Cairo

What to Eat in Cairo

Cairo's dining scene reflects the people who frequent the city's streets and sights. While many restaurants are influenced by Cairo's geographic location, there are also a variety of internationally inspired eateries for tourists. Some of Cairo's most popular restaurants include Birdcage for Thai dishes, Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Left Bank for European-focused fare. American fast food franchises like McDonald's, Burger King and Pizza Hut are available as well. However, when you visit Cairo, expect to try Egyptian cuisine. Egyptian meals – like Middle Eastern ones – typically include bread, rice and vegetables like lentils and onions. Fish from the Nile River is also offered on many restaurant menus. To sample local dishes like aish baladi (Egyptian-style pita bread), hamam mahshi (rice- or wheat-stuffed pigeon) and mouloukhiya (rabbit or chicken stew with garlic and mallow – a leafy green vegetable), dine at restaurants like Abou El Sid and Felfela. For a more upscale atmosphere, try fine dining Middle Eastern and Egyptian restaurants like Sabaya and Sequoia. Keep in mind that Egyptians eat later in the day: Lunch is typically served from 1 to 4 p.m., while dinner service is offered between 8 p.m. and midnight. If your stomach starts to grumble in between meals, snack on street food favorites like koshari (a dish with rice, pasta and lentils covered in a thick tomato sauce) or ful medammes (mashed fava beans with seasonings).