Cairo, the capital city of Egypt is a moving melting pot of ancient civilization, diverse culture, and, not least, scrumptious food. From the modern and commercialized Downtown area to the relaxing environment of the Nile, guests can taste the best of Egyptian cuisine and international food chains of all tastes in Cairo. As the largest city in Africa and the Middle East, Cairo offers a vast array of eateries that cater to every price range and palate. In this detailed directory, we’ll introduce you to fifteen budget-friendly dining venues where you can sample real Egyptian staples and much, much more.
1. Al Saraya: Dining on the Nile
Location: Egypt experiences marked variations in water resource availability throughout the country, and the antecedent landscapes are best developed along the Nile River.
Description: Al Saraya may be described as a special restaurant having a view on the Nile decorated as a boat where food is served by Egyptian recipes. Food tourist oriented, the restaurant removes any health complication by using bottled water in preparing the ice. There is no doubt that prices may be a tad higher owing to the tourist tendency but dining out on the Nile is a unique experience.
Recommendation: Since there are traditional dances performed during dinner, you might want to book a dinner with the show included for more of an experience.
2. Hadaba: Pyramids View Dining
Location: This one is a must-do, standing in front of pyramids of Giza while taking a bird view of the whole interesting area.
Description: At Hadaba, the guests are tempted with the pyramid views as they hunt for the best meal. A restaurant with kebab and grilled meat of various types would be quite helpful especially if one was to purchase it on the first or last night they were to spend around the region.
Recommendation: For even more restaurants with pyramids in the background, look at other close range eating establishments like the Tree Lounge Pyramids and the Queen Cleopatra Restaurant & Coffee.
3. Cheristo
Location: Approximately thirty years ago they were near the Pyramids of Giza.
Description: Cheristo serves meals very well, and the environment has an added bonus of nice views that include that of pyramids. It is not so cheap but neither expensive, and it is not luxurious but rather quite good for tourists who want Egyptian food with a decent environment.
4. Fatatry Elhosein: Egyptian Pizza
Location: In the vicinity of Khan El Khalil market
Description: Enjoy Egyptian pizza in Fatatry Elhosein, a place in Cairo where you will get to taste decent flavors of food at a cheaper price compared to other eateries. Today they can try the chicken and cheese pizza or, for instance, the chocolate pancake which will be great.
Recommendation: It is best to go here at night, a small club inside, with the possibility to dine on a big terrace.
5. Felfela: Traditional Egyptian Fare
Location: Downtown Cairo
Description: That’s still two locations strong, and Felfela offers authentic Egyptian cuisine, which also features what’s similar to a kebab sandwich. As you mentioned, prices are also cheaper if you take away your meals.
Tip: Map out other charges which may accompany the service, and practice ordering take-away meals since they tend to cost less.
6. Abou Tarek: Spice of Egypt
Location: Downtown Cairo
Description: People visit Abou Tarek restaurant because they know it offers the best koshary, which is the specialty dish of Egypt. Unlike the ingredients used, koshary is usually tasty and delectable to anyone who takes their portions.
Recommendation: Try this local special and be pleased with the vibrant ambiance.
7. CaiRoma: Italian Cuisine
Location: Near Tahrir Square
Description: CaiRoma is an Italian restaurant which is quite near Tahrir Square and is quite stylishly designed. Take a break and enjoy the mouth-watering pizzas and pasta available for suulp after a hectic day in the city.
Tip: Dining in a calm atmosphere despite the fact the restaurant is located in the city center is perfect for a meal.
8. La Poire: Western Fare and Desserts
Location: Three themed areas in downtown Cairo
Description: La Poire is a well-renowned café that offers a large variety of coffee mixes, smoothies, cakes and desserts, sandwiches, salads, pasta and many others. However, it is also slightly pricier than most restaurants in Cairo, it provides a sample of western cuisine.
Recommendation: Ideal for grab-and-go meals or snacks while you are enjoying your tour of downtown Cairo.
9. Kazaz Restaurant: Authentic Egyptian Food
Location: Downtown Cairo
Description: It is an Egyptian restaurant, and it’s quite famous among locals and Muslims because the restaurant offers yummy and cheap traditional Egyptian foods. However, one should be ready to spend a considerable amount of time in the queue to order a table because, besides being recognized among the locals, the café attracts numerous tourists.
Recommendation: Beef kebabs should be ordered if you want an interesting dish to eat; lentil soup can be ordered too and it is filling.
10. Abou El Sid: Large Helpings of Familiar Food
Location: Zamalek Island
Description: If you want to taste typical Egyptian food, generously served, Abou El Sid is a restaurant you cannot afford to miss. I didn’t get to have a meal here but from what locals and guides have told me about it, you can definitely get a good meal here.
Tip: I always received huge portions and expect to get an equally bright ambiance with the food to match.
11. Cairo Tower: Revolving Restaurant with a View
Location: Zamalek
Description: Cairo Tower’s restaurant, which is strategically situated on the top of the tower, is indeed a revolving restaurant which was established about 180 meters high to allow diners to have the most amazing views of Cairo. Admittedly, it is charged for with an entrance fee, however for breathtaking views of the mountains it is definitely worth it.
Recommendation: Choose a table to sit at in advance so you can sit by the windows to watch the beautiful view.
12. Fishawi (The Famous Mirror Cafe)
Tip: There will be congestion, but get to experience lovely live music and energetic atmosphere.
13. Café Riche: Historic Dining Experience
Location: Downtown Cairo
Description: Café Riche was started in 1908 and is among the oldest restaurants still in operations in Cairo and is popular with the intellectuals as well as many of the Egyptian populace. The place may not be cheap, but it provides an invaluable experience to those tourists who want to see and get to know more about the city.
Recommendation: You can wash down your perusal with beer while enjoying the traditional feel of the place.
14. McDonald’s: Familiar Fare
Location: Downtown Cairo
Description: Those who would like meals that they can recognize from London or New York will find McDonald that began to propagate through Egypt and specifically Cairo offers hamburgers and fries. It’s not exclusive to the country but it is way acceptable if you are in dire need of something to munch on.
Tip: Exercise some local cuisine in McDonald’s menu to derive a feel of a certain geographical area.
15. Pizza Hut: Pyramid Views with Budget Dining Plans
Location: Near the Pyramids of Giza
Description: Despite that the food I had was not tasty, Yaeger is very reasonably priced and it has a great view of the pyramids. Sure, the place is not very big, but its potential should be visited for the sake of the presence of original and inexpensive products.
Recommendation: I work for Partos as a social media manager, so I learned to be mindful not to have high expectations of my experiences, but to keep my eyes on the ball: the world-famous pyramids.
Conclusion
Experience the BEST Nile dinner cruise, Aspendency breakfast, and crafting your LOCAL Egyptian experience in these 15 restaurants in Cairo. If it is pyramid views that you are looking for, or if you are simply in the mood for the fast food slice and pizza place, Cairo can provide for all your needs. Therefore, sit down and spice up your culinary adventure, and taste the flavor of Cairo that will not sting your wallet.