5 Best Places To Try Street Food In Egypt

Egypt: home of the Giza pyramids, the Great Sphinx and enough history to keep the most jaded traveller enthralled. The food is worth shouting about, too, and our local insiders have done the hard work for you by eating their way around the best street food spots in Cairo. Here is the definitive list of the best shawarma, koshari and ful that will tantalise your tastebuds and keep you fuelled.

# Abou Haidar

If you want to eat shawarma in Egypt, do it in Cairo and do it at Abou Haidar. For Heliopolis residents, it’s the jewel in their neighbourhood’s crown. For those who don’t live close by, you can be darn sure they’re willing to travel to join the queue. Choose pitta or soft, buttery kaiser buns filled with well-spiced, juicy meat, or switch it up with sujuk sausage or Egyptian roumy cheese. Do yourself a favour and order more than one, and make sure to grab a mango juice, too.

# Tabali Bistro

If you fancy your Egyptian street food with a side of chic, head to Tabali. It’s the ideal spot to grab a bite before or after boutique shopping in Zamalek. For breakfast, try the ta’amiya (Egyptian falafel) stuffed with saffron and lemons or local basturma (cured beef). The choice of authentic dishes grows at lunchtime; flatbread sandwiches, koftah and kebda (a traditional liver sandwich) are all on the recommended list. You’ll pay more than the usual street food prices here, but the trendy setting and relaxed vibe make it worth it.

# Abdullah Bashandy

In downtown Munira, you’ll find a host of fast food joints. Abdullah Bashandy is popular with the area’s residents and local students alike – famed for its classic Egyptian street food fare, delicious traditional breads and all the fillings. Choose your weapon from deep-fried ta’amiya, kebda, vegetable moussaka, ful… the list goes on. Place your sandwich order (make it two), and watch the chefs make it fresh in the open-plan kitchen. Eat pavement-side with a smile on your face.

# Sayed Hanafy

It all started in 1952 as a tiny food cart rolling through the streets of Cairo. Fast forward several years, and Sayed Hanafy stands proud as the place to eat Egypt’s national dish: koshari. Rice, pasta and chickpeas lathered in a zingy tomato sauce – what’s not to love? It’s noted cleanliness and air conditioning make it a draw for tourists. Dining entertainment comes in the form of the chefs, as you can watch them prep through the glass screen while you munch.

# Hawawshi Al-Refaie

The team here started out as a butcher shop in 1969, before discovering they were rather good at making incredibly delicious hawawshi. Cairo has been grateful ever since. Spiced minced meat, onions, pepper, parsley and chilli beautifully tucked into a toasted pitta – if this is your jam, make a beeline for Old Cairo’s El Refaey, the spot to eat the Egyptian speciality. A paradise for meat-lovers, this butchery also serves up a mouthwatering sausage and cheese or a chicken version. Dips like the tahini sauce are a prerequisite.