You might not believe this, but you honestly don’t have to travel the world to eat your way around it. Everyone might know where to get the best Italian pizza, however, Egypt’s food scene has room for more cuisines than could think. From noodles all the way from Southeast Asia to mandi straight from the Gulf – we’ve conjured up the best list for you to traverse through the globe without having to pack a suitcase. In fact, they’ll even come to your doorstep if you can’t be bothered to leave your house.
Okay so, we obviously had to start with Italian food! Most Egyptians – if not all – are obsessed with anything Italian. Can you blame us? Absolutely not. But, here’s the thing! Did you know that there’s a tiny, cute, Italian restaurant that is owned by a Michelin-starred chef by the name of Carlo Adib in Zamalek? If that’s not enough reason for you to try out their food, we don’t know what is.
Sapori’s menu has all the classic Italian dishes ranging from pasta, sandwiches, and pizza. We’re here to let you know that you only need to focus on the pizza aspect of their menu. We’re not exaggerating when we say every single pizza is an instant winner. However, if we have to choose, then definitely try their Casa Del Formaggio (if you’re into four cheese), Pepperonica (because classics are classics for a reason), and Beef Bacon Carbonara (its name is a reason enough for you to want to try it).
The OG of everything Greek food, Seecoz is often credited for introducing (or normalizing) Greek food, or gyros, in Egypt. How can one not like them? It’s basically a shawerma, but with a totally different vibe, and we’re here for it.
If you live in Maadi, Lan Yuan is probably, or should be, your favorite Chinese spot. The place has been around since 1992, and their quality has consistently stayed the same. We don’t know about you, but this is something we applaud around here. We recommend having their Fried String Beans in Garlic Sauce with Sliced Beef in Oyster Sauce, then top them off with any of their noodles.
Much like Lan Yuan, Sakura Sushi is also one of Maadi’s older restaurants. What makes them stand out is that they not only make sushi, but they have a wide selection of main dishes that you can choose from. Imagine being able to get a Value 24 (which is a combo of 24 pieces for EGP 384) along with Miso Soup, and Yaki Soba Beef Noodle? Well, you don’t need to imagine anymore because our app can just help deliver them to you.
Next on our culinary tour is Thai food, and Sabai Sabai is hands down our number one contender. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk food. You can’t start your meal without devouring their Dim Sum (think steamed wontons packed with vegetables and served with soy sauce) and Satay Kai Neua (basically, they’re sliced grilled chicken or beef marinated with curry and coconut milk). Up next, you’ll need to get your hands on their Kang Keaw Warn Nue which happens to be an iconic green curry that comes with chicken or beef and Thai eggplants. Pair all of the above with a bowl of Khow Swuay (steamed jasmine rice), and enjoy Alfeen Hanas.
This Korean restaurant was such an underground spot for a long time that it didn’t even bother having an outdoor sign until recently. Tomato deserves its spot on the list because it serves homemade Korean food that’ll feel like your non-existent Korean grandma made. You can order their Kimbab, Kimchi Jjiage, and Ramen for the ultimate meal.
It’s a well known fact that Vietnamese food was never the most popular cuisine when it comes to its other Asian sisters. What the Pho is hellbent on changing that with their very simple and hearty menu. What do they serve? Vietnam’s national dish which happens to be pho. That’s it. If you’ve never had it, let us tell you that you’re in for a culinary rollercoaster that only goes up.
Ahhh, India! The land of spices, curries, and everything that is colorful and absolutely delicious. We won’t talk about the restaurant much because it has a reputation that precedes it. However, we shall tell you what to get: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Korma Chicken, Coconut Ice Cream, Plain Basmati Rice, and Garlic Naan. You’re welcome.
Get ready for a one-way trip to the Levant (yes, El Sham itself) because Sajia is here to take you there. With items like Jordanian Foul, Hummus Beiruti, and Kofta with Eggplant, you’ll surely be in for a one-of-a-kind experience. Just don’t forget to pair any dish you get with sajia…obviously.
Okay, Mama Noura being the restaurant to order from for Khaleeji food may not be entirely true due to the fact that it mainly serves Kuwaiti food. Here in Egypt, however, food from the Gulf is often forgotten about, which is why we appreciate businesses like Mama Noura. We recommend having their Lamb Maghboos, Hammour Mutabbaq, and of course, Chicken Maklouba.
This eatery is mostly about Bedouin food, but you can also find Libya’s most iconic dish here: Mbakbaka. Literally, it is the only thing we want you to try from their menu and it will be more than enough.
There’s no better way to rewatch Mohanad & Nour than with some scrumptious Turkish food. What makes Turcia’s menu unique is that they serve Beef Dag, Tuzda Tavuk, and Tuzda Kuzu Kol. Other Turkish spots don’t do that.
We’re just going to dive right in. Order their Shrimp Ceviche or Cheese-Shelled Burritos with their Queso Carne Dip.
Make way for the country’s first dedicated poke bowl restaurant. If you don’t know about the Hawaiian dish, let us enlighten you. Basically, poke features raw ahi tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and onions. In other words, it’s kind of like a deconstructed sushi bowl – except it’s totally not because it’s more than that. Get their Salmon Poke Bowl with Ponzu Soy Sauce.