Cairo by its street food
An evening on foot with a local guide: koshari, ful, taameya and sweets where Cairenes actually eat them.
- Where
- Downtown and Islamic Cairo
- Proposed length
- About 3–4 hours in the evening
- Needs
- None; an appetite
The story
Koshari, a layered dish of rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce and fried onions, is widely called Egypt's national dish (Wikipedia). Cairo's best versions are served in busy, plain rooms that most visitors walk past.
It is one of the best-reviewed evenings in Cairo. Travellers praise guides who order for them and explain what they are eating; the complaints are about food too spicy or too heavy for a first night. We plan the order and the portions around you.
Our judgement: You could find the famous places alone. The guide finds the ones in between, and orders what you would never have pointed at.
What happens
- Meet your guide in central Cairo as the evening crowds come out.
- Walk between six or seven small places, from a koshari hall to a ful cart and a sweet shop.
- Taste as much or as little as you like while the guide orders and explains.
- Finish with tea or a sweet, and directions back to your hotel.
A proposed shape, not a fixed programme. The host sets the order on the day.
What it asks of you
An appetite and comfortable shoes. Tell us about allergies, vegetarian or other diets, and sensitive stomachs.
- Minimum age
- All ages; tell us about children's diets
- Best season
- Year-round; evenings are best
What we confirm before you go
- A guide who knows the places personally and orders for you
- Dietary needs, allergies and how spicy you want it
- Group size and the route for your evening
Where it fits
More in city & people
Ask us
Ask about “Cairo by its street food”
Tell us your dates, where you will be and who is coming. We confirm the host, the timing, the price for your party and the terms before anything is booked.
Sources and review
Reviewed on by Deluxe Trips Egypt. Facts are attributed to their sources; where we give a judgement, we say so. Arranged on request; we confirm every detail before anything is booked.
Photo: Arria Belli, CC BY-SA 2.0
