeing in the heart of the city.
 

On another note, we’re willing to bet you’ve never tried stuffed, fried pigeons. A true Egyptian delicacy, they're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with fragrant rice or freekeh. Spiced with nutmeg, bay leaf, and black pepper, this delicacy is on another level. You can try this at Felfela or the famous Naguib Mahfouz Café, which we'll get to a bit later.
 

In Cairo, the air itself can make your mouth water, especially when it carries the smoky scent of grilled kofta (ground beef skewers), sausages, and sizzling lamb cutlets. Make sure to try some street-side grills or family-run restaurants that serve up these char-grilled delights.
 

Last but not least: molokhia – a green, garlicky stew with a texture of its own. Traditionally served with rice and chicken, it’s one of the must-try foods in Cairo. For an unforgettable molokhia meal, head to Abou El Sid in Zamalek, a posh-yet-cosy restaurant that oozes old-school Egyptian charm. With ornate interiors and homemade recipes, it’s perfect for couples or families wondering where to eat in Cairo. Bonus: they also serve grilled lamb and kofta.

This hidden gem offers a modern twist on street bites and traditional comfort foods. Its colourful and cosy atmosphere is also warm and inviting, right in the heart of the upscale Zamalek neighbourhood. It’s a family-friendly place that also works well for solo travellers or couples. Here, you can devour the Egyptian rice Fattah with the Lamb Shank. Around the corner, you’ll find a traditional juice bar where you can try some fresh sugarcane juice, hibiscus, or homemade lemonade. Sugarcane juice is a national drink, so it’s definitely worth a try.

You can’t visit Cairo without sipping on some mint tea and eating a hearty Egyptian meal at Naguib Mahfouz Café. Nestled right in the heart of Khan El Khalili souq, this spot is a top choice when wondering where to eat in Cairo. Be sure to try the mumbar – Egypt’s take on halal stuffed sausage, made by filling sheep intestines with a spiced rice mixture, then boiling and frying the sausage until perfectly crispy. For dessert, try the sweet and creamy rice pudding topped with coconut flakes and nuts. You’ll thank us later. 
 

Located in Old Cairo, the café blends historical ambience with authentic local flavours. Just steps from the famous Khan El Khalili bazaar, Naguib Mahfouz is in a vibrant area, also known as Islamic Cairo. Pulsing with local life and heritage, it's home to key landmarks, like Al-Hussein Mosque and the historic Al-Azhar Mosque.

This chic spot in Zamalek is a docked barge right on the Nile river. Think trendy vibes, twinkling water, and sunset views. Whether you’re inside enjoying the sleek, modern decor or outside on the terrace feeling the breeze, the Nile views steal the show. It’s the perfect place to dig into fresh Italian flavours and watch the calm river waters glide by as Cairo buzzes and glimmers in the backdrop. It's also a great place for the family, or just a date night.

Lucille’s in upscale Maadi is famous for its burgers and all-day breakfast. This American-style diner is welcoming to families and has a fun, casual vibe.
 

Chicken & Ribs in Zamalek is another perfect spot. With kid-friendly menus and large outdoor seating areas, they have something for everyone. And their buffalo chicken wings always hit the spot. 
 

Here’s a dining complex where you can’t go wrong: Tivoli Dome in Heliopolis is home to several restaurants and cafés in one open space. It’s an ideal spot for families who want different options in one place. You can also enjoy outdoor seating here. 

Sharing is expected in Egypt, where meals are meant to be enjoyed in good company.
 

You’ll quickly find that generosity runs as deep as the flavours here. Egyptians are famously funny, friendly, and welcoming. They're known across the Arab world for their unmatched hospitality.
 

So dive in, make new friends, and savour every bite – because in Cairo, food is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of love, family, and connection.